We Speak Events
Music Industry Legends Gather in Atlanta for 4th Annual Music Business Empowerment Conference
Coming Attractions Promotions announces the fourth annual Music Business Empowerment Conference (MBEC) to be held in Atlanta, GA, September 7 – 9 at the Renaissance Concourse Atlanta Airport Hotel. The theme for the 2018 conference is “the reality of the digital impact in today’s music industry”.
The MBEC 2018 will feature panel presentations, educational workshops, artist showcases, and inspiring seminars moderated by top radio and record label executives, entertainment attorneys, music industry luminaries, creators, and tastemakers. The mission of the MBEC is to provide a platform and opportunities that encourage dialogue between music creators, radio, and record label communities. MBEC is further committed to preparing and educating the next generation of emerging artists, producers, and songwriters for successful careers.
Participating conference panelists include: Colby Tyner, VP of Programming, Urban One; “Hurricane Dave” Smith, Radio One’s VP of Programming and Operations-Atlanta; Juliette Jones, EVP Atlantic Records, Larry Khan, Sr. VP-Urban Promotion for Interscope Records, Phil Stein, Stream Cut Media CEO, entertainment attorneys Heather Beverly and Tabetha Plummer and Bryan Calhoun of Pandora. Panel topics include digital marketing, radio promotions, A&R sessions and more. A full list of panelists, award recipients and event schedule for the MBEC can be found at www.mbeconference.com.
About MBEC Founder Arlinda Garrett:
MBEC Founder, Arlinda Garrett, known as the “Queen of Promotions” states, “As I saw the shift in the industry, I also saw a need to educate independent record labels and their artists to provide professional direction, get their records played on the radio and provide a medium to track sales. One of my priorities is assisting with minimizing their costs because often times the independent artist does not have the budget of a major label artist, yet they have a product that is comparable, if not better. The MBEC was created with that in mind and to equip them with the necessary tools for success in an ever-changing industry.”
For more information, registration and special hotel rates click here
Sponsorship and Branding Opportunities:
Arlinda Garrett
arlindag1@gmail.com
Media Contact:
Tia Culver PR
tia@tiaculver.net
Acclaimed performer, advocate, television host, and community leader Wendy Stuart, also known to many as Wendy Darling, was honored with the Activism Award at the 2026 Catskills Pride Awards Night held at The Eldred Preserve in New York.
The event celebrated individuals whose work has made a lasting impact on the LGBTQ+ community through advocacy, leadership, artistic achievement, and public service. Among a distinguished group of honorees, Stuart was recognized for decades of unwavering commitment to visibility, inclusion, and support for LGBTQ+ causes.
For many in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, Wendy Stuart has long been a familiar and respected voice in the LGBTQ+ community. Her activism dates back decades, including participation in the historic New York City Pride March and service as an original board member of Triversity, The Pride Center serving communities throughout the tri-state region.
Beyond her advocacy work, Stuart has used her talents in entertainment and media to amplify LGBTQ+ voices. As host of Triversity Talk and co-host of If These Walls Could Talk, she has provided a platform for activists, artists, community leaders, and changemakers whose stories might otherwise go unheard.
During the awards ceremony, attendees celebrated Stuart’s remarkable ability to combine entertainment with purpose. Her efforts as a member of the Imperial Court of New York have also helped raise awareness and funding for countless LGBTQ+ organizations and initiatives over the years.
Standing before an audience of supporters, fellow honorees, and community leaders, Stuart accepted the recognition with the same passion that has defined her career. The honor reflects not only her decades of activism but also her continuing commitment to education, advocacy, and community engagement.
The Activism Award serves as a fitting tribute to a woman whose influence extends far beyond the stage and television screen. Through her work as a performer, advocate, and media personality, Wendy Stuart has consistently demonstrated that visibility matters and that one voice can inspire meaningful change.
Her personal mission remains as powerful today as it has throughout her career:
“I advocate, I educate, I entertain. I’m blessed to do so.”
As Catskills Pride recognized its 2026 honorees, Wendy Stuart’s award stood as a celebration of a lifetime devoted to uplifting others, strengthening communities, and ensuring that LGBTQ+ voices continue to be heard, respected, and celebrated.
Other honorees at the event included actress Melissa Gilbert, community leader Paula Campbell, artists Barry Becker and Tony Coscia, and artistic achievement recipient Nonna Hall, making the evening a memorable celebration of leadership, service, and pride throughout the region.
Watch Wendy Stuart’s speech at the Catskills Pride Awards on Youtube here:
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