First, let me thank you all for your support and the privilege of participating in MEIEA in this new capacity. It will be an honor serving this great organization as President, particularly at a time of vast change and new directions in the music industry.

For the past six years I have had wonderful experiences while on the MEIEA board. We’ve made a lot of progress in that time which has included revising governing practices, providing research grants to members, increasing the number of members and the visibility of the organization within both academia and entertainment industry circles. We’ll continue to progress.

As we are in the midst of the greatest change of our lifetimes concerning the distribution of entertainment products, it is important for us to provide leadership in exploring new business practices that will grow the entertainment industry during this century. I believe the research and teaching of academics in our discipline will greatly inform industry professionals as they develop 21st century music business models. And, it is my hope that we increase the dialog between the industry and academia as we confront the trials facing the industry.

Our 2009 annual conference is bolstered by an exciting itinerary. Conference Chair, Peter Alhadeff and Organizing Committee member and MEIEA Board member, Andrea Johnson, have done a stellar job in engaging several entertainment industry leaders to participate in exploring the “New Entertainment Economy.” Our keynote speakers, renowned economist Harold Vogel and entertainment executive, Danny Goldberg, are sure to enlighten members with their assessment of new prospects in entertainment and panelists will address a wide range of current issues. To update our members we’ll examine digital media, entrepreneurship, publishing, touring, marketing, gaming, international programs, and music products. We also have Academic Paper topics and a broad and deep lineup of presenters who will surely expand our knowledge on a number of forward-thinking subjects.

Lastly, two new types of activities will address expressed needs of our members by providing smaller informational settings for discussions on various subjects of interest to both faculty and students. Hot topic round-table discussions for MEIEA members will review key subjects such as how to prepare for tenure and starting a music business program on a budget. MEISA clinics, led by faculty who are experienced in a number of areas, will cover subjects as diverse as how to get a job in today’s music industry to turntable techniques.

This is just the start and I look forward to the ride; learning and, hopefully, contributing to the shape of the new entertainment industry.

See you at the conference!

John Kellogg
MEIEA President