Media Finance Focus 2022 
Agenda

Updated: May 31, 2022

 

Attendees please refer to the Media Finance Event App for the most up-to-date descriptions. Available [Presentations] are listed below next to their corresponding session.

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Sunday, May 22

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12:30pm-4:00pm   MFM Board of Directors Meeting (Room: Hillsborough - Fourth Floor)

12:30pm-5:00pm   Pre-Registered Attendees Materials Pick-Up (Second Floor H.B. Plant Foyer)

5:00pm-5:30pm     Newcomers Reception (Location: The Terrace Room and Patio (Lobby Level Marriott Water Street)
5:30pm-7:00pm     Chairperson's Reception (Location: The Terrace Room and Patio (Lobby Level Marriott Water Street)

Open to all conference registrants sponsored by Hearst Television 

7:01pm                 Dinner on your own! ENJOY TAMPA BAY!!

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Monday, May 23

7:30am-5:00pm    Registration Desk Open (on-site registration available)                

7:30am-8:30am      Welcome Coffee sponsored by Marketron 

8:30am-10:10am    1. Opening General Session with Keynote Speaker sponsored by Deloitte                                     

Keynote Speaker: Jeff Loucks, executive director of Deloitte’s Center for Technology, Media, & Telecommunications, Deloitte Services LP 

Media and entertainment services have acted as a lifeline throughout the pandemic. But consumers, now presented with endless choices, are smitten with varied content and flexible pricing options, creating persistent subscriber churn. To establish enduring relationships, media suitors will likely have to charm consumers by offering enhanced experiences and more personalization. In our latest Digital Media Trends Survey we explore how media and entertainment companies can harness consumer attitudes to drive loyalty and enable growth. [Presentation]

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Keynote Panel: CFOs in the Hot Seat
Moderator: Cal Mostella, Warner Bros. Discovery
Panelists: Lucy Rutishauser Sinclair Broadcast Group; Marie Tedesco, Beasley Broadcast Group; and Virginia Hernandez, Trilith Studios

Hear from this group of senior level CFO’s as they provide a diverse mix of perspectives and knowledge on key issues facing them and their companies.  This is your chance to get ahead of the curve to hear about common problems and how these people have resolved issues before them.

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BCCA Contributor Award given to Ellen Lehr, Audacy

 

(CPE-SK=Specialized Knowledge/O/2)

Room: HB Plant Ballroom

 

10:10am-10:30am  Coffee/Refreshment Break sponsored by Marketron

                                           

10:30am-11:20am  Breakout Sessions

2.  The Latest from Washington
Moderator: Paul Kelly, KTRK-TV/ABC/Disney

Speakers: David Oxenford, Wilkinson, Barker, Knauer LLP; and Anna Chauvet, NAB

Through all the changes that have occurred in the two years since we last met in person, DC regulation of broadcasters, cable companies and other media entities has continued on.  This session will provide information about the latest issues in media regulation from the FCC and Congress. Topics that will likely be discussed include the composition of the FCC and Congress and what that means for regulation, the potential for more regulation of online media entities and how that may affect traditional media; possible Congressional actions to foster local journalism; the status of changes to the FCC’s media ownership rules; possible modifications to the FCC’s EEO rules and legislative efforts to bring back the minority tax certificate; music licensing and other copyright issues; advertising issues; changes in technical rules for both radio and tv; and many other matters under consideration in our nation’s capital. 

(CPE-BL=Business Law/I/1) Room: Tampa Bay Salon 1 Fourth Floor

3. Accounting Update, Public Companies
Moderator:  Wilson Matheson, PwC

Speaker: James DePonte, PwC

This session will examine emerging topics with respect to SEC disclosure simplification initiatives, lessons learned from applying ASU 2019-02 for content assets and emerging issues with respect to direct-to-consumer and digital advertising and affiliate revenue transactions.  It will also look at navigating accounting for software and cloud computing arrangements.
(CPE-AC=Accounting/A/1) Room: Tampa Bay Salon 2 Fourth Floor

4. Video Games Trends and Insights
Moderator: Jenna Hardy, Gearbox Entertainment

Speaker: Carrie Robison, Entertainment Software Association
Billions of people around the world play video games every day. Video games are a source of joy, entertainment, and stress relief, and over the last two years in particular, games have been a source of comfort and connection. This discussion will highlight some of the latest research and trends in video game play and the impact of the industry as well as the education, health and social benefits of gameplay. The discussion will provide an overview of the landscape for the video game industry looking ahead.
(CPE-SK=Specialized Knowledge/U/1) Room: Tampa Bay Salon 3 Fourth Floor

5. Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Litigation, Bankruptcy, AR Management and Best Practices
Moderator: Randy Neff, Szabo Associates

Panelists: Sandi G. Henderson, Szabo Associates; and Gilbert M. Singer, Marcadis Singer PA

This session will help the audience stay up with the changing trends related to how COVID-19 has impacted both, the civil court and bankruptcy court systems. The speakers will discuss how COVID-19 has impacted the cases through the civil and bankruptcy court systems and how the court systems have adapted to technologies within the respective jurisdictions, what can be expected in the future, what are the benefits and risks to the media industry, and a deep dive analysis into the cost of litigation in relation to the rewards (cost / risk analysis). In addition, the speakers will discuss Best Practices to consider during the credit extension process, terms and conditions to minimize risks, and an accounts receivable plan to maximize cash flow. [Presentation]
(CPE-MS=Management Systems/I/1) Room: Tampa Bay Salon 6 Fourth Floor

6. Taxation of NFT’s and Crypto Currency
(CPE-T=Tax/A/1) Room: Tampa Bay Salon 7 Fourth Floor 

                                           

11:30am-12:20pm Breakout Sessions

7. NFT’s:  The Basics
Moderator:  Paul Rahmlow, Midwest Communications
Speaker:  Andy Gille, Midwest Communications
NFTs or Non-Fungible Tokens continue to make headlines with celebrities, influencers and investors touting their value.  But what exactly are NFTs, why should you care and how could they be useful in the future to your organization?  We attempt to answer these questions in a format that is readily understandable to beginners.  We aren’t going to delve into code or technical jargon, instead we’ll answer real questions like, “Why would someone pay $300k for a pixelated jpeg of a cat?” and “Doesn’t right click and save negate the whole idea of this thing?” 
(CPE-F=Finance/B/1) Room: Tampa Bay Salon 1 Fourth Floor
8. Fraud Playing Offense:  Red Flags and Defense Tactics to Avoid Getting Burned

Speakers: Bruce Nathan, Lowenstein Sandler; and Andrew Behlmann, Lowenstein Sandler

Everyone is familiar with the big-name corporate and financial frauds, like Madoff and Enron, that make national news. Businesses of all sizes have been hit with fraud scams and schemes  that are less obvious but every bit as onerous, with increasing frequency.  From traditional financial statement fraud, to sophisticated e-mail spoofing schemes, to “old school” credit fraud tactics such as same name and ship-to scams, devious charlatans are just a mouse click away from wreaking havoc on your bottom line – and, in some instances, even the viability of your business as a whole.  Many of these fraud schemes are avoidable - if you know what to look for. This program provides an overview of credit and payment fraud and the various forms they take   The speakers will then discuss recent real-world fraud experiences and the red flags and warning signs that stopped - or could have stopped - fraudsters from succeeding. [Presentation]
(CPE-BL=Business Law/I/1) Room: Tampa Bay Salon 2 Fourth Floor

9. Newspaper Print Cycle Changes
Moderator: Steve Hall, Las Vegas Review-Journal

Panelists: Conan Gallaty, Times Publishing Co; Joe DeLuca, Times Publishing Co.
You’ll also hear from the Tampa Bay Times about the changes they made in 2020 to eliminate five days of print, leaving Sunday and Wednesday print publications. The panelists will share the lessons they’ve learned, impact on circulation and advertising revenue, financial impact, e-edition adoption rates, etc., and will answer questions that you have about the changes.[Presentation]
(CPE-SK=Specialized Knowledge/I/1) Room: Tampa Bay Salon 6 Fourth Floor

10. Web 3.0 Foundations: And its Role in Enabling the Metaverse
Moderator: Jerry Calixto, Take-Two Interactive Software

Panelist: Nuno Leal, EY
This session will cover Web 3 foundations, the latest trends and where organizations will be heading in the space across all industries for entire spectrum (crypto, NFT, governance/DAO’s and new applications). It will also cover inner intricacies between web 3 and metaverse and broader implications for gaming organizations in the space.
(CPE-CSA=Computer Software & Applications/A/1) Room: Tampa Bay Salon 3 Fourth Floor

11. M&A in the Media Industry – Tax Considerations for Transaction Costs, E&P, Stock Basis and Sec. 382

Panelists: Jason Malinowski, PwC; and Joshua Phillips, PwC

This session will provide an overview of key tax considerations for media companies planning a merger, acquisition, divestiture, or restructuring.  Specialists from PwC will provide an overview of relevant topics including, deductibility of transaction costs, stock basis and E&P calculations, and Section 382 loss limitations, as well as share insight on recent IRS guidance and examinations. [Presentation]
(CPE-T=Tax/A/1) Room: Tampa Bay Salon 7 Fourth Floor

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12:20pm-1:20pm  Networking Luncheon - Open to all FULL CONFERENCE ATTENDEES sponsored by American Express

         

1:30pm-2:20pm   Breakout Sessions

12. Launching your ATSC 3.0 Channel – The essential partnership between Finance and Engineering C 3.0 

Moderator: Tracy Clark, Hearst Television
Panelists: John Robertson, Hearst Television; Joe Addalia, Hearst Television
These experts will explore the necessary partnership between Finance and Engineering that is required to successfully launch an ATSC 3.0 market. From budgeting to flipping the switch, they will explore each step and how these departments must be in lock step for a successful launch. 

(CPE-SK=Specialized Knowledge/I/1) Room: Tampa Bay Salon 1 Fourth Floor

13. Accounting Update, Private Companies
Moderator: Christine Oliver, Deloitte
Speaker: Ashok Parmar, Deloitte

This session is a one-stop shop for the latest updates from the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB). The speaker will discuss accounting and financial reporting hot topics and accounting standards that are effective in 2022 and beyond.  The course will also address accounting considerations specific to media companies, including revenue recognition, content accounting, impairment assessments, and reporting considerations.

(CPE-AC=Accounting/A/1) Room: Tampa Bay Salon 2 Fourth Floor

14. From Intent to Event – Viewership and Finance in the Streaming Era
Moderator: Debbie Neveu, Whip Media

Panelists:  Vince Muscarella, Whip Media; Jenna Hardy, Gearbox/Embracer; Deborah Newman, Grant Thornton 
Content viewing is more fractured than ever before as content owners, platforms, producers and agencies have limited visibility into OTT performance. Ratings no longer tell the complete story of TV viewership, and box office no longer tells the complete story of a feature film’s success and gaming IP has become a new battlefront in the original content arms race. This poses challenges to financial forecasting for anyone involved in multi-platform content evaluation. More importantly, fragmentation causes greater data complexity, requiring increased resources to manage content, recognize revenue and perform global analysis. During this session, industry leaders will present a more holistic view of demand and engagement. They'll also share real-world case studies that will demonstrate how understanding multi-platform trends is necessary to predict performance and monitor the competitive landscape to deliver even more business value for platforms and distributors. Additionally, they will show how collaborating upstream and integrating systems downstream enhances financial controls and streamlines content financial practices.

(CPE-F=Finance/O/1) Room: Tampa Bay Salon 3 Fourth Floor

15. Outsourcing, Internal Shared Services, or Both in Order-to-Cash?: Learn of the benefits of varied models and the best practices to drive speed to value for your organization
Panelists: Mary McKenna, NBCUniversal; and Ed Ienner, Dotdash Meredith
This session will explore the benefits of managing order-to-cash processes within varied shared service delivery models, including hiring a BPO, managing with retained shared service organizations both domestically and internationally, or a combination of both. Our speakers will share their perspectives on best practices and lessons learned in managing global order-to-cash teams efficiently and effectively while transforming to drive business value.

(CPE-MS=Management Systems/O/1) Room: Tampa Bay Salon 6 Fourth Floor

16. Cybersecurity
Moderator: Paul Rahmlow, Midwest Communications
Speaker: Brendan Hall, Aon Cyber Solutions
This session will present an overview of cyber risk/threat landscape (historical and current, including geopolitical factors).  It will examine cyber as an enterprise risk, Impact to cyber on insurance market, key Issues in focus for insurers and building a cyber resilient enterprise.

(CPE-CSA=Computer Software & Applications/U/1) Room: Tampa Bay Salon 8 Fourth Floor

17. Media Tax - Automation

Moderator: Alesia Lewis, The Washington Post
Panelists: Veronika Takacs, The Washington Post; Rose-Linn Jensen, Crown Media; Liane Sanson, CSI

Where are you in your automation process, with respect to RPA, API, OIC – Oracle Integration Cloud, Blockchain and OCR – Optical Character Recognition.   Are you where you wanted to be versus where you currently are – the gap between goals and actuals? What are some automation pitfalls and lessons learned?  This session will look at self-servicing automation v. consultants (cost/benefit, bringing ideas to life, etc.) and examples of automation.

(CPE-MS=Management Systems/O/1) Room: Tampa Bay Salon 7 Fourth Floor

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2:30pm-3:20pm   Breakout Sessions & Roundtables

Roundtables

18. Television

Moderators:  Tracy Clark, Hearst Television; and Lisa Christensen, Nexstar Media
From AE Commissions to Zoom Meetings, a lot has changed since our last in-person roundtable.  Join us for a lively discussion of the challenges and successes we have had over the last year while also delving into hot topics of interest to television finance professionals. This is an opportunity to network with, and learn from, your peers.

(CPE-SK=Specialized Knowledge/A/1) Room: Hillsborough Fourth Floor

Sessions

19. Subscription Credit Card Optimization Strategies
Moderator: Brandon Zarzana, The Columbian

Panelist: Chris Allan, Vindicia

[Presentation]

(CPE-F=Finance/I/1) Room: Tampa Bay Salon 1 Fourth Floor

20. The Seven Reasons Media Companies Should Run Away from NFTs, and the One Reason to Embrace Them

Moderator: Richard Taub, TreeTrunk Technology, Inc. (a ConsenSys company)

There are many reasons for a large media company to not enter into the NFT market at the moment.  But the underlying business rationale and value creation may outweigh the risks significantly and very soon.  In this panel, we will explain why many executives would justifiably declare NFTs to be a poor area of focus, and why your CEO may decide to enter into the market, regardless. 

(CPE-F=Finance/I/1) Room: Tampa Bay Salon 2 Fourth Floor

21. Media’s Enticing – and Complicated – Future
Moderator: Joe Hanratty, Warner Bros. Discovery
Speaker:  Howard Homonoff , Grant Thornton
This session will examine the increasingly complex challenges and exciting opportunities in media’s future. We’ll look at how the explosion of new platforms continues to drive demand for content consumption and production; what M&A looks like in a world where the middle gets smaller and harder to navigate; and how the era of “one size fits all” for media business models is long gone. From content producing to deal-making, the future will demand relentless creative thinking. [Presentation]

(CPE-SK=Specialized Knowledge/I/1) Room: Tampa Bay Salon 3 Fourth Floor

22. Proactively Protecting your Company’s A/R

Speaker: Wanda Borges, Borges & Associates

During the coronavirus pandemic, credit executives discovered it to be more important than ever to be proactive in protecting their company’s accounts receivable even before they become due.  As companies have emerged from the pandemic and reopened their businesses, trade credit grantors are being asked to extend credit with larger dollar exposures; but the PPP moneys that saved many businesses is no longer there as a safety net.  Utilizing the tools available to you can safeguard your company from a bad debt exposure in the future.  This program will discuss how to determine which tool is the best option for your company and how to properly document that choice once you have decided. [Presentation]

(CPE-BMO=Business Management & Organization/O/1) Room: Tampa Bay Salon 6 Fourth Floor 

23. Tax Issues of  Remote Working

Moderator: Dan McGuire, KPMG

(CPE-T=Tax/A/1) Room: Tampa Bay Salon 7 Fourth Floor

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3:15pm -3:30pm    Refreshment Break sponsored by Manship Media

3:30pm -5:20pm    Roundtables

24. Radio

Moderators:  Bob Cole, Morgan Murphy Media; Andrew Rosen, Miller Kaplan
This session will be a free-flowing discussion centering in on key issues affecting the radio industry, including working/recruiting in the Post (hopefully) COVID world; Digital/New Media;  Automation; Insurance; Accounting Standards; ASCAP/BMI/SESAC/GMR. [Presentation]

(CPE-BMO=Business Management & Organization/A/2) Room: Hillsborough Fourth Floor

25. Newspaper Operational

Moderator: Steve Hall, Las Vegas Review-Journal
An open discussion of topics of interest to newspapers specifically focused around operating issues such as: operating in a post-pandemic environment; revenue diversification, circulation initiatives/pricing, advertiser trends, expense management and savings ideas, systems discussions, working with remote employees and other topics of interest to the attendees. This is a great opportunity to network with, and learn from, your peers.​

(CPE-BMO=Business Management & Organization/A/2) Room: Manatee

3:30pm -4:20pm     Breakout Sessions 

26. The Effort to Reinvent: Finance Transformation in a Consumer Centric Age for M&E

Moderator: Kenneth Lytle, Oracle

Panelists: John Drain, Hearst Television; Dave Bochenek, Sinclair Broadcast Group; Leo Rohlinger, Oracle

Today’s audiences expect convenient and personalized experiences, and the Media and Entertainment (M&E) industry is reinventing itself to meet these new demands and captivate audiences at every turn. This consumer centricity has led to ongoing disruption throughout the media ecosystem—and has instigated intense, cross-industry convergence activity—reshaping the media landscape for good. M&E companies, both entrants and incumbents, need to actively seek ways to tap into new audiences and access the depth of content required to meet consumers' ever-growing demands. M&E companies using legacy ERP 1.0 systems lack the operational efficiency and flexibility to work in real-time and hamper growth, causing a disconnect between strategy and execution. M&E companies must adopt an agile finance model to bridge that gap between strategy and execution, enabling accelerated operational change with tightly integrated enterprise-wide business modeling.
(CPE-SK=Specialized Knowledge/O/1) Room: Tampa Bay Salon 1 Fourth Floor

27. Internal Audit Becoming a Trusted Advisor
Moderator: Marcus Anjewierden, Church of the Latter-day Saints/Deseret Management Corporation; Susan Balk, Hearst Corp-IAD

Panelist: Ana Occhiuzzi, Hearst Television/Hearst Lab Scout;

A place for both finance and audit professionals to take a look at where they are on the path to becoming a valued and trusted advisor. After a discussion of theory, the group will discuss how to be “trusted advisors” by applying the principles in the media industry.

(CPE-AUD=Audit/I/1) Room: Tampa Bay Salon 2 Fourth Floor

28. Out of the Abyss:  Bankruptcy and Restructuring after the Covid-19 Pandemic

Speaker: Bruce Nathan, partner, Lowenstein Sandler; Andrew Behlmann, Lowenstein Sandler

As the adverse effects of COVID-19 on the economy recede (hopefully), this session focuses on where bankruptcy and restructuring are heading in 2022 and the impact on credit professionals. The speakers will focus on the macroeconomic and policy factors that resulted in the fewest chapter 11 filings in more than 35 years, the recent inflation spike and recent and upcoming policy changes that threaten to drive a resurgence in chapter 11 filings and where bankruptcy and restructurings are headed in the post-pandemic era. Trends that will be discussed  include the acceleration of  bankruptcy cases (prepackaged or pre-negotiated plans, sale cases and the increased frequency of structured dismissals of chapter 11 cases); changes in bankruptcy court practice and creditors’ committee formation, small business bankruptcy trends, recent surge in preference litigations, and the increased frequency of alternative insolvency proceedings. [Presentation]

(CPE-MS=Management Systems/I/1) Room: Tampa Bay Salon 3 Fourth Floor

29. ASC 740 Hot Topics

Moderator: Louis Lazar, PwC
Speaker: Martin Anderson, PwC

This session will cover significant developments impacting accounting for income taxes for financial reporting.  With a focus on the media industry, the discussion will focus on key items that may impact a company’s quarterly and year end provision processes, including the impact of new regulations, proposals, and FASB update.

(CPE-T=Tax/A/1)  Room: Tampa Bay Salon 6 Fourth Floor

4:30pm -5:20pm    Breakout Sessions 

30. YP Network presents: Speed Networking

Moderators: Carrie Heffernan, Bonneville Int'l; and Ryan Laninga, Bonneville Int'l
The Young Professionals Network is offering access to some of the most trusted and experienced experts in the media industry with a speed mentoring event. If you’re looking to meet and connect with some of the industry’s best, bring your questions and ideas to this interactive session. Mentees will rotate to several mentors during this 50-minute session.

(CPE-MS=Management Services/O/1)  Room: Tampa Bay Salon 8 Fourth Floor

31. Lessons In Leadership:  Surviving the Great Resignation

Moderator: Lisa Fields, Broadcast1Source

Speakers: Chelsea Bowes, Hearst Television; Sharon Pickeral, Sinclair Broadcast Group; Nikki Sutton, Graham Media/WJXT

The hottest topic across all industries these days is how companies are dealing with high amounts of resignations. Couple that with the difficulty of attracting, hiring, and keeping new employees. If you thought it was hard before the pandemic, it is only getting worse. In this panel learn from leading companies in the broadcast industry about new practices they are implementing to attract and keep a diverse staff. The FCC has long required certain outreach initiatives to maintain licenses and now these steps are even more essential in attracting prospective employees. Topics to be discussed will be marketing-utilizing broad outreach-to diversify your candidate pool, compensation, job postings, selling their opportunities, and learning about new changes to talent acquisition tricks.

(CPE-BMO=Business Management & Organization/I/1)  Room: Tampa Bay Salon 2 Fourth Floor 

32. Transmedia Titans Explain the Future of Storytelling

Moderator: Jenna Hardy, Gearbox Entertainment
Panelists: Randy Varnell, Gearbox Software; Matt Ward, Gearbox Software; and Lin Joyce, Ph.D, Gearbox Entertainment 

When it comes to world-building primed for story and audience engagement, no industry does it better than games. Simply put: The metaverse is here, and it’s been part of gaming since the 80’s. Join Gearbox Entertainment’s creative experts to learn how the games industry is ideally positioned to succeed in the transmedia space. Panelists will bring their collective experience in games, films, comics, and more to share how storytelling in games is poised to entertain the world.

(CPE-SK=Specialized Knowledge/I/1) Room: Tampa Bay Salon 3 Fourth Floor

33. Designing the New Age Credit Function With Data-Driven Decisions 
Moderator: Bill Weiss, HighRadius

Panelists: Rudy Schatzmann, Altus Receivables Management; Nat McCall, Warner Bros. Discovery; Jeff Braunstein, CreditSafe

This session will offer a guide to procuring the right data (both the source and the numbers) to make accurate credit decisions;  five red flags that are often overlooked while making credit decisions, causing trouble to suppliers;  key ways to avoid a credit landmine by evaluating your customer’s sustainability, long-term growth plans, etc.

(CPE-MS=Management Services/I/1)  Room: Tampa Bay Salon 6 Fourth Floor 

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4:30pm                     Exhibit Hall Opens

Room:  Tampa Bay Ballroom 5 Fourth Floor

 

5:30pm -7:15pm        Exhibit Hall Opening Night Reception sponsored by Nexstar Media Group

Join us as we open the Exhibition Hall for cocktails and light hors-d'oeuvres!

 

7:00pm -7:30pm        Meet Buses: Outside the Marriott Hotel on Water Street - Connected to JW Marriott (watch your MFM EVENT APP for notifications)

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7:30pm -10:30pm      Opening Night Event 

Dinner, Networking and Entertainment!!!

Sponsored by Szabo Associates and MFM/BCCA

Venue: Armature Works (bus transportation provided by MFM & BCCA)

Entertainment provided by: SWITCH

The music of the 80’s had a huge influence on us, so when we started

the band the majority of the songs we learned were from the 80’s.

Our vision was to play shows that featured 80’s music, videos, costumes,

decor, celebrity look a likes and everything else. Over the years we have performed at some of the most awesome 80’s themed events and parties. We have also opened for some great 80s bands like Tears For Fears, Loverboy, Rick Springfield, Night Ranger, The Romantics, Berlin and STYX.

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