Based on the feedback MFM staff received during the conference, and the evaluation forms starting to flood into our office, the 2023 Annual Conference delivered on its promises: it offered the nearly 500 people who attended a top-tier lineup of exceptional general sessions, breakouts, roundtables and networking events an unbeatable combination of information, problem-solving and collaboration.
Keynoter Jim Collins held our rapt attention for more than two hours as he mapped out his deeply researched methodology for companies (and leaders) to go from good to great. The 38 breakout sessions and roundtables covered virtually every topic and challenge media and entertainment finance professionals currently face in their jobs. Conversations at lunches and during receptions brought us together to more informally discuss issues, meet new colleagues and have some fun. One first-time attendee said to me, "I've never been to a conference with such a concentration of people in the exact same role as me. It's amazing."
The conference offered the more than 170 CPAs who came the opportunity to receive up to 20 highly valuable Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits. More than 124 different companies attended, and 210 individuals were first-time attendees. We're thrilled with the outcome, and we will use the evaluations to continue on our upward trajectory. "The conference was everything we aimed toward, and then some," said MFM CEO Joe Annotti. "But we don't rest on our laurels, and the new board is already planning for the 2024 Annual Conference next May in Jacksonville."
Speaking of the new board, MFM shared the results of the election of its new Board of Directors at the conference. As of October 1, 2023, Lori Locke of Warner Bros. Discovery will take the helm as Chair, Marie Tedesco of Beasley Broadcast Group as Vice Chair, Jenna Hardy from Gearbox Entertainment steps up as Secretary, Beth Bramowski of Audacy joins the board as Treasurer, and Dave Bestler of Hubbard Radio becomes Immediate Past Chair. Dave has our deep thanks and appreciation for his unwavering efforts during his tenure. You can read the full announcement here.
MFM's Town Halls and Networks are back in full swing this month, with three Town Hall webinars and two Networks meetings. On June 6, Futuri CEO Daniel Anstandig will reprise his popular Annual Conference breakout session when he presents "Reshaping Media Content, Audience and Revenue Strategies with AI." The June 13 Town Hall is "The Surface, Deep and Dark Web: Keeping Your Company Informed and Your Information Safe," from a team of experts at Porzio. And on June 22, Fletcher, Heald & Hildreth will present "#Sponsored: Avoiding Risks in Social Media and Influencer Marketing." The two Networks meetings -- Customer Finance Operations and Radio -- take place June 15 and 21, respectively. Be sure to check MFM's calendar of events to get all the details and registration info.
It's an exciting time for our association, and for our members. Be sure to read all of the articles and watch our video interviews with experts from across the media and entertainment finance spectrum here at MFMInSites.com.
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