Music Biz Accepting Program Ideas For Nashville Convention

In advance of its May convention in Nashville, Music Biz is seeking program ideas from industry professionals. The deadline for submissions is Dec. 11.

Program ideas can be submitted by both Music Biz members and non-members. Each application will be reviewed by the Music Biz 2016 Convention Workgroup and Music Biz staff, who will judge each submission on overall quality, focus, and innovation; relevance to the issues facing the music and entertainment industry; sound research and theoretical basis (if applicable); and practical implications to the Music Biz membership. Those who are selected for inclusion will be contacted by January 15.

Submissions are being accepted in the following categories:

• Metadata & Information Technology — A high-level look at digital data issues and the ways we can work together as an industry to ensure that consumers can easily find and discover the music they want and that music product accounting is accurate and expedient.

• Startups & Developers — Labels, managers, artists and more are looking for new ideas to take their business to the next level. We are seeking presentations that demonstrate how to build viable and legal products and services for today’s music industry.

• Metrics & Sales Analysis — We are seeking presentations that give market and consumer insights on all commercial models that attendees can use to make the most informed business decisions.

• Artists, Management & Touring — As the music industry continues to evolve, so too does the role of artist managers, who now have a greater stake in artist development and commerce than ever before. We are seeking presentations that give managers the tools they need to succeed.

• Songwriting & Publishing — This program block is designed to provide expert insight into the challenges and opportunities songwriters face in the digital age. Sessions should be proposed to provide perspective about songwriter payments, consumer trends and monetization strategies for platforms like YouTube, and more.

• Entertainment & Technology Law — Discussions will merge entertainment law issues with insight on the new technology and media concerns that are at the forefront of the entertainment and technology industries.

• Advertising & Branding — Artists are turning to brands in a quest for ancillary sources of revenue. We’ll take a deeper look at how partnerships have evolved and the impact of these partnerships on both parties.

• Digital Marketing — Sessions for artists, managers and labels looking to build better strategies for marketing music. Discussions should be proposed that cover distribution, promotion, social media, SEO, playlisting and more.

• Physical Commerce — From vinyl to sales reporting to manufacturing on-demand and more, these sessions will focus on the future of the physical retail business.

• Music Business Education — Geared towards educators and/or students, these sessions aim to showcase ideas on how to take music business education to the next level.

• Breakout Sessions — 30-minute slots for general or specialized topics not covered in the tracks above.

Music Biz 2016, hosted by the Music Business Association (Music Biz), will be held from May 16-18 at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel.