Haven't yet registered for the Summit? Registration is open now! Students, faculty/staff at educational institutions, and µÛÍõ»áËù alumni can register for free for the in-person event. All other in-person attendees must pay a nominal $50 registration fee. The fee increases to $75 on March 3rd. Virtual-only registration is free and open to anyone.
2025 Schedule
March 25-27, 2025
2025 Schedule
2025 Music Industry Summit Schedule
All day programming will take place in person in the Baker University Center's Ballroom unless otherwise noted. Some sessions will take place in other rooms within Baker University Center. Evening events will be held in various locations and may require an additional RSVP or ticket purchase (noted on the schedule).
Special Pre-Summit programming has been added for Tuesday, March 25 so make plans to arrive early to catch these events. Registration is not required to attend events on the 25th, except a ticket purchase is required to attend the Charles Wesley Godwin concert that evening.
Only main stage programming on March 26-27 will be livestreamed for virtual attendees.
Tuesday, March 25
We are pleased to announce a series of special events that will take place on Tuesday, March 25, ahead of the Summit officially kicking off on Wednesday, March 26. These events do not require attendees to be registered for the Music Industry Summit. The draft schedule is below. Details will be updated as they are announced.
2:30-3:30 p.m. • ROAR Records In-Store Performance by Gordi
This event is free and open to anyone. No registration required.
4:00-5:15 p.m. • Special Artist Keynote: Charles Wesley Godwin
Moderated by Matt Hendrickson, President of Big Swede Media. This artist keynote is free and open to anyone. No registration required. This session is not available for livestreaming.
5:30-6:30 p.m. • Mia Barnes Official Gallery Opening
Mia Barnes’s extraordinary photography featuring her work with today’s leading artists will be on display, and Mia will join us for the official gallery opening at the VisComm Focus. This event is free and open to anyone. No registration required.
6:30-7:30 p.m. • MIS Happy Hour, Sponsored by Jackie O's
Join the Music Industry Summit team for a Happy Hour, featuring $1 off full pours of the MIS brew "Music to My Beers", at the Jackie O's Brewpub before the Charles Wesley Godwin concert. A selection of complimentary hors d'oeuvres will be available as well as themed cocktails. We will do a drawing for a pair of tickets to see My Morning Jacket in concert on April 17. This event is free and open to anyone. No registration required.
8:00-10:00 p.m. • Special Concert: Charles Wesley Godwin
Tickets are on sale now. All attendees are required to purchase a ticket if they wish to attend this concert.
Wednesday, March 26
Registration is required to attend events on Wednesday, March 26, with the exception of the Opening Night Party which is free and open to the public. Register Now
9:00 a.m. • Doors Open to the Baker University Center Ballroom
9:10-9:40 a.m. • Opening Performance
Artist to be announced.
9:40-10:35 a.m. • Behind the Lens: Telling the Artist's Story with Mia Barnes
Join acclaimed director and photographer Mia Barnes for an exploration of her work with today's biggest artists. Mia will share about her production process, with behind-the-scenes stories on helping artists bring their music to life through visual storytelling.
10:50-11:40 a.m. • Through the Noise: How Artists Get Discovered in the Attention Economy
In a world oversaturated with content, how do artists break through? Join A&R representatives Hunter Evans of RCA Records and Abbey Jo of Columbia Records, along with Xander Zellner, Senior Charts and Data Analyst at Billboard, for a panel conversation on pathways to artist discovery.
11:50 a.m.-12:20 p.m. • Mentoring Roundtable Sessions
Various Locations in Baker University Center
RSVP required; more details announced soon. This session is not available for livestreaming.
11:55 a.m.-12:40 p.m. • Your Morning Coffee - Live Podcast Recording
Baker University Center Theater
Jay Gilbert and Mike Etchart, Hosts of Your Morning Coffee Podcast, host an interactive conversation on what you need to know about today's music industry. These sessions will be recorded live and featured on their popular podcast series. This session is not available for livestreaming.
12:55-1:45 p.m. • From Passion to Profession: Breaking into the Music Industry
Making a career in the music industry takes more than passion—it requires strategy, resilience, and the right opportunities. Join µÛÍõ»áËù alumni Tommy Boone (Universal Music), Rob Harvilla (The Ringer), Mads Murphy (Panache), and Marisa Salopek (Tour Manager/Artist Manager) as they discuss their career paths and offer advice on entering and engaging with the music industry.
2:00-2:50 p.m. • Featured CEO: Andreea Gleeson of Tunecore
Join Tunecore CEO Andreea Gleeson, in conversation with Sarah Kloboves of Chartmetric, for an exploration of the ecosystem of distribution and opportunities for artists in releasing their music.
3:05-4:25 p.m. • Artist Keynote Session: DJ Premier, Presented by Discogs
Music journalist Marcus J. Moore hosts a keynote conversation with hip hop legend DJ Premier.
4:45-6:00 p.m. • Breakout Sessions
Various Locations in Baker University Center
All breakout sessions will have limited capacity and will be available on a first come, first served basis.
- A&R Listening Session | Led by A&R reps Hunter Evans (RCA Records) and Abbey Jo (Columbia Records)
- The Art of Producing Beats | Led by producer and hip hop educator J Rawls
- Core Values for Creatives, Presented by CoMuse | Led by LJ Malberg, Executive Coach and Founder of CoMuse
- 60 Minutes about the 60 Songs Podcast, Presented by The Ringer | Featuring Rob Harvilla, Sr. Staff Writer at The Ringer. Moderated by Chris DeVille, Managing Editor at Stereogum
- Building the Event, Presented by NPi Audio Solutions | Led by NPi reps Ted Van Hyning, Joshua Thompson, Mason Nozik, Clay Sullivan, and Victoria Shepherd. This session will feature local band The Laughing Chimes. Following the session The Laughing Chimes will play a set from 6-6:30 p.m.
- The Social Media Playbook: Engaging Your Fans Effectively, Presented by Venture Music Group | Led by Dustin Boyer, VP of Marketing at Venture Music
- How to Release Your Music: Distribution Strategies for Artists | Led by Mike Warner, Author & Music Executive
- The Importance of Vinyl Culture, Presented by Discogs | Led by Jeffrey Smith, Vice President of Marketing at Discogs
6:00-6:30 p.m. • Live Performance by The Laughing Chimes
Baker University Theater
Following their participation in the live event production breakout session, local band The Laughing Chimes will perform a half hour set. All are invited to attend.
8:00-10:00 p.m. • Opening Night Party, Featuring DJ Premier - Presented by Sonicbids and Picklejar
Baker University Center Ballroom
Join us for an Opening Night Party featuring a performance by DJ Premier, presented by Sonicbids and Picklejar. The Opening Night Party is free and open Summit registrants and the general public. Light refreshments will be provided and a cash bar will be available.
Thursday, March 27
Registration is required to attend events on Thursday, March 27, with the exception of the Opening Night Party which is free and open to the public. Register Now
9:00 a.m. • Doors Open to the Baker Center Ballroom
9:30-9:50 a.m. • Opening Performance
Artist to be announced.
10:00-10:50 a.m. • Digital Royalties Essentials: What Artists and Writers Need to Know
Navigating digital royalties can be complex, but understanding them is crucial for artists and songwriters looking to maximize their earnings. In this panel, industry experts Kevin Fagan (BMG), Sean McNamara (MLC), Sam Rainey (Universal Music Group), and Tim Pattison (BMI) break down the fundamentals of digital royalties, including how they’re generated, collected, and distributed. Learn about performance, mechanical, and streaming royalties, the role of organizations like MLC and BMI, and key strategies to ensure you’re getting paid what you’re owed.
11:05 a.m.-11:55 a.m. • Featured Music Supervision Session: James Cartwright, Presented by the Guild of Music Supervisors
What does it take to place the perfect song in a film, TV show, or commercial? Join acclaimed music supervisor James Cartwright, in coversation with Joanna Batemits, for an inside look at the art and business of music supervision. With over 15 years in the industry, James will share insights on the creative process of sync licensing and the role of a music supervisor in shaping iconic moments on screen.
12:05-12:40 p.m. • Mentoring Roundtable Sessions
Various Locations in Baker University Center
RSVP required; more details announced soon. This session is not available for livestreaming.
12:05-12:50 p.m. • Your Morning Coffee - Live Podcast Recording
Baker University Center Theater
Jay Gilbert and Mike Etchart, Hosts of Your Morning Coffee Podcast, host an interactive conversation on what you need to know about today's music industry. These sessions will be recorded live and featured on their popular podcast series. This session is not available for livestreaming.
1:00-1:55 p.m. • Building a Fan Community: Cultivating Connection
In today’s music landscape, success isn’t just about streams—it’s about building a loyal fan community. This panel brings together artist TORRES, Sony’s Semajah Parker, The Digilogue’s Drew de Leon, and Cyber PR’s Ariel Hyatt to explore the strategies behind fan engagement. Learn about the tools and platforms that artists and industry professionals use to build connections with their audiences.
2:10-3:05 p.m. • The Business of Live: Who Runs the Show and How to Get Involved
The live music industry is a powerhouse, but who’s behind the scenes making it all happen? In this insightful session, panelists will break down the key players in live music—from talent agents and promoters to tour managers and venue operators. This session will provide essential knowledge on the mechanics of the business and actionable steps to get involved. Learn how shows are booked, tours are built, and what it takes to navigate the world of live entertainment. Featured panelists include Lisa Cave, Owner of Evermint Music; Dan Melnick, CEO of Sonicbids/Advance; and Ryan Slone, Rock & Pop Agent at Universal Attractions. Moderated by LJ Malberg, Founder of CoMuse.
3:20-4:35 p.m. • Closing Artist Keynote: A Conversation with Julien Baker
Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Julien Baker in conversation with Jill Mapes of Hearing Things.
4:55-6:10 p.m. • Breakout Sessions
Various Locations in Baker University Center
All breakout sessions will have limited capacity and will be available on a first come, first served basis.
- The Power of Community in the Music Industry, Presented by The Digilogue | Led by Drew de Leon and De Aundre Slater of The Digilogue
- Understanding Commercial Radio, Presented by iHeart Media | Led by Jon Zellner, President of Programming Operations and Digital Music
- The Mastering Process: From Mix to Final Release, Presented by Well Made Music | Led by Dave Polster, Sr. Mastering Engineer at Well Made Music
- The Power of Publicity, Presented by Cyber PR | Led by Ariel Hyatt, Founder of Cyber PR
- Music Recording and Mixing for Artists, Presented by Shure | Led by Yuri Lysoivanov, Senior Market Development Specialist at Shure; featuring artist Hadiya Ray
- Building and Sustaining a DIY Scene, Presented by ACRN | Led by Roman Salamone and Evan Seurkamp of ACRN
- Soldering and Cable Making Workshop, Presented by AmpRx and StewMac | Led by Cassandra Sotos, CEO & Co-Owner of AmpRx, and the AmpRx team
- The Process of Music Licensing, Presented by The Guild of Music Supervisors | Led by Joanna Batemits, Founder and Music Supervisor, CLUB S’AKOÚO
6:15-7:45 p.m. • MIS Happy Hour + Jam Session, Presented by StewMac
StewMac -
StewMac will open the doors to their historical building for a special Happy Hour + Jam Session for Summit attendees before the Julien Baker+TORRES show. Speciality drinks and light apps will be available.
8:00-10:30 p.m. • Closing Night Concert: Julien Baker + TORRES
Julien Baker + TORRES will perform our Closing Night Concert. This is a separately ticketed event. All Summit attendees and the general public are invited to attend so make plans to get your tickets early...we don't expect them to last!
9:00 p.m.-12:30 a.m. • Official After Party, Presented by WIMI
Hosted by WIMI, the Official MIS After Party will feature a lineup of local artists: Solon, StaRRanee, and Blush. Doors open at 9:00 p.m. and music begins at 9:30 p.m. and will go through midnight. $8 cover charge at the door.
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Pre-Summit Concert
Charles Wesley Godwin
03.25.25 • 4 p.m & 8 p.m.Rising country-folk artist Charles Wesley Godwin will join us for a special pre-Summit keynote conversation at 4 p.m. (no registration required) and concert at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 25 so make plans to attend. The concert is a separately ticketed event and tickets are on sale now.
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Closing Night Concert
Julien Baker & TORRES
03.27.25 • 8 p.m.Julien Baker and TORRES will close out the 2025 Music Industry Summit with a special concert at Templeton-Blackburn Memorial Auditorium. This is a separately ticketed event. All Summit attendees and the general public are invited to attend so make plans to get your tickets early...we don't expect them to last!