PRESENTING GUEST SPEAKER MASTER LUTHIER ANDY POWERS

We are proud to welcome Andy Powers, Master Luthier at Taylor Guitars, to present a keynote address at the VIGF Inaugural Luthier Conference on Friday morning, June 23.

“Last Man Sanding: My Journey from Independent Luthier to Taylor Guitars” is Andy Powers’ inspirational speech that will kick off the full-day conference for industry professionals and aficionados. Powers is the creative force at the helm of America’s leading manufacturer of acoustic and electric guitars, with international distribution to 60 countries.

On the company’s 35th anniversary, founder Bob Taylor recounted his search for the right person to carry the business forward: “I need a guitar maker who’s a better builder than I am, a pro player, is self taught, has 20 years of experience, is in his 30s, and can make a lifetime commitment.” A chain of events led Taylor to spend an afternoon with an extraordinarily talented builder and guitarist in the San Diego area named Andy Powers.

Says Powers: “I’m fortunate to partake in this creative process every day and savor the endeavor. I still love to sharpen my tools and watch shavings and sawdust pile up on my workbench. I still adore the shape of a beautiful guitar and the feel of new strings under my fingers.”

Photo from Guitar Player Magazine

Check out this fantastic profile of Andy's move to Taylor by Guitar Player Magazine: http://www.guitarplayer.com/frets/1422/andy-powers-guides-the-future-of-guitar-design-at-taylor/52265

PRESENTING GUEST SPEAKER DIGITAL MARKETING LEADER SANDY FLEISCHER

We are proud to welcome internationally renowned digital marketer Sandy Fleischer to give a keynote address at the VIGV Inaugural Luthier Conference on Friday afternoon, June 23.

Sandy, managing partner at Vancouver-based Pound & Grain, will present “Social Media and E-Commerce for Luthiers.”  An inspirational and highly entertaining speaker, Sandy will explore new opportunities in peer-to-peer engagement, monetization and creative discovery on a global scale for luthiers, suppliers and dealers. He will share techniques for turning fans, followers and friends into paying customers.

In two decades of digital agency experience, Sandy has presented at high profile events such as SXSW, Adobe Max, and the Society of Digital Agencies' SoDA Speaks. He contributes regularly to Strategy Magazine and is a former board member at DigiBC, the association for digital media professionals in BC. 

At Pound & Grain, he is the force behind award-winning campaigns for clients including SAP, TELUS, Electronic Arts, The CFL, Arc'Teryx and MEC. In his secret other life, Sandy is known as DJ Pescatore, and has played to crowds across Canada, the US and Italy.

VIGF LUTHIER Conference announces GRIT LASKIN, LINDA MANZER and MICHAEL GREENFIELD will host one hour “Meet the Maker” roundtable sessions

The Vancouver International Guitar Festival Luthier Conference announces that master builders GRIT LASKIN, LINDA MANZER and MICHAEL GREENFIELD will host “Meet the Maker” roundtable sessions as part of its June 23 programming.

Conference registration takes place at: https://www.vancouverguitarfestival.com/tickets/ 

More information on the conference can be found here:
https://www.vancouverguitarfestival.com/conference-schedule/

Paid conference registrants are welcome to reserve a seat at by emailing conference@vancouverguitarfestival.com. Tables accommodate just 10 people. The hosts will answer questions about their career, designs, techniques and aspirations.

LINDA MANZER

MICHAEL GREENFIELD

GRIT LASKIN