Industry titans and visionaries, seldom heard in a public format, will deliberate challenges and trends during the first-ever WHO KNEW meetup set for Thursday, January 29, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at ONE, on the top floor of the Cannery Ballroom. WHO KNEW will provide a first-of-its-kind platform for industry heavy weights to provoke robust discussions about the music industry while providing attendees the opportunity to network and establish working relationships.
“Think Shark Tank meets TED Talks meets speed dating,” said Tom Truitt, founder of MusicRowSearch and Music Industry Forum. “We’re providing a forum where thought-leading industry veterans can come together to present their ideas and potentially establish working relationships that expand opportunities for all involved.”
The full roster of speakers includes veterans:
- Bertis Downs, R.E.M.’s long-time lawyer
- Jim Griffin, Managing Director OneHouse and copyright expert
-Ken Gay, entertainment technologist and founder of ShowViz
- Debbie Carroll, MusiCares
- Tatum Allsep, Music Health Alliance
- Jeff Price, Audiam co-founder
- Heather McBee, Project Music/former Sony executive
- Terry Cologne, Richards & Southern merchandising.
“We’re striving for a strong reaction from insiders and the public alike,” Truitt said. “What we’d like to hear is: ‘Wow! Who knew incredible music biz projects like these are happening right now in Nashville?’ ”
WHO KNEW is presented by MusicRowSearch, City National Bank and the Joel A. Katz Music & Entertainment Business Program at Kennesaw State University.
"We are pleased to work with Tom and the Music Industry Forum on this inaugural event,” said Keith Perissi, Director of Joel A. Katz Music & Entertainment Business Program. “The educational and networking opportunities with vital entertainment industry professionals are important to our students as well as the community.”
Following the panel discussion, ideas will meet influence as speakers and audience members have a chance to network and mingle.
“WHO KNEW is for those who want to be ‘in the know’ in Nashville,” said Holly Bell, Senior Vice President of City National Bank Entertainment Division. “Every day our team supports startups and groundbreaking ideas. WHO KNEW will be a great platform to showcase what’s in store here in Music City.”
WHO KNEW tickets are available for $10 at http://www.musicindustryforum.com/whoknewnashville.