CMAOntario Conference Program

May 31- June 1, 2025

The Textile Building, Hamilton

 

Ready to turn your passion for music into a thriving career? The CMAOntario R2i Conference is your backstage pass to the knowledge, tools, and industry connections you need to make it happen. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up, we’re here to help you navigate the ever-changing music business with confidence and clarity.

Over the course of this high-energy weekend, you’ll learn directly from seasoned pros, dive into hands-on workshops, and connect with a community that gets what you’re all about. From branding and pitching to songwriting and live performance, we’re covering every corner of the industry—and giving you real, practical takeaways you can use in your music entrepreneurship.

No matter where you are on your artistic path, you’ll leave with fresh ideas, new momentum, and the inspiration to keep building a sustainable, fulfilling career in music. Let’s get you where you’re going and have some fun along the way!

SATURDAY MAY 31

9:15AM-10:00AM (45 min)

PANEL DISCUSSION: THE STATE OF THE INDUSTRY

The country music industry is in constant motion—and music creators are at the heart of the action. From streaming platforms and social media to publishing, radio, and touring, the game is shifting, and there are new opportunities for every level of artist.

In this insightful (and energizing!) session, industry experts and successful indie artists will break down the biggest changes shaping today’s landscape. You’ll get real talk on the challenges, smart tips on how to build your audience and a behind-the-scenes look at how the pros are adapting. If you want to understand where the industry is going—and how to thrive in it—this is your must-attend kickoff session.

MODERATOR:

Rudy Blair, President, Rudy Blair Entertainment Media

PANELISTS:

Steve Kassay, Vice-President/Programming, Durham Radio

Mike Denney, President, MDM Recordings

Sara Franczyk, Founder, ZYK Marketing

Margaret McGuffin, CEO, Music Publishers Canada

Carla Hackman, President/CEO, FAME Group Agency

Samantha Pickard, President, Strut Entertainment

Clay Hunnicutt, President, Honey Music Inc.

Adam Bentley, President, Auteur Research

 

10:15AM-11:30AM (75 min)

WORKSHOP: KNOW WHO YOU ARE (BRAND IDENTITY)

Your brand is more than just a logo or a vibe—it’s the story you tell and the feeling you leave behind. In this hands-on, high-energy workshop, we’ll dive into what makes you stand out in the crowded music scene and how to bring that to life in a way that’s authentic, compelling, and unforgettable.

Together, we’ll unpack the core elements of your brand identity and craft the narrative that sets you apart. You’ll also get practical tips on visual branding, building a consistent social media presence, and using community engagement to grow a loyal fan base.

Whether you’re just getting started or ready for a brand refresh, this session is designed to spark clarity, creativity, and connection. Let’s find your voice—and make sure the world hears it.

FACILITATORS

Tara Shannon, Founder, Willow Sound Records

Samantha Pickard, President, Strut Entertainment

 

11:45AM-1:00PM (75 min)

WORKSHOP: THE ART OF THE PITCH

In today’s fast-moving music industry, knowing how to talk about who you are and what you do is just as important as the music itself. Whether you’re talking with a label rep, a festival booker, or a new fan, your pitch can open doors—or close them.

This interactive workshop will show you how to craft a pitch that’s clear, confident, and uniquely you. Learn from industry insiders as they break down what makes a pitch land (and what makes it flop). From quick elevator pitches to casual networking conversations, you’ll walk away with real skills and a fresh perspective on how to present yourself authentically and effectively.

Real conversation, hands-on exercises, and honest feedback—all designed to help you fine-tune your message and stand out in every room you walk into. Let’s turn those awkward intros into game-changing connections.

FACILITATORS

Nicole Rayy, Artist/Founder, Harmonia Live

Kat Cullen, KC Creative Productions

Tara Shannon, Founder, Willow Sound Records

 

1:15PM-2:45PM (90 min)

AGM & TOWN HALL 

Come join us at the 2025 Annual General Meeting of CMAOntario. This is your chance to help shape the future of our association. The Town Hall allows members to share their perspectives, ideas, and priorities to help the association understand the needs and preferences of its members. By actively participating in discussions and providing input, members can influence the development of strategic plans, priorities, and activities that align with the collective vision and goals of the association. (light lunch will be available)

SUNDAY JUNE 1

 

9:15AM-10:45AM (90 min)

MENTOR CAFE

It’s time to put your pitch into practice.

The Mentor Café is your chance to sit face-to-face with industry professionals and test out the skills you’ve learned in The Art of the Pitch. Think of it as networking with purpose.  This high-impact session gives you direct access to talent buyers, festival organizers, radio programmers, booking agents, managers, publishers, label reps, and more.

You’ll rotate through tables, each hosted by 1–2 professionals from a specific sector of the industry, where you’ll have a set amount of time to deliver your pitch and get honest, constructive feedback in real time. Not quite ready to pitch? No problem—pull up a chair and observe others in action to soak up insights and tips.

How it Works:

  • Sign-up happens at the end of The Art of the Pitch
  • Each table will host up to 2 pitches at a time.
  • Additional seats are available for observers.
  • If spots remain, they’ll open up on a first-come, first-served

Whether you’re polishing your pitch or fine-tuning your confidence, this is a rare opportunity to connect with key players in the country music industry to develop your professional skills—and make a memorable impression.

FACILITATORS:

Steve Kassay, Vice-President/Programming, Durham Radio

Mike Denney, President, MDM Recordings

Sara Franczyk, Founder, ZYK Marketing

Carla Hackman, President/CEO, FAME Group Agency

Samantha Pickard, President, Strut Entertainment

Clay Hunnicutt, President, Honey Music Inc

Adam Bentley, President, Auteur Research

Rudy Blair, President, Rudy Blair Entertainment Media

Tim Potoic, Owner/President, Sonic Unyon

Paul Ferguson, VP Programming and Operations, Starboard Communications

Dale Peters, President, Dale Speaking

Tiffany Luvv, President, Tiffany Luvv Management

Mark Watson, President Watson Entertainment

Sarah Falzon, Entertainment Lawyer, Taylor Oballa Murray Leyland LLP

Patrick Leyland, Entertainment Lawyer, Taylor Oballa Murray Leyland LLP

Brooke Dunford, Director Business Development, Republic Live

Lindsay Hyslop, BMG, Director, Recorded Music, Canada

 

11:00AM-11:45AM (45 min)

PEER CIRCLE: Social Media & Your Mental Health

Let’s talk about the side of social media we don’t always see.

As music creators, having an online presence is part of the job—but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy. Between the pressure to stay visible, the constant comparison, and the challenge of keeping it real in a curated world, social media can take a toll on your mental and emotional well-being.

This peer-led session is a safe, supportive space to explore the real impact of social media on artists today. Guided by a mental health professional, we’ll open up honest conversations about self-esteem, online harassment, the stress of always being “on,” and how to create healthier boundaries while still building your brand.

You’ll hear from other community members, share your own experiences if you feel called to, and walk away with strategies to help you navigate your digital life with more balance, clarity, and kindness—to yourself.

FACILITATOR:
Tara Shannon
Life & Wellness Coach

 

12:00AM-12:45PM (45 min)

PANEL DISCUSSION: BUILDING A CAREER AS A SONGWRITER

So you’ve got the passion, the pen, and a melody stuck in your head—but how do you turn songwriting into a real, sustainable career?

This panel brings together industry leaders and creative pros to talk about the real path to success as a songwriter in today’s country music scene. From crafting lyrics that resonate to navigating royalties and contracts, we’ll explore the creative and business sides of making a living through song.

What we’ll dive into:

  • The Business of Songwriting: Gain insights into copyright, royalties, and navigating contracts to protect your intellectual property.
  • Trends in Country Music: Stay updated on the evolving landscape of the genre and how to incorporate contemporary elements into your songwriting.
  • Networking Strategies: Discover effective ways to connect with artists, producers, and industry professionals to advance your career.

Whether you’re writing for yourself, pitching to others, or just curious about how the songwriting world works, this panel will leave you inspired, informed, and ready to write your next great hook.

MODERATOR:

Kat Cullen

PANELISTS:

Robyn Ottolini, Artist/Songwriter

Patrick James Clark, Artist/Songwriter

Jesse Slack, Artist/Songwriter

 

1:00PM-2:15PM (75 min)

SESSION: DESTROY THE STAGE with Luther Mallory

Step into the spotlight with confidence and authenticity in this transformative session led by renowned performance coach Luther Mallory. Drawing from his extensive experience coaching over 1,000 artists—including JUNO and Polaris Prize winners—Luther specializes in helping performers overcome mental barriers like overthinking and self-doubt to connect deeply with their audiences.

In this high-energy, interactive workshop, you’ll learn to:

  • Break through psychological obstacles that hinder your stage presence.
  • Harness expressive skills in voice, movement, and storytelling.
  • Engage audiences with genuine, fearless performances.

Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, Luther’s coaching will equip you with the tools to “Destroy the Stage” and leave a lasting impression.