If you’re involved in the Christian music industry at all, you might want to mark April 18-22, 2009 on your calendar. Those are the dates for the 30th annual Gospel Music Week, the industry’s premiere teaching and networking event. The event takes place in Nashville, TN, and brings together artists and industry professionals for more than 100 artist performances, educational seminars, spiritual enrichment, and unparalleled networking opportunities.

Speakers announced so far include worship leader and founder of the Passion conferences and sixsteprecords, Louie Giglio, and William P. Young, author of the surprise best-seller, “The Shack.” The week culminates with the 40th Annual GMA Dove Awards on April 23, 2009 at the Grand Ole Opry House.
I attend every year, and while it can be a bit of a poser fest at times (most everyone’s looking to get something from someone else, business-wise), it’s truly the best place to network with Christian music professionals, take advantage of incredible opportunities to meet artists, songwriters, and industry professionals you might not otherwise have access to. You’ll catch up-and-coming acts and see some of your favorite Christian music veterans in concert. It’s exhausting, but it’s a great place to develop friendships, and if you can look past the businessey-salesy aspect of some of the stuff, you’ll learn a lot. If you’re in the business, you really need to attend at least once.
For complete information on registration and tickets to the Dove Award, visit the Gospel Music Association’s website.