The second annual Caribbean Music Expo (CME 2000) is scheduled to take place in Ocho Rios, Jamaica from November 29 to December 3.  The CME will again bring together music industry players from around the world to participate in a series of conferences/panels, live concerts and a trade fair.  The CME places emphasis on the music of the English, French and Spanish speaking Caribbean.

According to Lloyd Stanbury, CME Chairman, “Jamaicans need to take very seriously the business aspects of music”.  Stanbury noted that music producers and performers, Government officials and persons in the media and advertising business have spoken a lot about the business of music but understand very little about how to function in accordance with internationally accepted music business practices. 

He noted that the CME offers a great opportunity for these persons to interact with and meet music business professionals from developed music markets such as the United States, England, France, Germany, Holland and the Scandinavian countries.  “Unless we improve our capacity to function in accordance with accepted international standards, we in the Caribbean will continue to witness individuals and entities in the rest of the world reaping the benefits from the commercial exploitation of reggae, salsa, merengue and other indigenous forms”,  Stanbury states.

The CME conferences scheduled for the Renaissance Jamaica Grande from November 30 to December 2 will seek to address a number of important business issues.  

Left to Right: Lloyd distant-C&W JA Ltd., Scott Cohen- Orchard.com, Ajax Scott- Music Business International, Hugh Croskill- moderator, Jenell Rinehart- Tappedinto .com and Jacquie Juceam- Dancehallminded. com

Topics for discussion include “The Media and Music”, “Music in Advertising and Sponsorship”, “Music Promotion and Distribution on the Internet”, “Rights Management Online – A Look at the Secure Digital Music Initiative (SDMI) and Internet Piracy”, “Artiste Management” and “Production and Songwriting.

Several music industry executives and professionals from the UK, USA, and the Caribbean have already been confirmed to participate in the CME 2000 conferences.  Companies already confirmed include, Billboard Magazine, Motown Records, Universal Records, VIBE Magazine, Music Business International, ASCAP, and Black Radio Exclusive.

Persons interested in participating in CME 2000 may obtain further information by visiting the convention website at www.cme.com.jm or by contacting the Music Commission at JAMPRO.  CME 2000 is presented in association with Jamaica Tourist Board, JAMPRO, CVM TV, X News, BWIA International, VP Records and Air Jamaica.