The R2I Spring Tune Up Conference is priced to ensure that ALL artists can afford to participate. The conference will feature knowledgeable panelists and keynote speakers. All panels and workshops are interactive to ensure delegates can connect with key members of the music industry. This conference, while focused on country music, will be relevant to many genres of music.
Panel and discussion topics include songwriting, publishing, distribution, marketing and promotion, funding, and more! There is also an opportunity for artists to showcase.
Joel Baskin, Agent, The Feldman Agency
Liam Killeen, Artist Manager Assoc.,Coalition Entertainment
Louis O’Reilly, VP Management and Label Divisions, Invictus Entertainment
Panel and discussion topics include songwriting, publishing, distribution, marketing and promotion, funding, and more! There is also an opportunity for artists to showcase.
SATURDAY, MAY 28, 2016
8:00AM – 5:00PM | REGISTRATION |
9:30AM – 10:10AM | MORNING COFFEE: CAFFEINE FIX FOR BEGINNERS ( included with conference pass ) |
10:10AM – 10:15AM | WELCOMING ADDRESS |
10:15AM – 11:15AM | MANAGERS VS. AGENTS: WHEN YOU NEED THEM AND WHEN THEY NEED YOU |
Moderator:
Brian Hetherman, President, Cerberus ManagementPanelists:
Stefanie Purificati,Agent, UTAJoel Baskin, Agent, The Feldman Agency
Liam Killeen, Artist Manager Assoc.,Coalition Entertainment
Louis O’Reilly, VP Management and Label Divisions, Invictus Entertainment
11:30AM – 12:30PM | BANDS JUST WANNA HAVE FUNDS: MEET YOUR FUNDERS |
There are a number of ways you can come up with money to kick-start a music career. Whether it’s seed money for your next recording, tour expenses, production money for that video or start up funds to develop your business, this panel of experts from multiple disciplines will explain the tax credits, grant programs and funding available to help the independent artists and SME’s turn their talent into revenue.
Jeff Hayward, FACTOR
Mark Watts, Ontario Music Fund
Moderator:
Keely Kemp, Culture CapJeff Hayward, FACTOR
Mark Watts, Ontario Music Fund
12:30PM – 1:30PM | LUNCH: CHOW’S ON US (included with conference pass) |
1:30PM – 2:30PM | ALL I HAVE TO DO IS STREAM |
With so many digital distribution points – how do artists break through the clutter to be heard? What opportunities are there for indie artists and how can they get the most out of streaming? What does streaming mean for artist revenue and sales? How have other artists been successful on streaming platforms? How important are playlists? Why aren’t Taylor Swift and Adele on streaming services? Join us as a panel of industry professionals representing streaming services, labels, artists and digital distributors debate these questions and more.
J. Spencer Mussellam, Label Manager, Believe Digital
Louis O’Reilly, VP Management and Label Divisions, Invictus Entertainment
Moderator:
Ashley Sperling, Marketing Manager, Cadence MusicPanelists:
Sherry Sinclair, Project Manager, Digital Services, Bell MediaJ. Spencer Mussellam, Label Manager, Believe Digital
Louis O’Reilly, VP Management and Label Divisions, Invictus Entertainment
2:45PM – 3:45PM | I CAN’T FEEL MY FACEBOOK: ENGAGING YOUR AUDIENCE |
With endless social platforms and plenty of online clutter it can be overwhelming for artists to engage with their audience online in a meaningful way. Our panel will discuss how artists can approach digital marketing and create content that engages, connects and creates long-term fans.
Sean Andernacht, Socal Media Promotions, Cadence Music
Lindsay Hyslop, Manager, Marketing & Digital, RGK Entertainment
Moderator:
Allan Mamaril, M88Panelists:
Eric Alper, Director Media Relations and Label Relations, eOne Music CanadaSean Andernacht, Socal Media Promotions, Cadence Music
Lindsay Hyslop, Manager, Marketing & Digital, RGK Entertainment
4:00PM – 5:00PM | WHY DID THE COUNTRY SINGER CROSS THE BRAND: MUSIC PARTNERSHIPS AND CROSS PROMOTIONS |
Today’s consumer brands are stepping in where the record labels left off in helping bands get discovered. Meanwhile, emerging music has proven to be an effective way to reach today’s young consumers who are demanding authenticity and want to engage in a dialogue with their favorite bands and brands. This panel will take a closer look at these trends and discuss examples of brands that are doing this successfully.
Andres Mendoza, Talent, Strategy and Marketing, Cuto
Nicole Wolff, Marketing Manager, Molson Coors
Moderator:
Kevin Goodman, CEO, FRC MarketingPanelists:
Janis Nixon, Group Account Director, Shed Creative AgencyAndres Mendoza, Talent, Strategy and Marketing, Cuto
Nicole Wolff, Marketing Manager, Molson Coors
5:00PM | DINNER (not included with conference pass) |
SUNDAY MAY 29, 2016
8:30AM – 6:00PM | REGISTRATION |
9:30AM – 10:45AM | AGM BREAKFAST (hot breakfast included with conference pass) |
This is your CMAO and it’s time to help select the Directors who will steer the ship into the future. If you are a member in good standing, come and hear the candidates speak, exercise your right to vote, receive your copy of the financial statements, hear about the CMAO’s operations and direction, and meet your fellow members at the Annual General Meeting.
11:00AM – 12:00PM | THERE’S NO BUSINESS IN SHOW BUSINESS…UNTIL NOW |
Managing a creative business is similar to being a General of an Army. As a general, one will have to make critical big picture decisions to ensure the mission’s success. Our panelists will discuss key big picture items relating to running a musically driven business, including topics such as the legal structure, managing and raising money, understanding and managing risks and taxation. This session will cover:
- What does the legal structure mean to running a business, including taxation.
- What sources of revenues artists can expect to earn? How to raise capital and financing?
- What are some of the risks that artist businesses face and how to protect the business?
- Most artists don’t have regular inflow of cash. How to manage the large inflows and dry spells, so you don’t put yourself in financial hole.
Moderator:
Sam Arraj, CPA, CA, CW Partners LLPPanelists:
Paul Sanderson, Entertainment Lawyer, Sanderson LawD. Jae Gold, Partner, BA, CPA, CA, CFE, D. Jae Gold Entertainment Accountants
Chris Case, Insurance Broker, Dan Lawrie Insurance Brokers
Rona Birenbaum B.A.S., CFP, CHFS, Financial Planner, Caring for Clients
12:15PM – 1:15PM | WE’RE ALL EARS: DEMO LISTENING SESSION |
Smash or Trash? Egos and reputations will be on the line as our panel with a Music Supervisor, Music Publisher, Songwriter and Music Director who will say yay or nay (or maybe ‘Hey’!) to a handful of unreleased singles. Each track will be played without advance knowledge of the artist or label and judged on merit alone. Do these guys recognize a hit when they hear one? It’s time for them to show what they know.
Moderator:
Pete Walker, Music Director, Durham RadioPanelists:
Steve Wilkinson, SongwriterBrian Allen, President, Amplus Productions
Kyle Merkley, Music Supervisor, Arpix Media
1:15PM – 2:15PM | LUNCH BREAK |
2:30PM – 3:30PM | SOCAN PRESENTATION: ARE P.R.O.s STILL VALID? |
SOCAN, Canada’s Music Rights Organization works to get you paid when your music is played. Whether live in concert, on the radio or digitally, learn how we keep the money straight for our members. Join SOCAN Account Executive, Bruce Landon as he dives into the behind the scenes world of royalties and music rights in a 101 style session with opportunities for Q&A.
Presenter:
Bruce Landon, Education and Outreach Coordinator, SOCAN3:45PM – 4:45PM | BEEN THERE, SUNG THAT: THE ARTIST PANEL |
These artists have been there, they’ve made the mistakes, so you don’t have to. In this panel, veterans of the country music scene tell their cautionary tales, offer advice about the business of music and discuss changes in the Industry that have taken place or are just around the corner.
Moderator:
Ted Roop, Director of Programming, Larche CommunicationsPanelists:
Jason Blaine, ArtistAaron Pritchett, Artist
Doug Oliver, Band Member, Cold Creek County
5:00PM – 6:00PM | CAPTAIN HOOK AND MAJOR MELODY: SONGWRITERS IN THE ROUND |
What’s it take to create a hit song? Our panel of veteran music hit makers reveals the secrets on writing a chart topping song. Learn insights into composing effective lyrics, melodies and hooks; and most importantly, how to develop persistence – which, in the end, leads to generating revenue. Expect some humorous anecdotes, and inspiring stories from today’s hottest songwriting hit makers.
Moderator:
Steve Parker, Executive Producer, Canadian Country SpotlightParticipants:
Aaron PritchettDonovan Woods
Patricia Conroy
7:00PM – 10:00PM | THE NEW FACES SHOWCASE |
A cornerstone of the CMAO’s mission is to help new Ontario talent get noticed and advance to the next level. Selected by a jury of industry experts, each artist will perform a mini-set live on the CMAO showcase stage. Come and see who the rising sun will be shining on tomorrow.
Host:
Ted Roop, Director of Programming, Larche CommunicationsPerformers:
Buck TwentyInstant Rivalry
Kristen Hawley Ben Hudson Amanda Jordan Sacha
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