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GMA Week Gets High Attendance and High Marks

Courtesy of Spinhouse PR

April 22, 2005

Today, Styll reported that GMA Week 2005, held last week in Nashville, experienced record attendance of more than 3,600 people, including registrants, speakers, media, musicians, artists, exhibitors and sponsors. Paid registrations for GMA Week 2005 totaled 1,375, up more than 100 registrants from 2004 and the second highest registration number since 2000.

“GMA Week 2005 was among the most memorable I’ve been associated with in my 25 years in gospel music,” said Styll. “The feedback from attendees has been resoundingly positive. I congratulate the GMA staff and GMA Week leadership who worked so hard to offer a depth and fullness of experience in every facet of the convention – from the amazing variety of music experiences to the instructional and spiritually encouraging seminars.”

Paid registration by tracks was up in three of the four convention tracks. Christian Music Broadcasters (CMB) had the largest increase and largest overall attendance with 519 registrants, compared to 460 in 2004. Following was the Industry & Associates Track which had 342 paid registrants in 2005 compared to 333 last year. Managers, Agents and Promoters (MAPS) track had the second largest increase in number of registrants with 49 more paid registrants attending GMA Week 2005 for a total of 292, compared to 243 in 2004. The Christian Music Retailer Conference (CMRC) Track had a decline of 11 paid registrants to 222 attendees this year.

Styll suggested that the success of GMA Week 2005 indicates the overall strength of the gospel music industry. “In addition to the strong paid registration numbers, the more than 350 media from all over the world substantiate the higher profile and increased interest in gospel music. We may have areas of our business that are experiencing difficult times, but a week like this gives us hope and rejuvenates all of us,” he said.

Comments from GMA Week attendees, who responded to a post-GMA Week survey, concurred:

"GMA was a true buffet of Christian music. From hard rock and worship to pop and hip hop, this year’s conference provided a healthy opportunity to see the state of the Christian music industry. GMA is breaking down the implied walls within Christian music with an awesome conference that is educational, profitable and a rich blessing to the body of Christ.” Richard Picart, Chief Operating Officer for GospelCity.com/AG Media Group

“GMA week is an amazing opportunity to connect with the best Christian music has to offer: radio, industry, artists and retail. I have been attending for over 10 years and each year I look forward to gaining new knowledge that will impact my station, staff and listeners. I always budget for GMA - it's worth it!” Marcy Rinehart, Station Manager for WNZR, Mount Vernon, OH

“GMA offers a non-stop educational experience that will revolutionize the way you sell music at your store. I learned more in four days than I have in four years as a music buyer.” Root Syracuse, NY Music Buyer @ Sacred Melody

“This conference was a true fire and focus experience. I came with talent and a vision (fire), and I leave with strategic tools and direction (focus).” Jonathan, indie artist from Columbus, Ohio

“I am so thankful for the opportunity to attend GMA Week, to learn more about the music industry, and specifically concert promotions. Aside from the seminars, a highlight of my week was the showcases. I tend to get hooked on a certain style of music or on certain artists, and this was a great opportunity to expand my listening horizons and add diversity to the artists I select to listen to and promote.” Lisa White, concert promoter, Geneseo, Ill.

“This was my first time at GMA Week and I was blessed. God was there and He was glorified. I was educated at the classes, inspired and encouraged by my peers, entertained by the artists and most importantly I grew closer to the Lord at GMA Week 2005.” Ramzy Blanch, DJ/Promotions Director/Hip Hop Programmer for M88/KLYT in Albuquerque

“GMA Week brought a re-focusing of our identity and mission as a family brothered with the artist, producers, and companies working as the body to reveal the living Christ beyond the bottom line.” Woodrow Wilson, store manager, Salisbury, Md.

“I met with a number of new bands and Indies whom I hope to bring to my market to have them exposed here. You never know who is going to make it "big" but you get to see the heart of those you bring to your market. Even if "big" never happens, oftentimes these artists are able to impact someone’s life that may otherwise go unnoticed. The GMA convention allows me the opportunity to meet these people.” James "Cody" Trader, promoter/production manager, Las Vegas

“This year was one of the best of the 20 conventions I've attended. The CMB track will have a hard time topping it next year. Almost every seminar I attending gave me solid action points that will create measurable improvements in my stations.” Jim McDermott Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri President and GM, Spirit FM-KCVO

GMA Week culminated with the 36th Annual GMA Music Awards, held on April 13 at the Grand Ole Opry House. Switchfoot, The Crabb Family and Casting Crowns received the most Dove Awards in a show that featured performances by Casting Crowns, The Crabb,Family, Kierra “Kiki” Sheard, Selah, J Moss, BarlowGirl, Bethany Dillon, Natalie Grant, Watermark, Chris Tomlin, David Crowder Band, Matt Redman, Tonéx, Skillet and Denver & The Mile High Orchestra. The GMA Music Awards will be televised in national syndication in June.

Next year’s GMA Week is scheduled for April 1-6, 2006 in Nashville.

Founded in 1964, the 4,500-member Gospel Music Association is dedicated to exposing, promoting and celebrating the gospel through music. The GMA represents all styles of gospel music including contemporary pop, rock, urban gospel, praise & worship, Southern gospel, country and children’s gospel music. The GMA produces the GMA Music Awards, which recognizes achievement in all genres of gospel music and are voted on by members of the GMA.

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