Convention goers experience musical instruments during the 2018 National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) show at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California, the United States, Jan 26, 2018. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

LOS ANGELES - The 2021 National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Show, one of the world's biggest music industry trade shows, has been canceled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the organizers announced Monday.

The event was scheduled to take place on Jan 21-24, 2021 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Orange County in the US state of California.

The event was scheduled to take place on Jan 21-24, 2021 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Orange County in the US state of California

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"Given the current realities of the COVID-19 pandemic and the health and safety of NAMM members as our first priority, it is now clear there is no path forward for an in-person event in California, and we have made the difficult decision to cancel the 2021 NAMM Show," said NAMM officials in a statement.

"While we are disappointed that we will not be able to gather our NAMM family in-person this January, we are reimagining how to connect all facets of the industry while benefiting those most deeply impacted with the launch of Believe in Music: The global gathering to unify and support the people who bring music to the world," they added.

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Believe in Music, to be held over the week of Jan 18, 2021, will feature a mix of comprehensive programming and professional education at BelieveinMusic.tv, as well as an interactive marketplace to connect buyers and sellers -- all designed to elevate the innovation and inspiration found across the industry while offering support for those most deeply affected by COVID-19, according to the organizers.

"While it remains unsafe for us to gather in person in January, Believe in Music week will use new, intuitive technology to connect us all to harness the incredible energy that happens when we come together," said NAMM President and CEO Joe Lamond in a statement.