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Music Industry Trade Shows 101

By , About.com Guide

Music industry trade shows offer a great chance for music business professionals and musicians to network, debate trends in the music industry and develop existing business relationships. However, they can be expensive, and not every event is right for everyone. These music industry trade show profiles will help you figure out which events to mark on your calendar and which to sit out.

1. Midem

Midem is one of the longest lasting and largest music industry trade shows, but it's not for everyone. Learn what to expect from Midem and whether or not you should go.

2. SXSW

The SXSW festival and trade show seems to go from strength to strength and gets bigger every year. Once a great spot for indie bands to get a chance to showcase in front of industry reps, the stages are filling up with bigger names these days. Still, SXSW remains an indie friendly event. Find out more.

3. CMJ

CMJ has all of the usual trade show stuff: panels, networking events, and so on - but they just can't shake being known primarily for the great showcases they put together. Get more info on what you can expect from attending CMJ.

4. Popkomm

Germany's Popkomm festival offers a lot of the same benefits as Midem but is a bit more manageable. Is Popkomm right for you? Find out.

5. In The City

Founded by the late, great Tony Wilson, In The City is certified indie. Whatever the latest trend is in the music industry, you can expect it to hear it being debated here. Learn more about In The City.

6. NXNE

The northern answer to SXSW, NXNE is not quite as large as its Texan counterpart but very indie friendly. Find out what to expect from NXNE.

7. NAMM Show

NAMM - the National Association of Music Merchants - hosts this show every year. It's limited to people involved in music product manufacturing and is a member only event. However, if you are in this business, this is the event for you. Find out more.

8. C/O Pop

This Cologne, Germany, based event is focused on new technology and changes within the music business and all creative industries. Should you go? Learn more about C/O Pop.

9. UnConvention

If you are in the indie music industry, you can't do much better than UnConvention, period. Find out how UnConvention serves the indie music industry.

10. Winter Music Conference

This dance music focused event held annually in Miami, FL, attracts a global audience. WMC is also home to the International Dance Music Awards, the largest award show dedicated to dance music. WMC is affordable and definitely the place to be if you work in the dance music genre.

11. How to Prepare for a Music Industry Trade Show

Find an music industry trade show that is right for you? Find out how to get the most out of your events.

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