The Mechanical Licensing Collective (The MLC) today announced a full week of panels and programming intended to provide important updates about The MLC’s progress as the organization prepares to launch its full operations in January 2021.
“We’re looking forward to sharing information and engaging with future Members during this exciting week of programming,” said Kris Ahrend, CEO of The MLC. “It’s an important time for future Members of The MLC to catch up on our progress and make sure they are fully-prepared for 2021.”
Each day during the Week, The MLC will offer a webinar that features updates about the progress on different aspects of The MLC’s operations. In addition, participants will hear from leading stakeholders who were instrumental to the passage of the Music Modernization Act and the establishment of The MLC, including representatives from the U.S. Copyright Office, National Music Publishers’ Association, Nashville Songwriters Association International, Digital Licensing Committee, The MLC Board, and senior leaders of The MLC.
A schedule of events follows:
- Monday, October 26 at 11:00am CT/ 12:00pm ET: “Join us in Supporting The MLC”
Established by the historic Music Modernization Act of 2018, The MLC will address longstanding challenges in how music creators collect the mechanical royalties they’re owed. During this session, we’ll review the origin and purpose of The MLC and hear directly from industry stakeholders about how this revolutionary organization will empower copyright owners around the globe.
Moderated by Billboard’s Robert Levine, this kickoff event features a panel with National Music Publishers’ Association EVP and General Counsel Danielle Aguirre; The MLC CEO Kris Ahrend; ABKCO Music & Records, Inc. Chief Operating Officer and The MLC Board Chair Alisa Coleman; Digital Media Association President and CEO (and representative for the Digital Licensee Coordinator) Garrett Levin; Nashville Songwriters Association International Executive Director Bart Herbison; and United States Copyright Office General Counsel and Associate Register of Copyrights Regan Smith. Register for this event here.
- Tuesday, October 27 at 11:00am CT/ 12:00pm ET: “The MLC Portal”
This session will provide a look into The MLC Portal. The MLC’s Chief Information Officer Richard Thompson will preview The Portal, discuss the Data Quality Initiative and share updates on next steps. Register for this event here.
- Wednesday, October 28 at 11:00am CT/ 12:00pm ET: “Members First: Making Customer Service our Priority”
Service is at the heart of everything we do at The MLC, and we aim to build and maintain strong relationships with each and every person we serve. In this session, join our Head of Customer Experience Lindsey Major and Head of Rights Management Maurice Russell for a live Q&A about our customer service operation and hear how we will strive to exceed expectations and deliver excellence for all. Serona Elton, The MLC’s Head of Educational Partnerships, will moderate this session. Register for this event here.
- Thursday, October 29 at 11:00am CT/ 12:00pm ET: “Engaging International, Educational and Third-Party Partners”
Like any good partnership, success depends upon the engagement and contributions of each partner. Hear from three of The MLC’s leadership team on how they are building partnerships in three key areas. Panelists include our Head of Third-Party Partnerships Dae Bogan, Head of International Relations Indi Chawla, and Head of Educational Partnerships Serona Elton.The MLC’s Head of Rights Management, Maurice Russell, will moderate. Register for this event here.
- Friday, October 30 at 11:00am CT/ 12:00pm ET: “What’s Next: A Vision for the Future”
In our final address, we have invited Music Business Association President Portia Sabin for a conversation with CEO Kris Ahrend to discuss The MLC's vision for the future, including a preview of the milestones that lie ahead over the next six months (and beyond) as The MLC continues to ramp up operations. If you receive digital audio mechanical royalties, you won't want to miss this session to preview what's next for The MLC. Register for this event here.
For more information about The MLC, visit www.themlc.com and visit www.themlc.com/mlc-week for more details about MLC Week.