AGENDA

MUSIC FINANCE FORUM will include educational and insightful conversations on music finance, business, strategy and innovation.

2020 DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED SHORTLY!

8:00 – 8:45 am
Registration and Networking Breakfast

8:45 – 9:00 am
Welcome and Opening Address

9:00 – 9:30 am
The Opportunity: Where is the Music Industry Headed?
While predicting the future is no easy task, this opening session will explore where the industry might be headed from the latest developments in streaming and live music, the Music Modernization Act (MMA) impact and cost of new signings and advances, to emerging technology and global trends. This session will also examine how changes in the landscape are triggering new opportunities; who’s currently financing the music business and why; where the funding gaps are; and sources for new revenue streams.

9:30 – 10:15 am
Paradigm Shift: Redefining the Role of the Record Label
Historically, record labels had the sole power to make, break, invest in and distribute artists, making them the dominant force behind the most successful charting music. The internet disrupted this ecosystem and allowed artists choices in rights ownership, distribution and marketing, as well as going independent and leveraging social media and streaming platforms, at a much lower cost. Today, the industry continues to shift. How will record labels redefine their roles to meet the demands of an ever-changing landscape?

10:15 – 10:45 am
Networking Break

10:45 – 11:30 am
The Blurring Lines: How Artist Management Companies are Evolving
Artist management companies have traditionally focused on building the artist’s career alongside a label, but the shifts in roles is requiring management companies to broaden their focus, and take on new responsibilities including managing distribution and royalty data, touring and merch, fans and social media, as well as artist development. The era of hybrid management companies has arrived. What do these new business models look like and how can investors participate?

11:30 – 12:15
Music Publishing: Global Trends and Growth Strategies
Valuations are back at a 10-year high and with streaming’s growth, the next five years look even brighter. Gain insight into the industry dynamics, key players, valuation models, challenges and growth drivers for this booming market.

12:15 – 1:00 pm
Networking Luncheon

1:00 – 2:00 pm
Buyers Beware: The Art and Science of Acquiring Music Catalogs
Strategic executives and investors are continuing to acquire catalogs for a more reliable return, but music assets come with their own portfolio of challenges, including royalty recovery, data recognition, complex licensing structures, accounting issues, fraud, and lost revenues. Through this session, gain insight into this marketplace -- the hype vs. viable trends; why so many catalogs are changing hands; and how to manage the risks before making an investment.

2:00 – 2:45 pm
The Future of Streaming: Rights, Royalties and Valuation
Music royalties are increasing for both sound recording master rights and publishing. This is due to growth in paid and ad-based streaming services, improved rights systems, as well as changes in legislation. Streaming has taken fifteen years to evolve into a viable global business that now provides both revenues and exposure. What is next on the horizon? How has streaming changed the approach of signing or breaking artists? Will voice continue to be a central part of our media environments? What is the real impact of streaming on promoting new albums and tours? How are changes in US and European laws such as the MMA and Article 17 likely to transform the streaming landscape? This session will dive into the nuances of the evolving streaming business and explore where streaming revenues and business models are headed.

2:45 – 3:30 pm
Touring Amped Up: Innovative Ways to Capitalize on Brands and Live Performances
According to a recent study from Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC), the live concert industry will experience significant growth, revealing that live music revenue will increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.3% heading into 2022. How are concerts and music festivals capitalizing on current demands? How are brands amping up their role within the live music industry? And how can new investors take a more active role in this segment of the music business?

3:30 – 4:00 pm
Networking Break

4:00 – 4:45 pm
Licensing Reimagined: Music at the Intersection of Film, TV, Sports and Gaming
Why is music gaining more momentum in the world of multimedia now than ever before? Learn how innovative music companies are diversifying their revenue, experimenting with new audiovisual technologies and tapping into the power of highly engaged subcultures.

4:45 – 5:30 pm
Next Gen Tech and Emerging Business Models
TV killed the radio, but Alexa brought it back. Music will always be a part of our lives no matter what kind of disruptions come our way. From artificial intelligence and machine learning to voice-activated systems and decentralized technologies, it’s all about finding ways to drive evolution. Join us on our closing session to address what’s revolutionizing the music business and how to monetize the next generation of disruptors.

5:30 – 7:30 pm
Networking Reception
Forum speakers, sponsors and registered attendees are invited to the closing reception.

We are currently programming the agenda. Schedule is subject to change. To receive program and speaking faculty updates, please join our newsletter.