AMERICA’S #1
BUSINESS & MUSIC
CONFERENCE
Charlotte, NC
Music Auditions and Creativity & Innovation Challenge - May 15 & 16 / Conference - May 17
Attain Titan-Level Business and Music Mastery Among the Industry's Elite
Featured on
Education
Networking
Wellness
Live Music
ABOUT
It’s Your Time Conference
Benny Pough and D.VERSE Connect present the annual It’s Your Time Conference. The multi-component conference is designed to provide the whole creative community—from artists to entrepreneurs—with the latest information and trends in music and in business, as well as the opportunity to network with like-minded professionals.
Who is this conference for?
Artists
Entrepreneurs
Investors
Musicians
Brand Strategists
Content Creators
Indie Labels
Students
Attorneys
Founders
A&Rs
Wealth Managers
Artist Managers
DJs
Producers
Singers
Song-writers
Publishers
Meet The Founder
BENNY POUGH
With nearly thirty years of music industry experience, Benny Pough is a respected entertainment industry veteran who has been influential in shaping the sound and culture of music worldwide, having been instrumental in delivering radio hits for superstar artists such as Rihanna, Kanye West, Steve Harvey, Mary J. Blige, Travis Scott, Future, DJ Khaled, Mariah Carey and more!
Meet people who can elevate your career and turn your ideas into action.
Exclusive
Live Performance
by
LARUSSELL
The Voice of the next generation of independent artists
Featured
SPEAKERS
Benny Pough
Founder & Creator of It’s Your Time Conference, Music Executive
Colby Tyner
Senior Vice President of Programming RADIO ONE / REACH MEDIA
Latrice Burnette
EVP, Head of Music at UnitedMasters
Monica Barnes
Steve Harvey Morning Show Executive Producer
Ivy Rivera
Lifestyle Specialist, Media Personality, Brand Marketing
Geoffrey Kent
Founder and CEO of Think Big with Geoffrey Kent
Ray Daniels
Music Executive - Creative Coach - Motivational Teacher
Cheryse Terry
Owner of Cheryse Terry Collection, a black woman-owned culture shop
Orlando McGhee
Head of Urban Music at ONRrpm
Naim Ali
Sr Vice President of A&R
Columbia Records
Eric Sanders
DJ Efeezy
Steve Carless
A Senior Creative Executive in music, artist management, film, cultural branding, touring and creative development
and many more...
It’s Your Time Conference (IYTC) is a business and music conference designed as a catalyst for change by incorporating networking, education, wellness, and live music in a two-day, multi-component educational event for creatives and entrepreneurs to broaden their industry knowledge; while creating meaningful relationships that inspire action.
What You'll Discover at the Conference:
- Keynotes & Panels
- Networking Opportunities
- Creativity & Innovation Challenge
- Music Talent Auditions
- And more to be announced soon!
Speakers include major & indie label executives, industry content producers, wealth managers, and more.
Learn strategies to help you leverage social media, become financially fit, build a strong team, practice mindfulness, and overall become the CEO of your life.
Attendees will gain tools to grow their careers, access resources to implement strategies, and make powerful connections that catapult them into greatness.
Creative businesses have evolved with the powerful tools of digital & social media, music, arts, and branding. Your time is valuable. So when you invest in two days of insightful information, community and education, you’ll be energized by how much more you’re able to give back to your life – and make an impact on the world.
It’s your time to WIN!
IT's Your Time Conference 2025
Become a Sponsor / Vendor
PARTNER WITH US
A partnership with IYT Conference impacts: Market Share, Visibility, Accessibility, Expansion.
Let us customize a sponsorship package that aligns with your company's mission, vision, and strategic goals.
It’s Your Time Conference
MUSIC
Auditions
Are you a singer, rapper, or vocalist? Now is YOUR time to SHINE! Showcase your talent to top music industry leaders. We are accepting talent across all genres. Qualifying talent will move on to the next round of auditions, the semifinals. Talent that makes it through semifinals will compete as finalists in the Live Finale Showcase. And perform in front of Benny Pough and his executive industry colleagues for a chance to win the Grand Prize!
IT’S YOUR TIME CONFERENCE
Creativity & Innovation
Challenge
We are seeking creative entrepreneurs and founders to submit their groundbreaking business ideas and solutions for the creative economy. Participants have the opportunity to showcase their concepts, tools, applications, resources, or services that empower emerging creatives and entrepreneurs to thrive in their businesses. IYTC is on a search for new business ideas that can enable economic development amongst the creative economy and/or benefit the creative community.
It’s Your Time Conference
MUSIC
Auditions
Are you a singer, rapper, or vocalist? Now is YOUR time to SHINE! Showcase your talent to top music industry leaders. We are accepting talent across all genres. Qualifying talent will move on to the next round of auditions, the semifinals. Talent that makes it through semifinals will compete as finalists in the Live Finale Showcase. And perform in front of Benny Pough and his executive industry colleagues for a chance to win the Grand Prize!
TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
Every ticket includes optional entry to participate in the Music Auditions and viewing access.
Sale Price
Full Price
$119
$397
New Year Sale
$77
SAVE OVER 70% OFF!
includes:
- General Admission Seating (1 Conference Day)
- Music Audition Submission
- Pitch Competition Submission
- Grand Finale Showcase
BUY 2 OR MORE AND
GET EXTRA 10% OFF
Sale Price
Full Price
$297
$697
New Year Sale
$177
SAVE OVER 55% OFF!
includes:
- Premier Seating (1 Conference Day)
- Music Audition Submission
- Pitch Competition Submission
- Official “It’s Your Time Conference” Swag Bag
- Copy of “On Impact” Book by Benny Pough
- Access to Audition Finalists
- Grand Finale Showcase
BUY 2 OR MORE AND
GET EXTRA 10% OFF
Sale Price
Full Price
$397
$1997
New Year Sale
$297
SAVE OVER 80% OFF!
includes:
- VIP Seating (1 Conference Day)
- Music Audition Submission
- Pitch Competition Submission
- Official “It’s Your Time Conference” Swag Bag
- Copy of “On Impact” Book by Benny Pough
- VIP Welcome Mixer
- Access to Audition Finalists
- Grand Finale Showcase
- Networking with Music Industry & Business Executives
- VIP Only Entrance Private
- Access to Private VIP Lounge
- VIP Reception
BUY 2 OR MORE AND
GET EXTRA 10% OFF
Sale Price
Full Price
$1297
$2997
New Year Sale
$497
SAVE OVER 55% OFF!
includes:
- The Best Seats (1 Conference Day)
- Music Audition Submission
- Pitch Competition Submission
- Official “It’s Your Time Conference” Swag Bag
- Copy of “On Impact” Book by Benny Pough
- VIP Welcome Mixer
- Access to Audition Finalists
- Grand Finale Showcase
- Networking with Music Industry & Business Executives
- VIP Only Entrance
- Private Access to Private VIP Lounge
- VIP Reception
- Meet & Greet with Speakers
- Access to It’s Your Time Digital Business Course by Benny Pough
BUY 2 OR MORE AND
GET EXTRA 10% OFF
Ticket Price
$297
includes:
- General Admission Seating (2 Conference Days)
- Audition Access (Thursday & Friday)
- Music Audition Submission
- Access to Audition Finalists Grand Finale Showcase
- Live Performance by LaRussell
BUY 2 OR MORE AND GET EXTRA 10% OFF
Ticket Price
$697
includes:
- Premier Seating (2 Conference Days)
- Audition Access (Thursday & Friday)
- VIP Welcome Party
- Networking with Music Industry & Business Executives
- Official "It's Your Time Conference" Swag Bag
- Copy of "On Impact" Book by Benny Pough
- Music Audition Submission
- Access to Audition Finalists Grand Finale Showcase
- Live Performance by LaRussell
BUY 2 OR MORE AND
GET EXTRA 10% OFF
Ticket Price
$1997
includes:
- VIP Seating (2 Conference Days)
- Audition Access (Thursday & Friday)
- Access to Private VIP Lounge
- VIP Only Entrance
- Private VIP Networking Event
- VIP Welcome Party
- Networking with Music Industry & Business Executives
- Official "It's Your Time Conference" Swag Bag
- Copy of "On Impact" Book by Benny Pough
- Music Audition Submission
- Access to Audition Finalists Grand Finale Showcase
- Live Performance by LaRussell
BUY 2 OR MORE AND
GET EXTRA 10% OFF
Ticket Price
$2997
includes:
- The Best Seats (2 Conference Days)
- Audition Access (Thursday & Friday)
- Access to Private VIP Lounge
- VIP Only Entrance
- Meet and Greet with Speakers
- Photo Opportunities with Speakers
- Private VIP Networking Event
- VIP Welcome Party
- Networking with Music Industry & Business Executives
- Official "It's Your Time Conference" Swag Bag
- Copy of "On Impact" Book by Benny Pough
- Music Audition Submission
- Access to Audition Finalists Grand Finale Showcase
- Live Performance by LaRussell
BUY 2 OR MORE AND
GET EXTRA 10% OFF
AGENDA
Thursday - May 15
9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Music and Creativity & Innovation Challenge Auditions
Friday - May 16
9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Music and Creativity & Innovation Challenge Auditions
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Welcome Mixer
Saturday - May 17
9:00 am – 9:10 am
Welcome Remarks
9:15 am – 10:05 am
Panel 1 - Leading the Charge – Next-Gen Executives
Panelists: CDK / Cheryse Terry / Bilal Issifou / Mavi
9:15 am – 10:05 am
Panel 2 - Decoded: Hip Hop, Entrepreneurship and Academia
Panelists: Monica Barnes / Troy Marshall
11:05 am – 11:55 am
Panel 3 - Clicks, Plays and Paydays: Monetizing Modern Media
Panelists: Benny Pough / Colby Tyner / Courtney Lowery / LaTrice Burnette / Mike Hamilton / Tanya Woods
12:00 pm – 12:50 pm
Workshop A - Funding Your Venture: The ABC’s of Raising Money
with Geoffrey Kent
12:00 pm – 12:50 pm
Workshop B - OPEN
12:00 pm – 12:50 pm
Workshop C - Power of Capital by Chase Bank
12:55 pm – 1:55 pm
Food & Networking
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Creativity & Innovation Challenge Grand Finale Presentation
3:05 pm – 3:55 pm
Panel 4 - The Price of Freedom: Indie vs. Major Deals, Unplugged
Panelists: Bugus / Eric Sanders / JD Anderson / Naim Ali / Orlando McGhee / Ray Daniels
4:00 pm – 4:50 pm
Panel 5 - Viral to Vital Scaling Music and Media for Worldwide Impact
Panelists: Ivy Rivera / Jamie Crawford-Walker / Steve Carless
4:55 pm – 5:45 pm
Workshop D - OPEN
4:55 pm – 5:45 pm
Workshop E - Who's Up Next: Identifying the Next Generation of Talent
with Ray Daniels
4:55 pm – 5:45 pm
Workshop F- Grow Your Business with AI-Powered Tools by Google
with Enovia Bedford
5:50 pm – 7:30 pm
Music Competition Performance
8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
VIP Reception
Accommodations
Stay at our hotel partners and save.
Homewood Suites by Hilton Charlotte Uptown First Ward
508 N College St, Charlotte, NC 28202
$597
NOW ONLY
$197
Includes
- General Admission Seating (2 Conference Days)
- Creativity & Innovation Challenge Submission
- Talent Audition
- Access to Grand Finale Performances
- Official Conference Agenda Workbook
$997
NOW ONLY
$497
Includes
- Premier Seating (2 Conference Days)
- Access to Friday’s Private Welcome Reception
- Networking with Music Industry & Business Executives
- Copy of "On Impact" Book by Benny Pough
- Official "It's Your Time" Swag Bag filled with merch
- Creativity & Innovation Challenge Submission
- Talent Audition
- Access to Grand Finale Performances
- Official Conference Agenda Workbook
$3,497
NOW ONLY
$1,997
For those looking to meet everyone and get behind the scenes benefits.
Includes
- VIP Seating (2 Conference Days)
- VIP Only Entrance
- Daily 30-min mentoring session with "It's Your Time Conference" team (2 total)
- Private VIP Networking Event
- Luxury transportation to and from Conference venue
- Access to Friday’s Private Welcome Reception
- Networking with Music Industry & Business Executives
- Copy of "On Impact" Book by Benny Pough
- Official "It's Your Time" Swag Bag filled with merch
- Creativity & Innovation Challenge Submission
- Talent Audition
- Access to Grand Finale Performances
- Official Conference Agenda Workbook
$7,500
NOW ONLY
$3,997
For those looking to make a difference in their creative career.
Includes
- Front Row Seating (2 Conference Days)
- Full Access to It's Your Time: Music & Business Course by Benny Pough
- Access to exclusive It’s Your Time Conference weekend events
- Hotel & Ground Accommodations
- VIP Only Entrance
- Daily 30-min mentoring session with "It's Your Time Conference" team (2 total)
- Private VIP Networking Event
- Luxury transportation to and from Conference venue
- Access to Friday’s Private Welcome Reception
- Networking with Music Industry & Business Executives
- Copy of "On Impact" Book by Benny Pough
- Official "It's Your Time" Swag Bag filled with merch
- Creativity & Innovation Challenge Submission
- Talent Audition
- Access to Grand Finale Performances
- Official Conference Agenda Workbook
$597
NOW ONLY
$197
Saturday & Sunday
Package
includes:
- General Admission Seating (2 Conference Days)
- Creativity & Innovation Challenge Submission
- 1 Music Talent Audition Online Submission
- Access to Grand Finale Performances
- Official Conference Agenda Workbook
$997
NOW ONLY
$497
Friday, Saturday & Sunday
includes Executive Access Package Plus:
- 2 Music Talent Audition Online Submission
- Access to Friday’s Private Welcome Reception
- Premier Seating (2 Conference Days)
- Networking with Music Industry & Business Executives
- Official "It's Your Time" Swag Bag filled with merch
- Copy of "On Impact" Book by Benny Pough
$3,497
NOW ONLY
$1,997
Friday, Saturday & Sunday
Includes Premier Access Package Plus:
- 2 Music Talent Audition Online Submissions & 1 Live Audition
- VIP Seating (2 Conference Days)
- VIP Only Entrance
- Daily 30-min mentoring session with "It's Your Time Conference" team (2 total)
- Private VIP Networking Event
- Luxury transportation to and from Conference venue
$7,500
NOW ONLY
$3,997
Friday, Saturday & Sunday
Includes VIP Access Package Plus:
- 2 Music Talent Audition Online Submissions & 1 Live Audition (Transferrable)
- Full Access to It's Your Time: Music & Business Course by Benny Pough
- Access to exclusive It’s Your Time Conference weekend events
- Hotel & Ground Accommodations
AMERICA’S #1
BUSINESS & MUSIC
CONFERENCE
January 13 - 14, 2024 • Charlotte, NC
Attain Titan-Level Business and Music Mastery Among the Industry's Elite
It's Time to Bet on Yourself!
AGENDA
Thursday
January 11
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
AUDITIONS & SEMIFINALS
Select industry experts will judge which talents proceed on to the Grand Finale.
Friday
January 12
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
AUDITIONS & SEMIFINALS
Select industry experts will judge which talent will proceed to the Grand Finale.