RPMDA 2015

The 2015 RPMDA Convention in Las Vegas, attracted over 161 attendees – down from 183 in 2014 – including 40 exhibitors and 28 first-time attendees. Among the many convention attractions, members were treated to a music store tour at Family Music Center. 

While numbers for the gathering have been trending downwards for the past couple of years, this year’s convention featured plenty of well-received educational sessions and the mood was generally upbeat as members and guest speakers addressed the challenges of today’s marketplace, sharing ideas about new technologies, print product, marketing, staff training, merchandising strategies,and more. Sunny Grosso kicked off the convention with a presentation on “Delivering Happiness.” Her session addressed benefits and challenges in creating a positive corporate culture. Rounding out the week was NAMM’s Celebration for Community Support of Music Education mock policy debate, which inspired RPMDA members to become more active in the campaign to keep music an integral part of education. 

The 2015 Dorothy Award honoree, announced at the closing dinner, given for a lifetime of service and achievement in the music industry, is Bob Kohl of Long & McQuade. Kohl began his long and distinguished career as a print music professional at the age of 16 and worked in both retail and publishing. Thanks to Dan Del Fiorentino, of the NAMM Oral History Project, RPMDA members were treated to Bob’s reflections on his print music career on the big screen in the ballroom.

Tracy Leenman of Musical Innovations in Greenville, South Carolina, received the 2015 Sandy Feldstein Service Award for her ongoing and generous volunteer service on behalf of RPMDA.

President Christie Smith of Alfred Music presented Bob Kohl with the John Walters “President’s Choice” Award for his friendship, encouragement and longtime mentorship.

The Don Eubanks Publisher Representative Award was presented on behalf of RPMDA’s dealer members to Chaim Rubinov of Sheet Music Now for his consistent and exemplary service to his customers. In accepting the honor, Rubinov acknowledged his many colleagues for whom he has the utmost respect for helping him continually improve in his business and customer service.

In her closing remarks, RPMDA president Christie Smith encouraged members to stay involved and inspired throughout the year, and put what they learned at this year’s convention to work when they returned to their businesses.

The 2016 RPMDA Convention will be held in St. Louis, Missouri.