The second annual MFM/BCCA and NMCP Media Credit Conference is just around the corner, and it’s part of MFM’s 2024 fall season kickoff that offers education and networking opportunities for anyone with a finance role in media and entertainment. There are only a few spots left for this year’s event, slated for Thursday, September 19 and hosted this year by Grant Thornton at its Midtown Manhattan offices.
I sat down with Tonya Sorrells, Director of Credit & Collections of Hearst Television, and current BCCA board chair, to learn why the 2024 conference will build on the success of last year’s inaugural event to offer attendees unique insights and invaluable networking during the daylong meeting.
Q: Can you give us an overview of this year’s Media Credit Conference?
A: The Media Credit Conference brings together order-to-cash professionals across various media industry companies with sponsors and exhibitors that support their roles to network, learn and collaborate on the ever-changing landscape of our industry. It also provides an opportunity to meet and fellowship with our customer counterparts – something that’s unique to this conference.
Q: Why is this event a must for professionals in the credit space within the media/entertainment industry?
A: The conference provides attendees an opportunity to increase their visibility and credibility within the media industry, and learn about the latest technologies and how they can support and benefit their current roles. Attendees can also learn skills and get qualifications that can advance their careers in the industry.
Q: What will be new or different from last year's conference?
A: For starters, the conference takes place in a new venue, thanks to our hosts, Grant Thornton. Because this venue is centrally located, more of our agency partners are planning to attend the cocktail reception – the key networking time. We also have a more robust agenda full of relevant topics that include economy outlook, RPA & AI automation (and the legal risks associated with implementing this technology), a focused roundtable to cover everything digital and a session on leadership.
Q: Tell me more about the leadership session and why it’s important for professionals in credit and collections.
A: It’s a very relevant and timely topic. A lot of us [in credit and collections] are leaders, and when you’re in our role, you have to have great people skills – you’re partnering with sales and external clients and dealing with a lot of different personalities. Organically those are leadership skills. You must know how to work with different personalities and roles to most effectively get things accomplished.
Q. You also mentioned the importance of learning more about new technologies. Why will these sessions be so beneficial for conference attendees?
A: We started hearing a lot about the latest types of new technologies at this year’s Annual Conference. There are many positives about implementing these new technologies, but I don’t think there has been enough talk about what risks they bring. I’m personally very interested in the attorneys’ perspective on this topic, and how we can prepare for it.
Q: What aspects of last year's event were most valuable to you?
A: Connecting with other order to cash professionals and building those relationships gives you a feeling of community. It’s great to share challenges and acquire insights and advice from peers and industry experts. Attendees can walk away from these events with mentors and colleagues who could help open doors to new opportunities and career advancements.
Q: Why is the networking at this event so valuable?
A: Networking specifically with our agency partners can contribute to personal growth through exposure to different perspectives and ideas. It also increases your visibility making it easier to be recognized as a SME in your organization.
Q: Given the massive changes happening within our industry, what is most at stake now for media and entertainment finance professionals?
A: Media professionals must continuously update their skills to stay relevant, particularly in digital media, data analytics and multimedia storytelling. Rapid technological advancements and shifts in consumer behavior can lead to significant changes in job roles.
Q: Why do you think having in-person events such as this one is so critical to career growth?
A: You can sit in on all sorts of webinars online, which is advantageous because you don’t have to travel to attend them, but the face-to-face networking this conference offers is invaluable. I really love getting that visibility and ability to put faces to names – especially with clients. It’s vital for me and others in this part of finance to be able to get in front of these individuals.
Q: How does the Media Credit Conference exemplify the benefits people get from membership in MFM/BCCA?
A: I really love that you don’t have to be a member of MFM/BCCA or NMCP to attend this event – and at no cost. I’ve been part of MFM/BCCA for nine years now, and I want to make sure people understand the value and benefits of everything the association offers. There’s ongoing education and networking at your fingertips, including webinars, MFM’s Networks, the Annual Conference and Regional Meetings. If you really want to be part of this industry, you need to be part of these associations.
Posted at MediaVillage through the Thought Leadership self-publishing platform.
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