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| International Music Managers Forum | |
|---|---|
| Name | International Music Managers Forum |
| Formation | 2008 |
| Type | Non-profit organization |
| Headquarters | London |
| Region served | International |
| Leader title | Chair |
| Leader name | Paul Pacifico |
| Website | Official website |
International Music Managers Forum is a global trade association representing music managers and management companies involved with artists across the recording industry, live music and digital media sectors. Founded to coordinate national manager networks and to influence international policy debates, the organization links stakeholders from major markets such as United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia and across Europe and Latin America. It operates alongside organizations like the Music Managers Forum (UK), American Association of Independent Music, International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers and engages with institutions including the European Commission, World Intellectual Property Organization and multinational rights organizations.
The forum was established in 2008 following convenings that involved representatives from the Music Managers Forum (UK), Australian Music Managers Forum and manager networks in Germany, France and Spain. Early meetings referenced challenges raised by the rise of YouTube, the expansion of Spotify, and litigation such as disputes around the Digital Millennium Copyright Act and EU Copyright Directive. Founders included prominent manager-advocates who had worked with artists on Grammy Awards–winning projects and global tours across venues like Wembley Stadium and festival circuits such as Glastonbury Festival, SXSW and Coachella. The organization grew through affiliations with national bodies in Brazil, Japan, South Africa and Mexico, responding to cross-border issues affecting touring, streaming remuneration, and rights administration tied to organizations like PRS for Music and ASCAP.
The forum's stated mission centers on strengthening professional standards for artist management, defending manager remuneration and protecting creators’ rights in negotiations involving record labels, performance rights organizations, and digital platforms. Objectives include promoting fair contractual practices with entities like Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment and Warner Music Group; advocating before legislative bodies such as national parliaments and supranational assemblies like the European Parliament; and advancing best-practice guidance referencing case law from courts including the Court of Justice of the European Union. It aims to support managers working with artists across award ceremonies including the BRIT Awards and MTV Video Music Awards and in markets influenced by disputes like the RIAA campaigns and licensing negotiations involving SoundExchange.
The forum is a federation of national and regional manager organizations, with a governance model that includes an elected executive committee and working groups focused on copyright, live touring, and digital licensing. Member entities include the Music Managers Forum (UK), Music Managers Forum Australia, Canadian Independent Music Managers, and comparable associations in Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Ireland, Switzerland, Austria, Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Greece, Turkey, Russia, Israel, India, China, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Brazil, South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya. Individual members often manage artists nominated for Mercury Prize, Juno Awards, ARIA Awards and regional honors. Governance interacts with bodies like the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry and consults with agencies such as UNESCO on cultural policy.
Programs include capacity-building workshops on contract negotiation, revenue modeling for streaming via platforms like Apple Music and Deezer, and seminars addressing touring logistics tied to visa regimes such as those influenced by Brexit and agreements between the United Kingdom and European Union. The forum runs mentoring schemes that pair emerging managers with veterans experienced in organizing residencies at venues like The O2 Arena and curating festival slots at Lollapalooza and Primavera Sound. It issues model contracts, publishes reports analyzing royalty splits, and organizes international conferences alongside events like MIDEM, IMS Ibiza and Eurosonic Noorderslag.
The forum conducts policy advocacy on intellectual property, transparency of streaming royalties, collective licensing reform, and fair remuneration for artists and managers. It has submitted position papers to institutions including the European Commission, the US Copyright Office, and WIPO on matters such as the Copyright Directive implementation, safe harbor provisions in the DMCA, and neighboring rights regimes. Campaigns have intersected with actions by IFPI, RIAA, BPI and Music Publishers Association, and the forum has engaged legal experts involved in litigation before the Supreme Court of the United States and national tribunals over royalty distribution disputes.
The forum collaborates with industry stakeholders including the International Federation of Musicians, Live Nation Entertainment, Eventbrite, and rights organizations like BMI, SESAC, PRX and GEMA to coordinate responses on touring, ticketing transparency, and rights collection. Academic partnerships have involved research centers at universities such as Berklee College of Music, University of Westminster and Goldsmiths, University of London producing white papers on streaming economics. It also works with non-profit initiatives including Music Venue Trust and cultural bodies like British Council on artist development programs.
While not an awards-granting body in the manner of the Grammy Awards or Mercury Prize, the forum has recognized managers through lifetime achievement acknowledgments and industry honors presented in conjunction with festivals such as Reeperbahn Festival and conferences like SXSW. It has supported nominees and winners of awards including the Ivor Novello Awards, Brits Rising Star and regional manager accolades administered by national member organizations, elevating profiles of managers behind successful campaigns for artists who have won MTV Europe Music Awards and Billboard Music Awards.
Category:Music industry organizations