The Network Grows Up
by Manfred Tari - edited by Allan McGowan

Born 1985 (or 1986) as an informal organisation representing the interests of independent promoters and agencies, The Network finally converted in September 2003 into The Network Europe (TNE). At the joint meeting in Barcelona a board was elected which includes Tapio Korjus from Rockadillo/Finland, Kristoffer Endresen of Bureau Storm/Norway; Marc Lambelet of Black Lamb/Switzerland, and Corrado Gioia of Hard Staff/Italy.

As times are changing and the variety of prominent members grows (e.g. Willem Venema - Mojo/Doubleyou Concerts), TNE has announced its’ first General Assembly at the Noorderslag Convention on January 8-10. in Groningen, Netherlands. TNE is also currently seeking new members. New and old members of the pan European live business organisation benefit from reduced attendance fees to the Noorderslag Seminar (deadline December 15) or the Norwegian fair By:larm on February 12- 15.

On a political level TNE-founder and spiritual father Rob Berends has already held a meeting with Jean Francois Michel, chairman of the European Music Office in Brussels. At the beginning of 2003, the predecessor The Network committed itself to support the then newly founded European Talent Exchange Program (ETEP).

Interested live music entrepreneurs should check the web site www.networkeurope.net for further information and registration forms. As well as the political aims of TNE, the association has already proved to be a valid environment to gain new business partners and contacts.

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