DMLA CONFERENCE, Marina del Rey Mariott Hotel, 27 – 29 October 2019

 

We have had such overwhelmingly positive feedback from this year’s DMLA Annual Conference.  It was different this year; the program format with roundtables in the afternoon followed on from stimulating keynotes and panel discussions in the morning.  There was a really strong buzz and the entertainment and dining were generously provided and widely enjoyed.

The program had so much going on there was always something of interest for everyone.  The new format of running concurrent roundtables in the afternoon  gave rise to one participant saying, “We had such an amazing time. Thank you for being so welcoming! … I wish I had brought more people along as I never had a chance to watch all the talks.”  We’ll be offering a ‘cloning’ event next year!

At the Google session, which attracted a large audience, they announced a ‘Licensable’ badge for Image Search.  A new announcement came from IBM premiering their AI Model Release prototype; discussions on content were ‘hot’ –  trusted,  authenticity and diversity were highlighted, and conversations on legal issues such as those surrounding free images and the new EU Copyright Directive.  We explored copyright enfringement and tools for discovery, and advances in technology including an alternative revenue model in the form of  embedded, ad supported content.

The Welcome Reception sponsored by our Platinum sponsor PicRights, with floating Halloween coloured ballons was much enjoyed, colleagues meeting up again after a year, enjoying the warm evening and delicious food and plentiful drinks.  Monday night Google did the honours and participants stayed on well into the evening.  With numerous eateries in Venice and surrounding area our evenings extended into the night…

One special moment was the tribute to Cathy Aron, Executive Director of DMLA for the past 15 years and before that, President, Vice-President and a member of the Association for 40 years.  She was presented with an award for special services and a book with tributes from many of her friends and colleagues from the industry.  There were moving speeches from Sonia Wasco, Ellen Boughn, Alfonso Gutierrez and President Geoff Cannon, and a photo montage in the background, and not a dry-eye in the house.  Cathy is a very special friend to so many, both those attending and many who weren’t able to come but sent messages of love and friendship.

If you missed it this year, be sure to come in 2020.  It’s always a little different, there are new contacts to meet and familiar faces to greet. The panel discussions of a high quality and the roundtables inclusive.

But none of this would be possible without our fabulous sponsors: THANK YOU!  To Platinum Sponsor PicRights, Gold Sponsor Google and our Bronze Sponsors ImageRights, Shutterstock, Picha, Smartframe, CDAS, SodaTech, Oodls and Capture we really appreciate your support.  You gave us 2 great receptions, Wifi, the new Social Media Wall, t-shirts, Conference bags,  coffee cups, sponsored sessions, notebooks and more…

If you want to be involved next year and sponsor it’s never to soon to contact me at andrea@andreastern.co.uk