2023 Conference Schedule
- April 11
- April 24
- May 4
- May 5
- May 6
ECMA Export Training Pitching Workshop
Online

This advanced workshop, facilitated by internationally-acclaimed pitching consultant Jan Miller, is designed for export-ready artists, managers and companies interested in building on their presentation and one-on-one pitching techniques. Learn the essential components to enhance your personal communication styles, develop your business credentials and adapt pitch techniques for conversational one-on-one meetings. This year's program will be delivered online in advance of the 2023 ECMA Conference.
Selected participants will be divided into two cohorts and will participate in one 3 hour online training session. The final online session will be attended by all participants and will consist of live pitch sessions with industry export professionals from a variety of industry roles including music supervision, booking agent and festival programmers.
Facilitator: Jan Miller
Dates:
Cohort 1: April 11, 2023, 9:30AM-12:30PM
Cohort 2: April 12 2023, 2:00PM-5:00PM
Pitch Session: April 14, 2023, 2:00PM -4:00PM
Conference & Export Orientation - Artists & Industry
Virtual

An orientation for artists and representatives participating in the ECMA 2023 Export Buyers Program and ECMA Conference attendees. The 2023 East Coast Music Association Export Buyers Program and Conference is excited to be welcoming artists, industry and export delegates in Halifax, NS. Join us as we walk through how the program will work this year as well as tips and tricks for how to make the most of it.
Facilitators: Alyson Sanders, Shelley Nordstrom, Yolande Bourgeois, Abigail Pye
Music in Motion: Music Supervision Crash Course
Marriott Harbourfront Hotel - SABLE B1919 Upper Water Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 3J5


This year's Music Supervision Crash Course will take participants through the basics of music supervision and bring you into the minds of a Music Supervisor. This interactive two part session will bring together Music Supervisors from Canada and the USA as they share their creative process and provide insights and tips for getting your songs placed in film and television. Part one of this crash course will cover the following topics:
- The basics of music supervision
- Creative process
- Working within the film and TV communities
- Business side: Sync and master deals
- FAQ’s/Q&A
Part 2 of the Music Supervision Crash Course will provide pre-registered participants with the opportunity to have their music heard by National and International Music Supervisors. Songs will be submitted and reviewed prior to this session. A panel of Music Supervisors will pull out insights and tips for the group, sharing how they feel the submitted songs could or could not (and why not) work with filmed media projects. Registered Crash Course participants have the opportunity to submit ONE track for review. NOT all songs will be discussed during part 2 of this session but all tracks will be reviewed to develop the discussion.
Facilitator: Mikaila Simmons & Michael Perlmutter
Trending Topic: Building Spatial Audio into your Recording Strategy
Marriott Harbourfront Hotel - SABLE A1919 Upper Water Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 3J5


Spatial audio has made its way onto digital subscription services with dedicated playlists and becoming a mainstay in the video world. How can artists start to consider incorporating this in their next project? Join a producer, audio engineer and artist representative as they discuss spatial audio today and things to consider for your next recording project.
Connect. Mentor. Inspire: Making Connections at ECMA
Marriott Harbourfront Hotel - SABLE A1919 Upper Water Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 3J5


Join Mickey Quase and Rose Cousins as they kick-off the ECMA conference with tips and advice for how to effectively network and make connections. With a healthy dose of humour, learn from these industry pros as they break down the dos and don’ts of networking to make the most of your ECMA experience and beyond.
Music in Motion SYNC Summit: Spotlight on East Coast Success Stories
Marriott Harbourfront Hotel - SABLE B1919 Upper Water Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 3J5


Artists from Atlantic Canada have been featured in commercials, film and TV projects on a National and International scale. Join us as we take a look at some of these success stories and hear from the artist and music supervisor’s perspective to understand how these projects came to be and how these artists rose to the top of the list.
ECMA 2022 Welcome Networking Mixer - Meet the Delegates & Industry


Kick-off the weekend in style and join us for the ECMA 2023 Export Buyers Program & Industry networking reception mixer presented by ECMA. Come celebrate the accomplishments of our industry and connect with Canadian and international guests, talent buyers, industry professionals, executive delegates, showcasing artists, nominees and company representatives in an informal relaxed setting. Mix and mingle with conference delegates to make new connections, and catch up with your fellow colleagues. See you there!
Open to all members of the music industry associations and ECMA conference delegates.
Two for the Show: Live Pitch Performances
Marriott Harbourfront Hotel - Halifax Ballroom1919 Upper Water Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 3J5


Set in an acoustic and intimate setting, these two-song live pitch sessions are designed for export-ready artists to showcase their music to a captive audience of industry buyers and media. Designed with the Export Buyers Program delegates in mind, regional, national and international guests will sample some of Atlantic Canada's best export-ready talent as they perform two songs or original compositions.
Private Event - Open to Export Delegates ONLY
Breakout Mentorship Peer-to-Peer Session
Marriott Harbourfront Hotel - SABLE A1919 Upper Water Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 3J5


The annual ECMA Breakout Mentorship Program provides connection, mentorship and networking for artists who are performing on the Breakout Stage. This mentorship program includes 2 on-site peer-to-peer discussions where emerging artists will have the opportunity to discuss topics such as making the most out of your showcase, how to engage in networking and business opportunities and establish lasting relationships with experienced industry players. This program is open to artists on the Breakout stage ONLY.
L’autre langue : comment percer dans les marchés anglophones canadiens, américains, européens
Marriott Harbourfront Hotel - SABLE D1919 Upper Water Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 3J5


Une séance d’information pour les artistes francophones et leurs équipes qui cherchent des moyens de percer les marchés anglophones pour apprendre les différences, les tendances et les nuances qui existent entre les deux marchés.(Cette session a lieu en Anglais).
Wellness: Accessibility in the Music Industry
Marriott Harbourfront Hotel - SABLE A1919 Upper Water Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 3J5


Details coming!
Export Buyers One-on-One Meetings
Marriott Harbourfront Hotel - Nova Scotia Ballroom1919 Upper Water Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 3J5


Get connected with music buyers from around the world! This year’s meetings will be taking place ONLINE with Canadian and international talent buyers, booking agents, festival, event and venue programmers, promoters, presenters, film and television music supervisors,sync agents, publishers, showcasing events, labels, and media from the United States, Canada, Denmark, Belgium, France, The Netherlands, Germany, and the United Kingdom. These ONLINE pre-scheduled 10-minute one-on-one conversations are open to all export-ready artists, artist representatives and companies. Pre-registration required.
Touring in 2023: Building Your Touring Strategy…on a Budget
Marriott Harbourfront Hotel - SABLE A1919 Upper Water Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 3J5


It’s no surprise that the last few years have had a dramatic impact on the industry. In 2023, when artists are looking to hit the road, what are the questions you need to be asking yourself when building a tour strategy. How do you build an audience and come home with money in the bank? Hear from panelists as they share their experiences and know-how and get you to ask the important questions such as: Why are you touring? Have you built a budget? And Have you considered alternative venues?
Connect with the Experts: VIP Delegate One-on-One Meetings
Marriott Harbourfront Hotel - ACADIA A1919 Upper Water Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 3J5


These pre-scheduled meetings will connect the East Coast music industry with visiting VIP delegates to create connections and provide opportunities to do business.
Connect with the Experts: Industry Meet-Up


Schedule TBA
International Export Session
Marriott Harbourfront Hotel - SABLE A1919 Upper Water Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 3J5


More details coming soon!
The Changing Face Of Music Publishing
Marriott Harbourfront Hotel - SABLE A1919 Upper Water Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 3J5


Join this panel of publishers, lawyer and songwriter as they dive into the topics of collaboration and advocacy, why writers are signing with the independents, the benefit of writer camps and where they see the business going into the future.
Modern Music Management - Be a Swiss Army Knife
Marriott Harbourfront Hotel - SABLE D1919 Upper Water Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 3J5


The role of the artist manager is constantly changing. Traditional artist management is anything but traditional at this point, requiring the manager to wear more hats than ever before. This panel will feature Tim Des Islets, Liam Killeen, Katrina Lopes, and Neil Pearson discussing the current role and responsibility of artist managers, entrepreneurship in an evolving sector, and how diversifying skillsets are becoming a requirement to better serve artists and the community.
Music in Motion SYNC Summit: Ask Me Anything
Marriott Harbourfront Hotel - SABLE A1919 Upper Water Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 3J5


Join this year’s International Music Supervisors in an interactive Ask Me Anything style Q&A. Hear about what these experts across Film, TV and Advertising are working on, how they find music and how to make a good impression to get your songs placed.
ECMA 2023 Keynote Conversation: Neon Dreams - Finding Your Purpose and Your Audience
Marriott Harbourfront Hotel - SABLE CD1919 Upper Water Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 3J5


ECMA is excited to feature a conversation with Neon Dreams. Reflecting on their career to date, vocalist Frank Kadillac and drummer Adrian Morris will touch on how to recognize opportunities to grow and connect with new audiences, how to find meaning in those connections and the role that spirituality and greater purpose has played in the evolution of the band.
Music in Motion SYNC Summit Mixer
Marriott Harbourfront Hotel - SABLE Foyer1919 Upper Water Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 3J5


Connect with industry tastemakers, conference attendees and international and Canadian delegates in an informal environment.
Two for the Show. Live Pitch Performances
Marriott Harbourfront Hotel - Halifax Ballroom1919 Upper Water Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 3J5


Set in an acoustic and intimate setting, these two-song live pitch sessions are designed for export-ready artists to showcase their music to a captive audience of industry buyers and media. Designed with the Export Buyers Program delegates in mind, regional, national and international guests will sample some of Atlantic Canada's best export-ready talent as they perform two songs or original compositions.
Private Event - Open to Export Delegates ONLY
Coffee with CFM: Touring in the US - Whats NEW!
Marriott Harbourfront Hotel - ACADIA A1919 Upper Water Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 3J5


More details coming soon!
Breakout Mentorship Peer-to-Peer Session
Halifax Marriott Harbourfront - SABLE A1919 Upper Water Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 3J5


The annual ECMA Breakout Mentorship Program provides connection, mentorship and networking for artists who are performing on the Breakout Stage. This mentorship program includes 2 on-site peer-to-peer discussions where emerging artists will have the opportunity to discuss topics such as making the most out of your showcase, how to engage in networking and business opportunities and establish lasting relationships with experienced industry players. This program is open to artists on the Breakout stages only.
Comment favoriser une meilleure représentation des femmes artistes et des femmes professionnelles dans l’industrie de la musique.
Halifax Marriott Harbourfront - SABLE B1919 Upper Water Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 3J5


Atelier ouvert à toutes et à tous - et particulièrement aux hommes - pour s'assurer d'un engagement de toutes les parties prenantes à favoriser la présence des femmes dans l'industrie musicale. Partage d'expérience et retour sur l'étude de Musicaction en 2022. Propositions de pistes d'actions concrètes et mesurables.
Rights & Royalties in the Digital Age
Halifax Marriott Harbourfront - SABLE A1919 Upper Water Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 3J5


Artists and artist representatives should understand the mechanics behind the process of music rights management and the distribution of music royalties within the music industry. Join representatives from ACTRA RACS and CMRRA as they discuss what they offer and how to navigate the system.
Connect with the Experts: VIP Delegate One-on-One Meetings
Halifax Marriott Harbourfront - ACADIA A1919 Upper Water Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 3J5


These pre-scheduled meetings will connect the East Coast music industry with visiting VIP delegates to create connections and provide opportunities to do business.
Trending Topic: Digital Platforms and Playlist Curation
Halifax Marriott Harbourfront - SABLE A1919 Upper Water Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 3J5


Digital streaming services like Amazon Music, and social media platforms such as Tik Tok, feature artists songs and sounds- but how do you get your music up there? Playlists are a key tool to discovering new audiences but how do end up on those elusive playlists and how do you get discovered? Hear from experts from both the DSP and artist teams on how to navigate this digital world.
Performance Planning: Building Routine and Ritual for the Road
Halifax Marriott Harbourfront - SABLE A1919 Upper Water Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 3J5


Every musician seeks that flawless performance - free from hiccups & technical difficulties. Musicians also know that meeting those high expectations of perfection are hard to live by, given the variables that change with every gig. Join a panel of globally travelled artists who will share their experiences and discuss many factors that arise through the on-going journey to a perfect performance. Panelists will discuss how to prepare an organized checklist that will allow you, the performer, to maximize your peace of mind, and how to execute proper ritual techniques for your next live show.
SOCAN Songwriting Workshop
Halifax Marriott Harbourfront - SABLE A1919 Upper Water Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 3J5


More details coming soon!
Acadie Open Source
Halifax Marriott Harbourfront - SABLE D1919 Upper Water Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 3J5


Une session entre paires qui invite les artistes francophones à participer à un genre de mixer/open house/table ronde pour partager des infos, des ressources et des idées dans un contexte de réseautage avec le but de développer des relations plus importantes entre les francophones de la région, particulièrement les artistes et pros émergents.
Setting the Canadian Stage: Presenting Touring Networks Forum
Halifax Marriott Harbourfront - SABLE CD1919 Upper Water Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 3J5


Join representatives from Canada’s Regional Presenting Networks to learn about what is happening across the country. Artists will have the opportunity for small group discussions with each network about showcasing and touring opportunities in their region and how to maximize your time at their showcase events.
Breaking Down Racial Barriers: Success Stories & Continuing the Conversation
Halifax Marriott Harbourfront - SABLE A1919 Upper Water Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 3J5


Details Coming Soon!