Helping today's music business students become tomorrow's leaders!

Event Agenda

Saturday, September 28th

12 — 12:30 pm CT
Event Kick-off: Check-In, Lunch & Networking
Get checked-in and grab a slice or two of Slim & Husky’s famous artisan pizza. Inspired by Hip-Hop and R&B, try the “Got 5 On It” cheese pizza or the “Rone, Roni, Rony” pepperoni pizza. And be sure to grab a napkin, as you never know which executive you’ll run into! 

12:30 — 12:40 pm CT
Welcome To #NEXTGEN_U
We’ll kick things off promptly at 12:30 PM CT with opening remarks from our event curator: Sonya Askew, Membership Director for the Music Business Association. Sonya is a seasoned music industry professional and will talk about her career journey and the state of today’s music business. 

12:40 — 1:25 pm CT
Beyond The Traditional: A Keynote Conversation with Rimas Publishing’s Christopher Hernandez
A Full Sail University graduate with a storied 10 year career in the music business with stints at Warner Bros Pictures and 20th Century Fox, Christopher Hernandez now serves as Licensing Manager at Rimas Publishing, the independent award-winning publisher based in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Besides his daily responsibilities, Hernandez serves on various industry boards and councils, contributing positively to advancement of music and entertainment. We’ll discuss his journey into today’s hot Latin sync market, and get some tips on how this young professional balance work and life while keeping his passion for the business burning. 

1:25 — 2:20 pm CT
A Day in the Life of a Studio Manager
Think studio management is just about booking rooms, assigning gear, and collecting payments? Think again! It’s that and SO MUCH MORE. Join this session to dive into the ART and personal touch that makes studio management truly magical. Discover the secrets behind creating an unforgettable experience for artists and clients, ensuring every session runs smoothly and creatively.

Moderator:
Samantha Saint-Germain, Sr. Director, Early Talent Development (US), UMG

Panelists:
Joseph Barrett – Senior Director, Early Career & Workforce Development (Propel Center)
Kelly King, Manager, East Iris Studio (UMG)
Lanei Spight – Front Desk Receptionist, East Iris Studios (UMG)

2:20 — 2:50 pm CT
Networking Break

2:50 — 3:50 pm CT
From Classroom to Career
Hear from the experts the skills needed in the future of the music industry and why. Take notes for where and how to gain these skills. Don’t miss hearing what impresses hiring managers the most. Each of the experts will give their top ideas for new graduates. Bottom line — if you want to know your career future, create it!

Moderator:
Leigh McCorkle, Chief People Officer, The MLC

Panelists:
Serena L., VP of Human Resources at Big Loud
Pam Matthews, Exec. Director, International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA)
Samantha Saint-Germain, Sr. Director, Early Talent Development (US), UMG

3:50 — 5 pm CT
It’s A WRRRAP — A Writing Really Righteous Resumes After Party!
Who says that you can’t combine business and pleasure? During this networking hour, you will not only have a chance to grab some swag from our partners, but most importantly, meet and greet with the event’s speakers and have your resume reviewed by music industry people experience professionals. Bring a few physical copies of your resume and get some tips on how to create a concise summary that encapsulates your traits and skills and gets you noticed quicker.

Participating Executives:
Joseph Barrett, Senior Director, Early Career & Workplace Development
Serena L., VP of Human Resources, Big Loud
Pam Matthews, Executive Director, IEBA (International Entertainment Buyers Association)
Leigh McCorkle, Chief People Officer, The MLC
Samantha Saint-Germain, Sr. Director, Early Talent Development (US), UMG

Plus representatives from:
AEG Presents
FBMM: Entertainment Business Management
Outback Presents
Ryman Auditorium
William Morris Agency
United Talent Agency

5 pm CT
Event Ends

You can also view full agendas and speaker slates from our past #NEXTGEN_U events held in August 2020, February 2021, August 2021, February 2022 and February 2023!