The inaugural Midem event takes place in Cannes from January 27-31 2008. McGuinness, who also looks after PJ Harvey and The Rapture, will deliver the keynote speech at the event, while REM's manager Bertis Downs will be participating in panel discussions during the event.

Conferences and workshops at the summit are set to tackle issues such as the new functions of the manager in the era of '360° contracts' and artist branding, the evolution of the relationship with the artist and the role of the manager in the launch and follow-up of artists’ careers, and the development of so-called "niche" artists.