R2i TuneUp Conference 2022

Registration

120min

Songs & Stories: Songwriters in the Round

Presented by Slaight Music

Creating music means different things to different people. And each musical genre presents its own unique challenges and opportunities, but this group of songwriters all have one thing in common - they continue to write hit after hit. Although different musical styles demand different approaches to performing and recording, a well-written song is a well-written song, whether it’s a country rave-up, an infectious pop standard or a rock anthem. Come hear the songs and stories behind the hits.

Host:               Randy Owen

Participants:

Jason Blaine

Dani Strong

The Wilkinsons

Ryan Langdon

90

Toboggan Brewing Co.

Registration

570min

WELCOMING ADDRESS

CMAOntario President Steve Kassay welcomes attendees as we kick off this year's educational series.

5min

Steve Kassay

After chasing the rock star dream, Steve moved from playing music to playing records.His career has taken him to various broadcast companies throughout Southern Ontario,on nationally syndicated live shows, in production, programming, on-air, MD & PD capacities. Now VP of Programming for Durham Radio, Steve manages operations forKX-96, KX-947, 94.9 The Rock, CKDO and wave.fm. […]

R2I NETWORKING ROUNDTABLE: ON THE FAST TRACK TO SUCCESS

Accelerate your career relationships. Join us for an interactive 70-minute session of roundtable discussions offering unique opportunities for learning and professional exchange. Get direct access to funders, agents, managers, labels, producers, talent buyers and festivals. Come prepared to engage in in-depth discussions, give and receive targeted feedback, meet colleagues with similar interests, and learn from the questions and experiences of your peers.

Following the model of a typical “speed dating” session, you will have the opportunity to speak with industry participants as they rotate around the room.

Facilitator:

Holly Kassay, Durham Radio

Participants:

Alex Tamashunis, A&R Manager, Creative Nation

Amber Bell, Director National Promotions, RGK Entertainment

Andrea Morris, President, AM to FM Promotions

Andy Hawke, Senior Project Manager, Anthem Records

Arun Chaturvedi, President, SAC

Bonnie Fedrau, Administrator, ACTRA/RACS

Brian Allen, President, AMPLUS Productions

Burt Gidaro, Entertainment Lawyer, Edwards Creative Law

Carla Hackman, Agent, Sakamoto Agency

Dale Peters, Owner/CEO, Dale Speaking

Dani Strong, President, Taylor Entertainment

Debbie Zavitson, Co-Founder, The Syndicut

Erik Fintelman, Manager, Workshop Music Group

Gilles Godard, Sr. VP Publishing, Anthem Entertainment

Jeff Dalziel, President, Dieselmusic

Jill Snell, VP & Co-Founder, Jayward Artist Group

Jodie Ferneyhough, President, CCS Rights Management

Joelle May, Director of Promotions & Artist Services, Sakamoto Music

Kate Howse, Logistics Manager, Sakamoto Agency

Lindsay Hyslop, Marketing Director, Anthem Entertainment

Megan Dancey, Marketing & Brand Specialist, Boots & Hearts

Michael Perlmutter, Music Supervisor GMSC, Instinct Entertainment

Michel Benac, President, LaFab Musique

Mike Denney, President, MDM Recordings

Neil Anthony, Marketing & Promotions Manager, Starseed Entertainment

Patrick Duffy, President, Attention Design

Paul Biro, President & Operating Partner, Sakamoto Agency

Sam Arraj, CPA, CMAOntario Board of Directors

Samantha Pickard, President, Strut Entertainment

Scott Steele, Music Industry Relations, plaympe

Sebastien Charest, Gestion de droits / Rights Management

Stacey Lee Guse, Artist, CMAOntario Board of Directors

Steve Kassay, VP Programming/Operations, Durham Radio

Tara Shannon, Co-Founder, The Syndicut

Tina Simpkin, Artist Management

Tracy-Ann Gagnon, Communications Manager, LaFab Musique

70min

Jill Snell

A 30-year veteran in the Canadian music industry, Jill started her career with major labels (Island/A&M/BMG) spanning 15 years  Over the next 15 years, Jill co-founded four indie labels; The Orange Record Label (Uni), Angeline (Fontana), Road Angel (Warner) and now have a new label and Mgmt company called Jayward Artist Group (co-owned by Tebey […]

Holly Kassay

Holly has spent most of her career as a professional broadcaster. She has hosted and co-hosted radio morning shows, coordinated promotions for concerts and events, and spent the last seven years writing and anchoring news on KX Country stations. A former career in child development highlighted unique skills in human understanding and psychology. A dedicated […]

Burt Gidaro

Burt is a passionate entertainment lawyer with extensive music industry, film, television, OTT, and agency/marketing law experience. He began his entertainment career in the business affairs department of Breakthrough Films & Television. He was then recruited by EMI Music Canada to serve as the Head of Business Affairs. He subsequently served in the business affairs […]

Steve Kassay

After chasing the rock star dream, Steve moved from playing music to playing records.His career has taken him to various broadcast companies throughout Southern Ontario,on nationally syndicated live shows, in production, programming, on-air, MD & PD capacities. Now VP of Programming for Durham Radio, Steve manages operations forKX-96, KX-947, 94.9 The Rock, CKDO and wave.fm. […]

Sam Arraj

Sam Arraj is a CPA, CA at Seeds Chartered Professional Accountants, an accounting practice that serves a broad rage of sectors, with a specific focus on music and entertainment through their “Rock N Revenue” brand. The former President of the CMAOntario and an on-going music fan believes in giving back to the community, which is […]

Brian Allen

A veteran of the business, Brian was a member and principal songwriter for the band Toronto in the ‘80s, logging 4 platinum albums. Following the band’s breakup, Brian saw success as a co-writer of “What About Love” which propelled Heart to a 10 million seller. Attic Records recruited Brian as head of A&R, a post […]

Tina Simpkin

Spending the better part of her career in the entertainment industry, Tina started out as a Marketing Manager in Toronto (for Sony Music and then Universal) and then moved to Los Angeles with MCA Records (part of the Universal family of labels) as a Marketing Director. Working with artists such as Shaggy, Semisonic, Sammy Hagar, […]

Tracy-Ann Gagnon

Tracy-Ann Gagnon n’a pas commencé à jouer de la guitare à l’âge de 4 ans. Au secondaire, elle n’a jamais fait partie du groupe de l’école et n’en a pas fondé un avec ses amis. Bien qu’elle ne joue d’aucun instrument, elle a toujours été attirée par les arts et la culture et savait qu’elle […]

Scott Steele

A Music Executive with close to 20 years of industry experience across Canada at record labels, and in radio broadcasting. Scott Steele has worked for SONY Music Canada, Glassnote Records, Bell Media, Rogers Sports & Media, Corus Entertainment and Harvard Media. Whether as a radio promotions representative or a Label Manager, Scott consistently achieved results. […]

Samantha Pickard

Neil Anthony

Megan Dancey

Kate Howse

Joelle May

A devoted music-lover, Joelle May left behind the corporate professional world in 2007/2008 and started ModMay Promotions, operating as an independent publicist, executing publicity campaigns, marketing initiatives, and various management tasks for no less than 40 artists and bands from Canada, the US, UK, and Australia, as well as not-for-profit music organizations, labels, conferences, festivals, […]

Paul Biro

An industry veteran of over 25 years, Paul Biro heads up the team at Sakamoto Agency as Operating Partner and Vice President, responsible for day to day management and operation of the company, as well as artist touring and development as Senior Agent. He’s the current two-time winner of the Ron Sakamoto Talent Buyer of […]

Erik Fintelman

A co-founder of Workshop Music Group, Erik Fintelman has ties to many facets of the country music industry today.  Between he and his industry partner, Mark Schroor, they have together produced some of the best new country music coming out of Ontario, twice nominated for CMAO Producer of the Year.  Erik brings a comprehensive skillset […]

Carla Hackman

Booking Agent Carla Hackman has over 20 years of experience various facets of both the music and film industry. Moving her focus over time from administration and marketing into management and booking, Carla got her introduction to the music world in 1998 while working production for a classic rock festival in High River, AB. She […]

Bonnie Fedrau

Bonnie Fedrau is a veteran in the music industry and has held a variety of positions over her 30 + years in the business. Now at ACTRA RACS (Recording Artists’ Collecting Society) Fedrau and a team of experts are dedicated to ensuring that all recording artists, from session musicians to featured vocalists, are paid for […]

Amber Bell

Amber Bell With over 15 years of music industry experience, Amber’s background is in both label and management relations. In her current role as Director of National Promotions at Open Road Recordings & RGK Entertainment, her focus is on radio promotion and overseeing DSP relations and strategies. Before joining Open Road and RGK in 2016, […]

Michael Perlmutter

Michael has placed thousands of songs in tv shows, feature films and documentaries, seen and heard around the world.  He has been working in the music/film/tv industries for 20+ years. Michael has been asked to moderate and speak on panels around the world: Sweden, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Poland, Miami, New York, Cannes, Halifax, Toronto. Currently, he is […]

Stacey Lee Guse

Stacey Lee began singing before she could speak. Ever since then, her life has been rooted in music. Stacey Lee has enjoyed a very diverse career on stage and in studio with numerous Canadian country artists, including Jason McCoy of The Road Hammers (featured on his single, “I Lie”), Jason Blaine, Deric Ruttan and Michelle […]

Sébastien Charest

Sébastien Charest has been working in the Canadian music industry for more than 15 years now. He has notably held the positions of Researcher on the MusiquePlus program Info+, Returning Officer for the Gala Alternatif de la Musique Indépendante du Québec (GAMIQ), Communications Manager at M for Montreal and Manager of Member Services and Education […]

Lindsay Hyslop

With over a decade of industry experience, Lindsay has worked in both label and management positions in Nashville and Toronto. Currently, Lindsay is the Director of Marketing for Anthem Entertainment in Nashville overseeing all aspects of marketing strategy and execution for Anthem Records’ label roster, working directly with artists and partners. Prior to Anthem, she managed […]

Dani Strong

Dani Strong is a multi-award-winning artist and songwriter with an infectious stage presence. Dani’s latest album “Undefined” has over 1.3 Million streams , two International Independent Music Awards, and placements on Netflix and Amazon Prime featured films. Her 3rd album will be released in fall 2022 with first single, “Slow Down” was released in March […]

Arun Chaturvedi

Equally at home behind a grand piano or a recording console, Arun Chaturvedi is an award-winning Producer, Songwriter, Multi-Instrumentalist, and Mixer. He has worked with a diverse roster of artists and songwriters including legends like Lamont Dozier, Felix Cavaliere of The Rascals, as well as contemporary artists like Jim Brickman and long-time collaborator Luke McMaster. […]

Andy Hawke

Andy Hawke has worked in the Canadian music industry for over 15 years. Through that time he has worn many different hats and gained unique skills and perspective from each position, including label, distributor, management, marketing, event booking/promotions, and as a performing artist. Andy is a strong supporter in the fight for artist rights and […]

Jodie Ferneyhough

After years as the head of Universal Music Publishing Group and peermusic Canada, Jodie founded CCS Rights Management; a company built on the philosophy of hard work, dedication and an artist-first attitude. The new company is meant to be a place where writers, artists and performers not only receive outstanding administrative service but are provided […]

Gilles Godard

Gilles is Anthem Entertainment’s Senior Vice President Publishing. The position focuses on all of Anthem’s publishing interests globally, as well as stakeholders and industry relations worldwide, he is also responsible to initiate strategic acquisitions and create market opportunities on an International scale. Gilles also continues to provide advice and counsel to the Creative teams and […]

Alex Tamashunas

A music lover with a heart for songs, Alex strives to create strategic moments for our writers. With prior experience in journalism, she has a unique passion for the stories behind the lives and the songs of the songwriter.

Dale Peters

Tara Shannon

Tara Shannon is an award winning indie artist writer with over 20 years experience in the music industry. Her music has been featured by World Youth Days, CBC, Canadian Showtime Chorus, DEBRA Canada, Big Brothers Big Sisters & United Way to name a few. She has been a guest speaker at events such at Artpreneur, […]

Debbie Zavitson

Debbie Zavitson is a veteran in the music industry and the experience she brings from performing with her own band internationally, to being an executive in A&R at Sony and Giant Records is invaluable. Debbie is responsible for signing multi-platinum recording artist Blake Shelton, as well as managing the integral first years of his career. […]

Andrea Morris

Michel Bénac

Born in Ottawa, Michel Bénac is a franco-ontarian singer-songwriter, known as the frontman of LGS. In 1991, Michel founded Purple Hive Music Group / LaFab Music. Since 1999, LGS has released 5 albums and Michel has made a name for himself on the franco-canadian music scene. He was nominated at the 2009 JUNO’s and received […]

Patrick Duffy

Patrick Duffy is the Creative Director for Attention Design, a firm he established twenty years ago to service the music industry. His awards as a designer – nine CCMA awards for Album Design and more than two dozen nominations – suggest that he might be a better designer than drummer, his original career choice. A past Consulting Art Director to EMI […]

Jeff Dalziel

Jeff Dalziel is a Multi-Platinum and award-winning Canadian record producer, Sony/ATV songwriter, and musician. He has produced and co-written music for labels and artists such as Warner Music Canada, Sony Music Canada, Slaight Music, Wax Records, Open Road Recordings, Coalition Music, Arts & Crafts, The Washboard Union, Jessica Mitchell, Dan Davidson, Ryan Langdon, River Town […]

Mike Denney

Mike Denney is a man with a smile and a vision, acknowledged by many as a fervent championof the Canadian music industry and his clients around the world.With roots in Toronto, hebrings a multitude of expertise, creativity and knowledge along with his record business acumento theindustry and the award winning artists he proudly works with. […]

IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO RAISE A SONGWRITER

This session explores the journey to becoming a signed writer-artist in Nashville and the pivotal partnerships cultivated along the way. Learn how important networking is for songwriters; how to take advantage of impromptu co-writing opportunities.

Moderator:

Jodie Ferneyhough, President, CCS Rights Management

Panelists:

Gilles Godard, Sr. VP Publishing, Anthem Entertainment

Tebey, Artist/Songwriter

70min

Jodie Ferneyhough

After years as the head of Universal Music Publishing Group and peermusic Canada, Jodie founded CCS Rights Management; a company built on the philosophy of hard work, dedication and an artist-first attitude. The new company is meant to be a place where writers, artists and performers not only receive outstanding administrative service but are provided […]

Gilles Godard

Gilles is Anthem Entertainment’s Senior Vice President Publishing. The position focuses on all of Anthem’s publishing interests globally, as well as stakeholders and industry relations worldwide, he is also responsible to initiate strategic acquisitions and create market opportunities on an International scale. Gilles also continues to provide advice and counsel to the Creative teams and […]

Tebey

Tebey is a platinum selling artist with over 73 million global streams; an award winning producer & accomplished songwriter with multiple #1’s including US Billboard #1 “Somebody Else Will” by Justin Moore. This year Joe Nichols cut his co-write “I Got Friends That Do” feat. Blake Shelton. His many hits include “Denim on Denim”, “Happened […]

Alex Tamashunas

A music lover with a heart for songs, Alex strives to create strategic moments for our writers. With prior experience in journalism, she has a unique passion for the stories behind the lives and the songs of the songwriter.

AGM LUNCH (lunch included)

This is your association and the opinion of every member counts. Join us in shaping the future of your CMAOntario at the 2022 Annual General Meeting. The AGM offers the opportunity to network with fellow members, engage with the association’s goals, progress and possibilities, hear the visions of your association’s leaders, and have a direct impact on the direction and decision-making of the association.

Speakers:

Steve Kassay, President, CMAOntario

Sam Arraj, Treasurer, CMAOntario

Brian Allen, Secretary, CMAOntario

70min

Steve Kassay

After chasing the rock star dream, Steve moved from playing music to playing records.His career has taken him to various broadcast companies throughout Southern Ontario,on nationally syndicated live shows, in production, programming, on-air, MD & PD capacities. Now VP of Programming for Durham Radio, Steve manages operations forKX-96, KX-947, 94.9 The Rock, CKDO and wave.fm. […]

Sam Arraj

Sam Arraj is a CPA, CA at Seeds Chartered Professional Accountants, an accounting practice that serves a broad rage of sectors, with a specific focus on music and entertainment through their “Rock N Revenue” brand. The former President of the CMAOntario and an on-going music fan believes in giving back to the community, which is […]

Brian Allen

A veteran of the business, Brian was a member and principal songwriter for the band Toronto in the ‘80s, logging 4 platinum albums. Following the band’s breakup, Brian saw success as a co-writer of “What About Love” which propelled Heart to a 10 million seller. Attic Records recruited Brian as head of A&R, a post […]

EXPAND YOUR COLLABORATION CIRCLE: HOW TO FRENCH

You might think creating a bilingual version of your song is as easy as dropping your lyrics into Google Translate and voilà!  But our panel of industry experts will tell you otherwise.  It takes a greater degree of linguistic acumen as well as a collaborative effort with the right artist or writer to capture the appropriate poetic translation and rhythm patterns.

Our panel will breakdown the benefits a collaboration can bring to your songs – including maintaining their impact and meaning - and your career.  For a small investment, the overall returns can make a huge impact in expanding your audience reach and tapping into the ever-growing Quebec country market.

Moderator:

Kristine St-Pierre, Artist/Songwriter

Panelists:

Tyler Shaw, Artist

Michel Benac, President, LaFab Musique

Mike Denney, President, MDM Recordings

70min

Kristine St-Pierre

Tyler Shaw

Tyler Shaw has announced that his highly anticipated third studio album will be released in Spring 2021. This deeply personal project is considered to be a self-defined “coming of age” record for the artist, producer and actor. Self-titled, and produced by Tyler alongside some others, it is the next step in the evolution of Shaw’s […]

Michel Bénac

Born in Ottawa, Michel Bénac is a franco-ontarian singer-songwriter, known as the frontman of LGS. In 1991, Michel founded Purple Hive Music Group / LaFab Music. Since 1999, LGS has released 5 albums and Michel has made a name for himself on the franco-canadian music scene. He was nominated at the 2009 JUNO’s and received […]

Mike Denney

Mike Denney is a man with a smile and a vision, acknowledged by many as a fervent championof the Canadian music industry and his clients around the world.With roots in Toronto, hebrings a multitude of expertise, creativity and knowledge along with his record business acumento theindustry and the award winning artists he proudly works with. […]

DEMORAMA: A LIVE FEEDBACK SESSION

A perennial favourite, the DEMORAMA LISTENING SESSION, provides you with the captive audience you’ve always wanted. Come listen as seasoned music professionals play and review selected recordings from the CMAOntario audience, weigh in on song structure, lyric writing, chord progression, and share their initial reactions to your work. Get into their heads and learn what they listen for when hearing new demos and be part of the discussion about what makes a strong first impression and why. This is a chance for artists to meet and discuss their work with fellow songwriters, while hearing how their work compares to their peers.

70min

Brian Allen

A veteran of the business, Brian was a member and principal songwriter for the band Toronto in the ‘80s, logging 4 platinum albums. Following the band’s breakup, Brian saw success as a co-writer of “What About Love” which propelled Heart to a 10 million seller. Attic Records recruited Brian as head of A&R, a post […]

Erik Fintelman

A co-founder of Workshop Music Group, Erik Fintelman has ties to many facets of the country music industry today.  Between he and his industry partner, Mark Schroor, they have together produced some of the best new country music coming out of Ontario, twice nominated for CMAO Producer of the Year.  Erik brings a comprehensive skillset […]

Jason Blaine

Jamie Warren

Jamie Warren is regarded as the most awarded independent country vocalist in Canada (Junos, CCMAs, OCMAs). Over his 35-year career he has released 54 singles from 8 albums. He grew up in Hanover Ontario and his interest in music was likely genetic. His mother sang and played piano, his father played guitar and mandolin. Jamie […]

IN CONVERSATION: THE FUTURE OF SYNC

The global music catalog becomes more accessible every day and the music supervision community have the daunting task of sourcing material.  When many artists can no longer live on straight listens alone, it’s primetime for music supervisors. That single that sets a mood in a movie or TV show, pumps the adrenaline in a video game, or presses emotional buttons in an ad can save a band’s bottom line.

Our guests will help you navigate the path to making connections, getting your foot in the door and new and enhanced ways of monetization.

70min

Michael Perlmutter

Michael has placed thousands of songs in tv shows, feature films and documentaries, seen and heard around the world.  He has been working in the music/film/tv industries for 20+ years. Michael has been asked to moderate and speak on panels around the world: Sweden, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Poland, Miami, New York, Cannes, Halifax, Toronto. Currently, he is […]

Jodie Ferneyhough

After years as the head of Universal Music Publishing Group and peermusic Canada, Jodie founded CCS Rights Management; a company built on the philosophy of hard work, dedication and an artist-first attitude. The new company is meant to be a place where writers, artists and performers not only receive outstanding administrative service but are provided […]

Dinner Break (not included with conference pass)

105min

Registration

360min

THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS OF MANAGING YOUR RIGHTS SPONSORED BY MANRKĒ

When you create and record a song, you own two distinct copyrights: one for the sound recording (sometimes referred to as a “master”), and one for the composition (the melody and unique supporting musical elements). Each generates a royalty stream for plays, uses, streams and performances. Where do you sign up to get your share? What does a PRO do? SoundExchange? Does TuneCore cover everything? Our panel of experts will untangle that mess of cables and demystify the process for you.

Moderator:  Burt Gidaro, Entertainment Lawyer, Edwards Creative Law

Panelists:

Sam Arraj, CPA, Seeds

Mhairi Palmer, Director, Label Royalties & Administration, Anthem Entertainment

Sebastien Charest, Gestion de droits / Rights Management

Andy Hawke, Senior Project Manager, Anthem Records

70min

Burt Gidaro

Burt is a passionate entertainment lawyer with extensive music industry, film, television, OTT, and agency/marketing law experience. He began his entertainment career in the business affairs department of Breakthrough Films & Television. He was then recruited by EMI Music Canada to serve as the Head of Business Affairs. He subsequently served in the business affairs […]

Sam Arraj

Sam Arraj is a CPA, CA at Seeds Chartered Professional Accountants, an accounting practice that serves a broad rage of sectors, with a specific focus on music and entertainment through their “Rock N Revenue” brand. The former President of the CMAOntario and an on-going music fan believes in giving back to the community, which is […]

Mhairi Palmer

With over 16 years of experience in the world of music rights and royalties, Mhairi Palmer has built her career on the foundation of getting artists and song writers paid! Starting her career at Re:Sound, she has migrated through various global rights management roles in both recorded music and publishing, from Sony Music Canada, to […]

Sébastien Charest

Sébastien Charest has been working in the Canadian music industry for more than 15 years now. He has notably held the positions of Researcher on the MusiquePlus program Info+, Returning Officer for the Gala Alternatif de la Musique Indépendante du Québec (GAMIQ), Communications Manager at M for Montreal and Manager of Member Services and Education […]

Andy Hawke

Andy Hawke has worked in the Canadian music industry for over 15 years. Through that time he has worn many different hats and gained unique skills and perspective from each position, including label, distributor, management, marketing, event booking/promotions, and as a performing artist. Andy is a strong supporter in the fight for artist rights and […]

CAN I ACTUALLY EARN A LIVING MAKING MUSIC?

This session will empower and equip you with the tools you need to successfully run your music business - because as an independent artist, you are in fact in business. And once you understand the building blocks of any business, you are better equipped to understand the nuances of the new music industry and navigate yourself through it. If your music is a hobby but you don't want to hemorrhage your bank account, if you want to build your fan base to make a living with music or if you simply want to demystify the new music industry, this session is for you.

Hosted by Tara Shannon & Debbie Zavitson, music industry veterans and co-founders of The Syndicut, the session covers music business fundamentals in a fun and humorous way that is engaging and entertaining.

"Tara Shannon is a songwriter, performer, record label owner, music publisher, and most important of all - mentor. Within the music ecosystem, she plays many of the key roles, and works with other key players. This helps to ensure that the writers, performers and others that Tara mentors are very well served, are trained for the real world, and have the best shot at success." ~ Byron Pascoe | Music Lawyer | Edwards Creative Law

“I wouldn’t still be doing this if Debbie hadn’t given me a chance and convinced me to record Austin 20 years ago” ~ Blake Shelton | Country Music Recording Artist | Host "The Voice"

Presenters:

Tara Shannon & Debbie Zavitson, The Syndicut Co-Founders

70min

Tara Shannon

Tara Shannon is an award winning indie artist writer with over 20 years experience in the music industry. Her music has been featured by World Youth Days, CBC, Canadian Showtime Chorus, DEBRA Canada, Big Brothers Big Sisters & United Way to name a few. She has been a guest speaker at events such at Artpreneur, […]

Debbie Zavitson

Debbie Zavitson is a veteran in the music industry and the experience she brings from performing with her own band internationally, to being an executive in A&R at Sony and Giant Records is invaluable. Debbie is responsible for signing multi-platinum recording artist Blake Shelton, as well as managing the integral first years of his career. […]

LIVE AFTER THE PANDEMIC: RE-IMAGINING THE FAN EXPERIENCE

Understatement: That 2-year Covid gut punch messed up a lot of plans. Everybody lost revenue. So, did venues, artists, agents and festivals learn anything? Is it back to “Business as usual” or “Brand new game”? With many venues closing outright, how stiff is the competition for a gig? Is the recovery putting upward pressure on artist fees and ticket prices? Are the fans willing to come back? Representatives from the live music sector will discuss how live music is returning and the impacts on the fan experience.

Moderator:

Neil Anthony, Starseed Entertainment

Panelists:

Megan Dancey, Marketing & Brand Specialist, Boots & Hearts

Paul Biro, President/Operating Partner, Sakamoto Agency

Mike Denney, President, MDM Recordings

Demetri Manuel, VP Operations, London Music Hall

70min

Neil Anthony

Megan Dancey

Paul Biro

An industry veteran of over 25 years, Paul Biro heads up the team at Sakamoto Agency as Operating Partner and Vice President, responsible for day to day management and operation of the company, as well as artist touring and development as Senior Agent. He’s the current two-time winner of the Ron Sakamoto Talent Buyer of […]

Mike Denney

Mike Denney is a man with a smile and a vision, acknowledged by many as a fervent championof the Canadian music industry and his clients around the world.With roots in Toronto, hebrings a multitude of expertise, creativity and knowledge along with his record business acumento theindustry and the award winning artists he proudly works with. […]

Demetri Manuel

Demetri is a co-founder and partner of two major music festivals (Trackside Music Festival, BlockParty London). As a talent buyer at London Music Hall, Demetri handles over 100 concerts a year, working with a variety of artists.