London, UK (London
Calling Official Website) - London Calling, the UK-based "cutting edge" music industry event which debuted successfully in June 2005 has announced its new profile and format including a major expansion under the banner of "London
Calling - The
Future of
Music Business".
Launched in 2005 by David Conway and Henriette Amiel, long term music industry insiders and owners of a leading independent label, London Calling 2006 (Earl's Court, 29 - 30 June) will combine a major exhibition, a multi-stream educational line-up and one-to-one business advice and mentoring services with a series of showcases and a stream of networking and social events. London Calling 2006 is backed by a heavyweight investment programme and extensive event organising experience from its new owners Ithaca Media, one of Europe's leading business media companies.
"We felt that London Calling needed an experienced and respected event organiser to take it to the next level. It was also important to us that whoever took on London Calling was passionate about music and understood the music business. Ithaca ticked all the boxes and I'm very excited to be working with them" says David Conway. According to Andy Center, MD of Ithaca Media, "London Calling 2006 is a multilayered business and networking event that is fully focussed on stimulating new music business opportunities, providing a wealth of fresh business ideas and connecting the players in the New Music Economy."
The London Calling educational programme is being programmed by top music marketing agency, FRUKT, whose Joint Managing Director, Jack Horner, points to a "New Music Economy with increasing investment and active participation from consumer brands and technology companies." He also states that London Calling's speakers will be "Pioneers and entrepreneurs - not just the usual suspects. We expect to get some sparks flying!"
Big name speakers already confirmed include Wayne Rosso, CEO of Mashboxx; Jonas Geust, VP, Music Business Programme, Nokia and William Booth, Executive VP and General Manager, EMI Music Publishing. The conference will focus exclusively on the future of the music business with sessions grouped together under three major themes - New Technology, New Business Models and Bands and Brands.
The event appears to have struck a chord with the Music industry. Russel Coultart, CEO of Digital Stores commented "London has long needed an effective professional music business conference. And London Calling is shaping up to be just that with perfect timing as the new digital age of music dawns." He is supported by Simon Wheeler, Head of Digital, Beggars Group & Chairman of New Media Group, AIM, who said "Although the future of music business is largely digital, the best business relationships develop through face-to-face meetings. London Calling provides a perfect environment to meet potential business partners and build on existing relationships."
The attendant exhibition is already 60% booked and will feature over 120 international exhibitors with specific zones for Digital Business Services, Music Business Services, Consumer Music Experiences and Electronics and The World of Music. For those wanting to undertake international and digital licensing deals, the International Trading Floor will provide an environment to find, meet and negotiate with new and existing partners.
In addition, there will be a ground-breaking Music Business Accelerator programme offering visitors specialist one-to-one advice on a range of subjects - from Licensing to Legal, from Finance to Distribution with a series of mentoring opportunities available for visitors seeking new business insights from industry luminaries and gurus. In another new move, the organisers have also confirmed that London Calling's venue, Earl's Court, will accommodate three live stages (Bands, Acoustic and DJs) for new product showcases and spotlighting new scenes and movements from around the world. The Band Agency will also be organising and promoting a range of showcases in venues around London.
London Calling has also generated international endorsement with Neil Schield, Director of Content Development for Sony Connect USA, commenting "London is where it's at!" and Greg Scholl, President and CEO of London Calling exhibitor, The Orchard, adding: "Now more than ever, as the digital age begins to accelerate, conferences like London Calling are essential elements of cultivating a truly global business." London Calling has also secured the endorsement of the UK's leading trade bodies with Phil Patterson, Export Promoter for UK Music, UK Trade and Investment, saying "It's great to see an international music event here in London and following its initial success in 2005, London Calling looks to have hit on the right formula to maintain and develop such an event here in the heart of the British music industry. We support London Calling in its efforts to bring the international community together, to continue the flow of information, exchange of ideas and help develop music and artists from all corners of the world."
Jon Webb, Director, Independent Member Services at the BPI added "London Calling is another welcome opportunity for labels of all sizes, but especially the independents, to get together and embrace the opportunities the exciting new world provides in 2006.
Music industry insiders David Conway and Henriette Amiel, who launched London Calling, remain stake-holders and key members of the London Calling team. For further information contact Khalid Amin (telephone: 020 8232 1600 ext 271 or email: [email protected]) or David Conway (telephone: 020 8232 1600 ext 277 or email [email protected]). To register an interest in attending the event contact Eva Claramonte at [email protected].
