ECMA's International Export Buyers Program puts Atlantic Canadian music on the world stage

News Release

April 8, 2015 – Moncton, NB – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

Ask most people about East Coast Music Week (ECMW), and they will tell you it’s a week-long celebration of Atlantic musical talent, kicking off with the annual East Coast Music Gala Awards Show. Truth be told, it’s all that and more. East Coast Music Week includes a wide array of music industry events, workshops and showcases, including the International Export Buyers Program, designed to sharpen the global marketing skills and visibility of East Coast artists.

The International Export Buyers Program, made possible in part through contributions from the Canada/Atlantic Provinces Agreement on International Business Development (IBDA), puts Atlantic Canadian musical artists within earshot of booking agents, talent buyers, festival promoters, digital experts and music industry media from around the world. IBDA funding helps the ECMA organize exporting presentation showcases, enhanced export training, pre-arranged one-on-one business meetings, and advanced professional development sessions.

In addition to industry representatives from across the region and the rest of Canada, delegates travelling to St. John’s to promote international markets this year will be coming from the United States, Switzerland, Belgium, England, Scotland and even as far away as Australia. Organizers say the International Export Buyers Program has been growing every year since 2002, and results in millions of dollars in annual revenue for East Coast artists and companies.

Quick Facts:

The IBDA is contributing $100,000 to support the 2015 International Export Buyers Program.
Now in its 14^th year, the International Export Buyers Program will attract over 100 delegates from seven countries.
Through ACOA’s Business Development Program, the Government of Canada has also contributed $100,000 to the East Coast Music Association to support marketing efforts to promote this premier event.
The IBDA is a federal/provincial agreement between the Government of Canada (ACOA, Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada, and Industry Canada) and the four provincial governments in Atlantic Canada and is designed to help Atlantic Canadian businesses enter, explore and succeed in international markets. The IBDA is a key component of a pan-Atlantic effort to foster business relations, attract foreign investment and nurture technological co-operation.

Quotes:

“East Coast Music Week provides a great platform to showcase Atlantic Canada’s musical talents nationally and internationally, helping to create and maintain jobs in the region. I am very pleased our Government is supporting the International Export Buyers Program through the Canada/Atlantic Provinces Agreement on International Business Development.”

- The Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency)

“In a little over 14 years, the International Export Buyers Program has grown from 13 international delegates to well over 100. With 650 pre-scheduled one-on-one meetings planned for 2015, we expect it will result in millions of dollars for East Coast artists and companies. The Program is the leading North American ‘business-to-business’ international marketplace and has effectively expanded the reach of the entire Atlantic Canadian region on a global stage.”

- Andy McLean, Executive Director, East Coast Music Association

Associated Links:

Background – International delegates to the International Export Buyers Program:

Alan Bearman Music / Sidmouth Folk Week (England)

http://www.alanbearmanmusic.co.uk, http://www.sidmouthfolkweek.co.uk

Perth Concert Hall / Southern Fried Americana Festival (Scotland)

http://www.horsecross.co.uk

Les Francofolies de Spa (Belgium)

http://www.francofolies.be

Woodford Folk Festival / Festival Small Halls (Australia)

http://www.woodfordfolkfestival.com, http://festivalofsmallhalls.com

NBCUniversal (United States)