Conference News Archives - CelebrityAccess https://celebrityaccess.com Wed, 14 Aug 2024 16:59:08 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.9.10 https://celebrityaccess.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/cropped-Untitled-design-min-2-32x32.png Conference News Archives - CelebrityAccess https://celebrityaccess.com 32 32 European Festival Summit Set to Explore the Future of Festivals https://celebrityaccess.com/2024/08/14/european-festival-summit-set-to-explore-the-future-of-festivals/ Wed, 14 Aug 2024 16:59:08 +0000 https://celebrityaccess.com/?p=153220 KARLSRUHE, Germany (VIP NEWS) — YOROPE – The European Festival Association is inviting festival organizers, event professionals, and other interested stakeholders to participate in the European Festival Summit, scheduled for November 18-20 in Karlsruhe, Germany. The event aims to bring together leaders from the festival industry and experts from various fields, including artificial intelligence (AI),

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KARLSRUHE, Germany (VIP NEWS) — YOROPE – The European Festival Association is inviting festival organizers, event professionals, and other interested stakeholders to participate in the European Festival Summit, scheduled for November 18-20 in Karlsruhe, Germany.

The event aims to bring together leaders from the festival industry and experts from various fields, including artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and climate research, to discuss the future of festivals in Europe.

YOUROPE, a key organization representing popular music festivals across Europe, has organized the summit with a focus on making festivals more resilient and sustainable. The event is designed to provide attendees with opportunities to network, share knowledge, and explore ways to enhance the festival sector.

The summit will feature a diverse program of panels, presentations, interactive sessions, and keynote interviews. Topics will include the future of the festival sector, the impact of extreme weather, the role of AI and cybersecurity in festivals, and the social and environmental responsibilities of these events.

Some of the session topics announced include:
– The future of the festival sector
– Festivals and Generation Z
– Festivals’ role in society
– Independent festivals
– Extreme weather at festivals
– Festivals and AI
– Festivals and cyber safety
– The social responsibility of festivals
– The impact of festivals on the climate and vice versa
– European funding for festivals
– The importance of “live”
– and many more

A number of speakers have already been confirmed for the event, including representatives from Roskilde Festival in Denmark, A Greener Festival in the UK, and the Lowlands Festival in the Netherlands. Additional speakers and participants are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

Holger Jan Schmidt (pictured), General Secretary of YOUROPE, highlighted the significance of the summit:

“Within our network, we have spent the past three years looking at the resilience, responsibility and relevance of festivals from a variety of perspectives in our project ‘3F Future-Fit-Festivals’. Now is the perfect time to bring the European festival family and experts from the wider sector to the same place to delve deeper into these topics and also to set a path for the future together. We are looking forward to 48 fantastic hours in Karlsruhe with leading professionals from live events, science, and specialized areas. The summit’s program is coming along excellently and will be exceptional and inspiring.”

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SXSW 2025 Panels Worth Voting For From Bandsintown, Rock Paper Scissors, The Orchard & More https://celebrityaccess.com/2024/08/12/sxsw-2025-panels-worth-voting-for-from-bandsintown-rock-paper-scissors-the-orchard-more/ Mon, 12 Aug 2024 16:33:40 +0000 https://celebrityaccess.com/?p=153136 (Hypebot) — SXSW PanelPicker voting ends this Sunday, August 18. We’ve put together an extensive list of SXSW 2025 panels worth voting for. Anyone can register for a free SXSW account to vote, helping ensure the best panels are chosen.\     SXSW 2025 panels worth voting for Below are the panel titles, descriptions, and

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(Hypebot) — SXSW PanelPicker voting ends this Sunday, August 18. We’ve put together an extensive list of SXSW 2025 panels worth voting for. Anyone can register for a free SXSW account to vote, helping ensure the best panels are chosen.\

 

SXSW 2025 panels worth voting for

 

SXSW 2025 panels worth voting for

Below are the panel titles, descriptions, and links to the SXSW 2025 panels worth voting for from Bandsintown, Rock Paper Scissors, The Orchard, and more.

Fabrice Sergent, the co-founder and managing partner of Bandsintown, is a panelist in two of this year’s top SXSW submissions: one from the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) and the other via Artist For Artists.

Small Stages, Big Impact: Saving Indie Stages for Artists

This panel will explore the challenges faced by independent stages and the essential role they play in nurturing new artists and fostering vibrant communities. Hear from industry experts and artists who have first-hand knowledge of supporting these stages. Discover how a national program, Live Independent, is working to elevate cultural havens and ensure a thriving future for live music.

In a world where corporate dominance threatens the diversity of live music, these intimate spaces are crucial for emerging talent to hone their craft and connect with audiences.

Panelists

  • Stephen Parker, Executive Director, National Independent Venue Association (NIVA)
  • Andre Perry, Board President of NIVA and Executive Director of the Hancher Auditorium and the Office of Performing Arts and Engagement, University of Iowa, National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) and University of Iowa
  • Fabrice Sergent, Managing Director, Bandsintown
  • Kiely Mosiman, Music Agent, Wasserman

The Future of Live Music Experiences

We will go past the surface on groundbreaking changes shaping the future of live music. Industry leaders, tech innovators and prominent artists will discuss the evolving landscape...from the rise of virtual and augmented reality concerts to the integration of AI-driven productions and developments in audience engagement/accessibility. The discussion will cover the sustainability and logistical challenges of these emerging formats, aiming to provide a comprehensive outlook on our industry.

Panelists

From The Orchard

The Future Of Hip-Hop Is Global 

This will address the massive influence that Hip-hop has across the global music industry. Hear from label owners, A&R executives, and more on how they are discovering and developing the next generation of Hip-hop artists. Learn about the global fanbase of hip-hop and the way the genre is adapting, influencing a new era of artists, and reaching new audiences beyond the US.

Peek-A-Boo: Children’s Music Is Hiding In Plain Sight

Talk about fans… no fans are quite as dedicated to their favorite musical artists as kids. This session will discuss the nuance of children’s music, the advantages of investing in Children’s music, and the many ways we can learn from this fandom and apply a similar strategy across a variety of independent music genres.

From Rock Paper Scissors

A New Age of Independence: Modernized Artist Services

The steady growth of the DIY and independent side of the recorded music market, with indies having accounted for a groundbreaking 50% of the total revenue generated in 2023 on Spotify, calls for a discussion of what models and services are available to this group of artists.

This session will focus on the emergence of alternative models for independent and DIY artists, who have a diverse range of ideas about what success looks like. The panelists are industry experts who have an intimate knowledge of these ideas and how new models can productively respond to independent artists’ needs.

Artists in Games – What Works?

Gaming has 3.5B global players and intense loyalty and fandom. Can music artists break in games? Can artists develop new fans? Do these fans engage outside of the game? What does in-game monetization look like for artists beyond the sync license — virtual merch, emotes, and? We are entering an era of creativity and convergence of tech around music experiences, games, and virtual worlds. We need an equal amount of innovation in how artists and gaming engage fans together, and build successful practices to all artists. Join us and learn from key players who are deep in music and gaming.

Scrubbing the System: Music Data Management Today

In today’s music industry, data is king. It must be accurate, updated and consistent. Historically, data management has been another way the industry favors recorded music over publishing, with DSPs relying on labels to submit backend data. To protect all parties involved and ensure accurate compensation, we must foster open dialogue addressing our data management challenges. We will discuss how to treat data meticulously, hold rights holders accountable, and set responsibilities that achieve results for all. We plan for a music business journalist to moderate, and speakers from a DSP & label.

Music Tech Meetup – RPS (Jade)

Music Tech Meetup where we bring together innovative minds in music and technology for a roundtable. Let’s share why we got into the space, B2B tips on how to succeed in making partnerships, and discuss how to attract great talent to your company.

How To Startup: 20 Essential Lessons in Music TechLaunching a music startup is like peeling an onion: the many layers go on forever, and it makes most people want to cry for no reason. In this fast masterclass, founders get insights on the wide range of skills required to succeed. We’ll cover ideation, product-market fit, money, investment, music licensing, and more. Dmitri Vietze (Rock Paper Scissors  & Music Tectonics) has captured the best lessons from the top startup experts in music tech via his How to Startup series on the Music Tectonics podcast. Sun Jen Yung (Nfluence Partners), an investment banker and advisor, knows what it takes for startups to get investment or get acquired.

Forge New Connections: Reimagining Artist Management in a Fragmented World

The media landscape is fractured, audiences are diverse. How can artists adapt and forge lasting connections? Join Ross Michaels from Park Ave Artists, the forward-thinking agency redefining artist careers, and GRAMMY-nominated artist/producer Alissia (known for her work with Mary J. Blige, Bruno Mars, and more) for a fireside chat exploring innovative artist management strategies. Learn how to create space for artists beyond traditional channels, build engaged fanbases, and leverage technology & unexpected partnerships to forge unforgettable connections with audiences.

Rethinking the Tune: Ethical Compensation Models for the AI-Powered Music Industry

The music industry is undergoing a sonic revolution. AI is rapidly transforming music creation, distribution, and consumption. While exciting, this shift raises a crucial question: how can we ensure artists are ethically compensated in this evolving landscape?Join the Head of Audio for Kits.AI, Kyle Billings, for a thought-provoking presentation that will explore ethical AI-based compensation models for artists in the music industry. Delve into the current challenges and discover innovative solutions that empower artists and ensure they are fairly rewarded for their creativity.

From Local to Global: Navigating Emerging Markets

Audiomack Co-Founder and CMO David Ponte will sit down with a global artist TBD to discuss the ins and outs of breaking as a global musician. The wide-ranging discussion will be a mixture of personal anecdotes and actionable tips for musicians from smaller market areas or countries looking to find their audience – and their true fans – no matter where in the world they reside.

How to make your tech work for you and your music career 

For indie artists, tech and its trends can feel like an overwhelming headwind, forcing musicians into panic mode or the fetal position. Yet technology can be mastered, and the more you know, the better you can use these tools to your advantage. To do this, artists need to think like a Chief Technical Officer (CTO).

Audiosalad CEO Iain Catling will show musicians how they can embrace the role of CTO in their careers, taking charge of their tech stack just as they do the tools used to create their art. Young labels will also learn how best to support their emerging artists.

The Future of Monetization in Music (Is Not Streaming)

For too long creators have wrongly assumed that their best avenue for sustainable monetization is through streaming royalties. That couldn’t be more wrong.

Our panel of experts will explore the vast opportunities creators have to monetize their work outside of uploading to DSPs and waiting for meager royalty returns. There is an entire ecosystem of monetization possibilities before the distribution phase, a fact that is often overlooked and underused.

Attendees will leave equipped with practical insights to transform their approach to monetization through new forms of creation and collaboration.

Share your Story: Why I got into Music Tech 

Take a breath from the panels and meetings to connect with people who share your passion! Join veterans and newbies from all walks of the industry as they journey through their story of working at the convergence of Music and Tech. Hear what trials and tribulations peers faced to get to where they are and how far the industry has come. Meet and connect with potential partners, co-founders, investors, and advisors who will help you take your business to the next level all in a supportive and facilitated environment.

Harnessing the Healing Power of Music in Modern Medicine

Discover the transformative role of music in contemporary healthcare at this enlightening panel. With advancements in streaming technology and AI, accessing therapeutic music has never been easier, offering personalized recommendations and curated playlists tailored to individual preferences and needs.

Join leading experts who are pioneering the integration of music into medical practice. They will share real-world applications and explore the future of music as a vital component of healthcare, enhancing mental well-being, pain management, and overall quality of life.

Navigating the Digital Soundscape: Safeguarding Gen Alpha’s Music Journey

As Gen Alpha dives into the digital world, their interaction with music is evolving faster than ever before.

Our panel explores the dynamics of music consumption among young people, examining the impact of current safety measures such as age-gating on their access to music.

Are these safeguards inadvertently restricting their musical exploration and creativity?

We delve into how children are discovering, purchasing, and interacting with music amidst stringent online safety protocols.

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A2IM Heads To Australia For Indie-Con 2025 https://celebrityaccess.com/2024/08/01/a2im-heads-to-australia-for-indie-con-2025/ Thu, 01 Aug 2024 17:06:21 +0000 https://celebrityaccess.com/?p=152667 ADELAIDE, South Australia (CelebrityAccess) – The American Association of Independent Music, Inc. (A2IM) announced its debut international event, A2IM Indie Week Australian Edition. Set to be held during the AIR (Australian Independent Record Labels Association) annual 2025 Indie-Con conference in Adelaide in 2025, the event will bring A2IM’s Indie Week programming to Australia for the

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ADELAIDE, South Australia (CelebrityAccess) – The American Association of Independent Music, Inc. (A2IM) announced its debut international event, A2IM Indie Week Australian Edition.

Set to be held during the AIR (Australian Independent Record Labels Association) annual 2025 Indie-Con conference in Adelaide in 2025, the event will bring A2IM’s Indie Week programming to Australia for the first time.

“We thank all our sponsors and are especially grateful to the South Australian Government through its Music Development Office for their continued support. This will enable us to host the world’s largest independent music conference, Indie Week as part of AIR’s events and expand our ability to facilitate global connections,” stated AIR CEO, Maria Amato.

“We are honored and excited to bring A2IM Indie Week’s first-ever international event to Adelaide. A2IM extends our heartfelt thanks to AIR and The South Australian Government through its Music Development office for this incredible opportunity. This event promises to be a global hub for independent music, fostering a dynamic community of industry leaders and sharing future-shaping ideas that will propel music forward,” added Lisa Hresko, A2IM, General Manager.

Along with their Australian plans, A2IM announced that Indie Week 2025 will make its return to the Intercontinental Times Square in New York City, with the Libera Awards serving as the kick-off to the event on June 9th.

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Music Forward Foundation Announces The All Access Fest Virtual 2024 https://celebrityaccess.com/2024/07/31/music-forward-foundation-announces-the-all-access-fest-virtual-2024/ Wed, 31 Jul 2024 22:53:11 +0000 https://celebrityaccess.com/?p=152659 LOS ANGELES (CelebrityAccess) — Music Forward Foundation, a national non-profit backed by Live Nation, announced the All Access Fest Virtual 2024, an expansion of the annual in-person event that takes place in April at the iconic Hollywood Palladium. The free virtual event will take place on Tuesday, September 10, from 9AM to 2PM PT, providing

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LOS ANGELES (CelebrityAccess) — Music Forward Foundation, a national non-profit backed by Live Nation, announced the All Access Fest Virtual 2024, an expansion of the annual in-person event that takes place in April at the iconic Hollywood Palladium.

The free virtual event will take place on Tuesday, September 10, from 9AM to 2PM PT, providing an opportunity for up-and-coming artists and aspiring industry professionals to put their stamp on the live entertainment industry.

The fest will include keynotes, panels, and roundtables with thought leaders from across the industry, along with networking opportunities, and a virtual expo.

The event also includes artist development resources, including opportunities to listen to and view other artists’ music, and revisit past open mic sessions.

Featured Speakers & Industry Experts include:
• Brandon Pankey, VP of Business Development and Operations, Live Nation Urban
• Janette Berrios, VP of Corporate Marketing, Symphonic
• Max Weinberg, VP of Marketing, Interscope Capitol Labels Group
• Stephanie Hudacek, President, Rounder Records
• Katie Holmes, Director of Business Development, ROSTR
• Joe Aboud, Founder & CEO, 444 Sounds
• Andile Nlovu, Founder & CEO, Fractal
• Davina Thomas, Co-Founder & Co-CEO, 24/7 Artists
• Nikki Sanz, Founder & CEO, GIGGS
• Taylor Mims, Live Entertainment Reporter, Billboard
• Stefany Reed, Senior Director of Artist Partnerships, Live Nation

Featured Sponsors and Exhibitors include:
• Live Nation
• House of Blues
• Concord Music Group
• The NAMM Foundation
• Girls Who Listen
• HeadCount

Register for free at https://musicforwardfoundation.org/all-access-fest-virtual/.

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ASM Global Releases The Results Of A Major New Survey On Convention Trends https://celebrityaccess.com/2024/07/30/asm-global-releases-the-results-of-a-major-new-survey-on-convention-trends/ Tue, 30 Jul 2024 19:03:17 +0000 https://celebrityaccess.com/?p=152607 LOS ANGELES (CelebrityAccess) — ASM Global, the venue management and live events company, revealed the results of a major new survey that examines millennials and Gen Z’s relationship with conventions, conferences and events. Conducted by ASM Global’s proprietary INSIGHTS customer-experience platform, the survey collected data from organizers, exhibitors and attendees over the last six months

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LOS ANGELES (CelebrityAccess) — ASM Global, the venue management and live events company, revealed the results of a major new survey that examines millennials and Gen Z’s relationship with conventions, conferences and events.

Conducted by ASM Global’s proprietary INSIGHTS customer-experience platform, the survey collected data from organizers, exhibitors and attendees over the last six months regarding their experiences during meetings, conferences and conventions across all ASM Global-managed convention centers.

The comprehensive survey collected more than 110,000 data points and ASM Global will leverage the data to introduce key initiatives they hope will redefine the convention and events industry.

“All of this amazing research validates the direction we’re now headed. It’s a journey into the future that we’ve already begun to bring to life as quickly as possible in venues like Pennsylvania Convention Center, Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland ,and Colorado Convention Center, which are in the early stages of our execution planned throughout our portfolio that we’re accelerating in the next few years,” stated Dan Hoffend, ASM Global executive vice president, convention centers.

Key findings from the survey:

INSIGHTS revealed that 42% of meeting, convention, and conference attendees were under the age of 40 with 18% of the attendees being under the age 25, a 6 percentage-point increase from the prior year.

Those under 40 are also becoming increasingly more interested in attending multiple conventions each year, with 60% stating they will attend two or more in 2024 and the majority regularly attending two to four per year in the future.

“A significant added priority will be to expand emerging customer bases for millennials and Gen Z. We want as many of our venues to be the most high-tech, user-friendly meeting and event spaces in the world,” Hoffend said. “The growth potential is boundless. ASM Global is the largest and best event platform on Earth, which enables us to deliver unparalleled participant-engagement moments for clients in environments that no other space can deliver. We are combining entertainment areas, work environments, and food zones to complete the experiential aspects of the advanced convention center experience.”

The survey also found that those millennials and Gen-Z attendees increasingly need a place to work while at events.

“Attendees need to continue their normal work activations while attending events. We are providing comfortable meeting zones to enable attendees to continue to stay connected and attend conferences without missing a key moment,” Hoffend said. “All of this while expanding the ASM Global Acts program, under which venues can successfully execute robust sustainability and social impact goals.”

To support that need, ASM Global envisions the creation of hush hubs, dedicated work areas where event attendees can catch up with their normal workflow.

“We want to enable our attendees to maximize their time in hubs where they can catch up with home/office work and then jump back into the event,” Hoffend said.

The survey also revealed that event attendees want greater connectivity and digital integration at events, including state-of-the-art digital networks, digital wayfinding, wellness programs, video/virtual immersive experiences, relaxation and productivity lounges, personal meeting spaces, and more.

The INSIGHTS research study also revealed the importance of the digital experience, including effective social media in the lead-up to, and during events, including on-site/off-site events, interactive elements, high-speed digital connectivity, convenience, improved food and beverage offerings, and more.

“Through INSIGHTS, we’re gaining an understanding of what attendees want out of their experiences and seeing that all the little things make the biggest difference. We’re learning what foods and diets are highest in demand, how much courteous and attentive staff really matters, how important safety and security is to our guests, and more. We are able to hear what our guests are saying and implement; and as a result, we are seeing higher guest ratings across the board,” Hoffend said.

“The tide has turned,” added ASM Global Chief Marketing Officer Alex Merchán. “The younger generations are a driving force in the events industry; and with a new generation of influential players and decision-makers, it’s time to reimagine the industry around these evolving expectations.”

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Applications Are Open For Showcases And Community Panel Suggestions For SXSW 2025 https://celebrityaccess.com/2024/06/26/applications-are-open-for-showcases-and-community-panel-suggestions-for-sxsw-2025/ Wed, 26 Jun 2024 21:52:47 +0000 https://celebrityaccess.com/?p=151323 AUSTIN, TX (CelebrityAccess) — While registration for next year’s SXSW doesn’t officially begin until August, the annual music conference and festival announced that applications are now being accepted for the SXSW 2025 participation categories including PanelPicker session proposals, Music Festival Showcasing Artists, and two tech-centered competitions, SXSW Pitch and Innovation Awards. SXSW’s PanelPicker is the

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AUSTIN, TX (CelebrityAccess) — While registration for next year’s SXSW doesn’t officially begin until August, the annual music conference and festival announced that applications are now being accepted for the SXSW 2025 participation categories including PanelPicker session proposals, Music Festival Showcasing Artists, and two tech-centered competitions, SXSW Pitch and Innovation Awards.

SXSW’s PanelPicker is the conference’s official pipeline for user generated session proposals, with the community invited to submit ideas for sessions and showcases 2025.

PanelPicker entries will be accepted through a two-step process with panel ideas submitted between June 25 – July 21, 2024 and then voted for by members of the community from August 6 – 18, 2024.

Showcase suggestions (with a fee of $35) will be accepted from June 25–August 31, with a late-entry window open from September 1st through midnight PST on October 31st.

Music Showcase applications are open to:

All music genres
Artists from around the world
Signed and unsigned artists
Important details:

Important details for showcase submissions

One official SXSW showcase performance is guaranteed per invited act
Showcase slots run an average of 40 minutes (some exceptions may apply)
Showcases will take place between March 10-15, 2025
SXSW does not cover artist travel or accommodation expenses
Some showcases may not provide backline

Music festival showcase applications can be submitted here: https://cart.sxsw.com/products/bandapp and the Panel Picker is available at: https://panelpicker.sxsw.com

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NIVA Conference Sees Record Attendance For 2024 https://celebrityaccess.com/2024/06/14/niva-conference-sees-record-attendance-for-2024/ Fri, 14 Jun 2024 17:52:00 +0000 https://celebrityaccess.com/?p=150795 NEW ORLEANS (CelebrityAccess) — The National Independent Venue Association held its third annual conference in New Orleans in early June with a record 1,300 attendees turning out for four days of panels, workshops, networking, and live music. The conference took place at venues around the city and featured panel discussions led by more than 150

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NEW ORLEANS (CelebrityAccess) — The National Independent Venue Association held its third annual conference in New Orleans in early June with a record 1,300 attendees turning out for four days of panels, workshops, networking, and live music.

The conference took place at venues around the city and featured panel discussions led by more than 150 industry experts who addressed subjects that ranged from artist and audience safety to technology, ticketing, marketing, and maximizing revenue.

Other panels explored proposed legislation to protect consumers, artists, and venues from predatory ticketing practices with experts educating the audience on the issues and suggesting ways for attendees to take action to create change in the ticketing industry.

During the conference, NIVA Executive Director Stephen Parker announced the election of two new board members – Sean Watterson, President and Co­-Owner of The Happy Dog in Cleveland, and Katie Tuten, Founder and Co-Owner of The Hideout in Chicago – both founding members of the organization.

“Sean and Katie have been critical to the live community that NIVA has built as state and local leaders, vocal advocates for independent stages, and passionate representatives for the needs of the nation’s smallest venues,” said Stephen Parker, NIVA Executive Director. “Their leadership, along with the leadership of our re-elected and continuing Board members, will be critical as NIVA strengthens our state and local policy development and undertakes research that will show the world the tremendous impact independent live entertainment has on the nation.”

Attendees were also treated to an ample smorgasbord of live music and the conference kicked off with the Official Opening Party, presented by Lyte at the famed New Orleans concert spot Tipitina’s, featuring performances from EIGHTLOCK and George Porter Jr. & Runnin Pardners. Other musical offerings included performances by Rebirth Brass Band and Tank and the Bangas at Republic NOLA, plus a NIVA Night in NOLA on Frenchmen Street at multiple NIVA member venues ending with Live Music Society Lounge at d.b.a and NITO at Blue Nile.

“The independent live community made our conference in New Orleans four days we’ll never forget. NIVA strives to be a place to learn about the issues, solutions, and best practices that uniquely apply to independent stages and the people that ensure shows happen,” said Parker. “Our industry showed up and meaningfully contributed to those conversations. What we saw and heard makes our hearts full. We hope it energizes our entire sector for the important work ahead throughout the year.”

“We are the most unique, effective places for supporting artist voices and bringing our people together in rural, suburban and urban America. Just like New Orleans, we have been and will remain a vital element of this nation’s character, its economy, its soul,” said Andre Perry, NIVA Board President in a speech during NIVA ‘24. “From the smallest to the biggest of us, it can be really hard to move through these current times, but that’s one of the reasons we are here to affirm community, to strengthen our connection.”

For 2025, the four-day NIVA conference will be headed to Milwaukee.

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Loft Entertainment Media & Oak View Group Acquire Canadian Music Week https://celebrityaccess.com/2024/06/03/loft-entertainment-media-oak-view-group-acquire-canadian-music-week/ Mon, 03 Jun 2024 14:35:33 +0000 https://celebrityaccess.com/?p=150229 TORONTO (CelebrityAccess) — Toronto-based entertainment company Loft Entertainment Media and Los Angeles-based Oak View Group have acquired Canadian Music Week. Neill Dixon, president of Canadian Music Week, announced his retirement on Monday (June 3) at the opening of this year’s CMW in Toronto. CMW will continue to be headquartered in Toronto with upcoming dates and details

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TORONTO (CelebrityAccess) — Toronto-based entertainment company Loft Entertainment Media and Los Angeles-based Oak View Group have acquired Canadian Music Week.

Neill Dixon, president of Canadian Music Week, announced his retirement on Monday (June 3) at the opening of this year’s CMW in Toronto.

CMW will continue to be headquartered in Toronto with upcoming dates and details for the 2025 event to be announced shortly.

“It has been an incredible journey to see Canadian Music Week grow from a small gathering of music lovers to one of the most influential music festivals and conferences in the world,” said Dixon in a press release. “I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished and deeply grateful to everyone who has been part of this journey.”

Randy Lennox

CMW was launched in 1983 by David Farrell and his wife Patricia Dunn-Farrell–then co-publishers of the weekly Canadian music trade, The Record. It began as The Record Music Industry Conference and was modeled on competitor RPM Weekly’s “Three Days in March” conferences in the late ‘60s and ‘70s.

Dixon’s marketing company Chart Toppers was initially hired in 1983 to book speakers and organize panels for the annual event. Over the next few years, the convention morphed into Canadian Music Week, and Dixon became a co-partner a couple of years after it began.

Dixon had opened Chart Toppers in 1985 to handle a wide variety of functions in the music industry. Among Chart Toppers’ consulting assignments were working with the Juno Awards, Molson Breweries, Pepsi-Cola, the Ontario Lottery Corporation and others.

When Dixon took over CMW fully in 1993, he transformed the event in order to address the evolving global reach of the music industry.

What Dixon achieved with CMW amidst ongoing seismic disturbances in the music industry, which transformed the conference multiple times, was largely because of his ability to continually reset his annual event to tune into all sectors of the music, radio and technological sectors.

“As I step aside and retire, I am confident that CMW is in excellent hands with Loft Entertainment and Oak View Group,” continued Dixon in the press statement. “Their passion, vision, and resources will ensure that CMW continues to thrive and evolve. I look forward to seeing the festival reach new heights under their leadership.”

Randy Lennox, founder of Loft Entertainment Media, told CelebrityAccess that “Loft is proud to partner with Oak View to acquire Canadian Music Week. We’re standing on the shoulders of what Neill Dixon has built over decades, and we can’t wait to start our exciting expansion plans.”

For more than four decades, the highly focused Lennox has been a visionary figure within Canada’s music industry.

Lennox began his career with MCA Records of Canada in 1978, working in the mailroom—for free. He soon became a customer service representative. By 1981, he had been promoted to Ontario branch manager; and became senior VP/GM in 1993, handling the company’s day-to-day domestic business.

Next, as the CEO of Universal Music Canada from 1998 to 2015, Lennox played a pivotal role in launching the careers of The Weeknd, Shawn Mendes, Drake, Justin Bieber, and Alessia Cara. He then served as the president and CEO of Bell Media from 2015 to 2021, leading a team of 7,800 people and creating strategic partnerships with iHeart Media, HBO Max, Starz, Vice, and BNN Bloomberg. He also built Canada’s subscriber streaming service, Crave, and spearheaded Bell’s acquisition of Pinewood Studios and Just For Laughs.

As executive producer, Lennox has overseen film documentaries of  Canadians Robbie Robertson, David Foster, and Buffy Saint-Marie.

It was Lennox as executive producer who also oversaw the Canadian music industry’s 1996 four-CD box set, “Oh What A Feeling,” and its four-CD follow-up “Oh What A Feeling 2” in 2001. The two comprehensive retrospectives of Canadian music raised $9.2 million (Canadian) for Canadian charities, The Safehaven Project for Community Living, Starlight Foundation, and MusiCounts, the music education charity associated with CARAS and the Juno Awards.

Lennox was inducted into the Canadian Music and Broadcast Industry Hall of Fame in 2010. He was also the recipient of the 2017 Walt Grealis Special Achievement Award, which recognizes individuals who have made an impact on the Canadian music industry.

In 2023, Lennox founded Loft Entertainment Media, a music management and television content entertainment company that invests “in culture-defining talent and creative partners to tell their stories.”

“Our vision (for CMW) is to enhance the festival experience, creating new opportunities for artists and attendees alike while maintaining the core values that have made CMW a beloved event,” explained Lennox in the acquisition press release.

Oak View Group, founded by Tim Leiweke and Irving Azoff in 2015, is a leading developer of major new venues, either open or under development across four continents.

OVG is also the owner of Pollstar.

OVG opened its Canada division in 2022 with the $280 million (Canadian) renovation of  Hamilton’s 19,000-seat FirstOntario Centre (formerly Copps Coliseum) as its first major effort in the country.

Led by OVG and the Hamilton Urban Precinct Entertainment Group, the FirstOntario Centre upgrade will see the city-owned facility stripped to its core over the next 13 months while adding premium seating, improved acoustics and artist lounges. The focus will be on heightened technology and sustainable operations.

“Oak View Group is delighted to expand our investment in the Canadian market and partner with Loft Entertainment in acquiring Canadian Music Week,” said Oak View Group’s Tom Pistore. “This acquisition, along with our Hamilton Arena Project, aligns perfectly with our mission to elevate live entertainment experiences across the globe.”

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Live Music Society To Host The First Music In Action Summit After The NIVA Conference In NOLA https://celebrityaccess.com/2024/05/30/live-music-society-to-host-the-first-music-in-action-summit-after-the-niva-conference-in-nola/ Thu, 30 May 2024 19:03:54 +0000 https://celebrityaccess.com/?p=150112 (CelebrityAccess) — Live Music Society (LMS), a non-profit advocacy organization supporting small venues and listening rooms across the U.S., announced plans to host the first Music in Action Summit. The one-day summit will take place on June 6th at the historic Dew Drop Inn in New Orleans following the 2024 edition of the National Independent

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(CelebrityAccess) — Live Music Society (LMS), a non-profit advocacy organization supporting small venues and listening rooms across the U.S., announced plans to host the first Music in Action Summit.

The one-day summit will take place on June 6th at the historic Dew Drop Inn in New Orleans following the 2024 edition of the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) conference.

The summit will bring together for the first time representatives of 31 venues that received Music in Action Grants from the LMS to share knowledge and experience to develop potential solutions to challenges faced by small and independent venue operators.

Panelists announced for the inaugural summit include: Summer Jager, Owner, Ivy Room, Albany, California, Lani Torres, Owner, Ivy Room, Albany, California, Robin Johnson, Owner, The Stone Church, Brattleboro, Vermont, Rachael Arrington, General Manager, Maple Leaf Bar, New Orleans, Louisiana, and Sean Watterson, Owner, Happy Dog, Cleveland, Ohio.

Along with their own event on June 6th, the Live Music Society will be on hand during the NIVA conference, hosting activations during the event that includes panel discussions with recent grant recipients, a sponsored working lounge throughout the conference, and a happy hour to close the conference.

The update on LMS’s conference activities follows the announcement earlier this month of the recipients of the r second annual Music in Action grant, which saw a total of $710,000 awarded to 24 small venues around the U.S.

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Spotify’s Global Head of Music, Jeremy Erlich Announced For 2024 CMW Fireside Chat https://celebrityaccess.com/2024/05/16/spotifys-global-head-of-music-jeremy-erlich-announced-for-2024-cmw-fireside-chat/ Thu, 16 May 2024 18:05:38 +0000 https://celebrityaccess.com/?p=149638 TORONTO (CelebrityAccess) — Organizers for Canadian Music Week announced that Jeremy Erlich, Global Head of Music at Spotify will be featured during a rare Fireside Chat session during this year’s Canadian Music Week. Hosted by Randy Lennox, President of Loft Entertainment, the Fireside Chat will examine how Spotify encourages artist discovery through innovative tools, technology,

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TORONTO (CelebrityAccess) — Organizers for Canadian Music Week announced that Jeremy Erlich, Global Head of Music at Spotify will be featured during a rare Fireside Chat session during this year’s Canadian Music Week.

Hosted by Randy Lennox, President of Loft Entertainment, the Fireside Chat will examine how Spotify encourages artist discovery through innovative tools, technology, and maketing.

Erlich has had a leadership role at Spotify since 2019 and is responsible for driving the company’s overall music strategy, which includes music editorial, partnerships, marketing, operations, as well as developing and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders such as record labels and music publishers.

The session will take place on Wednesday, June 5th at the Westin Harbour Castle in Toronto as part of Canadian Music Week.

Registration for the Fireside Chat and other events is now open at https://www.cmw.net.

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