We've told you a bit about the amazing panels, special conversations and presentations at the 2009 Future of Music Policy Summit (Oct. 4-6, Georgetown University, Washington, DC), but we're also excited about the wide range of breakout sessions, side meetings and workshops that take place on Tuesday, Oct. 6. From legendary producer Sandy Pearlman's "The Cloud vs. the Paradise of Infinite Storage" to "Tag: Metadata's Growing Role in Artist Compensation" to "The New Musicians? Toolbox," we've got a plethora of amazing ways to get up-close-and personal on the issues.

One breakout that we're particularly looking forward to is "Critical Condition: The Future of Music Journalism." For niporters, TV and radio hosts and bloggers have always plagh on a decade, FMC has talked about how the shift to digital platforms has impacted artists. But music doesn't happen in a vacuum, and music critics, reyed an important role in a functional music ecosystem.

This year alone has seen the shuttering of several music magazines, and newspapers continue to cut back on entertainment coverage. Online outlets are proliferating, but in terms of quality and influence, they're hardly created equal. How can today's artists win the attention of increasingly distracted observers? Who will employ critics and reporters amid cutbacks and closures? How is niche music coverage faring in the age of American Idol? What's the value of music writing when listeners have instantaneous access to content?

Our Music Journalism working group will chew on these questions and more from 2:00pm - 4:00pm at the Georgetown University Hotel and Conference Center on Tuesday, Oct. 6. Joining us is a who's-who of reporters, critics, editors and publishers. Check out this list to see what we mean:

Maura Johnston Editor, Idolator
Greg Kot Music Critic, Chicago Tribune
David Malitz Staff Writer, Washington Post
Howard Mandel President, Jazz Journalists Association
Tom Moon Music Critic, NPR; Author, 1000 Recordings to Hear Before You Die
Fiona Morgan Journalist, the Independent (moderator)
Scott Plagenhoef Editor-in-Chief, Pitchfork
Casey Rae-Hunter Communications Director, Future of Music Coalition (moderator)
Todd C. Roberts Co-founder, The Daily Swarm; Artist Manager/Consultant, Truant Media
Raymond Leon Roker Co-founder, URB/URB.com; President, NativeSon Media, Inc.
Molly Sheridan Managing Editor, NewMusicBox.org, Director, CounterstreamRadio.org
Eliot Van Buskirk Staff Writer, Wired.com

As always, we'll be looking forward at ways the world of music reporting, criticism and promotion can adapt to the ever-evolving world of information technology. Now, we're not promising that we'll solve every last problem, but with such brilliant minds together in a room, anything can happen!

And you can be there, too! Remember, these breakout sessions are open to all attendees, which means it's the perfect opportunity to interact with other Summit peeps.

This week is your last chance to grab your spot at the cheaper, non-walk up rate. What are you waiting for? Sign up while there's still room! (Day rates also available.)

(Absolutely can't make it to DC? Don't worry -- we've got you covered: the entire event will be webcast live, for free. Sign up now to reserve your virtual seat!)