Panels & Schedule

Select a panel for more details, or scroll down for all.

12:00 pm – 12:50 pm

Room 1

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.

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Panelists will share their experiences and insights on mental health in the music industry, including how to recognize the signs of burnout and the importance of creating safe spaces for artists and industry professionals to seek help. The discussion will also explore how the industry can work to promote mental wellness and provide better support for those who are struggling.

Join us for this thought-provoking panel, as we explore the intersection of music and mental health, and what can be done to support artists and industry professionals in an industry that often glorifies the “show must go on” mentality.

12:00 pm – 12:50 pm

Room 2

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.

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The panel will begin with an introduction to the current state of the live music industry and how it has evolved over the past few years. The panelists will then share their own experiences and insights on booking shows, including the challenges they’ve faced and the strategies that have worked for them.

Promoters will offer tips on how to build relationships with them and what they look for in an artist when booking shows. Artists will share their personal experiences on how they’ve landed gigs and how they’ve used social media and other marketing tools to promote their shows. Venue representatives will offer advice on what they expect from artists when booking shows and how they evaluate potential acts.

The panel will also explore how technology has changed the way gigs are booked, including the impact of online booking platforms and social media on the live music scene. The panelists will discuss the pros and cons of these platforms and offer advice on how to navigate them to book gigs successfully.

Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and engage with the panelists during a Q&A session at the end of the panel. This panel is a must-attend for any independent artist looking to book gigs and grow their career in today’s rapidly changing music industry.

1:00 pm – 1:50 pm

Room 1

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.

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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.

The panel will include a diverse group of industry experts, including music executives, artists, producers, and technology experts. The discussion will be moderated by a seasoned music journalist, who will encourage lively debate and audience participation.

Attendees will leave this panel with a better understanding of the current state of the music industry from a local, regional, and global perspective, as well as insights and predictions for what the future may hold. Join us for this exciting panel, as we explore the future of the music industry in 2023 and beyond.

1:00 pm – 1:50 pm

Room 2

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.

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Panelists will share their experiences and insights on collaboration in the music industry, including how to find the right collaborators, how to navigate creative differences, and how to ensure that each person’s contributions are valued and heard. The panel will also explore the impact of technology on collaboration, including virtual collaboration and remote songwriting.

In addition, panelists will discuss the specific skills that are essential for success in collaborative songwriting, such as effective communication, adaptability, and the ability to work within a team. Attendees will leave this panel with a better understanding of how collaboration works in the music industry, as well as practical tips and strategies for succeeding in this new era of songwriting.

Join us for this exciting panel, as we explore the art of collaboration in songwriting, and what it takes to succeed in a highly collaborative music industry.

1:00 pm – 1:50 pm

Room 3

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.

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Panelists will explore the impact of various tech disruptions on the music industry, including the rise of home recording studios, the advent of streaming platforms, and the recent explosion of NFTs. They will also discuss the growing role of AI in music creation, including the development of AI-generated music and the use of machine learning algorithms to personalize music recommendations for listeners.

Attendees will leave this panel with a better understanding of the impact of tech disruptions on the music industry, as well as practical tips for how to navigate the latest advancements in music tech. Whether you’re an artist, producer, or industry professional, this panel is a must-attend for anyone interested in staying informed about the future of music tech.

2:00 pm – 2:50 pm

Room 1

Guitar Pedal Panel

2:00 pm – 2:50 pm

Room 2

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.

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During this panel, Atkins will share his insights and experiences from the music industry, discussing the realities of the business and what aspiring musicians and industry professionals can expect. He will address the challenges that artists face, such as getting noticed in a crowded field, dealing with record labels, and managing the ups and downs of a music career.

Atkins will also offer practical advice on how to navigate the industry and succeed as an artist or music professional, including tips on networking, marketing, and building a brand. He will share personal stories and anecdotes that provide an insider’s perspective on the music industry, while also being frank about the harsh realities that aspiring musicians and industry professionals face.

This panel is ideal for anyone looking to break into the music industry or who wants to gain a deeper understanding of how the industry works. Whether you’re a musician, producer, promoter, or music lover, you won’t want to miss this entertaining and enlightening discussion with one of the music industry’s most experienced insiders.

3:00 pm – 3:50 pm

Room 1

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.

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Each participant will be required to submit a song that will be critiqued during a song listening panel at MmX along with a questionnaire regarding their level of activity in the music industry.

At the panel, artists will play a 60-second clip of their recorded song for the panel industry professionals. Songs will be judged based on five criteria: lyrics, melody, performance, production, and overall impression.

In addition to evaluating the quality of the submitted song, the judges will also take into consideration the contestant’s level of activity in the indie music scene, including factors such as the number of shows they have played, the size of their merch lines, and the number of followers they have amassed.

The winning artist or band receives a record deal with First Step Records (valued at $3000+) that includes:
- a 100-unit pressing run of 12” vinyl from Smashed Plastic
- A MIDI keyboard
- 25 t-shirts, and more!
Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to get your music heard and take the first step in your music career!

Details & Contest Entry Form >

3:00 pm – 3:50 pm

Room 2

How to Get Your $$ and Other Legal Issues in the Music Industry

As a musician, it’s crucial to understand the legal aspects of the music industry in order to protect your rights and ensure that you’re getting paid for your work. In this panel discussion, attendees will hear from entertainment attorney Eddie Sanders on how to collect all your royalties and navigate other legal issues in the music industry.

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Panelists will discuss the various types of royalties that musicians are entitled to, including performance, mechanical, and synchronization royalties, and provide practical tips for how to ensure that you’re collecting all the money that you’re owed. They will also address other legal issues that musicians may encounter, such as copyright infringement, contracts, and licensing.

The panel will be led by Eddie Sanders, an experienced entertainment attorney who has represented numerous artists, labels, and music industry professionals. Mr. Sanders will draw on his extensive legal expertise to provide valuable insights and answer attendees’ questions about the legal side of the music industry.

Attendees will leave this panel with a better understanding of the legal issues facing musicians today, as well as practical tips for how to protect their rights and maximize their earnings. Whether you’re a seasoned musician or just starting out, this panel is a must-attend for anyone interested in navigating the complex legal landscape of the music industry.

3:00 pm – 3:50 pm

Room 3

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.

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Panelists will discuss the advantages of recording in a professional studio environment, including access to high-quality equipment, experienced engineers and producers, and the creative energy that comes from working in a dedicated music space. They will also address the common misconceptions about recording studios, such as the perception that they are too expensive or unnecessary in the digital age.

The panel will include a diverse group of industry experts, including recording studio owners, producers, and artists who have recorded in both home and studio environments. The discussion will be moderated by a seasoned music journalist, who will encourage lively debate and audience participation.

Attendees will leave this panel with a better understanding of the benefits of recording in a professional studio environment, as well as practical tips for how to make the most of their studio time. Whether you’re a seasoned musician or just starting out, this panel is a must-attend for anyone interested in producing high-quality music in 2023 and beyond.

Select a panel for more details, or scroll down for all.

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12:00 pm – 12:50 pm

Room 1

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

12:00 pm – 12:50 pm

Room 2

Booking: How to Get a Gig

1:00 pm – 1:50 pm

Room 1

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

1:00 pm – 1:50 pm

Room 2

The Art of Collaboration: New Songwriting

1:00 pm – 1:50 pm

Room 3

How Tech Shapes Music

2:00 pm – 2:50 pm

Room 1

Guitar Pedal Panel

2:00 pm – 2:50 pm

Room 2

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

3:00 pm – 3:50 pm

Room 1

Get Signed! Song Listening Panel

3:00 pm – 3:50 pm

Room 2

How to Get Your $$ and Other Legal Issues in the Music Industry

3:00 pm – 3:50 pm

Room 3

Why You Still Need a Studio in 2023