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Panels & Schedule Copy

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12:00 pm – 12:50 pm

Room 1

Mollie Krueger
Leigh Mackenzie

Must the Show Go On? Mental Health and Wellness in the Music Industry

In recent years, the music industry has experienced a significant increase in discussions around mental health, particularly in relation to artists and performers. This panel will delve into the unique challenges faced by musicians and industry professionals when it comes to mental health, including pressures to perform, the often-unpredictable nature of the industry, and the need for self-care.

12:00 pm – 12:50 pm

Room 2

Guido Esteves
Peter Blackmon
Darin Coffman

Booking: How to Get a Gig

Booking shows is one of the most important steps for any independent artist looking to grow their career. However, in recent years, the music industry has undergone significant changes, which have impacted how gigs are booked. This panel will bring together a diverse group of industry professionals, including promoters, artists, and venue representatives, to offer their unique perspectives on how to get a gig in today’s music business.

1:00 pm – 1:50 pm

Room 1

Becca Husar
Bennie Smith, Jr.
Braun Sheets
Mollie Krueger
Hunter Sphar

The Inside Track on What’s Around the Corner: A Roundtable Discussion with Millikin Alumni

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.

1:00 pm – 1:50 pm

Room 2

Dr. Dave Burdick

The Art of Collaboration: New Songwriting

Collaboration has always been an integral part of music-making, but in recent years, the trend of multiple songwriters working together has increased significantly. In fact, it now takes an average of 5.34 people to write a hit song in 2023, according to a recent study. This panel will explore what this means for songwriters, and how they can adapt to succeed in this new era of collaboration.

2:00 pm – 2:50 pm

Room 2

Martin Atkins

Welcome to the Music Business – You’re Fuc#&D

Welcome to the Music Business… You’re Fuc#&D! is a brutally honest and entertaining panel presented by English drummer Martin Atkins at the Midwest Music Expo. Atkins, who has played with notable bands like Public Image Ltd, Killing Joke, and Ministry, has extensive experience in the music industry and is known for his candid approach.

2:00 pm – 2:50 pm

Room 3

Braun Sheets
Bennie Smith, Jr.

Why You Still Need a Studio in 2023

In today’s digital age, it’s easier than ever for musicians to create and distribute their music from the comfort of their own homes. With access to affordable recording equipment and software, many artists are opting to produce and record their music independently. But does this mean that the traditional recording studio is becoming obsolete? In this panel discussion, industry experts will explore the reasons why you still need a recording studio in 2023.

3:00 pm – 3:50 pm

Room 1

Martin Atkins
Brian Abbott
Peter Blackmon
Guido Esteves

Get Signed! Song Listening Panel

MmX is excited to announce our first-ever Get Signed! contest. Aspiring musicians and songwriters can compete to win a record deal with First Step Records that comes with a prize package valued at over $3,000. 

3:00 pm – 3:50 pm

Room 3

Peter Jaysin
Joshua Hernandez

How Tech Shapes Music

The music industry has undergone major disruptions over the past few decades, from the rise of home recording studios and file-sharing platforms like Napster to the recent emergence of NFTs and AI-generated music. In this panel discussion, attendees will hear from industry experts on how tech has shaped music and what the future of the industry looks like in a rapidly-evolving tech landscape.

12:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Vendor Floor

Guitar Pedal Panel