Gender equity and next generations in music to unite creators in Mexico for annual CIAM congress

ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews keynotes International Council of Music Creators congress in Mexico City

23 October 2018 - Music has been undergoing generational shifts that have changed the landscape across the globe. This includes new ways of communicating, new calls for balancing gender equity as well as new pushes for greater diversity.

On November 5th and 6th, these issues will bring the global unified voice of songwriters, composers and music creators, the International Council of Music Creators (CIAM) to Mexico City for its annual congress.

Hosted by Mexico’s authors’ society SACM, the congress will herald a new era for the CISAC creators’ council focused on proactive and greater engagement with the next generations of the world’s music creators. It will explore key concerns including how to communicate across generations of music makers, improving diversity, enhancing relationships with music publishers as well as legislative developments in the European Union, the United States and around the world.

ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews will deliver a keynote address. Matthews is executing a six-year strategic plan to drive royalty growth for ASCAP music creator and music publisher members and to develop and launch digital tools and member services to enhance the member experience with ASCAP. Renowned music creator and ASCAP Chairman of the Board and President Paul Williams will also be moderating a panel exploring how creators can stay central to the future of collective management organisations.

Composer, songwriter and CIAM President Eddie Schwartz expressed enthusiasm in bringing CIAM to Mexico:

“Our CIAM General Assembly in Mexico City gives our global creative community a moment to celebrate together the notable progress we have made this year in our march toward an equitable music ecosystem, and to plan together for the continued work ahead. It’s an extraordinary event at an extraordinary time and I very much look forward to it!”

Chilean composer and ALCAM President Alejandro Guarello said:

“This meeting in Mexico will be exciting because is a very important encounter for joining North, Central and South Americas as well as to know about the different problems that authors face in the digital world.”

Music creators and the public will be able to follow congress developments on CIAM social media: Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.