(CelebrityAccess News Service) – The 2003 Aspen Artist Development Conference (AADC) www.aspenconference.com, now in its eighth year, is taking shape. Set for
December 11-13 at The St. Regis Aspen. Conference organizers have confirmed the event's two guest
speakers.
Speaking on December 11 is Al Ries, a legendary marketing strategist and best-selling author, who has
addressed audiences worldwide on topics such as marketing strategy, branding, Internet branding and
positioning, among others. He is the author/co-author of eight books on marketing that have shaken some of
marketing's most cherished principles. He coined the concept of "positioning" nearly 20 years ago and his
accomplished career includes more than 40 years of experience working with top companies.
Taking the spotlight the next day is Marc Gobé, president, CEO and executive creative director of the
desgrippes gobe group new york, one of the world's top 10 brand image creation firms. He is also the author
of the book "Emotional Branding – The New Paradigm for Connecting Brands to People" (Allworth Press,
2001). His most recent book, Citizen Brand, builds on his highly successful Emotional Branding strategy with a
powerful new concept designed to help companies earn the trust of today's consumers.
Since its inception in 1995, AADC has been inviting the decision makers of the music business for
business and fun in Aspen. Its tightly focused group of industry leaders, capped at 200 registrants to ensure
real dialog among attendees, includes high profile managers and agents, top record company executives,
leading concert promoters, entertainment lawyers, business managers and others. Artist development, not the
discovery of new talent, is the focus of its meetings.
Among the event's activities is an opening reception at Aspen Billiards, Eric’s Bar, and The Cigar Bar, a
free and full buffet breakfast at the host hotel on Friday and Saturday, AADC's annual ski race and a catered
lunch at the bottom of the race course for all conference registrants, and a closing dinner, where participants
will be feted with awards and trophies as well as color photographs from the conference.–Jane Cohen and
Bob Grossweiner
