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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR |
Another summer is fast approaching - and so is Billboard's annual R&B/Hip-Hop Conference. Thanks to the continuing support of our friends in the record, radio and affiliated industries, we're celebrating our sixth year. To mark the occasion, Billboard is traveling south to Atlanta.
"Bringing the Beats to the Street... Hotlanta '05" explodes Aug. 3-5 at the Intercontinental Hotel in Buckhead. Capping the three-day conference once again will be our annual R&B/Hip-Hop Awards.
Given Atlanta's reputation as an R&B/hip-hop hub, this year's conference promises even more in the way of cutting-edge speakers, informative panels, interactive workshops, networking opportunities and talent showcases. Come prepared to learn. You'll leave better equipped to meet the challenges of a changing business landscape - while having mixed in some fun.
Since its kickoff in August 2000, Billboard's R&B/Hip-Hop Conference has become an industry staple. Usher, Violator Management's Chris Lighty, Music World Entertainment/Sanctuary Urban Holding president Mathew Knowles, Virgin Urban Music/So So Def president Jermaine Dupri, songwriter/producer Rodney Jerkins, Interscope's Kevin Black and artists Kanye West and Anthony Hamilton are just a few of the industry notables who have participated.
Billboard is committed to strengthening its relationship with the urban music community. That goal has never been more crucial as the industry repositions itself to face challenges posed by the digital revolution, consolidation and a still-sluggish economy. Those issues as well as emerging trends, artist and executive profiles and brand marketing are just a few of the subjects addressed by Billboard and its allied online sites. And those same issues will ignite our upcoming R&B/Hip-Hop Conference.
So don't miss any of the action. Please join us Aug. 3-5 for "Bringing the Beats to the Street... Hotlanta '05."
Sincerely,
Gail Mitchell
R&B/Hip-Hop Editor
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