How does the new generation of Regional Mexican acts feel about genre trends, violence, and online promotions? Will Pitbull's Dr. Pepper print campaign beat out Daddy Yankee's Western Union ads for a Music Marketing award?
These are just some of the topics that are being discussed at this year's Billboard Latin Music Conference and Awards, a four-day event that kicked off yesterday at the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Miami and wraps with Thursday night's Billboard Latin Music Awards, live from the BankUnited Center on Telemundo.
Check out Crossfade's mini-guide to this year's conference and awards show, complete with fun shit like open-bar happy hours and celebrity sightings -- not to mention tips on how to sneak into each event.
Marketing Awards and Happy Hour
Tuesday, 5:30 p.m.
Don't have a ticket? Throw on a guayabera, slick your hair back, and shine your loafers. We're sneaking you into Tuesday's sweetest happy hour. There's plenty of booze to go around, just remember to act natural.
Cocktail Reception
Tuesday, 7 p.m.
After boozing it up with industry execs and advertisers at the Marketing awards, hop on the elevator and blend in with the crowd of label heads, entertainment lawyers, and publicists for a 19th-floor cocktail reception. If you have any problems with security, tell 'em you're with "the world's top salsa dancers" and you've gotta get ready for "The Performance."
Caporaso Entertainment and SonicProjects Showcase
Tuesday, 10 p.m.
Holy shit, Placido Domingo Jr.? Nothing screams Spanish-language recording industry louder than the Brickell Irish Pub. That's where celebrity picture hounds can camp out for a shot of Ariel Nan or Gonzalo Real. Talk about overwhelming.
Superstar Q&A with Pitbull
Wednesday, 2 p.m.
This is arguably the hottest ticket at this year's conference, so be smart about sneaking into this one. Pretending you're a member of the media is the safest bet. Walk into the JW Marriott looking incredibly disheveled and underpaid, maybe carrying around an iPad or laptop bag. When you're asked for credentials, fiddle though the pockets and drop a load of business cards in the process. Apologize for being so disorganized and claim your editor had you out all night covering "the thing at the club." Nine of out ten times, security says, "Fuck it," and lets you in sans credentials.
Billboard Bash
Wednesday, 8:30 p.m.
Mun2's Crash and Guad host the Senzari bash at Cameo nightclub. If that's not reason enough to bribe the doorman, how about a special performance by Elvis Crespo?
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Billboard Latin Music Awards
Thursday, 7 p.m.
The mothership lands at BankUnited Center on Thursday night. Getting past the metal detectors is going to be a challenge. But arrive early and post up near the red carpet for a glimpse of your favorite artists.
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