BMI Delegation On the Scene at MIDEM 2003

Posted in News on February 4, 2003

Music executives from around the globe gathered in Cannes, France for MIDEM 2003, the industry’s premier international convention. This year’s gathering was especially rich in activities focusing on performing rights and international licensing. Led by President & CEO Frances Preston, BMI’s delegation maintained a blistering pace throughout the week, highlighted in photos on this page.

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FastTrack, the international technical alliance of which BMI is a founding partner, announced the acquisition of a major Internet-based technology to support licensing and music use reporting. The technology -- known as ARGOS -- was jointly developed by FastTrack partners SGAE (Spain) and GEMA (Germany), with support from the European Union.

Seen at the acquisition ceremony are: (left to right) Jose Neri , Managing Director, sDae; Claude Gaillard, FastTrack Administrator and Membre du Directoire, SACEM; Enrique Loras, General Director, SGAE; Chris van Houten, Managing Director, FastTrack; and Rainer Hilpert, Chief Financial Officer, GEMA.

MIDEM Chief Executive Xavier Roy, who has built the convention to international prominence during his 33-year career, retired this year.

Frances Preston was among key industry speakers congratulating him on his contributions to the international music industry.

GEMA, the German authors’ society, celebrated its 100th Anniversary in a series of events at MIDEM. BMI hosted a dinner for GEMA top executives to kick off the celebrations.

Pictured (seated, left to right) GEMA Chief Executive Prof. Dr. Reinhold Kreile, Frances Preston, GEMA Chairman Christoph Brühn, (standing) BMI’s Robbin Ahrold and Ron Solleveld, GEMA Director Jürgen Becker, and BMI’s Del Bryant.

BMI joined the industry in celebrating MTV International President Bill Roedy as “Person of the Year.”

Seen at the dinner in Roedy’s honor are Frances Preston, NMPA President Edward Murphy with wife Jody Murphy, Xavier Roy, and BMI film composer Michael Kamen with wife Sandra Kamen.

MIDEM is traditionally a launching pad for new talent and this year was no exception. Among the brightest artists to debut was BMI songwriter Matt Morris, who performed at several showcases for industry executives.

Pictured surrounding Morris at the piano are BMI’s Ron Solleveld, John Coletta, Frances Preston, Fred Cannon and Alison Smith.

ABC Music President David Sherman (left) surprised friends and industry toppers alike in announcing his retirement during the annual ABC Music reception at MIDEM. Stepping into Sherman’s position following his retirement is Peter DiCecco. BMI’s Frances Preston led the audience in saluting Sherman on more than two decades of music industry leadership.

SOURCENews TAGS Advocacy International Licensing Musicworld On The Scene Artists Del Bryant Frances Preston