Just a handful of days left before FMC’s D.C. Policy Day 2010, which takes place at New America Foundation in Washington, DC on Tuesday, May 25. The event is free, but space is extremely limited. You can still reserve a spot to be in the room, if you hurry!

Policy Day brings laser-focus to some of the key issues in music, tehnology, policy and law. This year has already seen a slew of developments that will have an enormous impact on musicians — now and in the future. We’re thrilled to have a stellar assortment of speakers lined up to help us sort through the most hotly debated issues of the day. And you can join the conversation, either in person or via the live webcast.

RSVP here! (For those Twitterers, Flickr-ers and Facebookers among you, the Policy Day hashtag is #FMC10.)

Here’s a taste of what we’ll be discussing at Policy Day 2010. We’ll also be adding a pair of presentations, so keep checking the event page for up-to-the-minute additions.

ACTA: Treaties, Trade and Transparency

The Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) is a proposed multilateral trade agreement for establishing international standards on intellectual property rights enforcement among participating countries. Supporters argue that this treaty is a crucial step in protecting intellectual property from counterfeiting and unauthorized distribution in an increasingly globalized, networked world. Critics contend that ACTA threatens to impose harsh restrictions on consumers, and that it could override sovereign nations’ copyright laws. Until recently, open debate was constricted by the confidential nature of negotiations, thus fomenting many rumors about the proposed terms of the agreement. FMC welcomes expert panelists to discuss the terms under consideration, which parties seek what outcomes, and the status of the multilateral deliberations.

• Richard Bengloff, President, American Association of Independent Music
• Ann Chaitovitz, Owner, Ann Chaitovitz Consulting (moderator)
• Michael Petricone, Senior VP, Government Affairs, Consumer Electronics Association
• Manon Ress, Director Information Society Projects, Knowledge Ecology Studies
• Eric Schwartz, International Intellectual Property Institute
• Steven Tepp, Policy Planning Advisor, U.S. Copyright Office

Health Care Reform and its Impact on Musicians

A 2010 Future of Music Coalition survey found that 34 percent of the 1,400 musicians surveyed didn’t have health insurance — twice the national average. Congress has succeeded in passing a health care reform bill, but what does it mean for “real musicians” — namely, those artists and songwriters trying to make a living in a time of unprecedented economic challenge? What will the bill do to expand coverage for the creative class, and what do musicians and their advocates need to know to take advantage of new opportunities? Advocates for musicians and health insurance will join with health policy experts to discuss key elements of this landmark legislation and how they will affect musicians and songwriters.

• Adam Huttler, Executive Director, Fractured Atlas
• Alex Maiolo, HINT Program Coordinator, Future of Music Coalition
• Renata Marinaro, Manager, Health Services Education at The Actors Fund
• Kristin Thomson, Education Director, Future of Music Coalition (moderator)

The Open Internet, Music and Innovation

The advent of broadband changed everything we thought we knew about music — particularly how recordings are distributed, promoted and accessed. While some traditional business models have been upended by the internet, the technology has been a boon to independent musicians who rely on the web to do everything from connecting with fans to booking shows to selling merchandise to collaborating with other artists. Over the past decade, Future of Music Coalition has followed these developments closely, while advocating for a legitimate digital music marketplace that compensates creators. With the open internet driving innovation, we’re just beginning to see what a world of fully licensed music services might look like. Yet some would prefer innovation on the web to be left solely to market forces, with little to no regulation to establish rules of the road for Internet Service Providers. FMC staff will provide an overview of where we’ve been, and, in the light of recent events, where we may be heading. This presentation will be followed by an interactive discussion featuring policy experts, musicians and you.

• Markham Erickson Holch & Erickson LLP + Executive Director, Open Internet Coalition
• Chris Guttman-McCabe VP, Regulatory Affairs, CTIA - The Wireless Association
• Gigi B. Sohn President, Public Knowledge
• Amy Schatz Reporter, The Wall Street Journal (moderator)

Creative Capitol: Music, Culture and Policy Under Obama

The 2009 inauguration of Obama — plus Democratic majorities in Congress — meant a shift in the power dynamic in Washington, DC. How are creative industries faring so far in this administration? Rumor has it that music is enjoyed and revered in the White House, but these are also trying times for policymakers. Can a pro-arts agenda be balanced with pressing economic and infrastructure concerns? Does the cultural community have a role to play in recovery? What legislation will make it out of committee and onto the floor? Top staffers from the House and Senate will discuss the key music-technology-policy issues playing out on Capitol Hill, and how musicians are engaging.

• Shawn Chang Counsel, House Energy and Commerce Committee
• Matthew C. Hussey Telecommunications Legislative Assistant for Senator Olympia Snowe (R-ME)
• Maggie Juliand Legislative Assistant for the Office of Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (D-NY)

––––––––––––––––––––

And have no fear, there will also be a cocktail party! To de-wonk (or to keep on wonking), please join us for drinks, socializing and networking at DC’s Science Club.

So what are you waiting for? Head here to RSVP to attend in person or tune into the live webcast. Hope to see you there!