2009 ASCAP "I Create Music" EXPO Announced

LOS ANGELES, CA and NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - October 30, 2008) - ASCAP (the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) will stage its fourth annual ASCAP "I Create Music" EXPO in Los Angeles next spring where top songwriters, composers, producers and industry professionals will come together to share their knowledge and expertise on a broad range of topics of great importance to today's music creators. The three-day event will take place at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel, April 23-25, 2009.

The ASCAP "I Create Music" EXPO is the only music creator conference of its kind. It covers all genres of music and includes panels, workshops, master classes, keynotes, One-on-One sessions, song critiquing, networking events, product displays, state-of-the-art technology demonstrations, performances, and more.

"At the heart of the EXPO is a true spirit of community among the most successful songwriters, composers and industry experts and those just starting out," said Marilyn Bergman, ASCAP President and Chairman. "The EXPO continues to grow because it offers a unique experience to those who are serious about their careers. Participants connect face to face with music creators and industry leaders and leave with tools they can put to use in today's music world."

Since its inaugural year, the ASCAP "I Create Music" EXPO has attracted more than 6,000 music creators, industry professionals, exhibitors and sponsors, and is expected to bring together another large gathering in 2009. According to a survey of members and non-members who attended the 2008 "I Create Music" EXPO, 93 percent rated the event as Excellent or Good, and 93 percent rated the event as meeting or exceeding expectations. The most favored elements included panels and programs with accomplished songwriters, composers and producers; panels about legal issues, copyright, royalties and other business topics; and the array of networking opportunities.

Panelists and performers for the 2009 ASCAP "I Create Music" EXPO will be announced in the coming months. Past EXPOs have attracted some of the biggest names in music, both on the creative and business side, with headliner interviews featuring Bon Jovi, Jackson Browne, Steve Miller, Tom Petty and Randy Newman.

Early bird pricing and registration opens on November 3, 2008. For more information, please visit www.ascap.com/expo.

Members of the press may apply for credentials at www.ascap.com/press/pressroom/expo/.

About ASCAP

Established in 1914, ASCAP is the first and leading U.S. Performing Rights Organization (PRO) representing the world's largest repertory totaling over 8.5 million copyrighted musical works of every style and genre from more than 330,000 songwriter, composer and music publisher members. ASCAP has representation arrangements with similar foreign organizations so that the ASCAP repertory is represented in nearly every country around the world where copyright law exists. ASCAP protects the rights of its members and foreign affiliates by licensing the public performances of their copyrighted works and distributing royalties based upon surveyed performances. ASCAP is the only American PRO owned and governed by its writer and publisher members. www.ascap.com