Saturday – May 4, 2024
SUBJECT TO CHANGE
11 am
Room 1
Welcome/Ribbon Cutting with Dr. Brian Justison
As the driving force behind MmX, Martin brings his signature blend of passion, expertise, and DIY Punk spirit to kickstart the day. Brace yourself for an adrenaline-fueled ride as he sets the stage for a day of boundary-pushing discussions, powerhouse networking, and game-changing insights. This is not your average conference kickoff – it’s an experience you won’t want to miss!
Merchandise: The Engine will follow shortly after the Welcome Ceremony
12 pm
Room 1
Superstar Recording on a Bar-Band Budget
Join industry veterans Guido Esteves and Braun Sheets for an invaluable discussion on achieving professional recording quality without breaking the bank. Esteves and Sheets unveil cost-effective techniques and DIY hacks honed from years in the music industry trenches. From guerrilla studio setups to maximizing affordable gear, learn how to elevate your sound on a shoestring budget. Don’t miss this panel for indispensable tips and tricks to make your recordings shine like a superstar without draining your wallet.
12 pm
Room 2
Dr. Katherine Leo
Mark E. Blankenship
Legal Issues in the Arts
Gain crucial legal insights for musicians in this indispensable panel led by seasoned legal professionals. Learn to protect your rights and optimize earnings by mastering royalty collection, covering performance, mechanical, and synchronization royalties. Explore key legal concerns including copyright infringement and licensing, ensuring comprehensive legal literacy.
Led by experienced legal minds, this discussion equips musicians with practical strategies to navigate the complex music industry landscape. Whether a seasoned artist or newcomer, attendees will depart with enhanced legal understanding and actionable advice to safeguard their careers. Don’t miss this essential session for anyone invested in the legal intricacies of the music business.
1 pm
Room 1
Legal Issues in the Arts: Questions Answered
Join Odell after his panel for a Q+A of any entertainment law questions you might have.
1 pm
Room 2
Must the Show Go On? Health-Life Balance in the Entertainment Industry
Discover the evolving discourse on mental health within the music industry in this insightful panel. Explore the unique stressors facing artists and professionals, from performance pressures to industry unpredictability. Gain firsthand perspectives on recognizing burnout and fostering supportive environments. Delve into strategies for promoting mental wellness and improving support systems. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on the intersection of music and mental health, aiming to dismantle the “show must go on” mentality.
2 pm
Room 1
Jessie Blunt
Urban Spaces in Creativity
Explore the symbiotic relationship between urban spaces and entertainment hubs in this enlightening panel. Delve into the innovative world of multi-purpose businesses, where creativity thrives amidst diverse functionalities. From hybrid cafes doubling as performance stages to dynamic studios for photography or recording, discover how these spaces redefine urban landscapes. Join us as we uncover the intersections of culture, commerce, and community, shaping the future of entertainment in our cities with local professionals from the Decatur area.
2 pm
Room 2
Landen Antonini
Getting the Gig
Gain invaluable insights on booking shows in today’s evolving music landscape from industry experts in this essential panel. Discover how the live music industry has transformed and learn effective strategies for securing gigs. Promoters divulge secrets on relationship-building and artist selection criteria. Artists share firsthand experiences leveraging social media and marketing tools for promotion. Promoters will provide guidance on artist expectations and selection processes. Engage in a Q&A session to glean personalized advice. Essential for independent artists navigating the dynamic music scene, this panel equips attendees with actionable tactics to propel their careers forward amidst industry shifts.
3 pm
Room 1
Justin Taylor
Kevin Lau
Jessie Seitz
Indie Film in the Real World
“Indie Film in the Real World” offers an immersive exploration into the dynamic realm where creativity meets commerce. Dive into the vibrant tapestry of indie filmmaking as seasoned professionals unveil the intricacies of production, distribution, and marketability. From guerrilla-style shoots to navigating festival circuits, this panel delivers invaluable insights into the practicalities of bringing indie visions to life. Discover the symbiotic relationship between music and film, exploring innovative approaches to scoring and licensing. Whether you’re a filmmaker, musician, or industry enthusiast, join us for a riveting discussion on the challenges, triumphs, and evolving landscape of independent cinema in the real world.
3 pm
Room 2
Molly Compton
Rebecca Mendenhall
Alex Manfredo
Diverse Voices in Music: Women and Non-Binary People in the Arts
“Diverse Voices in Music: Women and Non-Binary People” panel celebrates inclusivity and empowerment in the music industry. Delve into the experiences, challenges, and triumphs of women and non-binary individuals navigating various facets of the music world. From artists to executives, our esteemed panelists share personal anecdotes, strategies for overcoming barriers, and insights into fostering a more inclusive industry. Explore themes of representation, allyship, and the pursuit of equity in a traditionally male-dominated field. Join us for an enlightening discussion on amplifying marginalized voices, fostering diversity, and reshaping the future of music for all genders.
4 pm
Room 1
Alumni Roundtable Discussion
The music industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies, trends, and business models emerging at a rapid pace. In this panel discussion, industry experts will share their insights and predictions on what the future of the music industry will look like from a local, regional, and global perspective.
Panelists will explore topics such as emerging genres and artists, the impact of new technologies on the music business, the evolving role of social media in artist promotion, and the ongoing challenges of monetizing music in the digital age. They will also discuss regional differences in the music industry, and the unique opportunities and challenges that artists and industry professionals face in different parts of the world. Join us for this exciting panel, as we explore the future of the music industry in 2024 and beyond.