Final planning is on track for the upcoming MIAC & PAL Show scheduled to take place May 15-16, at the Direct Energy Centre in Toronto. We're very excited about the program and I am looking forward to seeing all of you there.

Many of you may already know, we're celebrating MIAC's 40th anniversary this year and we're going to be highlighting that milestone at the trade show. So please check your memories and your files to see if you can find interesting anecdotes, old photos, or other memorabilia that will help us illustrate the association's history and tell its story. Forward anything you can find to me or to Janice.

To our loyal supporters of the show, MIAC understands that these are difficult economic times and that organizations, like yours, must carefully consider how to maximize your return on investment. Both the MIAC and PAL Show provides an unparalleled opportunity to share information and we have made it more affordable to participate by keeping the fees to exhibit, advertise, and become a patron unchanged. This challenging climate makes it more important than ever to showcase your products and services.

Canada's economy just keeps putting smiles on analysts' faces according to the Montreal Gazette published March 1, 2011. The latest pleasant surprise is the revelation that this country not only grew faster than many had thought last year, but seems poised for a repeat performance in 2011.

Statistics Canada reported that economic growth in the fourth quarter was a robust 3.3 per cent, better than most forecasters anticipated.

Canada's underlying strength seems to have stemmed from three factors: the rebirth of U.S. demand, Canadian spending on housing and home furnishings and investment by Canadian firms flush with profits. Given the strong demand for commodity products and the rebound in U.S. auto sales, it is expected that Canada's exports will continue to post double-digit gains in the quarters ahead.

Canadians are adopting new technologies that improve their shopping experiences faster than consumers in most other countries, according to an annual IBM global-shopping survey.

The poll also shows that the number of Canadian consumers who use two or more technologies, such as a website, mobile device or in-store kiosk increased by 65%, almost double the global result.

The survey findings also shows that shoppers are leveraging social media, blogs, YouTube and reviews more than ever before to discuss retailers, products and brands with friends, family members and strangers.

On March 7th, CEIR released its 2010 Industry Census revealing that during the past decade, the number of trade shows has remained relatively unchanged reinforcing the belief that the exhibition industry is resilient even during times of uncertainty and downturn.

Despite the peaks and valleys the exhibition industry was adaptable to unexpected changes and further confirms the value of face-to-face events.

For this year's show we are offering a wealth of educational sessions and keynote presentations from exceptionally productive creative visionaries based on three main themes:

• Building the Canadian Music Products Market
• Growing our community
• Creating a sustainable livelihood

Here's a sneak preview of this year's events line-up.

Sunday, May 15, 2010

Welcome Ceremony and Keynote Address

Shifting Consumer Behaviour and what it means to Retail
John Wright, Ipsos Reid
Senior Vice-President and Managing Director

The changes that we currently see in our economy, society and environment are significant and will create challenges and opportunities for the retail sector. In this welcome address, John Wright, Senior Vice-President of Ipsos-Reid, sifts through current consumer research to illuminate the shape of consumer behaviours.

At this session, you'll learn how behavioural shifts between generations affect how consumers purchase and how retailers deliver products, present brands, and think about price, choice, and customer service. Discover how ethnicity, age, and gender influence how Canadians shop and who has money to spend, who is spending money, and who motivates, influences, and directs the way consumers spend their money.

John Wright is Senior Vice President and Managing Director of the Canadian Public Affairs component of Ipsos-Reid - Canada's largest market research and public opinion firm. The company is part of Ipsos - the third largest market and opinion research firm in the world with annual billings of $1.4 Billion.

In addition to his client work involving public affairs research, John has been the lead media spokesperson for the company since 1990 on politics, policy and consumer trends. He also hosts a weekly radio show for Canada's largest News Talk Station, Toronto's CFRB, called Your Opinion Counts, and has been a regular Co-Host on ROB-TV's Squeeze Play. John is also the Co-Author of the recently released best seller What Canadians Think? About Almost Everything which has sold 20,000 copies.

Monday, May 16, 2010

Keynote Presentation

The Leisure Economy: How Changing Demographics, Economics & Generational Attitudes will reshape Our Lives and our Industries
Linda Nazareth
Senior Economic Analyst for Business News Network

Linda Nazareth is an economist, author and television broadcaster. An expert on demographic and social change, she knows that small trends can cause big shifts – and she knows how to stay ahead of them. She is the Senior Economic Analyst for Business News Network and Canada's only full time on-air economist. She is also the author of the book “The Leisure Economy, an examination of how the current economic and demographic trends are going to force a sea change in North American Behaviour.

Prior to joining BNN, Linda was a senior Economist with CIBC for 10 years. Earlier in her career she earned her Master in Economics and worked with the federal government, specializing in demographic and labour market forecasting.

If you think you know all the answers, near certain peril awaits. If you are looking to make a real and sustainable difference, the perils of understanding lie in wait for you to discover. The overall premise of the "Retailer Forum" is to deliver high take-away value to help individuals and companies improve their competitiveness during these challenging times. There is simply no greater learning opportunity than this year's jam-packed, practical and reliable source of Lean learning. Period. Here's a sampling of this year's seminar line-up to date.

• The 7 P's of Retail Marketing: How Social Media Can Integrate Your People, Process & Physical Evidence
• Will You Be Ready For the Finish? - Business Succession Planning Seminar
• Building the Ultimate Music Dealer Website
• What are QR Codes and How do they Benefit Me?

Please stay tuned for additional speaker announcements as we firm up our seminar series and round out our roster of speakers.

A Place Where Industry Leaders Meet, Exchange Views, Network and DO BUSINESS!!

When not learning about leading corporate strategies, listening to industry experts discussing opportunities in the global marketplace, or checking out the latest innovations in music products and professional A/V and systems integration technologies, delegates can engage in an abundance of networking events designed to facilitate direct dialogues on key issues, and ultimately...strike deals!

This year's evening cocktail functions provide ample opportunity for you to discuss business and forge new relationships.

Saturday, May 14

MIAC OPENING RECEPTION

Join us for the Grand Opening of the Trade Show and Reception. Reconnect with old friends and colleagues, and make new acquaintances! You'll enjoy a tantalizing spread of great food and drinks, live music and a panoramic night view of the city in the Business Club Lounge on the 43rd Floor of the Sheraton Centre Hotel.

Includes delicious hors d'oeuvres and cash bar.

Sunday, May 15

MIAC EXCELLENCE AWARDS & RECOGNITION RECEPTION

Join our honoured award recipients at this inaugural event to celebrate! Please join them and all your colleagues to enjoy an evening of mingling and sharing good wishes at this wonderful event. Includes delicious hors d'oeuvres and cash bar.

CALL FOR AWARD ENTRIES WILL BE AVAILABLE SHORTLY.

Monday, May 16

YOU'RE INVITED TO MIAC'S ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

MIAC's Board of Directors is pleased to invite you to MIAC's Annual General Meeting to be held on Monday, May 16th, at the Direct Energy Centre in Toronto. All members are encouraged to attend the AGM. This is your opportunity to engage with your appointed representatives on the Board of Directors, participate in discussions on issues and resolution, and to receive reports on the past year's activities. MIAC governance depends on your participation. A hot buffet breakfast will be served.

If you have any questions about the Annual General Meeting, please contact MIAC offices at 1-877-490-6422 or email to info@miac.net

MIAC 2011 CONFIRMED EXHIBITORS

Space does not permit listing our other exhibitors! To view our complete list of exhibitors visit www.miac.net.

The Music Industries Association of Canada is pleased to welcome Fender Musical Instruments Corporation to MIAC 2011 Show!

Fender Musical Instruments Corporation, the world's foremost manufacturer of guitars, basses, amplifiers and related equipment will be participating in the MIAC 2011 Show.

With an illustrious history dating back to 1946, Fender has touched and transformed music worldwide and in nearly every genre: rock 'n' roll, country and western, jazz, rhythm and blues and many others. Everyone from beginners and hobbyists to the world's most acclaimed artists and performers have used Fender instruments and amps, and legendary Fender instruments as the Telecaster® and Stratocaster® guitars and Precision® and Jazz® bass guitars are universally acclaimed as design classics.

Fender will be showcasing a vast array of musical products including:

• Fender Blacktop Series Guitars
• Fender G-DEC 3 Amps
• Fender Hot Rod Series Amps
• Squier Classic Vibe Series Guitars/Basses
• Jackson JS Series Guitars

Visit Fender at Booth #2001

It's that time of year again - time to renew your MIAC membership for 2011. Renewal notices were mailed out in early January. However, should you require another copy of your renewal invoice, please contact Janice at janice@miac.net. We hope you will continue your support of MIAC and renew your membership for 2011. Please be aware that the membership year is from January to December. Memberships will be active from the date of receipt of payment through December 2011.

The MIAC National Office is located at Suite 807, 505 Consumers Road, Toronto, Ontario, M2J 4V8 (located near Victoria Park Avenue & Highway 401) and is a member resource.

Office hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, and all MIAC/PAL members are cordially invited to visit the National Office when you are in the area. Contact numbers are 416-490-1871 (local) or toll-free 1-877-490-6422.

For all the latest Association news and activities, visit us online at www.miac.net or www.thepalshow.com.