Retailers hail debut indie event: Bard Indie Conference to build on debut event after indie retailers offer positive reactions.(Events)

Retailers' association Bard is looking to turn its Indie Conference into an annual fixture after declaring last week's inaugural event a resounding success.

A capacity audience of more than 150 delegates attended last Wednesday's event at Birmingham's Britannia Hotel, where they heard fourth-quarter release presentations from the four major record groups plus distributors Pinnacle and Vital.

"I was just amazed, it was fantastic, the response was great and it was amazing technically," says Bard deputy chairman Paul Quirk, who originally came up with the idea for the event. "We probably will go for it again. The will is there and the demand is there--retailers want it to happen:'

The conference, which was subtitled It's All About The Music, previewed most of this autumn's biggest releases for independent retailers, who were given a first chance to hear Kate Bush and Will Young's new singles, while there was also a preview of Pharrell Williams' forthcoming solo single Can I Have It Like That?.

Delegates also heard presentations from 7 Digital and FreshDigital on downloads for the independent sector and a presentation from Music Week editor Martin Talbot on independent retail today. The day finished with an acoustic performance from new Mercury act Kubb.

Bard's own enthusiasm for the event was echoed by the independent retailers in attendance. "I thought it was a really great idea," says Rough Trade co-owner Nigel House. "I liked the way people were very positive, which is how we have to be. You can't roll around in the mire."

"For a first one it was awesome," says Richard White, managing director of Chalky's in Banbury. "The best thing was that all the record companies supported it. They sent relevant, important representatives."