CMA Hosts International Touring & Consumption MemberSIPS Event

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Pictured (L-R): Chris Kappy, Milly Olykan, Liz Cost, Meredith Goucher and Shannon Saunders. Photo: Becca Risley/CMA

The Country Music Association welcomed members and industry professionals to its Nashville headquarters on Tuesday (Jan. 23) for a MemberSIPS function focused on international opportunities for country music in 2024.

CMA created MemberSIPS to cater to its members’ professional development needs—offering thematic presentations, discussions and gatherings, and giving members a networking opportunity with like-minded professionals while enjoying a beverage with one another.

The networking event was designed specifically for artist teams who are headed to the United Kingdom, Europe and/or Australia in Q1 and Q2. Attendees received advice and info from top industry professionals as well as guidance on how emerging artists can build an international fanbase and how established artists can replicate success overseas.

Professionals in the business came together to discuss leveraging upcoming festivals such as Country to Country (C2C), CMC Rocks and Highways, and share best practices and tips for making the most of international opportunities. Additionally, CMA shared current international consumption data and provided an overview of how it remains engaged year-round with a network of international professionals helping to grow country music in their territories.

Moderator Milly Olykan (CMA Vice President, International Relations & Development) and panelists Chris Kappy (Founder & Chief Navigation Officer, Make Wake Management and CMA Board member), Liz Cost (Vice President, Marketing, Sony Music Nashville) and Shannon Saunders (WME Agent and CMA U.K. Task Force member) shared their expertise, personal experience and observations on country’s impact internationally and what they believe to be the important focuses and steps to help artists succeed in global markets.

Lorie Hollabaugh
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