June 9, 2008

June 10, 2008

9:00 Opening Remarks

9:30 Keynote

10:00 Profits in the Age of Apple
Apple’s iTunes store is now the No. 2 music retailer in the U.S., behind Wal-Mart. The good news: digital music sales now account for 10% of 2007 U.S. music purchases. The bad news: The increase hasn’t been enough to overcome the steep drop off in physical CD sales. How can retail recover?

Matt Fitz-Henry, Director, New Media, Walt Disney Records

10:50 Networking and sponsor showcase

11:10 Rethinking the Labels
The Justice Dept. apparently took umbrage at the idea of the four major music companies selling their music at a common website, fearing the possibility of a new cartel. Meanwhile, profits continue to dive. Are old anti-trust notions outdated in a world where major labels are fighting for their survival, and every artist and small label can go direct?

12:00 Ad-Supported Music Gets a Shot
Google is joining with a Chinese online music company to get ad-supported, free music to the Chinese masses, hoping to do an end-run around search competitor Baidu, which allows users to freely download copyright protected music. It’s the biggest test case yet for ad-supported music, and could usher in a new era in the way music is monetized.

1:00 - 3:00 Lunch
Exhibit Hall Open

3:00 Keynote

3:30 Mobile Music Outlook
A new report by Juniper Research predicts that mobile music revenue will hit $17.5 billion by 2012, driven by full-track downloads and rental services. But ringtone sales will start a steep decline as consumers increasingly refuse to pay high rates. Panelists examine mobile music’s uneven road ahead.

Troy Aylesworth, Channel Manager, NTT America
Mari Joller, Director of New Services, Virgin Mobile USA
Keith Bernstein, Chief Executive Officer, Royalty Review Council
John Fogarty, VP of Mobile, Napster

4:30 How Social Networks Help –and Hurt -- Music
MySpace and other social network sites have played key roles in the meteoric rise of artists like Amy Winehouse, Adele and Duffy. The sites help build a fan base, but also could shave profits if fans simply pass their favorite music among themselves.

Steve Jang, CMO and EVP of Business Development, imeem
Gerardo Capiel, CEO and Founder, Gydget
Ziv Navoth, VP, Marketing and Business Development, Bebo

5:30 Free workshop

6:30 Cocktail Party and show end.