This year's theme is "The Branding & Marketing Of Black Entertainment".  SUMC Chairman Tony Baraka, an Atlanta based marketing executive, is adamant that to maintain success within this industry branding and marketing strategies must be implemented.  "It takes more than just passing out flyers, having promotional models and a wrapped van.  It is much more important for those that are interested in this industry to understand cross promotions/branding and to grasp their target demographic," Baraka adds.

"There are lots of issues facing our entertainment industry today," says Baraka."  "We are seeing that the industry is creating a new business model that has embraced additional marketing campaigns and places great emphasis with the independent artists and labels.  The model also includes marketing plans that continually change the way artists are signed, continues to create creative distribution opportunities, and implements new media technology (i.e. myspace, street team websites, interactive fan sites, etc)."

The SUMC will focus heavily on providing information – with key seminars and networking opportunities.  Attendees will be provided

branding & marketing information in all areas of the entertainment industry.

The event will kick off on Tuesday, August 19 with the official SUMC Black Carpet Opening Conference Media Party at Over Da Edge Lounge. Among the highlights at the opening party will be the annual Legends Tribute Award, and this year's recipient of the SUMC Trailblazer Award, which will be announced May 15^th.

Additional conference highlights:

·          SUMC "Black Carpet" Media Kickoff Reception & Legend Award @ Over Da Edge Lounge

·          Gospel /R&B /Neo Soul Luncheons

·          SUMC Networking Lounges

·          Night Of Stars Awards Showcase & Fashion Show

·          Power Records 15^th Anniversary Tribute

·          Press, Radio & Retail Luncheon

·          Distribution & Marketing Panel

·          Power Packed Seminars

·          Future Stars Showcases

·          Major Label Executives Roundtable

For sponsorship and registration information please call 770-973-8441/678-559-4470 email smiurban@comcast.net or promokingz@gmail.com or log onto www.myspace.com/sumclod2008