Welcome & Opening Remarks
Featured Speakers:
Sharon Tapper, Executive Director, Music Managers Forum-US
The Music Managers Forum-US is the leading trade association for artist managers and self-managed artists in the U.S. Since joining in 2022, the organization has grown by over 600%, expanding from its LA and NY roots to new chapters in Miami, Chicago, Nashville, Austin, Boston, and most recently, Atlanta. MMF-US provides vital education, advocacy, and global connections through its partnership with the International Music Managers Forum (IMMF)—supporting music managers and self-managed artists across the country.
With a background in artist management, music publishing, and studio operations, Tapper has held leadership roles at Kobalt and Razor & Tie and worked with artists including The Cranberries, Slash, George Michael, and Seal.
A longtime member of the Recording Academy’s New York Chapter, Tapper served 14 years as Governor and Secretary of the Executive Committee, including six consecutive terms as Co-Chair of its Advocacy Committee. She also served four years on the New York Board of the Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) and co-founded NYC3, a network created to champion and support New York City’s creative professionals.
Neeta Ragoowansi is a seasoned music business executive and entertainment attorney with over 30 years of experience. She has served as a strategic advisor, business development resource, and legal counsel to clients across the entertainment and tech industries. Neeta is President of Music Managers Forum – US (MMF-US), President of the International Music Managers Forum (IMMF), Co-Founder of NPREX (National Performing Rights Exchange), and Global Co-Chair of Women in Music. She also serves on the advisory boards of Gritty in Pink and the All About Music Conference (India).
Her past roles include Executive Director of Folk Alliance International; Senior Counsel, Legal & Business Affairs for Global Citizen; founding head of artist-label relations and legal counsel for SoundExchange; Vice President of Business Development & Legal Affairs at Tunesat; and Assistant General Counsel for The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the National Symphony Orchestra Association. Neeta has also served as a board governor of The Recording Academy (New York and DC Chapters) for over a decade, and as Chair of the Diversity & Inclusion Task Force and Sponsorship Chair of the American Bar Association’s Forum on the Entertainment & Sports Industries.
A sought-after speaker, Neeta has presented at more than 400 music industry conferences on topics including the global music business, artist management, licensing models, legal and copyright issues, as well as diversity, women’s leadership and empowerment.
Neeta Ragoowansi, President, MMF-US and IMMF
Chris Hardin is an artist manager and founder of the music management firms MUSIC MGMT INC. and Hardin Bourke Entertainment. He has guided the careers of such music artists as LIVE, Robert DeLong, The HU, Starship, Indigenous, Galactic, Tom Tom Club, Lou Gramm, Mickey Thomas, Sweet, Ed Kowalczyk and others. He’s produced multiple global tours for his clients that have grossed millions of dollars in more than 16 countries.
Chris has served as executive director on multiple films for his artists, and has helped them achieve Grammy nominations and Gold and Platinum sales awards around the world. Chris is also an adjunct professor at Cal Lutheran University and heads up the LA Chapter of the Music Managers Forum-US (MMF-US).
Chris Hardin, Artist Manager & Founder, MUSIC MGMT INC & LA Chapter Chair MMF-US
