Mentor Program Guidelines

Trying to figure out the best choices to make for your career in the music industry is not an easy task. Professional advice can be expensive, or very hard to come by. Gaining access to professionals is usually difficult, but not at SXSW's Mentor Program. You can schedule one-on-one meetings with the Mentor of your choice, to discuss questions you have or problems you are experiencing in the music industry. Where else can you gain priceless advice on all aspects of the industry from professionals with a world of experience beneath their belts?

Over forty music business professionals are participating as mentors over the four days of the conference. Mentor bios will soon be available for review online, and will be available as printouts onsite. Sessions are scheduled in fifteen-minute increments. You can only sign up for sessions on the day they are held.

PREPARE! Before you come to the convention center, take a second to determine what information and expertise you need. Formulate questions that will inform you on the areas you need to understand.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Do NOT give unsolicited demos to your mentor. If you wish to exchange contact information with your mentor and follow up after the conference, that is the polite and effective way to communicate.

Mentor Sessions

The Mentor Program is designed to give direct access to industry professionals who have agreed to share their time and experience with others. From A&R representatives to attorneys to managers and beyond, there is much to be learned and many questions to be asked in these fifteen-minute one-on-one intensive meetings. The mentor sessions provide an opportunity to receive personalized input more directly than a larger panel can offer. This year, we will hold our Mentor Program on all four days (Wednesday, March 14 - Saturday, March 17) of the 2007 SXSW Music Conference.

Mentor Schedule 2007

Wednesday, March 14th

Session 1: Noon - 1:30 PM
Session 2: 2:00 - 3:30 PM

Thursday, March 15th

Session 3: 1:00 - 2:30 PM
Session 4: 3:00 - 4:30 PM

Friday March 16th

Session 5: Noon - 1:30 PM
Session 6: 2:00 - 3:30 PM

Saturday March 17th

Session 7: Noon - 1:30 PM