Def Jam CEO Steve Bartels will deliver a keynote presentation at this year's Midem music industry trade fair in Cannes, France. The 2017 conference takes place June 6-9 with the hopeful theme, "A new golden age for the music industry? Get ready to embrace it."
Bartels will focus his June 7 keynote -- which'll be in Q&A form -- on how his iconic imprint scouts and develops new talent, plus he'll cover topics ranging from brand identity to various marketing tactics. The Ohio-born, New York state-raised exec will also discuss the label's successful "We Are Def Jam" campaign.
"Midem is a nexus of global talent, and I am honored to be a part of such a dynamic event," Bartels said. "Since its inception, Def Jam has represented a unique voice in music across the globe through its artists, its music and its culture. I look forward to sharing my passion for this music -- and my optimism for its future -- with the creative community at Midem."
Prior to taking over the top spot at Def Jam in 2014, Bartels held roles at A&M Records, Arista Records and Island Def Jam Music Group.
Previously announced speakers at Midem, which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, include Epic Records chairman and CEO L.A. Reid, Linkin Park artist Mike Shinoda, Puerto Rican singer-songwriter Daddy Yankee and First Access Entertainment CEO Sarah Stennett.
