Day 8 - I Think!

Well today it's my turn.  I'm on an international panel discussing the impact of the Global Financial Crisis on world music markets.  There with Mark Moffatt and artists from US, UK and Canada.  The panel's moderated by Jeff Walker who runs one of the biggest PR/Promotions consultancies here and has a passion for and second-to-none knowledge of global country music. He's a great friend of Australian artists and music over here, and does a terrific job of getting some fascinating info from the panellists.

He's given us an idea of the questions he'll pose and I've made a note-to-self NOT to sound like Kevin Rudd when I'm relating how Australia has come through the GFC in better shape than other western economies.

Lots of compliments at end of session, so I think it went well.  Good work Jeff!

Last day of panels and showcases.  Sad - it's been such a buzz!

Have arranged to catch up with a number of radio presenters and distribute lots of the CDs that folks have given me to bring.  Thought I'd be going back with a much lighter load but somehow, for every CD I give away I seem to get two in return.  Good thing I budgeted for some excess baggage!

Final conference session is an AMA 'town hall' meeting, with the AMA Board gathered to respond to delegate questions/comments etc.

Jed Hilly (CEO) provides a snap-shot of the event and the challenges they've faced in a very difficult market.

Like most major events, they've suffered at the box office - a 10% fall in registrations and income, and a very difficult sponsorship environment.

Despite that, everyone's very positive about the future and the growing recognition that the Americana brand is receiving from consumers, media and industry -

•  American chart is now featured in Billboard

•  Grammies create new and separate award for Americana

•  New broadcast initiatives

•  National (Troy) consumer survey reports recognition of Americana at 30-40% (up from 10% in 2004).

Sad that it's come to an end, but there's one final twist -

Australia - or rather Tom Mason, saves the day!

Funny end to it all.  Am enjoying one of the last showcases at 3rd and Lindsley when the stage manager (who'd been so helpful at the International Reception earlier in the week, rushes up in a panic to ask whether I can think of anyone who could fill-in at short notice as the next act - members of the Blind Boys of Alabama and band haven't shown and aren't answering phones.  Do I know anyone!  Here we are surrounded by hundreds of musicians, and I'm being asked to pull the rabbit out of the hat - desperate times indeed!

The only person I know is Tom, who's got another gig later tonight.  Hurried phone call - he'll be there in 15 minutes.  

Having explained the situation to the crowd, I introduce Tom and all's well.

Danna the AMA Operations Manager and a couple of Board members are in the crowd and are very grateful that disaster's been avoided.

Thanks Tom - that's mega brownie points for you AND Australia!

So, everything ends on a happy note!