Music often is an integral part of conventions and meetings, but did you know that this may require a license fee? Event organizers may not think twice about playing music at an event, but the setting may subject them to liability under copyright law. Learn the dos and don’ts of playing music at events.
At events, music is everywhere, whether incorporated during general sessions to support the overarching message or meeting theme, in breakouts, in PowerPoint and video presentations, at networking events or simply as background. At trade shows, music can be heard in many exhibits booths, sometimes as background music and other times as part of a video presentation. Meeting and convention organizers may not think twice about playing a CD, connecting their iPhone or streaming from sources such as Spotify or Pandora at such an event, but the setting may subject them to liability under copyright law.
All the music you hear was written by someone, arranged by someone and performed by someone. These artists make their money by selling copies of the music and by licensing others to perform or play the music. Music is like all personal property—when you want to borrow it from someone you must ask permission. All public performances, even most non‐profit ones, must be licensed.
Why businesses and organizations need to be licensed to play music.
What performance, synchronization, and mechanical music licenses cover.