The Artist Management Conference 2010

New York, NY January 4, 2010 -- The Artist Management Conference 2010 (AMCON2010), scheduled to take place in New York October 14-15, 2010, will bring together Artist Managers, self-managed Artists, and other music industry professionals to discuss ways in which a shifting music business landscape presents threats to - as well as new opportunities for - their respective businesses.

"The conference comes together at a critical point for artist managers in the evolution of the music business", says Jeremy Rwakaara, conference producer at the Artist Management Resource and author of the Artist Management Manual. With rough economic conditions as a backdrop, the shifting music industry landscape has produced an environment in which a lot of music business models are challenged, and in particular, the very survival of "stand-alone" artist management companies seems to be in question. What seems to be hanging in the balance is whether - in a new age of 360 deals and record label "one-stop-shops" - there will continue to be an appreciation and need for stand-alone artist management companies.

In light of dwindling recorded music sales, record labels are positioning themselves as artist branding companies and structuring 360 (or multiple-rights) deals with artists in order to participate in multiple revenue streams. In an effort to streamline the decision-making process and reduce obstructions, some record companies are contemplating providing artist management services in-house. Alternatively, some record labels are creating joint ventures with management companies, while others are using acquisitions of management companies to shore up their core businesses. As a consequence of these deals, turf wars between record labels and artist managers are predicted to break out as record labels are seen to be usurping the role of artist managers. Conflicts (and conflicts of interest) may also occur when artists with existing management deals approach record labels with in-house management divisions.

And yet, even with those potential threats in sight, some opportunities exist for the artist management community. Technological breakthroughs and innovations (in the form of music apps, widgets, gadgets, services, etc) are revolutionizing the ways in which management companies, artists, record labels, publishing companies, and others can work together to more efficiently monetize relationships, share data, and maximize revenue. New business models that facilitate relationships in the areas of branding, licensing, endorsements and sponsorships are also emerging.

The conference is organized to provide a forum for music managers and other music industry professionals to discuss issues of common interest, stay ahead of the curve, and illuminate areas of opportunity amidst the threats in a shifting music business landscape.