NEWSMAKERS BMG Delegates Flock To Monte Carlo More than 120 BMG delegates, representing 30 countries, met in Monte Carlo recently for the BMG Interna- tional Marketing Conference. The convention was co- chaired by Heinz Henn, senior VP, A&R /marketing, and Chris Stone, VP, A&R /marketing. President /CEO Rudi Gassner's keynote speech set the theme of the confer- ence: "Our concentration on creating stars will always be the dominant factor in BMG's longterm philoso- phy," he said. During the fotir-day -long event, delegates enjoyed new albums by BMG artists from around the world, a multimedia presentation on BMG Video, and performances by Kenny G, the Jeff Healey Band, Leo Kottke, Michael Penn, Hugh Masekela, Titiyo, Rob'N'Raz with Sheila K., Plan B, and other BMG artists.

Delegates from BMG Victor Inc. Japan talk with American and Australian representatives. Shown in the back row, from left, are Fumimaru Kawashima, manager, international marketing, BMG Victor Inc. Japan; Kenny G; Chris Stone; Roy Lott; and Stuart Rubin, product development manager, BMG Arista /Ariola Ltd.,, Australia. In front is Hitoshi Yoshimura, manager, international promotions, BMG Victor Japan.

Members of the Jeff Healey Band mingle with BMG executives. Shown, from left, are Roy Lott, senior VP, Arista U.S.; Chris Stone; Tom Stephen, the Jeff Healey Band; Rudi Gassner; Healey; Monti Lueftner, president/ CEO, A &R, Bertelsmann Music Group; Heinz Henn; Arnold Bahlmann, senior VP, Central Europe, BMG International; A truly international affair, the convention gave representatives from different Joe Rockman, Jeff Healey Band; and Valerie Jack, countries a chance to get to know one another. From left are Franz von manager, international, A &R /marketing. Auersperg, director A &R, BMG Ariola, Hamburg, West Germany; recording artist Sheree, BMG Canada; and Dietmar Glodde, director, international, RCA Victor- Japan.

Recording artist Eros Ramazzotti, left, chats with Monti Lueftner at the convention's closing gala dinner at the Hôtel de Parie.

Delegates meei and greet at the convention. Shown, from Enjoying the convention are, from left, Roy Lott; Heinz Henn; recording artist left, are Stuart Rubin, product development manager, Kenny G; Dennis Turner, Kenny G's manager, Eliza Brownjohn, VP, international BMG Arista /Ariola Ltd., Australia; Nancy Farbman, VP, operations, Arista New York; Chris Stone; Doe Phillips, manager, international marketing and promotion, BMG International; and Jim operations, Arista New York; and Stuart Rubin, product development manager, Campbell, manager, artist marketing, Canada. BMG Arista /Ariola Ltd., Australia.

It's a meeting of the bands as Jeff Healey relaxes with members of Deep Purple. Shown, from left, are Jon Lord, Heinz Henn, left, chats with recording artist Michael Penn, Deep Purple; Healey; and Joe Lynn Turner and Roger Artists meet with executives at the conference. Shown, from left, are Rudi center, and Bob Buziak, president, RCA Records U.S. Glover, Deep Purple. Gassner; recording artists Rick Astley and Kenny G; and Roy Lott.

12 BILLBOARD MAY 5, 1990