Seminars
Learn what you need to succeed in the entertainment biz!
Entrance to all seminars, workshops, clinics, and panel discussions is included in the All Access Badge and a Seminar Only pass is also available.
The following is a list of lectures, panels, clinics, and guest speakers.
Please visit our registration page to register for these as there is limited seating capacity.
Panels
Recording On a Shoestring Budget
Marketing Your Music – Revenue Streams
Learn the most effective means of marketing your music- from myspace to print advertising to PR methods to promotional comps, this panel will explore which methods will work best for your label and artists.
– D.A.A.S. Wuz Up Entertainment
Today’s top independent labels are not only surviving but thriving. What are their secrets? Join them in a discussion about the state of the industry and what an Indy label needs to do in order to survive a cut-throat industry.
Esq.– Law Office of Lloyd Z. Remick
TV, radio, film, ringtones, gaming, and licensing are present more now than ever. Industry professionals will discuss how to license music properly in order to maximize revenue potential. Learn about various licensing laws and contracts. A must see panel for every artist and label owner in the business.
Green Machine – Music’s Ecological Interests
This year everyone was buzzing with environmental chatter and the music industry was no different! Artists are touring using only green methods and labels are now using biodegradable packaging. Music business initiatives in the environmental field are gaining traction, most notably in the touring and recording fields. The Industry is rallying around conservation efforts in an unprecedented way. Listen to some of the professionals leading this movement in an open forum.
Agents/Managers – Finding Your Best Fit
– Independent Distribution Collective
Having the right representation can make or break your mainstay in the industry so choosing the right manager is one of the most important career decisions an artist makes. Learn from Industry veterans about how to choose the manager that best suits your needs.
Navigating Independent Distribution For Bands
A discussion of the process of securing distribution for an independent band
What is distribution: “creating demand” versus “facilitating access”
Timing for an independent release
Handling territorial rights
Advertising and promotion
Deciding between a straight distribution deal versus a Manufacturing & Distribution deal
cost management
Pitfalls to avoid
Navigating Independent Distribution For DJs
Ayodele Vassall-Gore, Esq. – The Vassall-Gore Law Firm, P.C.
Discuss the process of securing distribution for a DJ
What is distribution: “creating demand” versus “facilitating access”
Timing for an independent release
Handling territorial rights
Advertising and promotion
Deciding between a straight distribution deal versus a Manufacturing & Distribution deal
cost management
Pitfalls to avoid
– Musician
Kristin Putchinski – Musician
Discuss the best scenario for recording your music. Is it live or is it…?
– Sibelius USA : Pro Tools/M Audio
Interact with top producers, programmers and re-mixers doing what they do best. What should you charge for a remix? What is reasonable to pay for a remix? How do you decide whether or not to accept a remix offer? Learn dos and don’ts from the experts!
This panel will tackle the changes in how people are being exposed to music. Access, distribution and dissemination of both music and information, plus discuss the innovative advances in technology ushering in this dramatic shift that’s transforming the music and broadcast industry.
– CMJ Network Inc
Ayodele Vassall-Gore, Esq. – The Vassall-Gore Law Firm, P.C.
Think the music industry embodies the “It’s not what you know but, who you know” idea? Learn tips and strategies from industry veterans on how to network your way to success. Tap in to successful networking strategies from these networking divas.
Promo 101 – Getting Your Name/Show/Party/Business Out There!
Ever wonder why Tom’s band always has a huge fan base there to see them play? Or why Dick’s party is always packed. And how does Jane sell all of those CDs? Well Spot would tell you, it’s all about marketing and promoting what it is you have to offer people! Join some of the big dogs of the industry as they discuss ways to promote, market and make your ventures successful.
Music, its artists and message permeate all aspects of modern culture from social undertones to politics and fashion. Partnerships between artists and products push the influence of cultural icons to an ever-greater reach thus contributing to and in many cases eclipsing, perhaps even circumventing, all traditional notions of what we call “artist development”. This will cover various levels of sponsorship / partnership for your events, artist product endorsements and the cross pollination between Music, Fashion, Film, Television, and so much more…
Songwriting & Publishing – Copyrights
Make money off your music! Learn how to protect your songs, programs, and ideas effectively. What are the pros and cons of publishing under a label or independently? How do you make sure that your agency is recouping royalties? Can you copyright your songs years after the release date? This panel takes an in-depth look at copyright laws and publishing agreements.
- OSHRadio
Jesse Oremland – WRIR
DJ Xclusive – XM Radio
Professionals from around the country evaluate radio as a vehicle for developing artists and audiences. How are the current developments at broadcast, satellite and internet radio affecting radio’s ability to break artists and sell records? Once you get your record on the air, how do you keep it in rotation? How to draw & sustain listeners? This panel will also discuss the rapid changes in radio. The structural differences between terrestrial and satellite radio. Also, groundbreaking ideas and experiments in internet radio.
Have a great idea for a film but no budget? Expert suggestions from those that have come up with a way to realize your dream film without nightmare costs. How do you pay for your film? This is perhaps the most daunting and important question to every filmmaker, but there is no one clear answer. Come talk with producers, developers and grant-writers about the various ways you can find the money you need to make a movie. Find that funding, because the funding won’t accidentally find you.
– Block Design & Photography
Josh Sisk
The stage is set, the lights are on, the stars are ready to play and there you are with your camera rolling! Delight in the escapades both on & off the stage that these photographers have been witness to while capturing bands, DJs & fans on film.
Or at least in a good one! So often performers use snapshots taken by their friends & fans to promote themselves on their myspace page, their website or for interviews & promo pieces. And so often these pictures show as the amateur photographer which also shows as amateur for the performer. Professional photographers know how to work with concert lighting, low light conditions – as well as know how to use programs to enhance their work. Learn how having pictures taken by a professional photographer can transform your image into a professional one also.
A candid discussion about the trials & tribulations of being a woman in the entertainment industry from maintaining your integrity to using your female wiles to getting things done!
Sleek, streamlined & smooth or funky, chunky & hard? Which design is going to sell your album/CD, party or product? Discover the difference design can make for what you’re selling in this discussion with cutting edge designers.
– Sibelius USA : Pro Tools/M Audio
A guide to making tracks in Apple Logic, Ableton Live, Propellerheads Reason and Pro Tools.
Social Media – Blogging Your Way to Fame
Fiona Bloom – The Bloom Effect
The phenomenon now known as blogging was little more than the writing of online diaries. Blogging is now changing the media world!
Experts agree that blogs are an effective tool for advertising and can be very successful as a means of self promotion.
Join veteran bloggers as they discuss what to blog about, how to catch people’s attention through your blogs, where to place them and more.
Seminars & Workshops
House Music… The Real Story
– Broken Records
The history and evolution of House and Electronic music.
This visually dynamic show includes 2 video projections working simultaneously together to create an unusual performance featuring the digital turntable mastery of
Maintaining Artistic Integrity while Running Your Career as a Business
– Artistic Integrity
We live in a world of diminishing integrity. Capitalism has spun out of control and is turning us into a lowest common denominator society. The artistic community is caught in the tide with not enough of us swimming upstream. Society no longer recognizes true value.
We can change that.
Decreasing appreciation for the arts (and fewer schools teaching art and music) is grossly affecting our well being as a society. We Artists potentially have an equal voice to Corporate America, and therefore a huge opportunity and responsibility to the public at large. If Corporate America recognizes social responsibility and we embrace the opportunity to educate by breaking new artistic ground, Society will once again recognize true value and everyone can live in a “Culture of Integrity.”
We have the gift to create, inspire, and shape the world through our work. Corporate America (I include the government) relies on rhetoric. No one should tell the public how to think, but Artists can provide colorful canvases or musical vibrations that inspire free minded people to think for themselves and rediscover what truly drives their happiness.
The dilemma lies in Maintaining Artistic Integrity while Running Your Career as a Business.” As impossible as it seems, it is more attainable now than ever before. Many big businesses are imploding (particularly in the music industry), creating a vortex in which we can rise and actually prosper while having a positive effect on society. That’s where integrity comes in – if we remain honest with the audience and true to ourselves, we are doing society a great service. We can educate and inspire the public to reach new cultural heights.
Pro Tools
Open Forums
Songwriters
Tattoo Detectives
John Fahres
Women in Entertainment
Presented with:
WIM (Women In Music – NY Chapter)
Ayodele Vassall-Gore, Esq. – The Vassall-Gore Law Firm, P.C.
Heidi Klotzman – HeidNSeek Entertainment
Producers
Andre Ferguson – D.A.A.S. Wuz Up Entertainment
Gurus of the Biz
Mentoring Session
One on One sessions with the above speakers held during the course of The Sessions. Availability depends on the schedule of each individual speaker and will be on a first come, first served basis.
Speakers
Martin Atkins
Carol Bidault del’Isle
Matt Bittman
Courtney Block
Fiona Bloom
Christopher Cabott
Winifred W. Chane
LG Concannon
Kathy Fahey
Andre Ferguson
Steffen Franz
Alan Freed
Dayna Ghiraldi
J.M. Giordano
Maria Gonzales
EMSebastian Gnolfo
Scott Haapala Esq.
Stephanie Halmos
Kevin Harewood
Robin Hodson
JaWar
Kurt Klaus
Maori Karmael Holmes
John Kerecz
Heidi Klotzman
Matthew Leffler Schulman
John Mathews
Brian McTernan
Shantel Mitchell
Ed Neenan
Jesse Oremland
Kim Paris
Kristin Putchinski
Michelle Rakshys
Ravi
Alterra Robinson
Walter Rowe
Cynthia Blake Sanders
Jesse Saunders
Gregory E. Seneff, Sr. ESQ
Josh Sisk
Jon Stapp
Tattoo Detectives
Arlette Thomas-Fletcher
Sara Thurston
Vaggeli
Ayodele Vassall–Gore
Larry White
Seminars, Workshops, Clinics and Panel Discussions will be held on Friday September 19th & Saturday, September 20th from 2pm until 8pm at the Hilton Garden Inn in Harbor East.
1. Event Production 101…
2. Recording On a Shoestring Budget
3. Marketing Your Music – Revenue Streams
4. Indie Labels
5. Licensing for Film/TV/Radio
6. Green Machine – Music’s Ecological Interests
7. Agents/Managers – Finding Your Best Fit
8. Navigating Independent Distribution For Bands
9. Navigating Independent Distribution For Djs
10. Recording Techniques
11. Remixing & Editing
12. Podcasting/Webcasts
13. Networking for Success
14. Promo 101 – Getting Your Name/Show/Party/Business Out There!
15. Trend Setters
16. Social Media – Blogging Your Way to Fame
17. Tour Smart
18. Making Money Online
19. “Instant Guitarification”
20. House Music… The Real Story
21. Maintaining Artistic Integrity while Running Your Career as a Business
22. Pro Tools
23. SongwritersTattoo Detectives
John Fahres
24. Women in Entertainment
Presented with:
WIM (Women In Music – NY Chapter)
Ayodele Vassall-Gore, Esq. – The Vassall-Gore Law Firm, P.C.
Heidi Klotzman – HeidNSeek Entertainment
25. Producers
Andre Ferguson – D.A.A.S. Wuz Up Entertainment
26. Gurus of the Biz
27. Mentoring Session
Videographers
1. Eugene Balbierz
2. Joseph Weiss
3. Annie Smith
4. Roni Mathews
Speakers
1. Martin Atkins
2. Carol Bidault del’Isle
3. Matt Bittman
4. Courtney Block
5. Fiona Bloom
6. Christopher Cabott
7. Winifred W. Chane
8. LG Concannon
9. Kathy Fahey
10. Andre Ferguson
11. Steffen Franz
12. Alan Freed
13. Dayna Ghiraldi
14. J.M. Giordano
15. Maria Gonzales
16. EMSebastian Gnolfo
17. Scott Haapala Esq.
18. Stephanie Halmos
19. Kevin Harewood
20. Robin Hodson
21. JaWar
22. Kurt Klaus
23. Maori Karmael Holmes
24. John Kerecz
25. Heidi Klotzman
26. Matthew Leffler Schulman
27. John Mathews
28. Brian McTernan
29. Shantel Mitchell
30. Ed Neenan
31. Jesse Oremland
32. Kim Paris
33. Kristin Putchinski
34. Michelle Rakshys
35. Ravi
36. Alterra Robinson
37. Walter Rowe
38. Cynthia Blake Sanders
39. Jesse Saunders
40. Gregory E. Seneff, Sr. ESQ
41. Josh Sisk
42. Jon Stapp
43. Tattoo Detectives
44. Arlette Thomas-Fletcher
45. Sara Thurston
46. Vaggeli
47. Ayodele Vassall–Gore
48. Larry White
