2018 Call For Presentations

The Music Business Association (Music Biz) invites industry professionals like you to share your knowledge and business expertise by submitting program ideas for Music Biz 2018 to be held Monday, May 14, through Thursday, May 17, at the Omni Nashville Hotel.

If you are a music industry thought leader and have a program topic that will inform the overall growth of the music business; showcase new ways to enhance the monetization of music; demonstration best practices; offer actionable consumer intelligence and analysis; promote the value of music for all commerce models; help advance the artist/fan connection; or delve into the technology that underscores today’s music business, we encourage you to submit your ideas today!

Music Biz’s program is built to both challenge and inspire everyone engaged in the business of music, and provide deep-dive presentations and conversations for the following industry players: commercial businesses (streaming subscription services, physical stores, etc.); major and independent labels and distributors; internet radio services; aggregators; mobile service and hardware providers; data providers; information technology companies; startups; artists; songwriters; publishers; managers; agents; touring professionals; educators; students; lawyers; and more.

While being innovative with your topic and approach is encouraged, consider the following topics submitted by Music Biz members and past attendees as prime areas of interest for the 2018 program:

• Artists, Labels & Brands
• Blockchain & Metadata
• Copyright Reform
• Direct-To-Fan
• DIY
• Financial Literacy & Planning
• Global Expansion
• Live Music Events
• Marketing & Public Relations
• Merchandising Management
• Physical Retail
• Playlisting
• Professional Development
• Public Relations
• Publishing
• Radio
• Royalty Collection
• Sync
• Social Media
• Songwriting

All topics should present a balanced perspective, with representatives from the commerce, content and creative communities being given the chance to weigh-in on the discussion.

NO sales pitch-oriented presentations will be considered.

In an effort to provide attendees with intermediate- and advanced-level discussions about today’s hottest topics in the condensed time frames that are available during the event, presentation, case study or conversation/interview formats are encouraged. Those sessions that lend themselves best to a panel format should be limited to no more than a moderator and three (3) panelists.

Submissions will be considered based on overall quality, focus and innovation; relevance to
the issues facing the music and entertainment industry; sound research and theoretical basis
(if applicable); practical implications to the Music Biz audience; and experience and reputation of proposed speakers.

Parties interested in submitting a program proposal should consider the following guidelines:

Deadlines

• Submissions must be received by 8 PM PST on Friday, November 10, 2017.
• Those proposing the chosen entries will be contacted by Friday, December 8, 2017.
• Panels must be fully staffed with panelists by Friday, March 2, 2018 so that proper follow-up and marketing of the session can be completed.

Submission Form

Those wanting to submit a speaker for consideration rather than a panel or presentation idea, please email Nicole Hennessey at nicole.hennessey@musicbiz.org

• Each proposal should be as specific as possible, especially in the title and description of your program.
• Proposal must contain:
  • Title: Should be concise (10 words or less) and descriptive of the program content. The more creative and intriguing the title, the higher the probability of getting registrants to read further.
  • Session Description: The description will be used in the submission evaluation process and should include main points, objectives and goals of the proposed program. This description will also be used in the event’s program book. This description provides the basis upon which attendees select the sessions that they will attend. Explain what the audience will learn from the presentation/panel and how they may be able to implement that in their businesses.
  • Participants: List, in addition to the organizer, individuals who you propose, or who you have confirmed are interested and available, who will be part of the presentation.
• Proposals will be rejected if all information on the online submission form is not completed.
• An organizer may submit a maximum of three (3) proposals and cannot submit the same proposal more than once.

Expenses

• There are no fees required to submit a proposal.
• Music Biz membership is not a requirement for submitting a proposal.
• Music Biz does NOT pay per diem or honoraria, or provide travel expenses or hotel accommodations for those chosen to speak.
• Presenters/panelists will receive a complimentary full registration to attend the event.

Presentation Particulars

• The programming space at the Omni Nashville Hotel will include:
  • 6′ table with 3 chairs and table microphones;
  • Podium with microphone;
  • Laptop computer;
  • Internet connection; and
  • Screen with LCD projector.
• If the presentation requires equipment other than that shown above, organizer and/or participants must provide equipment at their own expense.
• All presentation slides (PPT, Keynote or PDF preferred) must be delivered to Music Biz by May 11 to be loaded on a shared computer that will be set and ready when you arrive at your presentation room.