2018 Spotlight on USA
The 2018 ‘Spotlight on USA’ marks the first-ever official mission from USA to CMW.
Spotlight on The USA – The Most Important Music Market Worldwide
The USA is ranked #1 by The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) for world music markets, with 5,32 billion USD in total trade value for recorded music revenues and accounts for more than one-third of total worldwide revenues. In 2016, overall revenues increased by 7.6 per cent. With a population of 324 mn, it is more than 10 times that of Canada. The USA is Canada’s main trading partner with strong commercial ties, and has adopted many Canadian entertainers as their own while Americans enjoy many Canadian music exports. It is the country where Canadian-created music is played most for SOCAN’s more than 135,000 members. For artists at the beginning of their careers, establishing a presence in the States is a vital early step and a tipping point to the rest of the world.
The USA is one of the most lucrative markets for extensive touring. With 75 per cent of Canadians living within 100 miles of the American border, the market is close for most Canadian musicians. American industry representatives are working with Canadian organizations to lobby US legislators to amend visa requirements that currently make it difficult and expensive for Canadian artists to tour the market.
Wednesday May 9, 2018 – PRESS CONFERENCE, B2B MEETINGS, BRAND USA FILM SHOWCASE, RECEPTION
9:50 am – 10:40 am Spotlight on USA Panel (Osgoode West)
11:00 am -1:00 pm Pre-arranged Meetings with Key Music Media: Walk-around USA Exhibits & Presentation in Exhibition Area (Int’l Marketplace – Lower Concourse – Sheraton Hall E)
1:30 pm – 3:30 pm MEET THE USA: Spotlight on USA Round 1 (Int’l Marketplace – Lower Concourse – Sheraton Hall E)
3:00 – 4:00 pm Spotlight on USA: Pre-arranged Tourism Media Meetings (Int’l Marketplace – Lower Concourse – Sheraton Hall E)
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm Spotlight on USA: Press Conference (Int’l Marketplace – Lower Concourse – Sheraton Hall E)
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm Brand USA and Filmmaker Showcase the Film “America’s Musical Journey” also open to CMW delegates (Osgoode Ballroom East)
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm Spotlight on USA: Cocktail Reception and Aloe Blacc Performance (Int’l Marketplace – Lower Concourse – Sheraton Hall E)
8:00 pm – 1:00 am Spotlight on USA Club Take-Over Featuring U.S. Performers (Rivoli, 332 Queen St W)
[Osgoode Ballroom West]
Meet a panel of market specialists, talent buyers, concert promoters and industry decision makers for CWM’s first-ever official mission from the USA. Discover access points for the USA and meet those who can help build bridges between Canada and world’s largest and most influential music market.
[Intl. Marketplace (IMP)– Sheraton Lower Concourse Hall E]
Meet one-on-one with members of the delegations from the USA in a session of targeted, curated, pre-arranged meetings customized to your objectives. By appointment only. Contact the International Marketplace for details <kathy@cmw.net>.
For more info please contact Kathy Hahn – kathy@cmw.net
All Participants
Count
Producer,Vertabrae Productions
San Francisco, CA, USA
Dessa
Rapper, Essayist, Educator,Doomtree Records
Minneapolis, USA
Kristen Agee
Founder • CEO,411 Music Group
Burbank,, CA, USA
strategic business development. She is a classically trained violinist, bassist and sound engineer who resides in Los Angeles.
Read the full Coca-Cola interview at Coca-Cola Unbottled.
Agee has spoken on panels and hosted workshops across the world. She grew up in Oklahoma as a Classical violinist and started writing, recording and playing multiple instruments when she moved to Los Angeles at 18. After a stint at the LA Recording School, she built and opened a studio in Silver Lake and recorded Punk bands and developed writing partnerships. She started touring with multiple indie acts as a violinist and bassist before transitioning to full-time writing. After writing for publishers in the sync world, Agee crossed over to the business side of music and started 411 Music Group. As a music business owner, Agee has a fundamental understanding of the creative process across multiple musical genres and provides insight to the inner-workings of sync deals, publishing, and varied TV, film and interactive music models. At 411 Music Group, she negotiates worldwide partnerships with artists, catalogs, publishers, TV networks and brands, as well as videogame, digital and production companies.... show less
Marcie Allen
President,MAC Presents
New York, NY, USA
Prior to starting MAC Presents, Allen owned and operated Nashville/ Atlanta based MAD Booking & Events, which produced more than 100 music festivals across the country including On the Bricks in Atlanta. Allen is currently an adjunct professor at NYU Steinhardt and Clive Davis Music Institute of Recorded Music; sits on the board of directors for The Country Music Association, serves on the advisory board for Berklee College of Music and recently completed terms with the board of directors for Global Poverty Project and Musicians on Call. Marcie was a member of the 2016 Cannes Lions Entertainment Music jury and served on the 2016 Clio Music jury, was named to Nashville Business Journal’s “Women in Music City” list every year since 2014 and was recognized by Nashville all-girls college preparatory school Harpeth Hall as their Distinguished Alumna of 2017.... show less
Juan Alsace
Consul General,U.S. Consulate General Toronto
Toronto, ON, Canada
Mr. Alsace is a Distinguished Graduate of the National War College (2003). He has also served in Istanbul, Turkey as Deputy Principal Officer (1999-2002) and in several other Washington assignments, including as desk officer for Lebanon and for Kazakhstan, as a staff assistant to the NEA Assistant Secretary, and as Pearson Fellow in the office of Senator Russell Feingold, who was then on the Senate’s Foreign Relations Committee. Mr. Alsace has also been posted to Karachi, Santo Domingo, and Quito.
Originally from Buffalo, NY, Mr. Alsace is a graduate of Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI and obtained his law degree from the University of Minnesota. He practiced law for three years before joining the Foreign Service. Mr. Alsace has received several State Department Awards, including three Superior Honor Awards and four Meritorious Honor Awards. He is married to Nancy, a nurse practitioner, and has two children. He speaks Spanish and remembers a few useful Turkish phrases.... show less
Carter Armstrong
Senior Vice President of Film & TV,PeerMusic
Burbank, CA, USA
Carter also owns and runs Strong Music, providing creative and administrative music department support for clients such as VRWERX and NBCUniversal.
Previously, Carter was the Head of Music at Lionsgate Entertainment where he oversaw more than 20 films including La La Land, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part I, Divergent and Insurgent. Carter has also served as Senior Vice President, Music at Warner Bros. Pictures where he oversaw the music and negotiation for more than 70 Warner Brothers films including Argo, The Hangover series, Syriana, and Contagion.... show less
Maggie Arthur
Prevention Educator,Rape Victim Advoactes (RVA) USA
Dave Ayers
Co-Founder,Big Deal Music Group USA
Following a lengthy music business sabbatical, marked by a turn writing for ill-fated leftist radio network “Air America” (for “Unfiltered,” the morning show hosted by Rachel Maddow, Lizz Winstead and Chuck D), Ayers was enlisted by longtime friend/colleague and future Big Deal Music partner, Kenny MacPherson to join him at legendary independent Chrysalis Music Publishing. Before the company was sold in 2011, Ayers had signed and helped develop Bon Iver, the Black Keys, TV on the Radio, St. Vincent, The Black Angels, Dr. Dog, and Andrew Bird, and more.
MacPherson, Ayers and fellow Chrysalis exec James Ceretta launched Big Deal in the fall of 2012. In addition to some key ex-Chrysalis talent (Annie Clark/St Vincent notched Big Deal’s first Grammy in 2015) Ayers has to date inked the likes of Sleater-Kinney, Kamasi Washington, Sharon Van Etten, Sylvan Esso, Nick Lowe, Charles Bradley, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, and the Flight of the Conchords. In just five years, Big Deal has managed to attract this remarkable collection of iconic talent while also enjoying extraordinary chart success with global hits written for Shawn Mendes, One Direction, Travis Scott, Old Dominion, and Thomas Rhett. In serving both these masters, the company seeks to honor a tradition of honesty, hard work, patience, and very old-fashioned artist and writer development.... show less
Caroline Beasley
CEO,Beasley Media Group Inc
Naples, FL, USA
She currently serves as the Joint Board Chair of the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Board of Directors and is a past Chairman of the NAB Radio Board. In addition, Ms. Beasley is a member of the BMI Board of Directors and the Broadcasters Foundation of America Board of Directors.
In 2017, she was honored by Radio Ink magazine as “Radio Executive of the Year”. Ms. Beasley was named one of the “40 Most Powerful People in Radio” in 2011, 2012, 2016 and 2017. In addition, she has been recognized in the magazine’s “Most Influential Women in Radio” listing on an annual basis since 2003.
Ms. Beasley received the 2016 “Distinguished Service Award” from the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters and was the 2012 recipient of the “Frances Preston Trailblazer Award” from the Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio Group (MIW), a national organization dedicated to promoting the advancement of women to senior positions in the radio industry.
She is a member of the Board of Visitors at her alma mater, the University of North Carolina, where Ms. Beasley earned a B.S. degree.... show less
Rich Billis
CTO,Create Music Group
Los Angeles, CA, USA
Georgette Bivins
Director of Licensing & Brand Partnerships,411 Music Group
Burbank,, CA, USA
Aloe Blacc
Artist,Nick Blandford
Managing Director,Secretly Group
Bloomington, IN, USA
Fiona Bloom
President,The Bloom Effect
Brooklyn, NY, USA
Bobby Bones
Radio Host,The Bobby Bones Show
Nashville, TN, USA
The Bobby Bones Show joined Premiere Networks’ national lineup in 2011 and was nationally syndicated on CHR radio until February 2013 when the program transitioned to a Country format. Today, the program originates from WSIX in Nashville and can be heard on more than 100 Country radio stations nationwide by millions of listeners. In 2014 and 2016, the program was honored with the Academy of Country Music Award in the “National On-air Personality of the Year” category. Bones was also voted “Best Radio DJ” by readers of The Tennessean in 2013, 2014 and 2015, and he made Nashville Lifestyles’ “25 Most Beautiful People” list in 2013. In 2017, he took home a CMA Award for “National Personality of the Year,” and he was the youngest personality to be elected to the National Radio Hall of Fame.
In addition to his weekday program, Bones added a weekend Country countdown show to his resume. Country Top 30 with Bobby Bones, a four-hour music program, airs nationwide on approximately 130 affiliates and features hosts Bones, Lunchbox and Amy as they showcase the top Country songs and go beyond the music to share conversations with the artists.
Bones is also half of The Raging Idiots, a comedy band with his radio producer Eddie that plays shows all over the U.S., and has raised millions of dollars to benefit various charitable causes. The duo has performed with Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Florida Georgia Line, Brad Paisley and Toby Keith. Signed to Black River Entertainment in 2015, the band’s first full-length album, The Critics Give It 5 Stars, debuted at No. One on the Comedy Albums Chart and landed in the Top 5 of Billboard’s Country Album Chart. The group’s superstar friends Kelsea Ballerini, Lindsay Ell, Charles Kelley, Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood and more are featured on the album that takes satirical and deliberate cues from today’s popular music. The band also released The Raging Kidiots: Kiddy Up! in 2016, which debuted as the top downloaded children’s album and was born from the success of the No. One EP, The Raging Idiots Presents - The Raging Kidiots.
In May 2016, HarperCollins released Bare Bones: I’m Not Lonely If You’re Reading This Book, a touching, funny, heart-wrenching, and triumphant memoir. The book takes fans on an
authentic, raw and hilarious tour of his journey from growing up in Mountain Pine, Arkansas to
becoming one of the leading Country radio personalities in the U.S. It spent four weeks on the New York Times Bestsellers List and claimed the No. One spot on multiple lists including USA Today and Wall Street Journal.
With no signs of slowing down, Bones takes his Funny & Alone Stand Up Comedy Tour nationwide in 2017, and has already sold out more than 15 venues. A passion project, the tour follows a handful of dates in 2016 that allowed Bones to express his quick-witted, pop-culture stacked brand of comedy. With an innate ability for being at the forefront of breaking new artists, and recently honored by ASCAP with the “Partners In Music” Award, Bones is taking special guests Carly Pearce and Nikita Karmen along for the second leg of the tour. For more information visit: www.BobbyBonesComedy.com.
Bobby Bones has been dubbed "the most powerful man in country music" by Forbes magazine, and he puts that star power to good use by supporting numerous charitable initiatives. He was elected to the Board of Directors for Musicians On Call in 2016, and has helped raise more than $6 million for various charities including St Jude’s Children’s Hospital®.
Bones has appeared in both movies and on television, including Bandslam with Vanessa Hudgens, the TODAY show, The Talk on CBS, Fox & Friends, CNN, Live! with Kelly Ripa as a guest host, and Headline News and FOX Business’ Kennedy as a recurring guest.
Outside the studio, Bobby spends a lot of time with his dog, Dusty, and is very active on social
media, constantly engaging and interacting with listeners via Twitter and Facebook. He also enjoys exercising, reading, shopping and going to sporting events. His favorite artists include John Mayer, Darius Rucker, Ben Kweller, Zac Brown Band and Ben Folds Five.... show less
Richard Burgess
CEO,A2IM (American Association of Independent Music)
New York, NY, USA
Teri Nelson Carpenter
Vice President of AIMP and President,Reel Muzik Werks, LLC
El Segundo, CA, USA
As the executive in charge of network television music at Fox Family Worldwide/SabanEntertainment, Ms. Carpenter was responsible for overseeing the Fox Family/Saban'sglobal music business. Prior to that Ms. Carpenter served as a Music Administration & Production Executive at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM Studios).Before that she was the Director of Music at Academy Award Winning Indie Company, HemdaleFilm Corp. Ms. Carpenter began her career at Broadcast Music Inc. in Film/TV relations. She spent much of her time at BMI working directly with composers, publishers and content creators in providing assistance with their global performing rights concerns.
Ms. Carpenter holds a Bachelor of Music Degree in Vocal Performance & Composition from Cal State Long Beach where she graduated with honors.Her post graduate studies at UCLA were in International Business and currently she is a guest lecturer in the music department at UCLA. Ms. Carpenter is a recent two-term President of the California Copyright Conference and Finance Chair of the Board of Directors of the Copyright Alliance in Washington, D.C. Currently, Ms. Carpenter serves as a member of the Independent Publishers Advisory Counsel for the NMPA. She is also the Vice President of the Association of Independent Music Publishers and serves as a member of the Joint Project Lead at CISAC which governs all X-Industry music projects. Ms. Carpenter is an active member of the Society Publisher Forum where she lends her experience in many groups including the A/V working groups along with serving on the Steering Committee & Working Group for CIS-Net a FastTrack / CISAC global music database project.... show less
Andrea Castillo
Director, Emerging Partners,NBCUniversal | Telemundo
Miami, FL, USA
Previously, Castillo was Manager of Digital & Social Media Partnerships for NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises. In that role, she was responsible for leading the monetization of digital and social media branded initiatives on multi-platforms, including desktop, mobile, VOD and social TV. She managed the delivery of program elements and served as the liaison between clients and internal stakeholders.
Prior to joining NBCUniversal, Castillo worked as Master Control Operator and Production Assistant at a local Telemundo affiliate in Texas (KTLM-TV) Telemundo 40. In this role, she participated in the production of the local newscast as camera operator and floor manager and was in charge of ensuring a successful transmission of local programming and commercial spots and served as substitute news and weather reporter for the local newscast.
Castillo holds a B.A. in Communications & Broadcast Journalism from University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (formerly known as University of Texas Pan-American) and an M.A. in Communication Arts & Hispanic Media from St. Thomas University.... show less
Christine Cattano
Global Head of VR,Framestore Studios
New York, NY, USA
In 2016 Framestore won the Grand Prix in Mobile at the Cannes International Festival of Creativity for their innovative VR content with General Electric as part of New York Time's first foray into the medium, '#nytvr.'
Christine has recently shared her VR expertise with publications including Contagious, Wired, AdAge and Shots, and made Business Insider's 30 Most Creative People in Advertising list for 2015. She has also given talks on Virtual Reality at the Web Summit in Dublin, SXSW and the Most Contagious event in London.... show less
Elizabeth Cawein
Founder/Director,Music Export Memphis
Memphis, TN, USA
Anna Celenza
Thomas E. Caestecker Prof. of Music,Georgetown University
Washington, DC, USA
Jason Cerf
Business Development Manager,Songtrust
New York, NY, USA
Ken Charles
Head of Programming,KNX AM
Los Angeles, CA, USA
1998 – 2015 – Clear Channel then IHeart Radio, My final position was National Brand Manager for Spoken Word. Also was Director of... read more2015 – present – Director of Programming, KNX 1070 Newsradio Los Angeles
1998 – 2015 – Clear Channel then IHeart Radio, My final position was National Brand Manager for Spoken Word. Also was Director of Programming and News for KFBK and KSTE and Sacramento market OM; Director of Programming WIOD and WINZ in Miami; Operations Manager iHM Houston plus PD for KTRH, KPRC and KBME; Director of Programming and News for WGST-F and Georgia News Network.
Prior to 1998 I worked in Syracuse, Houston (yes I worked there 2 times), Orlando and Tampa where I got my start in 1983 as a board op.
My early goal was to be a lawyer but got into radio by accident, fell in love and have been in the biz for 35 years.... show less
Steve Clayton
The Soundskilz Group USASteve and his company, The Soundskilz Group (http://soundskilz.com/), have been involved in many different Cannabis Cups; most notably in collaboration with High Times. They have produced both the first Blazers Cup and the Gold Cup. This year, the EOOS festival; in collaboration with Easy E’s Son from Ruthless Records, has retained the Soundskilz Group to ease their transition to cannabis-friendly festivals. Steve and his team work closely with law enforcement, venues, talent, and festival owners to encapsulate an experiential environment that brings the free-flowing nature of these festivals to the forefront; in a safe and profitable manner.
In 2007, with a contract from USC and the Rose Bowl, Steve carefully cultivated his business. Five years later, Steve collaborated with a colleague who invested in The Neon Run. A pioneer in The Night Time Glow Run movement, The Neon Run boasted over 11,000 attendees at San Francisco’s Candlestick Park, and has registered over 10,000 attendees on a regular basis. In
2014, Steve purchased the remainder of The Neon Run and continued to produce events from Orlando, DC, Phoenix, and Canada.
In 2015, Steve joined a then one-year-old Chalice Festival outside of Los Angeles, CA. Steve has helped grow Chalice from 8000 attendees its first year to almost 40,000 in year 4. Steve manages a $5 million dollar budget and books headline talents such as Wu Tang Clan, Migos, and Ice Cube just to name a few. With the aid of his venue knowledge and negotiation, talent selection and vision, Chalice has catapulted into the largest Music, Glass, Hash and Art Festival in California, and very possibly the country.
When Steve dove into entrepreneurship, he had no guarantee he’d make it, no one telling him how to succeed, and yet he was determined to follow his dream and do what he loved. As Steve had his first taste of success in 2007, he never imagined he would be where he is now. He never thought he would have an abundance of time to spend with his family or for himself. He always thought he’d be on the grind, up early and home late. Today, he wants to bring his experience to those in the event and entertainment industries to help them build their business to its fullest potential in the hope that they too can obtain the privilege of time.
Slated for Spring 2018, Steve is releasing his new book and coaching program designed to give DJs a blueprint in the “how-to’s” of growing their DJ business.
Connect with Steve on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter @iamsteveclayton... show less
David Corey
Program Director, Country 102.5 (WKLB),Beasley Media Group, WKLB
Boston, MA, USA
Paul Cramer
Managing Director, Enterprise Radio Solutions,Veritone
Newport Beach, USA
Before joining Veritone, Cramer spent 10 years with Triton Digital, as Executive Vice Present of Publisher Development for North America. Prior to Triton, Cramer was VP of Sales for MJI Interactive, one of the pioneering companies founded during the dot-com boom to provide SaaS media convergence solutions to the Radio industry. He has also held a number of positions in local radio including on-air work, sales, and management. He built his first radio station website in 1995.
Cramer received his MBA from St. Bonaventure University and currently resides in New York with his wife and three children.... show less
Mani Draper
Writer/Rapper/Producer,Richmond, CA, USA
Lorraine D’Alessio
Founding Partner,D’Alessio Law Group
Los Angeles, CA, USA
Daryl Faulkner
Artist and Label Services,eROI.com
Portlan, OR, USA
Patrick Ferrell
Director, Member Services,A2IM (American Association of Independent Music)
New York, NY, USA
Representing 570 independent record labels, A2IM helps its members improve
business by promoting access and parity through advocacy, education, and connection building with one another and affiliated business.
Prior to A2IM, Patrick held positions at Capitol Records (Radio Promotions and A&R), Spirit Music Group (A&R), Jeffery Drag Records (GM), and managed a roster of artists.... show less
Michael Fitch
Ex Magic Leap FL, USARyan Fitch
A&R Team Lead, Senior Creative Advisor,Marmoset Music
Portland, OR, U.S.A.
After Saatchi & Saatchi, Ryan moved on to BMG Chrysalis to lead the TV and Film Team, representing a prestigious catalog of more than 1 million songs. In his free time, he kept busy by occasionally touring with bands like Son Lux and Mitten – always at home away from home behind a drum kit.
Ryan joined the Marmoset Music team in 2016, where he wears many hats throughout the company. He leads Marmoset’s A&R Team, reinvigorating efforts to have the strongest, best performing and most wonderfully obscure music licensing catalog on the planet. In addition to leading the A&R Team, Fitch also serves as a Senior Creative Advisor, lending his vast agency experience to Marmoset’s Music Supervision and Original Music Teams. He regularly works with bands and artists to produce exciting new original music for the catalog.
Over the years, Fitch’s client list has included the world’s largest international brands such as CocaCola, Lenovo, Microsoft, Miller, P&G, General Mills, and countless others. During his tenure at Saatchi & Saatchi his production prowess help the agency win many awards including the international award “Agency of The Year” at the coveted Cannes Film Festival.... show less
Jason Flom
President,Lava Records
New York, NY, USA
Flom began his career at Atlantic Records as a Trainee Field Merchandiser when he was 18 years old. He rose through the ranks and was named Chairman and CEO in 2003. Artists who he discovered and developed during his time there included Kid Rock, Matchbox 20, The Corrs, Hayley Williams, Skid Row, Tori Amos, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Jewel, and Stone Temple Pilots. Flom became Chairman and CEO of Virgin Records in 2006 where he discovered and signed Katy Perry. In 2008, he was appointed Chairman and CEO of Capitol Music Group, where he oversaw the careers of such artists as Coldplay, Lenny Kravitz, and 30 Seconds to Mars.
In 1995, he founded Lava Records as a joint venture with Atlantic Records, which turned out to be one of the most successful startups in music business history. In 2009, Flom reclaimed Lava Records, forming a partnership with Republic Records and signing Lorde and Jessie J. In 2015, Flom created Lava Music Publishing.
Jason Flom is a leading philanthropist who has long championed various political and social causes. He has demonstrated his commitment to social justice as a founding board member of the Innocence Project and a board member of Families Against Mandatory Minimums, The Legal Action Center, The Drug Policy Alliance, The Anti-Recidivism Coalition, NYU Prison Education Program, Proclaim Justice and VetPaw. Jason Flom is known as a leading civilian expert on clemency and is personally responsible for dozens of clemencies including 17 that were granted by President Clinton, all of whom were nonviolent drug offenders serving between 15 and 85-year mandatory sentences. He founded the Life After Exoneration Program and the Innocence Network Conference to provide support and social services for exonerees. In 2007 Flom co-founded the Freedom Fund at the Bronx Defenders. In 2011, he donated $1 million to the Innocence Project to establish a senior litigation position in honor of his late father Joseph Flom.
Flom is the host of the hit podcast Wrongful Conviction, now in its fourth season, which features interviews with men and women who have spent decades in prison for crimes they did not commit. Within two weeks of its release, the podcast shot to #7 on the iTunes charts and raised over $1 million to benefit the Innocence Project.... show less
Lynn Gann
Nashville Creative,Roughtrade Publishing
Nashville, TN, USA
Gann also founded Lynn Gann Music Enterprises, LLC, in 2014. LGME!, with writer Jack Williams scored a #6 Canadian country hit with "Dirt Road In'em" on Aaron Pritchett in June, 2016. This team also has “Get Me Over You” on the upcoming Blackstone Cherry release, (scheduled for April, 2018). Currently, LGME! also has singles, “Love Shine” on Kevin Costner & Modern West and “Dirty South” on Lucas Hoge.
From 2003-2012, Gann held the position of Vice President/Partner at Full Circle Music Publishing.
Best known Full Circle hits include seven country #1 singles: “When I Get Where I’m Going”, "Anything Like Me' & "Old Alabama" (Brad Paisley), "Fly Over States" (Jason Aldean), “Homewrecker” (Gretchen Wilson), "Boys Of Fall" (Kenny Chesney) and "Ladies Love Country Boys" (Trace Adkins).
The 29-year Nashville publishing veteran, began his career at Tom Collins Music, and later churned out hits at MCA Music Publishing and Zomba Enterprises.
Gann attended Middle Tennessee State University, receiving his B.S. in Recording Industry Management.... show less
Frank Garcia
Manager of Music,Dreamworks Television CA, USA
DreamWorks Television – Music Supervisor & Manager of Music May 2014 - Present
• DreamWorks Television is the largest producer of family entertainment, with twenty-two series in production and over... read moreExperience
DreamWorks Television – Music Supervisor & Manager of Music May 2014 - Present
• DreamWorks Television is the largest producer of family entertainment, with twenty-two series in production and over sixty in
development. The company is based in Glendale, California.
• Responsibilities include: crafting the creative direction and overseeing original song and score production for all series, placing
licensed music, building and maintaining series music budgets, creating musical marketing assets (ie. soundtracks, music videos,
trailers, etc.), and overseeing a team of four employees.
Turbo F.A.S.T. – Music Editor & Score Coordinator July 2013 – June 2014
• Turbo F.A.S.T. is the first original children’s program on Netflix. It is based on the DreamWorks feature film Turbo, about a snail
who dreams of being a racecar driver.
• Responsibilities included: attending spotting meetings, editing audio, liaising with the composer, director, picture editor, producer,
and team at DreamWorks, as well as preparing cue sheets and deliverables for mixing.
Sacred Tiger Music – Chief Operating Officer & Score Coordinator May 2011 – November 2013
• Sacred Tiger is the music studio of film composer Henry Jackman (Captain America: The Winter Solider, Captain Phillips, Wreck-It
Ralph, Puss In Boots, and X-Men: First Class). The company is based in Santa Monica at Hans Zimmer’s Remote Control
Productions.
• Responsibilities included: supervising team members, handling project budgets, and assembling the necessary logistics for the
scoring process, ie, booking and scheduling the orchestra, stage, and mix room, and liaising between the music team and the film
studios. I also worked closely with Mr. Jackman’s agent and publicist to find and pitch for new projects.
Remote Control Productions – Studio Assistant February 2011 – May 2011
• Remote Control Productions is the music studio of legendary film composer Hans Zimmer (The Dark Knight, Inception,
Gladiator, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Lion King), based in Santa Monica, California.
• Responsibilities included: assisting in the day-to-day needs of the creative team.
Education
New York University September 2007 – January 2011
• Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development.
• Major: Music Theory and Composition.
• Graduated: Bachelors of Music, Cum Laude.
Skills and Activities
I currently serve as the Chairman of the Emerging Leaders Council at Outfest, the Los Angeles’ based LGBTQ Film Festival, and
oversee a board of 25 volunteers to raise money for and awareness of the organization.
I am proficient in ProTools, Cubase, and Logic. With my training in music composition, I can read and analyze sheet music, and play
piano. I enjoy getting to know new people and developing relationships.... show less
Maxwell Gosling
Music Supervisor,little ears new york: little ears los angeles
Santa Monica, CA, USA
Since opening its doors outside of Los Angeles back in Detroit as well as New York, little ears has been decorated with prestigious awards such as Cannes Lions & even an Emmy while working with blue chip clients like Nike, Samsung, NBA and most recently Delta Airlines and Calvin Klein.
Outside of the commercial space, Gosling also music supervised “The Invisible Front” (now on Netflix) working with Icelandic artist & composer Olafur Arnalds on the score. He has a number of upcoming films in production due for release in 2018 and beyond.... show less
Kristin Grant
Founder,Westcott Multimedia Inc.
Santa Monica, CA, USA
Wes Griffith
Co-owner & Program Director WNEX/Creek Media,Macon Georgia GA, USA
Ismael Guerrero
Executive Director,Denver Housing Authority
Denver, CO, USA
Ebony Haley
Program Director,REVOLT Media & TV
Los Angeles, CA, USA
Gradually, as her network and experience expanded, Ebony scored a amazing opportunity... read moreEbony is a born and raised Los Angeles native. A rare millennial- obsessed with being organized with an enthusiasm for the impossible.
Gradually, as her network and experience expanded, Ebony scored a amazing opportunity working alongside entertainment mogul, Sean “Diddy” Combs and the legendary music man, Andre Harrell at REVOLT TV & MEDIA. Ebony works as a Producer on REVOLT’s breakout hit show, “Music Talks” and “RMC Presents”, she also heads up the hottest music conference in the industry, RMC (REVOLT MUSIC CONFERENCE) in Miami since its inception in 2014. Working along side Grammy Winners & Nominees, Award winning actors & actresses, Music & Television Execs, Fortune 500 CEO’s, Politicians, Presidential Campaign Leaders, and Presidential Advisors. Ebony is highly sought after and strategic in consulting with celebrities and small businesses. Leading operational development teams, television production, branding, content creation, talent
relations, and creative partnerships. This inspired her to launch BOSS LIKE ME in 2015 – A platform highlighting millennial executives, celebrities, and influencers across all industries. Haley holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration, specializing in organizational development and Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services. As a Consultant, Producer, and Project Manager. She has collaborated with major brands like Apple, Atlantic Records, Def Jam Records, NAN, to name a few.... show less
Malia Hall
Music Supervisor,Mothlight Music
Beverly Hills, CA, USA
Shirley Halperin
Editor,Variety Magazine USA
Andre Harrell
Vice Chairman,REVOLT Media & TV
Los Angeles, CA, USA
For four decades, Harrell has been one of the leading entertainment entrepreneurs and cultural ambassadors of our time – as a member of the early 80s pioneer rap duo Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde; a film and television producer; founder of Uptown Records; Chairman of Motown Records; and founder of Nu America advertising agency.
With the founding of Uptown Records and Management, Harrell launched the careers of not only Mary J. Blige, Heavy D and the Boyz, Father M.C., Jodeci, Al B. Sure, Anthony Hamilton, The Lost Boyz, Teddy Riley and Guy, but also mentored the hip-hop mogul Sean "Puffy" Combs. Known to have the midas touch when it came to discovering and developing talent, Harrell was responsible for changing the sound of R&B music and crossing artist and executives over into what was then known as "pop culture". By the end of 1994, Billboard Magazine ranked Uptown second amongst all the major labels for the number of charted R&B singles and fifth for the number of R&B charted albums.
While serving as the chairman of Uptown Records, Harrell also created and produced “New York Undercover,” the first multicultural major network television drama ever, starring Malik Yoba, Michael DeLorenzo, and Lauren Velez. He also simultaneously executive produced STRICTLY BUSINESS, famous for being one of the first films to showcase the socio-economic diversity among African Americans, starring Halle Berry in her first leading role.
In 1995 Harrell became the president and CEO of Motown Records. During his five-year tenure, he not only oversaw the careers of Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, and Queen Latifah but also launched the careers of Mario Winans and 98 Degrees, and is credited for increasing the scale of executive compensation for black music executives throughout the industry.
After leaving Motown, Harrell became president of Bad Boy Records overseeing the careers of Puff Daddy, Faith Evans, 112 and breaking new artist like Black Rob, Shyne Po, The Dream, and Carl Thomas. While at Motown, Harrell worked with Bono and Bobby Shriver to introduce the (RED) campaign for HIV/AIDs awareness among the urban market in addition to producing Urban Aid for LifeBeat at Madison Square Garden, a benefit concert televised on BET and MTV.
Harrell founded Nu America Records and launched the career of one of today's leading vocalists and chart-toppers, Robin Thicke. After four decades, having a hit record in each, Harrell continues to have his hand on the pulse of music, recently executive producing the biggest single in the history of radio with Robin Thicke and Pharrell's "Blurred Lines," the most played radio song in 2013.
As part of his Nu America vision, Harrell produced the hit movie HONEY where once again he launched the career of another famous actress, Jessica Alba, by casting her in her first starring role. Harrell also produced and appeared in the MTV hit reality series “Making the Band.”... show less
Linnette Harrigan
Producer,Linnette Harrigan Media Inc.
New York, NY, USA
Harrigan began in Promotions at MJJ Music – the record label of late King of Pop Michael Jackson in the early 1990’s. She... read moreLINNETTE HARRIGAN is a music industry expert, supervisor, publisher, producer and entrepreneur.
Harrigan began in Promotions at MJJ Music – the record label of late King of Pop Michael Jackson in the early 1990’s. She later gained further work & experience with such music giants as Sony Music Entertainment, ASCAP & Billboard magazine.
She started her own creative agency, “Linnette Harrigan Media Inc.” in 2009 to continue her passion with music industry and media.
Linnette transitioned into television around 2011 working with music departments and providing soundtracks for such TV reality and dramas as “The Game” (CBS/BET), “Catfish” (MTV), “So You Think You Can Dance” (Fox), Rouge (Direct TV) & many more
In addition, she is producer of music for various big budget Commercials broadcast on Japanese Television.
Her roster and music catalog currently include such Grammy winning songwriter legends as Chris Jasper of the The Isley Bros. She also represents various composers who have contributed to Beyonce’s, Grammy-winning “ Lemonade “ Album & the 2017 Oscar winning Best Picture “Moonlight.”
Linnette Harrigan is also a mentor and publisher of up and coming artists and songwriters providing education, workshops and events in the New York City area and beyond.
Upcoming Podcast, “Let’s Talk Music With Linnette” Website: www. Linnetteharriganmedia.com... show less
David Hazan
Founder,DLH Marketing
New York, NY, USA
Howard Hertz
Entertainment Lawyer,Hertz Schram PC
Detroit, MI, USA
Among the many organizations and honors to Hertz's credit, he is a member of the board of directors and president of the Detroit Music Awards Foundation, a founder and board chair of the Detroit Music Foundation, a member of the Recording Academy’s Advocacy Committee, a former member of MusiCares' Program and Services Committee , a member of the Board of Directors of the Sphinx Organization, a former member of the board of governors of the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (the Recording Academy/Grammy Awards) Chicago Chapter (2004-2012), a former member of the Michigan Film Advisory Commission (2006-2008), a member of the International Association of Entertainment Lawyers, the 2018 Honoree of the Wayne State University CFPCA Arts Advocacy Award and the 2004 recipient of the John Hensel Award for significant contributions to the arts community. Mr. Hertz is also recognized by "Best Lawyers in America" and "Super Lawyers" annually and was the subject of a feature in "Super Lawyers".
Hertz has participated on panels and lectured on various entertainment-related topics for conferences, organizations and schools such as SXSW, Yellow Phone Music Conference, Launch Music Conference, MIDEM, the Michigan Institute of Continuing Legal Education, National Association of Recording Arts & Sciences, Detroit Music Awards Foundation, Wayne State University Law School, Cooley Law School, Detroit College of Law at Michigan State University, the University of Michigan Law School, MOBfest, and the Detroit Historical Museum. He is an adjunct professor at the University of Michigan Law School, teaching a course in entertainment law.
Hertz graduated from Wayne State University in 1972 with distinction and received his law degree from Wayne State University in 1976, where he graduated cum laude.”... show less
Jordan Hirsch
Writer,A Closer Walk with the Ponderosa Stomp Foundation
New Orleans, LA, USA
Waco Hoover
CEO & Co-Founder,XLIVE
Cambridge, MA, USA
In his current role he is the co-founder and CEO of XLIVE, an organization transforming the way live events and festivals share expertise, learn and revolutionize experience. XLIVE convenes industry leaders at the intersection of music, sports, film, culinary, beverage, esports, technology, brands and the experiences that culminate at festivals and live events.
Mr. Hoover is also a partner with the MichaelBass Group, an investment firm focused on live event, tech and media properties. The MBG event portfolio includes over 35 live events and media properties across tech, live events, esports, brand activations and festivals.
Prior to starting his professional career, Mr. Hoover served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a demolitions and anti-armor squad leader, infantry scout and assistant chief instructor, managing combat water survival training for Marine and Naval Forces stationed at Marine Corps Base Hawaii and forward deployed forces in southeast Asia.
Mr. Hoover graduated cum laude from New York University, holds a MBA from The Florida State University and completed the Harvard School of Public Health’s certificate program in Leadership Strategies for Information Technology in Health Care.
He is a board member of Irreverent Warriors, a non-profit dedicated to preventing veteran suicide and is an investor and board member of Jelly Skateboards. Mr. Hoover is an avid surfer, diver, skier and schedules as many mountaineering trips as possible when he’s not kicking around with his two yellow labs, Cooper and Tucker.... show less
Steve Horowitz
VP of Technology,Snap Inc. USA
Aaron “A-King” Howard
Executive Producer, The Combat Jack Show,Loud Speakers & The Combat Show
Brooklyn, NY, USA
Nick Jarjour
Partner,Maverick Mangement
Los Angeles, CA, USA
Marcie Jastrow
SVP Immersive,Technicolour
Los Angeles, CA, USA
Andrew Klein
Director, Content Innovation,Spark Foundry
New York, NY, USA
Rachel Komar
Founder,Extension Music
Los Angeles, CA, USA
Jesper Kyd
Composer,Jesper Kyd
Los Angeles, CA, USA
Kate Lamont
Singer/Songwriter/Teacher,Oakland, CA, USA
Tracy Lanza
Vice President, Integrated Marketing,The Brand USA
Washington, DC, USA
Tracy joined Brand USA in March 2016 and is no stranger to our team, having worked and collaborated with us since 2012 as the Vice President, Global Account Director on behalf of J. Walter Thompson and Geometry Global (Part of the WPP portfolio of agencies). In this role, Tracy was responsible for managing a team of 40 colleagues located in ten offices around the world. Her
responsibilities included omni-channel media planning and creative campaign execution with a significant focus on digital channels. She led the development of an online activation strategy and a device-agnostic media solution designed to increase consumer engagement on Brand USA's website. She created and executed the Great American Road Trip campaign, which has been seen by almost 3 billion viewers around the globe. Tracy brings to Brand USA insight gained over the course of more than 20 years in the advertising and marketing industry including the past 11 years with a wide variety of WPP portfolio holdings including Ogilvy & Mather, Young & Rubicam, Mediacom and the aforementioned J. Walter Thompson as well as several agencies affiliated with the Omnicom Group. In Tracy’s experienced marketing career she has developed some of this country’s most well-loved and award-winning campaigns including, among others, Ray Charles & the Uh Huh Girls (Diet Pepsi) and Plan A Family Game Night (Hasbro). Her industry recognition includes Pro & Globe Awards, Ex Awards, Halo Awards, Reggie Awards, Addy Awards and Clios. Indicative of her recognized leadership, she has also chaired the Judging Panel for the U.S. Travel Association’s annual ESTO awards recognizing top destination marketing campaigns since 2013. Tracy holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. Tracy will be relocating to the DC Area with her husband, Matthew. They have four children: Moss, Katherine, Noah and Elizabeth. She is interested in travel, theater and literature, enjoys knitting, and completing The New York Times Crossword puzzle every morning.... show less
Emmanuel Legrand
US Editor,Music Week
Washington, DC, USA
Philip Lelyveld
Program Manager Immersive Experiences,Entertainment Technology Center at the University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA, USA
His VR/AR Initiative studies and works to influence the creative, technical, social, and business issues that will shape this new, emerging art form. Phil is currently working on the rapidly evolving ecosystem that includes immersive media, IoT, AI, and blockchain. He has produced events that brought communities of hands-on practitioners together to discuss and document the current states of ‘the emerging language of VR storytelling,’ ‘live VR production workflow,’ ‘the business of VR,’ and ‘Spatial Audio,’ as well as AR Salons. He presented ‘The Dark Side of AR’ at 2017 Augmented World Expo, ‘Legal Questions Raised by Immersive Media’ at the Law and Culture in Virtual Worlds Conf. at Case Western Law School, and Entertainment Technology and ‘fake news’ before the European Union at their 2018 commission hearing; “Preserving Democracy in the Digital Age.”
Prior to joining the ETC@USC Mr. Lelyveld spent 10 years coordinating multi-business unit and multi-studio efforts related to entertainment technology including technical lead in major negotiations as Disney’s corporate VP of Digital Industry Relations. He has a BS in Civil Engineering (Tufts), an MS in Applied Geophysics (Stanford), and an MBA (UCLA).... show less
Adam Lewis
Owner,Planetary Group
Boston, MA, USA
Omar Lozano
Music Industry Marketing Manager,Visit Austin - Austin Tourism
Austin, TX, USA
Kevin Lyman
President,4Fini, Inc, & Vans Warped Tour
Los Angeles, CA, USA
He is co-owner of Sideonedummy records, and has managed acts like Less Than Jake, H20, and the Ataris.
His philosophy has always been to include 3 things in all events he produces, “Music, Education & Philanthropy.”
For his philanthropic efforts, Lyman was recognized as the Billboard Touring Awards Humanitarian of the Year (2009), an honoree at the Grammy/MusiCares MAP Fund gala (2011),[25] and was inducted into the Top Dog Touring Hall of Fame at the Tour Link Conference (2012).[26][27]
In 2009, Billboard awarded Lyman the Humanitarian Award for his philanthropic work, which has included founding the Unite the United Foundation, a charitable organization that has raised over $1 million for various non-profits.[26][28]
In 2014, Lyman’s Vans Warped Tour attempted to set a Guinness World Record title for Largest Food Drive in 24-Hour period at a single location.[29] In 2013, the tour collected 33,000 pounds of food.
In 2016 Lyman was given the Humanitarian of the year award, by the Tj Martell foundation at their annual Family Day.
In 2018 He is focusing own an Opioid Education Initiative FEND “Full, Energy, No, Drugs.”... show less
Stuart MacNaught
Co-President,FestForums
Santa Barbara, CA, USA
Co-President, AboutFest LLC
Co-President & Co-Founder, AboutFest LLC
AboutFest produces FestForums℠ NYC & Santa Barbara. These interactive festival conferences and networking events are for... read morePresent:
Co-President, AboutFest LLC
Co-President & Co-Founder, AboutFest LLC
AboutFest produces FestForums℠ NYC & Santa Barbara. These interactive festival conferences and networking events are for music, film, food + beverage festival organizers. FestForums Festival Convergence takes place in the Spring at Time, Inc. in NYC and in November at the Fess Parker Resort in Santa Barbara, California. These events bring together festival and entertainment leaders for collaborative networking, professional development and to discuss industry innovations and technology. Speakers and attendees include top industry influencers from festivals such as Glastonbury, SXSW, Lollapoolza, Bonnaroo, Vans Warped Tour, Coachella, EDC, Los Angeles Food and Wine Festival, New York City Food & Wine, Toronto International Film Festival, San Francisco International Film Festival, and hundreds more.
Events include a dynamic exhibition hall showcasing the latest and greatest, SponsorFest where attending festivals can win a Delta Air Lines sponsorship worth $10,000, dozens of panels addressing current industry issues, and Best of The Fests, an awards program celebrating festival industry innovation, charity and sustainability. Live music, yoga, wine tasting and other exciting events are planned for each event.
FestForums is designed to provide guidance, networking, training & sharing of solutions for industry professionals that result in safer, higher yield and better organized festivals.
PREVIOUS:
CEO & President/Founder - Leading New England Advertising Agency
America House Communications, Rhode Island
Founded America House Communications, an integrated advertising & marketing agency which generated average annual sales of $5 million in capitalized billings. Corporate branding work produced on behalf of such clients as UConn, IMAX, United Healthcare, Delta Dental, Mass Mutual, Krispy Kreme, Bess Eaton, Salve Regina University, Providence College, Newport Creamery and Rhode Island Tourism. Creative work earned numerous national and regional industry awards and recognition, and strong financial results. Creative panache and vision spawned the highly successful collaboration between the State of Rhode Island and Hasbro Corporation that resulted in the much-heralded Mr. Potato Head campaign in 2000 and 2001. That self- liquidating marketing bonanza brought the State of Rhode Island unprecedented amounts of national and international media exposure. Other highlights include:
• Guest lectured at three Universities and at national events, trade shows and conferences
• Developed & implemented marketing plans
• Developed and implemented brand strategies
• Focus group organizer & facilitator
• Provided PR crisis management to top executives & was official media spokesperson
• Produced numerous PR 3-D direct mail campaigns with outstanding results
• Organized unique special events and industry trade shows for clients
• Managed staff of 40 in three locations
Development /Event Management Experience
Development/Fundraising & Marketing Consultant for numerous non-profit client agencies
Wrote case statements, development plans and marketing programs for fundraising capital and annual campaigns
Have personally made solicitations & presentations (donations ranging from 5k to 5mm) to raise millions of dollars
Taught monthly marketing seminars for Non-Profits 2007-2009
Capital Campaign Co-Chair, Aquidneck Land Trust, 2004-2008 (exceeded $20 million goal)
Capital Campaign Committee Member, The Pennfield School, 2000 -2002 (exceeded $1.6 million goal)
Capital Campaign Committee Member, Child & Family, 2007-2009 ($4.5 million)
Annual Fund Chair, Aquidneck Land Trust, 2003 ($164k)
Annual Fund Chair, The Pennfield School, 2000 - 2003 ($100k)
Annual Fund Chair, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, 2005
Event Chairman, Taste of Newport, 2003 - 2008 ($130k to $170k raised each yr.)
Event Chairman, Newport Int’l Film Festival Fall Fundraiser, 2005-2008 ($65k & $85k)
Event Chairman, Spring Fundraiser, Dr. Martin Luther King Cmty Ctr, 2007 ($64k)
Event Committee member of numerous events including: IMC Nuit Blanche, Newport 2013, Redwood Library Annual Gala 2007 & 08, Newport Art Museum Annual Gala 2007 & 08, ALT Fiesta Verde 2003-2008, etc.
Work Experience:
Co-President - AboutFest, LLC
Innkeeper/General Manager - Escobar's Farmhouse Inn, Portsmouth, RI
President & Creative Director – America House Communications, Ltd., Newport, RI Director Business Development – Aquidneck Management Associates, Middletown, RI Marketing & Merchandising – Hecht’s Department Stores, Washington, DC
Non- Profit Governing Board Experience:
Board Chair & Trustee, Aquidneck Land Trust, 2003-2009
Co-President & Trustee, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, 2005-2008
Trustee, The Pennfield School, 2000-2004
Trustee, Child & Family, 2002-2009
Board Chair & Trustee, Newport Area Career & Tech School, 1993-1998
Trustee, Newport International Film Festival, 2005-2007 Board Member, Newport County Arts and Cultural Alliance, 2000-2009
Board Member & Volunteer, RI Land Trusts Council, 2011
Education:
1983 B.A History, Brown University, Providence, RI
1979 High School Graduate, Providence Country Day, East Providence, RI
1977 Ordinary Level Exams , The King’s School, Canterbury, Kent, England
Award Highlights:
The State Pell Award for “Friend of Education for Rhode Island,” 1998 -Honored for “Revolutionizing the Relationships Between Business and Education”
14 Adrian Advertising Awards
9 Creative Awards
4 Bell Ringer PR Awards
The Brown University Book Award 1979... show less
Anne Madison
Chief Strategy and Communications Officer,Brand USA
Washington, DC, USA
Her specific areas of responsibility include oversight for strategy, research, information technology, public affairs and public policy communications, global corporate communications and media relations, stakeholder engagement, and strategic meetings and events.
Since joining Brand USA in 2012, Anne has established the strategic foundation on which Brand USA is succesfully achieving its mission, as well as developed compelling communications strategies that have significantly raised awareness of Brand USA and helped increase international visitation to the United States.
Through the course of her career, Anne has led and supported a number of areas from strategic planning to business development, B2B marketing and multicultural marketing to media relations, digital marketing and public relations, to media and crisis communications to investor relations, events, and corporate social responsibility.
Prior to joining Brand USA, she was senior vice president for Choice Hotels International (one of the world’s largest hotel companies) and previously led the communications strategies as vice president, marketing and communications for Enterprise Community Investment (a leading provider of community development capital for affordable housing) and as vice president, communications of The Ryland Group, one of the nation’s largest homebuilders (now CalAtlantic Homes).
Anne is a member of the Harvard Kennedy School Women's Leadership Board and has previously served on the board of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) and the Leadership Council of the IMPACT Center in Washington, DC. Her community involvement has included board member positions with The National Family Resiliency Center, The Domestic Violence Center of Howard County, and The Norbel School.
She has won numerous awards, including those from the Public Relations Society of America, Financial World magazine, and the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International. In addition, she has been recognized as one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women, and has twice been named one of the Top Women in PR by PR News, and was honored by Women in Travel and Tourism International as one of the Top Women in Travel Industry Leadership.
An inspirational, collaborative and innovative leader, Anne has mentored others along their career paths, and is a passionate advocate for building diverse teams as an essential element for creating strategies that drive results.
Anne is a graduate of Wittenberg University where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in communications with a concentration in English and journalism and is currently pursuing her master’s degree at The George Washington University. She and her husband, Dave, have four children.... show less
Tom Mara
Executive Director,KEXP
Seattle, USA
Tom spent his first twenty years of life in Germany, thanks to his American father’s dedication to teaching oversees and his mother escaping from East Berlin. After a stint as a club DJ in Munich, Tom completed a journalism degree at the University of Washington. Tom began his radio career at KCMU 90.3FM at the University of Washington in the late 1980s and became station manager in 1993. Later, he managed the joint corporate support programs for KUOW 94.9FM and KCMU 90.3FM. In 1999, Tom headed to the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia to manage the corporate support program at WXPN-FM. Tom came back to Seattle a year later to build what is now known as KEXP, formerly KCMU. Tom is a founding member of the Seattle Music Commission and currently serves on the Community Development Round Table (CDRT).
Tom has two grown daughters and his wife Mary is the director of libraries for City University of Seattle in South Lake Union which is where Tom recently completed his Masters of Arts in Leadership.... show less
Karen Martwick
Director of Content Strategy,Travel Portland
Portland, OR, USA
Steven Masur
Partner,Masur Griffitts + LLP
New York, NY, USA
Steve brings a unique mix of legal, business, and strategic experience to bear on client matters. He has counseled enterprise level clients including Shazam, Virgin Mobile, Liberty Media, Yamaha, Nielsen Buzzmetrics, Bob Vila and Conde Nast Publications in corporate, digital media, and new business matters. He has also helped emerging businesses in a wide variety of sectors, and is especially knowledgeable in media, entertainment, advertising, consumer products, food and technology, including mobile, games, digital music, social media, augmented and virtual reality, blockchain and cryptocurrency regulation.
Steve has been recognized as a “Rising Star” and a “Super Lawyer” by Super Lawyers. He serves on a variety of corporate and nonprofit boards and industry associations, and lectures and writes about major issues in venture capital, emerging businesses, entertainment law, technology and corporate strategy.... show less
Steve Mayer
CCO,NHL
Prior to joining the NHL, Mayer spent 20 years with IMG Productions. Most recently, he served as IMG’s Executive Producer and SVP of IMG, the world’s largest producer of sports programming.
Mayer was the producer of several network variety specials, including NHL Awards (NBC), NBA All-Star All-Style (TNT), Hall of Game Awards (Cartoon Network), Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular (CBS), Super Bowl’s Greatest Commercials (CBS), Tony Awards Preview Show (CBS), Miss Universe (NBC/FOX), World’s and Year’s Funniest Commercials (TBS/ Spike), and Christmas at Rockefeller Center (NBC).
Mayer also has a number of highly acclaimed reality and documentary shows on his production resume, including ‘A Season With Notre Dame Football,’ Hoops U (Showtime), NHL Revealed (NBC/ CBC), Race to the Altar (NBC), I’d Do Anything (ESPN), Manhunt (Bravo), Battle of Network Stars (NBC), Better Half (Bravo), Battle of the Gridiron Stars (ESPN) and Beer Money (SNY).
The native of Union, New Jersey has produced hundreds of live sporting events, including the NHL Winter Classic, NHL All-Star Fantasy Draft, NHL All-Star Skills Competition, the NHL All-Star Game, the NHL Awards, the NFL Hall of Fame Enshrinement, the Ryder Cup Opening and Closing Ceremonies and numerous halftime shows for the NFL.
A winner of 10 Emmys and 3 Ace Awards, Mayer has produced five Olympic games, including Bravo’s Olympic coverage from London in 2012, as well as producer of the Morning Show at the Olympic games in Sydney for NBC. Over his career, Mayer has produced hundreds of tennis events and has been lead producer for the Australian, French and U.S. Opens. For ten years, Mayer was the Executive Producer of the New York City Marathon for ESPN.
Mayer is a graduate of Ithaca College. He lives in West Caldwell, N.J. with his wife and two daughters.... show less
Jess McCauley
Audiotree USAAlan McQuinn
Research Analyst,Information Technology and Innovation Foundation
Duffy McSwiggin
Agent,Paradigm Agency
New York, NY,
Gene Meneray
The ELLA ProjectNew Orleans, USA
Melanie Merz
Stewardship & Donor Engagement Manager,WWOZ 90.7 FM
New Orleans, USA
Chief Howard Miller
President,New Orleans Mardi Gras Indian Council
New Orleans, LA, USA
Lawrence “Boo” Mitchell
Owner/Manager,Willie Mitchell’s Royal Studios
Memphis, TN, USA
In 1993, Boo put his rap career on hold to work as manager and talent coordinator at his family's club, "Willie Mitchell's Rhythm and Blues Club" located on Memphis’ historic Beale Street. As the club’s manager and talent coordinator, he orchestrated performances by iconic artists such as Michael McDonald, Johnny Taylor, Warren Zevon, Montell Jordan, Ollie Woodson of the Temptations and a host of others. By the year 2000, the family closed the club and Boo moved on to be the manager of his father's legendary Royal Studios.
Over the next three years, Boo managed the studio while moonlighting as producer and engineer working with various artists. In 2002, Boo was project coordinator and associate producer for Al Green's first soul/R&B album in almost two decades, "I Can't Stop." By the end of 2004, Boo’s talent and ear for award-winning music led him to become the chief engineer at Royal Studios. One of the first sessions he engineered in his new position was for John Mayer's Continuum album, "I'm Gonna Find Another You."
Spanning the next six years, he worked closely with his father doing projects for chart-busting artists such as Al Green, Buddy Guy, Rod Stewart, Solomon Burke and Anthony Hamilton. Sadly, Boo's father Willie Mitchell passed away in 2010. Boo continued to engineer and run the studio working with artists such as Sir Cliff Richards, Lamont Dozier, and Cody Chesnutt.
In 2011, Boo was approached by Cody Dickinson of the North Mississippi Allstars to collaborate on a music documentary called "Take Me to The River," a storytelling film about the music of Memphis and the Mississippi Delta. Boo worked as a producer of the film as well as music producer and engineer for the film’s music which featured performances by a multi-generational mix of great artists including Mavis Staples, William Bell, Booker T., Snoop Dogg, Otis Clay, Al Kapone, Bobby Rush, Charlie Musselwhite, Bobby Blue Bland, The North Mississippi Allstars, Hi Rhythm, Hubert Sumlin and others. Released in 2015, "Take Me to The River" has become a critically acclaimed documentary winning multiple film festivals around the world including SXSW and Raindance in London.
Adding to his list of many talents, Boo is also a producer of award shows and concerts. In 2013, he produced the concert for the Memphis GRAMMY Chapter's 40th Anniversary. For this show, he worked with a renowned mix of artists from multiple genres spanning across the chapter’s various regions. The show highlighted unique collaborations such as pairing Roddie Romero & Eric Adcock with the legendary Hi Rhythm Section, as well as performances by artists like Shannon McNally, Al Kapone, Rebirth Brass Band, the great Sheri Jones Moffett and others.
For the past four years, Boo has produced and music directed the Memphis Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Bringing the very best in music and entertainment together, he has been able to curate appearances and performances by Justin Timberlake, Jimmy Fallon, BJ Thomas, Carla Thomas, Steve Jordan, Jim Keltner, Melanie Fiona, Paul Rodgers, Jimmy Jam, The Bar-Kays, Master P and others.
For more than a decade, Boo has worked his magic in the studio culminating in several GRAMMY nominated and award-winning projects along with recordings for a who’s who of phenomenal artists such as, Al Green, Buddy Guy, Keith Richards, Boz Scaggs, John Mayer, Trombone Shorty, U2, Elton John, Bobby "Blue” Bland, The Neville Brothers, Edwin Hawkins, Keb Mo, William Bell, Dave Stewart, Isaac Hayes, Anthony Hamilton, Robert Cray, George Porter Jr., Angie Stone, The Bar-Kay's, Bobby Rush, Doug E Fresh, Melissa Etheridge, Paul Rodgers, Mannie Fresh, The Wu-Tang Clan, Jim Lauderdale,
Dee Dee Bridgewater, Snoop Dogg, The North Mississippi Allstars, Mystikal, Sam Moore, Eric Benet, Bruno Mars, Robert Plant, Robert Randolph, G Eazy, Drake, Jeff Bhasker and Mark Ronson and others.
In 2016, Boo won his first GRAMMY Award Record of the Year, for the Mark Ronson/Bruno Mars hit "Uptown Funk." It's the first time a record made in Memphis has won a GRAMMY for Record of the Year.... show less
Simon Moss
Co-Founder,Global Citizen
New York, NY, USA
Rick Mueller
President,AEG Presents
Los Angeles, CA, USA
Prior to joining AEG Presents in 2008, Rick managed the concert operations for Live Nation in California. During his tenure he oversaw the restoration of the classic Hollywood Palladium and revitalized the concert programming and attendance at the iconic Universal Amphitheater.
Rick started his career working for the legendary San Francisco concert promotions company, Bill Graham Presents. He was responsible for programming hundreds of concerts annually, booking BGP’s arena, amphitheater and stadium shows across the Bay Area. He worked closely with artists including Green Day, Radiohead, Bruce Springsteen, and Beyoncé.
Mueller began promoting concerts while he was a student at U.C. Santa Barbara. During his college career he interned for Coachella founder Paul Tollett at Goldenvoice.... show less
Craig Newman
Vice President, Head of Performing Arts,APA Agency for the Performing Arts
Beverly Hills, CA, USA
*Clients include: The Plain White T’s, Peter Cetera, Daniel O’Donnell, Randy Bachman, Burton Cummings, The Fab Four, Micky Dolenz, Chef Robert Irvine, Illusionist Rick Thomas, Last Fan... read more*18 years as a booking agent
*Clients include: The Plain White T’s, Peter Cetera, Daniel O’Donnell, Randy Bachman, Burton Cummings, The Fab Four, Micky Dolenz, Chef Robert Irvine, Illusionist Rick Thomas, Last Fan Standing with Bruce Campbell, We Will Rock You – The Queen Musical
*In addition to booking the US, have handled Canada throughout career
*Helped create live touring shows including “Robert Irvine Live”
*Married to an exec at Universal Music, beautiful six-year old daughter, two terriers
*Likely the tallest agent of all time, certainly the coolest... show less
Melinda Newman
West Coast Editor,Billboard - LA
Los Angeles, CA, USA
Patrick North
Label Head,XL Recordings
New York, NY, USA
Michael O’Hearne
Finance and Marketing Intern,Michael O’Neil
CEO, Former Commanding Officer, NYPD Counterterrorism,MSA Security USA
Charlie Painter
A&R/Business Affairs Coordinator,Redeye Worldwide
Hillsborough, NC, USA
Lucien B. Parsons
Director Mixed/Augmented/Virtual Reality,University of Maryland
College Park, MD, USA
Scott Pascucci
CEO,Concord Music
Beverly Hills, CA, USA
Mary Megan Peer
Deputy Chief Executive Officer,peermusic
New York, NY, USA
For 90 years, peermusic has consistently and relentlessly broken new ground by becoming home to some of the best and brightest talent in music. peermusic proudly represents songwriters as diverse as Hoagy Carmichael (“Stardust”), Jimmie Davis (“You Are My Sunshine”), Perez Prado (“Mambo #5”), Donovan (“Mellow Yellow”), Liam Sternberg (“Walk Like an Egyptian”), Morten Lauridsen (“Lux Aeterna”), Tricky Stewart (“Single Ladies”), the Audibles (Justin Bieber, Chris Brown, Sam Smith) and Jaron Boyer (“Somewhere On A Beach).
peermusic takes pride in its extensive global network of local offices and the close collaboration of its writers and staff across international borders. The company provides boutique-like attention to its writers while offering a global reach no other independent company can provide. Mary Megan’s responsibilities include overseeing peermusic offices in Asia and Brazil.
From 2011 to 2013, Mary Megan was the Managing Director of peermusic’s Buenos Aires office, representing both local and international writers in Argentina. peermusic’s first office in Latin America was in Argentina, and today the company has more offices on the continent than any other international music publisher. peermusic proudly represents a wide range of works from this influential region, from classic 1930s tangos to today’s Rock en Español and urban bachata.
Before joining peermusic in 2009, Mary Megan worked in investment banking, advising media and entertainment companies on their M&A and financial strategies at Piper Jaffray and Jefferies.
Mary Megan holds a BA with honors from Stanford University and an MBA from Columbia Business School.... show less
Stephen Person
VP, Entertainment & Sports,Fish Technologies, LLC
Addison, TX, USA
John Petrocelli
CEO & Founder,Bulldog Digital Media CA, USA
Don Pitts
Music Program,Sound Music Cities, LLC USA
After 25 years in the music and entertainment industry, Don Pitts launched Sound Music Cities, Inc. to help emerging and established... read morePromoting positive community and economic growth in music cities around the world.
After 25 years in the music and entertainment industry, Don Pitts launched Sound Music Cities, Inc. to help emerging and established music and entertainment cities find practical solutions to sound issues and growing their music economy.
Having garnered the nickname “The Sound Whisperer” from his tenure as the head of the City of Austin’s Economic Development Department’s Music & Entertainment Division where he reduced sound complaints by 70%, Don brings his experience and passion for creating vibrant music cities to Sound Music Cities.
When it comes to the music industry, Don has done it all, including managing bands and venues, handling entertainment relations for Gibson Guitar, co-founding the North American Music Cities Summit, and working in the public sector. This unique background has given him the ability to communicate effectively with various partners to find common ground.
While with the City of Austin, Don led innovative programs to increase prosperity for musicians, music businesses, and music venues, which helped establish a sustainable economic engine for the city.
When he’s not advising clients on music-related business or devoting his time to enhancing the quality of the Austin music/musician experience, Don is adding to his collection of rare and vintage western shirts or walking the trails with his family.... show less
Adelle Platon
Culture & Content,Tidal NY, USA
Dean Raise
Artist Manager,C3 Management
Austin, TX, USA
Chuck Randall
Tour Manager/Tour Accountant/Tour Director,Alice in Chains & THE CULT USA
Expertise includes: Tour Direction, Tour Management and Tour Accounting.
Analyzed tour routing and vetted venues with management and agents. Developed tour budgets and analyzed costs. Conducted nightly show settlements. Maintained comprehensive tour accounting. Administered salaries and per diem. Evaluated production requirements and costs.
Supervised tour staff. Hired tour personnel and production vendors. Coordinated sound, lighting, staging, bus and truck companies. Advanced all tour dates with promoters and venues. Planned and negotiated travel arrangements. Prepared itineraries. Organized all press, media and record company obligations. Negotiated endorsements and industry relationships. Supervised band merchandising and merch accounting.
Clean and sober over 30 years. active in the entertainment industry recovery community. Worked with dozens of recovering artist. Works with managers to help create sober support systems around recovering artist while on the road. Map-MusiCares- Road Recovery
TOUR MANAGER- TOUR ACCOUNTANT- TOUR DIRECTOR
• ALICE IN CHAINS
• THE CULT
• KORN
• GOO GOO DOLLS
• GARBAGE
• 311
• SCOTT STAPP – CREED
• GRATEFUL DEAD PRODUCTIONS
• TOUR MANAGER, TOUR ACCOUNTANT - THE DEAD
• TOUR MANAGER, TOUR ACCOUNTANT - BOB WEIR AND RATD
• DURAN DURAN
• KENNY LOGGINS
• MICHELLE SHOCKED
• LITTLE FEAT
• HUEY LEWIS AND THE NEWS
• THE NEVILLE BROTHERS... show less
Fabi Reyna
Founder and Editor in Chief,She Shreds Magazine
Portland, OR, USA
Teddy Riley
CEO, Singer, Songwriter, Producer, 3-Time Grammy Award Winner,He formed a music group called "Kids at Work" in his early teens, composed and produced must have tracks and compilation albums for numerous rappers and several for recording artists including the human beat box icon Doug E Fresh. By age 17, his first 12" Single production made the Billboard 100 hit list "Go See the Doctor" by Kool Mo Dee in 1986 and shortly thereafter another major Billboard hit titled "Wild Wild West."
In late 1987, the dawn of a brand new genre called New Jack Swing was created by Teddy Riley with the No.1 R&B Billboard smash hit LP "Make it Last" by Keith Sweat selling over 3 million copies, No.5 on the Billboard Pop chart and was certified Triple Platinum. His New Jack Swing sound was the new epic lifeline that forever changed the design of R&B music even to this day. During the early era of New Jack Swing, Riley composed, produced and/or wrote Billboard chart topping, award winning RIAA certified hits for his Multi-Platinum R&B hit group Guy. (Groove Me, Let’s Chill, I Like, Teddy’s Jam, A Piece of My Love) from the Guy LP. This album reached No.1 on the Billboard R&B Albums chart and remained there for five consecutive weeks. In addition, Guy was the highest charting R&B album on the Billboard Year End chart for 1989.
On a special note, he recorded most of the Guy album at his mother’s house Mildred Riley due to budget issues and more importantly, Riley felt the sound was crisper and warmer. This is mainly due to his profound ear for music and his following accolades prove that.
An additional short list of his RIAA Certified greatest productions include No.1 Hits by the following icons: The late Johnny Kemp (Just Got Paid) The song hit No.1 on the U.S. R&B & Dance charts, U.S Billboard Hot Dance Club Play, reached the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and received a Grammy nomination.
Bobby Brown, (My Prerogative) Peaked at No.1 US Billboard Hot 100, US Billboard Hot Black Singles and also was nominated for Grammy as Best R&B Urban Contemporary Single. (Get Away) No.1 US Billboard Hot Dance/Maxi-Singles.
High Five, (The Kissing Game) No.1 US Billboard Hot 100, US Hot R&B/Hip Hop Singles and remained No.1 on the US Billboard Year End Charts.
Wrecks N Effect (Rump Shaker) No.1 US Billboard Hot Rap Singles & Canada Dance Chart. Note his brother Markell Riley was a vital part of this hit making group.
He was founder of the R&B Multi-Platinum/Grammy winning group Blackstreet best known for their No.1 Hit song " No Diggity” Featuring Dr. Dre and Queen Pen.
Other Billboard chart topping Heavy D, (Now that We Found Love) The Winans, (It’s Time) Wreckx-N-Effect, (Rump Shaker) SWV, Janet Jackson, Mary J. Blige, Patti Labelle, Whitney Houston, Al B Sure, MC Hammer, Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg, NSYNC, Big Daddy Kane, New Kids on the Block, Joe, Kenny Lattimore, Robin Thicke, Boys II Men, Lady Gaga, an extensive list of others.
He was founder of the R&B Multi-Platinum/Grammy winning group Blackstreet best known for their No.1 Hit song "No Diggity." It was No.1 in four different categories on Billboard, several European charts and is one of the top licensed songs in today’s market for film, television, commercials. The late Pop/Funk Icon Prince also performed it in Washington DC.
At age 23, Teddy Riley Produced the "Dangerous" LP by Michael Jackson which sold more than 32 million copies worldwide, debuted at No.1 on Billboard 200, remained on the Billboard 200 chart 117 weeks. He also won a Grammy for Best Engineered Album Non-Classical. The album also received three Grammy Nominations for Best Pop Vocal Male, Best R&B Vocal Male and "Jam" as Best R&B Song. Nine singles were released coupled with hit song “Remember the Time” and it was Michael Jackson's fastest selling album in the United States with gross earnings for Sony at a bit over a billion dollars. The RIAA certified "Dangerous" seven times platinum. This was the most successful New Jack Swing album of all times. Riley also produced four songs on the "Invincible" LP by Michael Jackson in 2001. In 2006, he was inducted into the Hip Hop Hall of Fame.
Some of his guest television appearances include The Steve Harvey Show, Moesha, Rugrats, Arsenio Hall, Oprah, HLN and VH1’s hit show Love & Hip Hop. To his credit film scores/compositions for "Do the Right Thing" "Rugrats The Movie" "House Party" "CB4" "Money Train" "Panther" "Get on the Bus" "Preacher's Wife" "Wild Wild West", "Two Can Play that Game" "King's Ransom" and a list of others to most recently "American Reunion" along with television shows including "New York Undercover" are major accolades to his extensive arsenal.
To date he has been on worldwide tours, on the radar in major magazines from Billboard, Rolling Stone, Vibe, Ebony to the front cover of Keyboard Magazine twice among countless others.
Teddy Riley is the first African American music producer from the U.S. to produce K-Pop (Korean Pop Music) and bringing it to America, and spends part of the year working in Korea with S&M Entertainment for their top recording artist in his studio in Seoul, Korea.
In late March 2015, he produced another world-wide No.1 K-Pop hit titled "Call Me Baby" by EXO which has over 18 million YouTube views within a month, the song reigns on the Billboard charts in 9 categories and is holding the No.1 position on World Album charts. He has more than 1000 credits to his name. He continues to chart on the 2016 rosters in K-POP music.
Teddy Riley has respectfully earned the title "The King of New Jack Swing” which was coined by the iconic writer/author Barry Michael Cooper. There is an innovative and technical driving force that continues to flow within this musical genius architect bringing only the most prolific legendary signature sound to the multi-genre masses historically and in today's music market place.
From composing and producing R&B, Hip Hop, Pop and K-Pop hit songs, his schedule remains non-stop in the studio and continues to perform with his group Blackstreet aka BS2 coupled with solo engagements. He performed the on the Tom Joyner Cruise coupled with the Tom Joyner Family Reunion and has been a guest on major radio stations.
As a music technology scientist, he conducted technical education demonstrations for several years at the NAMM show, the world’s largest music merchant’s trade show for companies such as Yamaha, PreSonus, AKAI among others and has made major technical contributions to products on today's market. As an expert panelist he was invited to speak in Dubai twice among other global music technology summits.
Academically since 2014, he has served on the Advisory Board at Piedmont College, a recipient of the esteemed Sankofa Award and was Commencement Speaker at the 2015 Graduation Ceremony at The World Congress Center.
Between his studios in Seoul Korea, Los Angeles, Atlanta and most recently Las Vegas, this iconic force stays creative in the lab working on tracks for numerous artists and special projects. He was commissioned by The Harlem Globtrotters Association to remix their historical theme song which will be played on their 2016 national tour. He is involved in l philanthropic entities including a partnership with music executive Shanti Das serving over 500 homeless at the Atlanta Mission, he has gifted upcoming music producers with studio equipment and special sounds, supports and encourages their endeavors.
Currently, Mr. Riley is on a multi city tour with the legendary group “GUY”. Together they are spreading the joyous sounds of 90’s RnB with hits such as “Groove me” “Piece of my love” “I Like” and “Let’s Chill”... show less
Jason Robert
CEO,HelloSugoi USA
After years as a touring drummer, he founded Lost Midas, a music production company. While there, he negotiated recording, publishing, and live event agreements. He released several albums to critical acclaim by the BBC and NPR, and performed extensively across North America and the UK. Jason has also composed original songs at BMG Production Music for high-profile TV shows on ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, Netflix, and Showtime.... show less
Matthew Rucins
Sr. Talent Buyer & GM,React Presents
Chicago, IL, USA
In 2015, shortly after the sale of Schubas and Lincoln Hall, Rucins was hired by React Presents to work on the company's Mamby On The Beach Festival and continue to diversify their electronic leaning programming. At the beginning of this year, React promoted Rucins to General Manager and Sr. Talent Buyer. He now leads on Mamby and recently helped negotiate a partnership with Chicago's longtime independent concert promoter, Jam Productions, gaining access to their Park West, The Vic and The Riviera venues.... show less
Oana Ruxandra
Senior VP Digital Strategy & Partnerships,Universal Music Group
Santa Monica, California, CA, USA
Over the course of her career, Ruxandra has successfully negotiated digital agreements with some of the biggest technology companies in the world that resulted in the creation of entire new categories of business in the music industry and ensure the entire music ecosystem continues to benefit from increased access to music.
Ruxandra was most recently Vice President of Digital Strategy and Business Development at Warner Music Group, where she was responsible for generating, structuring, negotiating, and maintaining strategic partnerships with global partners as well as leading the strategy and analysis team in defining WMG’s long-term digital vision. Ruxandra joined Warner Music in 2012 as Director of Digital Strategy and was promoted through the years.
Prior to Warner Music, Ruxandra worked in finance over a span of seven years, most recently leading quantitative portfolio management of the global fixed income desk at BlackRock Inc., the world’s largest asset manager.
Ruxandra holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in Economics and Political Science from Columbia University and an MBA from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.... show less
Madalena Salazar
Program Manager IMTour,Western States Arts Federation
Denver, CO, USA
Johanna Salazar-Cumming
Co-Founder, Executive Producer,Two Goats
New York City, USA
Chris Sampson
EVP, Programming,Superfly Presents
New York, NY, USA
Barry Sandrew
PhD/ARIVAL Chairman,ARIVAL
San Diego, CA, USA
In 2007 Sandrew invented a process for converting 2D films to 3D and subsequently founded Legend3D. Beginning in 2010, Sandrew oversaw creative and technical teams in the 3D conversion of Alice In Wonderland, the Shrek Trilogy, Transformers: Dark of the Moon and many more tent-pole films at the height of the 3D phenomenon. In subsequent years the teams Barry Sandrew led have worked on the 3D conversion and VFX of more than 50 of the highest grossing 3D feature films of the past 7 years.
An invited keynote speaker at many international conferences focused on new media, Barry Sandrew is considered a thought leader in Augmented and Virtual Reality with an significant online following. Dr. Sandrew is also a consultant to Fortune 5000 companies in the mobile space, focusing on emerging opportunities in augmented reality, the Internet of Things and 3D Sensor Technologies – Converging our Real and Digital Worlds.... show less
Samantha Schilling Robinson
Director: Creative & Business Development,Reel Muzik Werks, LLC
El Segundo, CA, USA
Samantha Schilling Robinson earned one of her degrees in International Business and Trade from UCLA School of Busines. She exercises her international expertise as the Director of Creative and Business development at Reel Muzik Werks, a full rights management company with a strong worldwise reach. Samantha is an experienced and motivated professional with years of strong industry experience – six of them specifically in international Ad/Film/TV licensing registration & Copyright management with special focus on artist development creative pitching clearance negotiation and execution. Recent placements include: Guardians of galaxy 2 Spiderman Home-Coming Geostorm American crime Story The Resident and many more! Before joining Reel Muzik Werks,Samantha worked as a music consultant for clients around the world.... show less
Jean Scofield
Executive Music Producer,McGarry Bowen
NY, USA
Joey Scoleri
Head of Industry Relations,Live Nation
Beverley Hills, CA, USA
Inna Semenyuk
Founder,SnapchatDaily.com USA
Trevor Shand
Sound Design/Production Director,Rogers Radio, Canada - KROQ FM, USA
Los Angeles, CA, USA
Christa Shaub
Owner/Artist Manager,Shaub Entertainment, LLC
New York, NY, USA
In 2013, Shaub put her extensive experience in the music industry into creating Shaub Entertainment; an entertainment company specializing in music management, music publishing and management/A&R consultation. Shaub Entertainment’s first signing was global pop star and Albanian native, Bleona, whose dance hit, “Take It Like A Man” climbed the dance charts both in the US and the UK. Christa also helped secure Bleona as one of the star cast members of Bravo’s newest show in 2013, Euros of Hollywood.
Shaub Entertainment’s most recent focus project is rising rock & roll star, Luke Elliot whose debut album Dressed for the Occasion has garnered extensive international critical acclaim. With a strategic focus on thriving music markets like Scandinavia, France, Germany and the Australia, Shaub is dedicated to help create another international success with Luke Elliot.
Shaub is a graduate of Belmont University in Nashville, TN with a degree in Marketing and Music Business.... show less
Russ Simons
Managing Partner,Venue Solutions Group
Brentwood, TN, USA
Russ currently serves as the chairman of the Department of Homeland Security Commercial Facilities Public Assembly Facility Sub-Sector Council.
Russ is a member of the International Association of Assembly Managers (IAVM), and has served on their Board of Directors. He is a current member of the organizations Safety & Security Committee leading the Cyber Security working group. He is a founder and former instructor of the IAVM’s Academy for Venue Safety and Security. He is a 24-year Instructor and former Chairman of the Board of Regents of IAVM’s Venue Management School. He serves on the
Board of Advisors for the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security, the Sports Facility’s and the Law publication and the TEAM coalition for responsible alcohol management. Russ continues to work on industry Safety and Security issues worldwide having recently lead webinars on Ebola and Civil Disobedience, Protests and Demonstrations. He is a 2004 recipient of the GIGI Award of Excellence and member of the Event, Sales and Marketing Association Hall of Fame. He is currently an independent security consultant to the National Hockey League. Russ is also a member of IFMA and the Stadium Managers Association.
He is a former volunteer firefighter, instructor at the Hartford County Fire Training Center and Emergency Medical Technician.
Russ is the architect of the Walmart “Black Friday” crowd management plan, including the development and training of over 1.6 million Walmart Associates in more than 4,000 Walmart stores in the United States. Russ’s plan is now standard operating practice for all Walmart “Retailtainment” events.
Prior to creating Venue Solutions Group, Russ was a Senior Principal with the global design firm Populous. There he managed the firms’ facility operations, evaluation and analysis group, which assisted public assembly venues in the renovation and development of new facilities. He works closely with designers, architects and engineers as they created functional and secure sports and entertainment facilities.
Russ’ previous positions include: Senior Vice President and General Manager of Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, home to the NHL Nashville Predators also Russ was a Senior Vice President of Powers Management and President of Powers Solutions, a professional sports and entertainment facility consulting company. Russ has provided services to over 90 colleges and universities.... show less
Colum Slevin
Head of Experiences,Oculus
Oakland, CA, USA
Dr. Stacy L Smith
Director & Founder, Annenberg Inclusion Initiative,University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA, USA
Dr. Smith is the intellectual heft behind the content based research of the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media (2005-2014) and the qualitative and quantitative research sponsored by the Sundance Institute and Women in Film (2012-2015). Her work has set the national conversation on employment practices on screen and behind the camera in film. Dr. Smith’s research was cited in the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) letter petitioning the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to investigate exclusionary hiring practices behind the camera in film. Senator Barbara Boxer also cited Dr. Smith’s work in an open letter that asked entertainment executives to account for their poor track record hiring female directors. In terms of the popular press, Dr. Smith’s research has been written about in The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, fivethirtyeight.com, The Atlantic, The Huffington Post, Newsweek, The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, Wired, and USA Today, to name a few. She has a co-edited essay in Maria Shriver’s book, A Woman’s Nation Changes Everything (2009). In addition to research, Dr. Smith shares solutions on inequality built on research and practices from academia, law, and organizational communication. She introduced the idea of the Inclusion Rider to the entertainment industry and worked with Kalpana Kotagal and Fanshen Cox DiGiovanni to develop and disseminate contract language to interested actors, directors, and other industry stakeholders. In 2015, LA Weekly named Dr. Smith the most influential person in Los Angeles.... show less
Gary Smith
Chief Operating Officer,Pollstar
Fresno, CA, USA
POLLSTAR Chief Operating, Gary Smith, has overseen every aspect of the growth and development of the publication from a small quick printed tip sheet to a glossy full-color magazine with more than 12,000 readers internationally. POLLSTAR has carved out a niche for itself concentrating on concert industry news, itineraries, and statistical tour data. POLLSTAR now has music business clients in more than 40 foreign countries. The publication has grown far beyond the original tip sheet with numerous syndication and consulting deals. PollarPro.com is one of the top music business web sites and Pollstar.com is one of the highest rated music information sites in the world. Pollstar also produces the annual Pollstar Live conference. This February, in Nashville, TN the event attracted the largest gathering of Concert Industry professionals in the world for an event of this type.
During his tenure at Pollstar, Gary Smith has also served on the Board of Directors for the Academy of Country Music (ACM) and is currently serving on the board for the International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA).... show less
Jared Smith
President, North America,Ticketmaster
Hollywood, CA, USA
Jared most recently was Ticketmaster’s Chief Operating Officer. Under his leadership Ticketmaster revolutionized the company’s approach to client engagement and transformed the client-facing sales and support organization. Always an instrumental part of innovative initiatives, Jared also led the team to focus on data-driven products and services and technology-driven marketing tools.
Prior to joining Ticketmaster in 2003, Jared oversaw the administration, sales and marketing departments of the Columbus Civic Center in Columbus, Georgia, and served as the Executive Director of the Quad Cities Sports Commission in Moline, Illinois. He holds of Bachelor’s of Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Iowa.... show less
Robert Smith
CEO & President,Nightclub Security Consultants
San Diego, CA, USA
His company has trained over 7000 hospitality industry employees and worked with over 1000 bars, clubs, restaurants and other alcohol service venues in the United States. Robert is called upon to provide expert guidance for insurance companies, law enforcement officials, industry trade associations and attorney's surrounding areas of liquor and premise liability. His training programs and expertise have been discussed on the floor of the U.S. Congress and were the basis for California's new law that mandates all in house security guards be licensed and trained to a true standard. He was issued the first license in the State of California to offer this licensing training.
In 2009 a national insurance broker approached Robert about using his training programs as a way to help mitigate premise liability and assault and battery issues with restaurants, clubs and bars across the country. This relationship now allows liquor licensed businesses to receive premium discounts for using a security training program for their employees. This type of insurance program has grown to be used by multiple insurance brokers and carriers.
In 2011, Robert and his company developed the first job specific online training program based on his hugely successful in person training sessions. The online session is dynamic, interactive and includes all video based learning with associated quizzes after each video or set of videos.
Now retired after 20-years as a San Diego Police Detective, Robert continues to travel the country training and consulting with bar and club operators who are looking for a smarter way to train their security employees and create a safer nightlife.... show less
Joe Solo
CEO + Record Producer,Joe Solo Music+Entertainment, Inc.
Los Angeles, CA, USA
Charles Steinhauer
COO,Westwood One
New York, NY, USA
Prior to moving up to COO, Steinhauer was most recently WestwoodOne’s President of Operations, where he managed all sales support divisions for the company. In 2007 he was promoted to Executive Vice President and also elected to Chair of the Network Radio Research Council (NRRC). He is a Board Member of the Media Ratings Council.
In 2005, while working as the company’s Senior Vice President of Operations, Steinhauer was instrumental in launching Dial Global’s (now WestwoodOne) first RADAR rated network, the first by an independent network firm.
Steinhauer began his career as an Account Executive with Venture Direct Worldwide, a business-to- business direct marketing firm. In 1997, he took a position as research analyst at Winstar Global Media, which eventually merged with Dial Communications to form Dial Global.
In addition to his role at WestwoodOne, he is one of the leads on an industry wide research initiative working to improve how radio is incorporated into Marketing Mix Models, which are widely used by advertisers to evaluate how product sales are influenced by advertising.... show less
Jonathan Taplin
USC Annenberg Innovation LabLos Angeles, CA, USA
Mr. Taplin graduated from Princeton University. He was a Professor at the USC Annenberg School for Communications and Journalism from 2003-2016. He is a member of the Academy Of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. He currently sits on the boards of The Authors Guild, Americana Music Association and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti’s Council on Technology and Innovation. His commentary has appeared in The New York Times, Washington Post, Time Magazine, The Huffington Post, The Guardian, Medium, The Washington Monthly and the Wall Street Journal.... show less
Monika Tashman
Partner,Fox Rothschild LLP
New York, NY, USA
Having worked at a major label and as a promotion representative for a major film studio, Monika has a unique perspective and comprehensive understanding of her client's needs. Monika knows how to surmount the legal and business challenges they encounter as they look to protect their assets, broaden their opportunities and ensure career longevity. As a seasoned transactional attorney well-versed in the nuances of the industry, Monika is also fluent in brand development and in navigating the traditional and nontraditional channels to reach new audiences and earn new streams of revenue. For clients with unique and complex legal and business issues to tackle, Monika is the attorney they want on their side of the table.
For Monika, success is defined when she is able to call upon her experience representing talent and her insight into the cutting-edge work of independent labels and pair that with the endless opportunities offered by new media and technology companies, formulating deals that move each party’s business goals ahead and into new and ground-breaking industry territory. Monika is also a certified executive coach and is skilled in guiding her clients in strategic decision making.... show less
AJ Tobey
Head of A&R,Roughtrade Publishing NY, USA
Adrian Tonon
Director of Customer Service,City of Detroit - Coleman A. Young Municipal Center
Detroit, MI, USA
Adrian Tonon has trained... read moreA dynamic entrepreneur and humanitarian, with exceptional skills in the key areas of leadership, management, organization, finance, public policy, social impact and detailed customer service.
Adrian Tonon has trained and mentored numerous individuals and corporations
in the art of building a customer satisfaction culture and attaining company and/or personal goals.
Born in Michigan, Tonon grew up in the restaurant business starting with his family's original restaurant, Rina's of Detroit, located for decades on Detroit's west side.
In 1995 Adrian joined his mother at their family-owned Cafe Cortina. Its nearly four decade long history, Cafe Cortina started out as a best kept secret restaurant that turned into a globally acclaimed culinary destination.
Tonon attended Detroit Country Day School and obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Hospitality Business at Michigan State University. In addition to his entrepreneurial responsibilities, in 2007 Tonon established the Adrian Tonon Project (ATP) a non profit 501 C-3 to promote his grass roots message that everyone has something to offer to make this world a better place. ATP follows the philosophy that anyone can be a philanthropist, despite social or economic status.
Adrian's relentless pursuit to bring people together and provide a helping hand to those around him inspiring and contagious. Through the years, he has often been seen gathering community-minded people together while discussing solutions to area issues, resulting in action plans and cooperative bonds for the common purpose of doing good work.
After serving on the then Detroit Mayoral Candidate Michael E. Duggan's Executive Campaign Team to help promote world-class customer service in the public sector and raise awareness of Mike's ability to lead the City.
Adrian is now the founding Director of Customer Service for the City of Detroit.
As co founder of the Detroit Music Foundation, Sick Em Records and member of Detroit's creative community Mayor Duggan appointed Adrian to lead the City of Detroit's Film, Music and Night Time Economy initiatives. Adrian has bridged government and the arts in an effort to advocate for a thriving and sustainable creative culture.... show less
Gus Van Go
Producer,New York, NY, USA
In 2016, he produced five songs on the Arkells’ hit album Morning Report. Some of his other noteworthy credits include Hollerado, Sam Roberts, Said The Whale, The Trews, Priestess, Jill Barber, Remi Chasse, and Australian indie-pop group The Grates, among many more. Most notably, Gus mixed selected tracks of the critically acclaimed Wintersleep album The Great Detachment.
In 2016, he and his co-producer Werner F won Quebec’s ADISQ award for Best Rock Album for Les Cowboys Fringants’ album, Octobre. They were also nominated in the same category for the album, Les Dauphins et les Licornes, by the Quebec band Les Trois Accords. In 2013, they received an ADISQ Producer of the Year nomination for their work on the album J'Aime Tas Grandmere, also by Les Trois Accords.
Other French-Language successes include the 2008 Vulgaires Machins album, Compter Les Corps, which was nominated for Best French-Language Album JUNO award.
Other JUNO nominations include The Glorious Sons’ The Union, which was nominated for Rock Album of the Year and had three top 10 singles (one of which, “The Contender”, reached #1 in Canada), and Jeremy Fisher’s The Lemon Squeeze, nominated for Adult Alternative Album of the Year. Also, Rah Rah’s album Poet’s Dead was also nominated for a Best Album JUNO in 2013, and was on the long-list for the Polaris Music Prize.
Gus van Go began his musical career as a founding member and singer of the seminal Montreal band Me Mom & Morgentaler. He is currently working on projects with Robert Charlebois, Trois Accords, Cowboys Fringants and Guillaume Beauregard.
DISCOGRAPHY (P = Produced, M = Mixed)
2018: Lowell, Lone Wolf - Arts&Crafts (P/M)
2018: Jill Barber, Metaphora – Outside (P/M)
2018: Remi Chasse, Les Cris Et Les Fleurs (Musicor) (P/M)
2017: Terra Lightfoot, New Mistakes – Single (P/M)
2017: Matt Mays, Once Upon A Hell Of A Time – Sonic (M)
2017: Whitehorse, Panther In The Dollhuse – Six Shooter(M)
2017: Hollerado, Born Yesterday – Royal Mountain (P/M)
2017: Fast Romantics, American Love – (Light Organ) (P/M)
2016: Sam Roberts, If You Want It single (Universal) (M)
2016: TUNS, Mind Over Matter (Royal Mountain) (M)
2016: Wintersleep, The Great Detachment (Dine Alone) (M)
2016: Fast Romantics, Julia – Single (P/M)
2016: Les Trois Accords, Joie D’Etre Gaie (La Tribu) (P/M)
2016: Les Cowboys Fringants, Octobre (La Tribu) (P/M)
2015: Terra Lightfoot, Every Time My Mind Runs Wild (Sonic Unyon) (P)
2015: Rah Rah, Rah Rah, Vessels (Hidden Pony) (P/M)
2015: Simon I, Simon I (La Tribu) (P/M)
2015: Whitehorse, Leave No Bridge Unburned (Six Shooter Records) (P/M)
2015: Michael Rault, Living Daylights (Burger Records) (M)
2015: Sun K, Northern Lies (Maple Music Recordings) (M)
2015: Hollerado, “Firefly (Single)” (Royal Mountain/Universal) (P/M)
2015: The Elwins, Play For Keeps (Hidden Pony) (M)
2014: The Glorious Sons, The Union (Black Box/Universal) (M)
2014: The Lazys, The Lazys (Pheremone) (P/M)
2014: Guillaume Beauregard, D’étoiles, de pluie, et de cendre (La Tribu) (P/M)
2014: Royal Tusk, Mountain EP (Hidden Pony) (P/M)
2014: In Flight Safety, Conversationalist (Night Danger) (M)
2013: Michael Rault, Living Daylights (Burger Records/Pirates Blend) (M)
2013: Teenage Kicks, Spoils of Youth (Rezolute/Universal) (M)
2014: Jeremy Fisher, The Lemon Squeeze (Hidden Pony) (P/M)
2013: Said The Whale, Hawaiii (Hidden Pony) (M)
2013: Wildlife, On The Heart (Wax/Universal) (P)
2013: Xavier Caféïne, New Love (Indica) (P/M)
2013: Hollerado, White Paint (Royal Mountain/Universal) (P/M)
2012: Les Trois Accords, J’aime Ta Grand Mere (La Tribu) (P/M)
2012: Rah Rah, Little Poems (Hidden Pony) (P/M)
2012: GrimSkunk Set Fire (Indica Records) (P/M)
2012: The Junction, Grievances (P/M)
2012: Amos the Transparent, Goodnight My Dear (M)
2011: Kamakazi, Rien a Cacher (Indica Records) (P/M)
2011: The Grates, Secret Rituals (Vagrant/Dew Process) (P)
2010: Monster Truck, The Brown EP (Dine Alone) (P/M)
2010: Neverending White Lights, Title TBA (M)
2010: Ariel, Après Le Crime (Tacca) (P/M)
2010: Hollerado, Record In A Bag (Royal Mountain) (P/M)
2009: Vulgaires Machins, Requiem Pour Les Sourds (Indica Records) (P/M)
2009: Low Level Flight, “Title TBA” (P/M)
2009: Les Trois Accords, Dans Mon Corps (Indica Records) (P/M)
2009: Chinatown, Cité d’or (Tacca) (P/M)
2009: The Junction, Another Link In The Chain (P/M)
2008: The Stills, Oceans Will Rise (Arts & Crafts) (P/M)
2007: The Shakes, Faces We Make When We Dance (P/M)
2007: The Trews, No Time For Later (Bumstead/Universal) (P/M)
2006: Xavier Caféïne Giselle (M)
2006: Vulgaires Machins, Compter Les Corps (Indica Records) (P/M)
2006: The Stills, Without Feathers (Vice Records) (P/M)
2005: Priestess, Hello Master (P/M)
2003: The Stills, Logic Will Break Your Heart (Vice Records / Atlantic) (P/M)
2001: Smitty’s Burnin’ & Shakin’ (P)
1999: The Undercovers, Some People (P)
1997: The Kingpins, Watch Your Back (P)
1995: The Kingpins, On the Run (P)... show less
Matt Walsh
Co-Lead,OurMusicMyBody Campaign
Chicago, IL, USA
Catlin Whitington
Manager - Planning,SXSW-South by Southwest Conferences & Festivals
Austin, TX, USA
Bill Wilson
Music Business AssociationLos Angeles, CA, USA
Tristan Wilson
Head of Sync & Brand Partnerships,Downtown Music Publishing
London, UK
Wilson joined Downtown after nearly five years as Senior Creative Manager at Warner Music UK where he successfully led various brand partnerships and advertising campaigns with artists including Coldplay, Dua Lipa, Royal Blood, and Ed Sheeran. His career began at independent labels Beggars and Domino before moving to BBH, where he worked as a music supervisor across brands such as Audi, British Airways, Google, and Lynx.... show less
Paul Wiltshire
CEO,Songtradr
Santa Monica, CA, USA
Paul founded the PLW Productions business in 1996 which specialized in contemporary music production and had early success with Vanessa Amorosi's debut album, The Power, reaching #1 on the ARIA (Australian Recording Industry Association) charts and eventually selling over a million albums internationally. Over the following decade Paul and PLW dominated Australian pop music production with 12 x #1 chart topping albums/singles and 28 x top #20 albums/singles, an unmatched achievement for an Australian music production company.
in 2006, PLW expanded into a 360 degree boutique music company with record, publishing and management divisions developing its own artists including TV star Sam Clark, who's debut single “Broken” reached #1 on the ARIA physical singles chart.
PLW was eventually acquired by ASX (Australian Stock Exchange) listed company Goconnect limited in 2010.
Paul's focus is now Songtradr, which officially launched in 2016 and today has over 175,000 artists, songwriters and catalogs utilizing its content and rights management features, licensing marketplace and distribution services. With offices in both Los Angeles and London, Songtradr licenses music to film, TV, brands, video games and many other forms of media. Paul works closely with his creative teams to ensure the needs of music supervisors are both respected and satisfied.... show less
Tom Windish
Senior Executive,Paradigm Talent Agency
Los Angeles, CA, USA
He is known for developing the touring careers of such artists as Lorde, alt-J, The xx and Hot Chip. Working with these musicians from the early days of their careers, Windish has seen clients grow from playing small local venues to dominating stages at major festivals like Coachella, Lollapalooza and Electric Daisy Carnival. Many have earned Grammy nominations and wins.
Windish leads the agent team that developed Lorde’s Melodrama World Tour, which played to sold-out crowds at Coachella, Governor’s Ball, among many others. The album itself hit number one on the Billboard Top 200 Chart, and nominated for Album of the Year at the 2018 Grammys.
He has been recognized on Billboard’s Power 100 list both individually and as a member of Paradigm’s Music Executive Group in 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017.... show less
Jake Wisely
Chief Publishing Executive,Concord Music
Nashville, TN, USA