CAAMA welcomed international delegates from the USA, Mexico, Japan, Italy, South Africa and Poland to meet with Canadians

The sound of music from beyond Canada’s border was the keystone of the International Marketplace, consisting of music industry delegates from the world over taking part in discussion panels, B2B networking meetings, and mentoring sessions.

This year, the International Marketplace celebrated the bonds between the three ‘amigos’ that make up the Northwestern Hemisphere with a spotlight on the American music industry and a focus on Mexico’s music market. Delegates from guest countries were sponsored by the Ontario Media Development Corporation and Global Affairs Canada.

CAAMA presented the Focus on Mexico market access panel, followed by the panel, Towards a Connected Industry: The Future of North and South American Latin Music as well as a series of business-to business meetings curated by the International Marketplace.  The CMW festival presented Mexican showcases at Casa Mexico and Yonge Dundas Square, promoted by the Consulate General of Mexico, and supported by music industry funders in Mexico.

We are thrilled the 36th edition of CANADIAN MUSIC WEEK recognized the Mexican music market – one of the world’s top growth markets. The CMW ‘FOCUS ON MEXICO’ hosted an incoming Mexican delegation which consisting of approximately 20 booking agents, artist managers, agency founders, among others VIP music businesses from various regions across the country – all of whom had the opportunity to meet and network with targeted business professional and incoming delegations from other countries. We also want to thank Aeromexico, AMEXCID, FONCA, Jalisco Government and Mexico Tourism Board. With their support, CMW presented seven Mexican bands including more than 50 Mexican bandmembers/artists in total, live in concert at the Rec Room restaurant in downtown Toronto, during the May 11-12 weekend.
Natalia López Sosa Montes de Oca, Consul, Cultural Affairs – Consulate General of Mexico (Toronto)

CAAMA also worked closely with the U.S. Commercial Service Toronto to shine a light on music tourism, welcoming a whose who of  exhibiting U.S. music destinations. The program included exhibitor media meetings, a press conference, special advance screening of Brand USA’s documentary film “America’s Musical Journey” featuring Aloe Blacc, live performance at Brand USA sponsored reception by Grammy nominated Aloe Blacc, club takeovers, panel discussions covering topical music issues, presence on music cities panels by U.S. exhibitors, B2B meetings and mentoring sessions.

“This was my first time at Canadian Music Week and had a great trip and fruitful experience meeting with our current partners and plenty of potential industry partners. I also met a number of people through the B2B meetings that I will be staying in touch with. (in case partnering makes sense in the future.) All in all, I would definitely consider coming to Toronto for CMW again to see (friends/) current partners and make new connections.” Charlie Painter, Business Affairs Coordinator, Co-Owner, Territory Manager – Canada & LATAM – Yep Roc Records / Redeye Worldwide (USA)

“Canadian Music Week conference is one the best i’ve seen thus far! Brings together a wealth of talent and industry professionals from Canada and around the world. I recommend highly and look forward to coming back for more!” Linnette Harrigan,Linnete Harrigan Media (USA)

“Great Connections! Organization was awesome!”  Patrick North, XL Recordings (US)

“Whether it’s with professionals I already know, making new contacts and expanding my network, sharing ideas, or dicovering new talent, CMW is always productive for me. I think you have a great team, a great event, and for me, CMW never disappoints.” – David Silbaugh – Summerfest (USA

“CMW is a gem in the heart of a great city. The people, the music all are lovely and I am more than excited to visit again to experience it.” Matthew Gosling, Little Ears Music (USA)

The International Marketplace (IMP) at Canadian Music Week organized business-to-business meeting sessions with incoming mission delegates from the USA, Mexico, Japan, and Italy to meet with CAAMA members and Canadian industry delegates onsite at CMW  2018. CMW also welcomed representatives from Poland and South Africa.  More than 6,000 targeted B2B meetings took place during the course of the four day event.