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We hope you enjoyed the 2012 Billboard Touring Conference & Awards! Thanks again for your attendance and support. We hope to see you again next year.

Please check out all of the Conference coverage HERE.

Due to Hurricane Sandy, we have received many inquires about this week's event. Please note that the Touring Conference & Awards is still scheduled to take place at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City. We look forward to seeing our attendees but please email us (Conferences@Billboard.com) if you have any changes to your registration.

Harlem's iconic landmark, the Apollo Theater, will receive the 2012 Humanitarian Award -- making it the first venue to receive the honor. This award recognizes the philanthropic efforts of a music industry entity, and the Apollo's not-for-profit organization, Apollo Theater Foundation, Inc., will be acknowledged for honoring the influence and advancing the contributions of African-American artists while recognizing emerging voices across cultures and artistic media. "As the cornerstone of Harlem, and as one of its most distinguished and enduring community resources, our mission extends beyond music. We are committed to enhancing the life of our community and to fulfilling our role as a beacon of excellence in Harlem," said Jonelle Procope, President and CEO of the Apollo Theater. "The Apollo Theater and Billboard share a history of playing a tremendous role in shaping American music. That shared history makes accepting this award for community work a notable honor."

Billboard announced today that legendary singer/songwriter Neil Diamond will receive its prestigious Legend of Live Award. Billboard's highest accolade in the touring space, the Legend of Live Award, honors individuals or bands who have made significant and lasting contributions to live music and the touring business. Beyond success at the box office, the Legend of Live Award recognizes professionalism and steadfast commitment to the art and craft of live performance and the fan experience at concerts. "There is no musical expression that quite compares with that of presenting your work to a live audience," Diamond said. "It is the kind of experience that can both exhilarate and humble you at the same time. I'm honored to receive Billboard's Legend of Live Award, and to have had the opportunity to perform live to audiences all over the world for the past 45 years. For me, there is no higher musical calling."

Don't miss Team Holly discuss how they will connect the dots between Williams’ family legacy, her unique songwriting and singing talent, her potential as a lifestyle magnet through her food and fashion endeavors, her business acumen in founding the H Audrey clothing boutique, and the set-up and support of the new record The Highway. It all starts with a plan, and we’ll hear the groundbreaking Holly Williams plan on this session.

Featuring investors and entrepreneurs who are bringing capital and ideas to the live entertainment business—or considering it. Speakers include Mark Cuban, Todd Boehly, Charles J. Johnson, Rick Stevens, Charlie Walker and Jordan Zachary.

Register by Friday September 21st for only $475. Rates increase on Saturday!

On this panel we mix seasoned veterans with a history of getting the job done and NextGen concert biz players known as successful innovators who are changing the rules and making use of the new media tools available. Panelists include executives from The Roxy, Ticketfly, TMG/AEG Live, Danny Zelisko Presents, Live Nation, Paradigm, Photo Finish Records and Square Peg Concerts.

Join representatives from AM Only, Line Nation, The Agency Group, Guerilla Union, Blueprint Group/SEFG Entertainment, and Progressive Global Agency as they discuss the explosion of electronic dance music ticket sales and the resurgence in urban touring.

Make your room reservations today – before the room block is full. Call 888-833-3969. Mention the Billboard Touring Conference to receive a discounted rate of $319 per night (plus taxes and fees, rate valid until Oct 12 or until the room block is sold out).

Multi-faceted actress/comedienne Sandra Bernhard will host the 9th annual Billboard Touring Awards. "I'm delighted to help honor the top touring artists and professionals, because, as we all know, they never get enough love," says Bernhard. "So please join me on November 8th in New York City. I'll bring the glamour and the excitement, and it promises to be a terrific evening." Read more HERE.

Live Nation Entertainment chairman and Billboard's top 2012 Power Player Irving Azoff has been announced as a keynote Q&A for the 9th Annual Billboard Touring Conference & Awards. The first Billboard Power 100 list last year spurred much spirited industry discussion, but it's difficult to challenge Irving Azoff's position as Number 1. Azoff, Chairman of Live Nation Entertainment and chairman/CEO of Front Line Management Group, is a titan in the worlds of film, TV and record labels; has sustained and resurrected careers; and is a force of nature in the world of philanthropy. Don't miss when he sits down with Billboard's Ray Waddell for "The Keynote Q&A: A Conversation with Irving Azoff," expect candor, humor, plenty of fireworks, and opinions and observations that matter.

Read more about Azoff's Q&A HERE.

The 2012 Billboard Touring Conference will also feature "The Grass, The Palms, The Music: Inside Coachella." Since its premiere in 2000, the Coachella Music & Arts Festival in Indio, Calif., has risen to become one of the elite music festivals in the world. In a rare public discourse, the Goldenvoice/Coachella trio of Skip Paige, Bill Fold and Paul Tollett will discuss the strategic booking, industry relationships, and focus on taking care of fans and bands that make Coachella a one-of-a-kind experience. In a can't-miss session, these guys will pull back the curtain on this Great American Music Festival.

Read more about the panel HERE.

Dear Concert Industry Professionals: New York City’s Roosevelt Hotel will become the epicenter of the live entertainment business Nov. 7-8 with the return of the Billboard Touring Conference. Now in its 9th year, the Billboard Touring Conference has become known for hosting attendees and speakers that are the elite industry players, including established concert industry executives, up-and-coming entrepreneurs, and influential deciders. The content and networking at the Billboard Touring Conference is laser-focused on ways to build careers, sell more tickets, create rewarding partnerships, and stay ahead of the curve in this most vital sector of the music business. Make sure to join us for informative keynote interviews, captivating sessions on hot button issues, networking cocktail parties and showcases, plus our grand finale, the Billboard Touring Awards. Touring industry success in 2013 begins at the 9th Annual Billboard Touring Conference & Awards. See you there!