In this update to our 2020 event for the physical music business, this Let’s Talk Physical session will deliver an exclusive inside look at the inner workings of vinyl pressing plants! We’ll be joined by plant leaders to discuss the challenges they face with massive global demand for physical music product, changes in the labor pool, shifting artist & label priorities, and how they plan for both short- and long-term success.

1 – 1:05 PM ET
Welcome

Speakers

• Portia Sabin, President,  Music Business Association (Music Biz)
• Steve Harkins, VP of Sales & Marketing, Ingram Entertainment; Chair, Physical Business Action Committee (PBAC)

1:05 – 1:15 PM ET
State of the Physical Business
While we don’t know exactly what back to normal looks like, in this presentation we’ll take a look at a few trends that have become obvious as we analyze the latest MRC Data numbers. We’ll highlight a few key vinyl albums that performed well in Q1 2021 despite capacity issues and the pandemic.

Speaker

• Keith Caulfield, Sr. Director of Charts, Billboard

1:15 – 2:00 PM ET
The Plant’s Perspective: An Inside Look at Vinyl Pressing Plants
Take a unique and exclusive inside look at vinyl pressing plants. Leaders from top plants will share the challenges they face with massive global demand, the labor pool, shifting artist and label priorities, and how they are planning for the near term and hopeful about the long term.

Moderator

• Sarah Robertson, A to Z Media

Panelists

• Ben Blackwell, Co-Founder, Third Man Records
• Grace Krause, Cascade Record Pressing
• Dr. Peter Runge, Optimal Media- Germany
• Sean Rutkowski, GM, Independent Record Pressing
• Ton Vermeulen, Record Industry- Netherlands