17/01/2001 (Agence Europe) - The Independent Music Companies Association (IMPALA) and the European Commission are organising a conference on "The European Music Industry and the New Economy: A future for the Independents", on 23 January, in the context of the MIDEM (Marché International du Disque et de l'Edition Musicale) at the "Palais des Festivals" in Cannes. The conference will cover the challenges that face the music market in the context of the fast-growing digital revolution. The organisers, who include Philippe Kern, IMPALA Director General, Internet is "a fantastic democratisation of opportunity". The world music industry represents EUR 40 billion annually, in which Europe holds a share of 34% with 600,000 jobs. Participants at the conference will include representatives of the music industry, including Kurt Buecheler, Senior Director of Worldwide Business Development, Microsoft Corporation; Michel Lambot, from the independent Belgian label PIAS (Play It Again Sam). The Commission will be represented by Jean-Michel Baer, Director Audiovisual Policy.