The Women in Music (WIM) organization is set to host its annual Virtual Summit from January 15-17, featuring Martha Earls as the keynote speaker. This global event aims to educate, empower, and advance women and gender-expansive individuals across all areas of the music industry. The summit offers a collaborative platform for attendees to gain insights from industry leaders, forge meaningful connections, and acquire tools for personal and professional growth. Earls, with over two decades of experience in music publishing and artist management, will share her expertise during this transformative event. Additionally, the summit will introduce WIM Safe(r) Spaces, a resource and training program designed to create safer environments within the industry.

Pioneering Leadership in the Music Industry

Martha Earls has carved an impressive career path in the music business over the past two decades. Starting as a receptionist and song plugger at Warner Chappell Music, she rapidly advanced through various roles, eventually founding her own Nashville-based entertainment company, Neon Coast. Her journey reflects both perseverance and innovation, from managing a roster of talented artists to serving on the Board of Directors for the Academy of Country Music. Earls' keynote address at the WIM Summit promises to inspire and inform participants about leadership and growth in the music industry.

Earls began her career in an unconventional manner, giving up a full scholarship for piano to pursue studies at Middle Tennessee State University. Her early positions at Warner Chappell Music and BMG laid the foundation for her future endeavors. She co-founded a publishing company with Mike Molinar, which later became part of Big Machine Label Group. In 2016, Earls launched Neon Coast, managing notable artists such as Kane Brown and Restless Road. Her extensive experience in artist management and music publishing makes her an ideal choice to lead discussions on advancing careers in the music industry.

Creating Safer and More Inclusive Environments

The WIM Virtual Summit introduces innovative initiatives aimed at fostering safer and more inclusive environments within the music industry. One of these initiatives is the WIM Safe(r) Spaces program, which provides resources and training to promote safety and inclusivity. The summit also includes sessions focused on the WIM Workplace Initiative, gathering data through surveys to compile "Best Places to Work" lists. These efforts underscore the organization's commitment to creating positive change and empowering individuals in the industry.

The WIM Safe(r) Spaces program is a crucial component of the summit, offering comprehensive training and resources to help create safer working conditions. Attendees will learn strategies to foster respectful and supportive environments, addressing issues like harassment and discrimination. Additionally, the WIM Workplace Initiative session will collect valuable data to identify top employers in the music industry. Nicole Barsalona, WIM President, emphasizes the importance of this event in inspiring, educating, and creating lasting change. By bringing together leading minds and voices, the summit aims to build a network of empowered professionals ready to shape the future of the music industry.