The 2010 RPMDA Convention in Oklahoma City attracted over 200 attendees, including 46 exhibitors and nearly 20 first-time attendees. A number of members arrived a day early for a sightseeing trip that included the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum and the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. Former RPMDA president Denny Senseney was opening keynote speaker, and Dean Mark Parker of Oklahoma City University's Wanda Bass School of Music described the "Creative Oklahoma" movement and how it can serve as a model for music and arts advocacy during his closing keynote address. The convention theme "Get Your Business Fix on Route 66" lived up to its billing, with sessions addressing new technologies, print product, marketing and merchandising strategies and more. When not attending educational sessions, members spent valuable face-to-face time with 46 exhibitor partners. NAMM historian Dan Del Fiorentino helped RPMDA pay tribute to the late Neil Kjos, Jr. during his NAMM Oral History Project presentation.

 

A highlight of every convention is the announcement of the recipient of the Dorothy Award, given for a lifetime of service and achievement in the music industry, at the closing banquet. It is the highest honor bestowed by RPMDA. This year's honoree was Richard Gore of Pender's Music Co., located in Denton, TX. Pender's Music is a print-only dealer founded by Richard's parents, Harold and Betty Gore, who were Dorothy recipients themselves in 2003. Marcia Stearns of The Bookmark in Pacific Grove, CA received the 2010 Sandy Feldstein Service Award for her ongoing volunteer service on behalf of RPMDA, and outgoing president Lori Supinie of Senseney Music presented past RPMDA president Richard Rejino of Pender's Music Co. with the John Walters "President's Choice" Award for his mentorship during her time on the board of directors.

 

Incoming president Gayle Beacock of Beacock Music, Vancouver, WA, encouraged members to stay involved and engaged with RPMDA and their own businesses. Despite challenging economic times, RPMDA members were enthusiastic, energized and eager to learn from each other. Watch for the summer issue of The Measure for a complete convention round-up, and mark your calendars for the 2011 RPMDA Convention in Tampa, FL, April 27-30!