Music Business Professionals converge in Antigua for “Managing IP in the Music Industry”

May 31, 2010 - The OECS Export Development Unit (OECS-EDU) and the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), in collaboration with the Government of Antigua & Barbuda, will be hosting professionals in the OECS music industry at a two-day training workshop in “Managing Intellectual Property in the Music Industry” June 1-2 at the Jolly Beach Resort & Spa.  

The lead facilitator at the workshop will be Managing Director of Management Company FML, International Music Business Consultant and Music Business Educator, David Stopps.  Stopps is also the author of the book “How to Make a Living from Music” and has spoken and facilitated similar courses at MIDEM, and all around the World.  Other speakers will include Omari Harrigan (Chosen Sounds / CARIBTONE) and Rohan Hector (EL-A-Kru) from Antigua; Steve Etienne, General Manager of the Eastern Caribbean Collective Organisation for Music Rights (ECCO) Inc; and Mc Carthy Marie, President of Dominica’s Association for Music Professionals (AMP) and Chairman of ECCO Inc.

Research conducted by the OECS and other organizations into the Entertainment Services sector over the past ten years, has consistently found that while music production is fairly prolific and there is increasing demand for cultural products in the market, there is a need for networking and training activities that will keep the OECS industry informed on international standards of operation in the music business and the systems for exploitation of their intellectual property to create wealth.  The 2-day OECS/WIPO music business training workshop has been designed to support human capital development in the music sector, following actions recommended in the OECS’s draft Action Plan “Actions for the Creative Ecosystems (2010-2012)”.  (The draft action plan is available for review at http://www.oecs.org/edu under Publications.)

The workshop will include themes relevant to the challenges and opportunities identified in the Actions for the Creative Ecosystems (2010-2012)”, including:

• Overview and Global Trends in the Development of the Music Industry;
• Trends and Challenges for the Creative Economy and its Contribution to National Development;
• Introduction and Overview of the Various Income Streams Available to Musical Authors and Performers in the Music Industry;
• The Importance of Good Management: Artist/Management Agreements, Building a Fan Base;
• How to get your Music in Film, Television, Advertising and Video Games (publishing);
• How to Maximize Performer’s Income: Recording Agreements, Live Work and Touring;
• How to Sell your Music Worldwide using the Internet: Emerging Business Models;
• Impact and Challenges of Music Piracy; and
• An open discussion on the future of Music Performances in the Eastern Caribbean States. 

The target audience for the workshop will be authors, performers, managers, association representatives and other stakeholders from the music industry in Antigua and the other Member States of the OECS.  Registration is EC$100.  Pre registration will take place on Monday May 31 from 1:00 pm at the Cultural Development Division, Former Parliamentary Building, Queen Elizabeth Highway; registration will continue on Tuesday June 1, from 8-am, before the start of the workshop programme. 

Mrs. Maxine Alleyne-Esprit, Business Development Officer at the OECS-EDU, explained that the Workshop would provide an opportunity for training and increasing the exploitation of intellectual property created within the OECS region.  It would also provide an invaluable opportunity for business networking, for artists, music producers and executives, operating within the OECS region.

David Stopps Bio
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The OECS EDU is an institution of the OECS Secretariat.  Established in 2000, the Unit is mandated to increase exports from the region through the enhancement of the competitiveness of OECS products and services in domestic, regional and international markets.  This is accomplished with a core of Business Development Officers located at its Headquarters in Roseau, Commonwealth of Dominica and close working relationships with strategic partners in other OECS States.

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations. It is dedicated to developing a balanced and accessible international intellectual property (IP) system, which rewards creativity, stimulates innovation and contributes to economic development while safeguarding the public interest.  WIPO was established by the WIPO Convention in 1967 with a mandate from its Member States to promote the protection of IP throughout the world through cooperation among states and in collaboration with other international organizations. Its headquarters are in Geneva, Switzerland.

For more information, contact:
OECS Export Development Unit
Maxine Alleyne-Esprit
Business Development Officer, Entertainment Services.
Tel: (767) 448-2240 / Fax: (767) 448-5554   
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