Thursday 19 October 2006 AIR tackles the big issues facing independent music business today! AIR (The Australian Independent Record Labels Association) is a non government, non profit association dedicated to supporting the growth and development of Australia’s independent recording sector. AIR has around 450 members (artists, record labels and distributors) from the whole spectrum of genres and styles of music. These include some of the biggest independent labels in Australia, to the small solo operators whose names will become familiar in the charts of tomorrow. Part of AIR Pocket, a small business development program, The 2006 Independent Label Summit panels will focus firmly on the burgeoning world of digital music, with discussions designed to bring label managers up to speed on strategies to build business in the digital realm.

Find out what Indies are doing now to build digital market share! Local and international experts will provide guidance on: Trends for online music distribution Strategies for creating buzz in the digital realm How technological change will impact delivery of music to consumers In Depth.

Up Close A casual, yet professional environment ensures participants ample opportunity to network with speakers and delegates. Numbers at AIR’s Independent Label Summit are capped to maximise benefits for attendees. The following panels will be presented as part of Big Sound 2006:

Thursday, 19 October 2006 10:30 AM Key Note Address - Crossing Borders: International Music Discovery in the Digital Marketplace

Thursday, 19 October 2006 11:00 AM Panel Discussion and Q&A - The Future of Digital Music: What You NEED to Know

Thursday, 19 October 2006 1:30 PM Break Out Panel Session - Creating BUZZ in the digital age

Thursday, 19 October 2006 3:00 PM Break Out Workshop Session - eMusic.com

TICKETS: Buy a FULL DAY Thursday pass to Big Sound for entry into all AIR Panels, Big Sound showcases and sponsored lunches. For more see www.air.org.au.