American Artist & Producer Pharrell Williams to Keynote at MidemNet 2010

Pharrell Williams, Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and producer of such artists as Justin Timberlake and Usher, is heading to MIDEM 2010 for the first time.

Williams, part of the producing collective The Neptunes and producer/singer of the N.E.R.D., will deliver a keynote on January 23 during MidemNet, the international forum dedicated to the music business in the digital age. In 2009 he confirmed his reputation as an accomplished businessman by forming a partnership with Cornerstone, the NY/LA-based branding agency specializing in the music industry, to develop innovative projects with brands.

At a time when monetisation of content is so important to the music community, artist and businessman Pharrell Williams will share his unique vision of the future of the industry at MidemNet. How can artists monetise their work? How can they attract and engage audiences? What are the opportunities of fan relationship development in the digital era? How can musicians and brands join forces to create and strengthen brand awareness and raise artists' visibility? Find out at MIDEM 2010.

New this year:

* MidemNet for free! - Access to the cutting-edge digital business conference included in MIDEM registration.
* MidemNet Lab - Discover the latest digital innovations through the selection of 15 promising start-ups, chosen by a jury of successful entrepreneurs.
* MIDEM+ - Innovative networking solutions and one-on-one expert guidance to boost business efficiency.
* Redesigned exhibition zone - Networking, knowledge and open meeting places right at the heart of the market.
* The Fringe - A friendly and efficient manner to showcase artists to the world.
* Discover all the latest news on our website.

Note to the editors:

ABOUT REED MIDEM

Founded in 1963, Reed MIDEM is a leading organiser of professional, international tradeshows. Reed MIDEM events have established themselves as key dates in professional diaries. The company hosts MIPTV, MIPDOC, MIPCOM, and MIPJUNIOR for the television and digital content industries, MIDEM for music professionals, MIPIM, MIPIM Asia, MIPIM HORIZONS and MAPIC for the property and retail real estate sectors.

Reed Exhibitions is the world's leading events organiser, with over 470 events in 37 countries. In 2008 Reed brought together over seven million industry professionals from around the world generating billions of dollars in business. Today Reed events are held throughout the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific, and organised by 38 fully staffed offices.

Reed organises a wide range of events, including exhibitions, conferences, congresses and meetings. Its portfolio of over 470 events serves 44 industry sectors, including: Aerospace & aviation, automobiles, broadcasting, building & construction, electronics, energy, oil & gas, engineering, manufacturing, environment, food service & hospitality, gifts, healthcare, interior design, IT & telecoms, jewelry, life science & pharmaceuticals, machinery, medical education, printing & graphics, property & real estate, security & safety, sports & recreation, travel.