The 2007 Americana Music Conference is slated for Wednesday-Saturday, Oct. 31-Nov. 3, in Nashville, Tennessee. The festivities get under way with a night of music showcases around the city. Panel discussions, a trade show, lunches and other daytime activities are being planned at the Nashville Convention Center for Thursday through Saturday, while the evenings will be filled with artist showcases and parties. The 6th Annual Americana Honors & Awards will be held at the Ryman Auditorium on Thursday evening, Nov. 1.

Through April 30, registration is $250 for Americana Music Association members and $300 for non-members. Registration entitles you to a ticket to the Americana Honors & Awards, admission to all showcases and conference activities, and invitations to all sanctioned parties and events. For registration information (and showcase submission applications for artists), visit the association’s Web site, www.americanamusic.org

An estimated 1,000 artists, label executives, managers, agents, music publishers, performing rights society executives, music retailers, producers, promoters, allied professionals and music journalists converged on Nashville for three days of learning, networking and entertainment last fall. More than 130 artists played the 2006 Americana Music Conference; 70 showcases took place at five area clubs, while more than 50 panels covered various facets of the business.

Established in 1999, the Americana Music Association is a professional trade association dedicated to building and promoting the Americana genre and the individuals who participate in the industry. The annual Americana Music Conference and Americana Honors & Awards are an important part of that.