PRINT &
EDUCATIONAL
MEDIA IN 2017
2016 RPMDA C onvention
for print media
of all kinds. Trad
itionally print-f
ocused
industries like newspapers, books, and magazines have seen their
business models upended by the internet and digital devices, and the
onslaught of competing – and often free – content they enable. Their
distribution models have been obliterated as consumers’ eyes are often
looking at the screen in front of them rather than at the pages in their
hands for the information they need.
Print music dealers and publishers have been feeling this disruption
as much as, if not more than, the other industries mentioned. There is still a
vibrant print music market out there, but it’s tougher to find and servicing it
takes more thought, ingenuity, and effort than it did in the pre-digital age.
It’s during challenging times that it’s most important for people
of a common cause and similar position to come together. Industry-
wide challenges of any kind are rarely overcome and adequately
addressed by individuals pursuing their own solutions, but
rather, are better tackled by a large group of determined minds
working toward the same goals. Through the sharing of
lessons learned, solutions tried, and stories of success and
failure, each individual within the larger industry is best
equipped to navigate the path ahead.
Thankfully for print music professionals,
there is the Retail Print Music Dealers
Association and its annual convention. Now
in its 41st year, the RPMDA Convention has
happened through the highs and lows,
helping members navigate every road the
print industry has taken them down.
“I don’t want people to be cavalier about
an organization that’s here to support them,” says
RPDMA President Don Langlie, who also owns Poppler’s Music
in Grand Forks, ND. “They should take advantage of it; it’s important,
and I think it will help their businesses, or least their understanding about
where it should go. Right, wrong, or indifferent, I think they need to be
exposed to what’s going on and I would encourage them to make the trip.”
As we have in recent years, Canadian Music Trade has again reached out to
the RPMDA to offer a preview of this year’s convention, taking place in Atlanta,
GA from April 26-29, and share a sampling of the lessons and insight that
RPDMA members from across North America will be receiving.
26 • CANADIAN MUSIC TRADE