“The Durango Songwriters Expo is one of the few places on earth that you can actually find an A&R person in conversation with an unsigned artist or songwriter.” —Michael Laskow President, TAXI * * * “I finally experienced the Durango Songwriters Expo (2000)!! Last September one of my writers Jeff Steele and I made the trip from Nashville to Durango for the DSE. We had a wonderful time taking in the scenes and checking out Durango and surrounding areas. But most of all we were incredibly shocked about how much talent we were surrounded by and the unity and closeness that everyone shared. I was amazed at how intense the group became and how much that brought everyone together. Mainly I recognized that when you get that much of an intense focus with people who really care and want to make a difference just how much you can accomplish! As a beginning songwriter or an established writer Durango Songwriters Expo is a great event to take in!!” —Steve Markland, Windswept Holdings, LLC Vice President, Creative Affairs, Nashville * * * “The most worthwhile and fully professional music industry showcase and networking event in the Intermountain Region.” —Chas. Young, President SongMart Entertainment, Inc. * * * “This is one of my favorite events of the year. I love the Durango Songwriters Expo! I am most impressed with the size of the conference. Being small gives everyone a chance to meet each other in an informal, laid back setting. The showcases are short and sweet allowing each performer undivided attention. It's a great opportunity for industry people to scout talent, by seeing a sample of what an artist is about, then having a chance to meet them later around the conference. I've met and signed several great songwriters to SESAC's roster from this event. Everyone is so accessible. If you're serious about your career as a songwriter, this conference is worth the trip! More importantly, if you have the talent, you will be heard by people who can make a difference!” —Linda Lorence, Vice President Writer/Publisher Relations SESAC, New York * * * “The Durango Songwriters Expo is an event I can count on to inspire me. The songs are terrific, the showcases are strong and to the point, and the people are outstanding. I always leave with something great, and can't wait until the next expo.” —Marshall Altman, director, A&R Columbia Records * * * “I was invited to the Durango Songwriter Conference last year for the first time and was astounded at the talent that performed there. I have stayed in touch with several of the artist/writers I met there and currently am working with several on developing their songwriting and artists careers. I also found the networking opportunities not only valuable to the attendees who were at the conference from outside of the music industry, but also to those of us in the industry as well. All in all it was a wonderful experience I would recommend to anyone seriously pursuing a career in the music business.” —Bruce Burch, Creative Director, EMI Nashville * * * “In our first year at the Durango Songwriters Expo, we made so many important industry contacts that, before it was over, we knew we'd be back. We've returned four consecutive years. Each year, major-label A&R reps, publishers, producers, managers, and other writers have approached us and we have formed important, ongoing relationships. These contacts have allowed us to interact with and be recognized by industry people at a very high level throughout the country. Previously closed doors have opened, presenting us with new creative opportunities. Jim Attebery's and Bruce Mandel's vision of an intimate event makes for a very high ratio of industry people to writers, providing lots of personal interaction and feedback for those with a serious interest in the craft and business of songwriting. We live far from the music meccas of L.A., Nashville, and New York, so the relationships we've made in Durango have proved to be essential. For three days in October, thanks to Jim, Bruce and the Durango Songwriters Expo staff, the music meccas come to us!” —Cy Frost, Doug Olson, Ciria Songwriters/Producers/Artists * * * “The Durango Songwriters Expo is way cool! The music, the mountains and the fellowship make it number one in my book.” —Curtis Green, Famous Music * * * “The Durango Songwriters Expo has helped me make inroads that would have taken years on my own. I just signed a single song deal with Sony/ATV Publishing in Nashville as a result of making a connection in Durango. It's a great gathering of people truly committed to helping each other for the greater good of the whole industry. I'll be back next year!” —Steve Boynton, Singer/Songwriter/Recording Artist * * * “The Durango Songwriters Expo is the most beneficial conference I've been to in terms of quality interactions and connections with high caliber songwriters and industry people who can actually do something for your future career.” —Jonathan Kingham, Singer/Songwriter/Recording Artist, Overall Grand Prize Winner of the 2000 USA Songwriting Competition * * * “Just a line to say I'm looking forward to another convention this year. I've thoroughly enjoyed myself at the previous outings and met some incredibly talented and interesting artists. I love the fact that it's small, controllable. It allows me to have much more one on one with these artists. More intimate. Keep up the good work. I know how much of your heart goes into this.” —Tony Ferguson, Interscope Records