As the Christian music world prepares for its big night of the year, aspiring and new artists are getting together to learn how to succeed in a rapidly changing industry.

With no retail-focused events and workshops this year, the Gospel Music Association's (GMA) traditional GMA Music Week has been renamed GMA Dove Week, centering on the April 21 awards ceremony. The schedule includes more than a dozen Nashville meetings, artist showcases and conferences.

Running April 14-17 at ministry center The Foundry, Indie University--formerly called The CIA (Christian Independent Artists) Summit--is being organized to provide "solid, biblically based information" and address "the latest technology and tools for independent success."

Beyond Potential 2010 is a gathering and showcase for urban Christian artists April 16-17 at Abundant Life Christian Center. Topics to be addressed include grass-roots marketing, digital distribution, online marketing and image management.

Gospel Music Nashville 2010 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Hotel, April 18-21, will feature performances by artists including The Oak Ridge Boys, The Blackwood Brothers, The Bowling Family, Jason Crabb and Guy Penrod.

The BMI Christian Music Awards, honoring the writers and publishers of the past year's most-performed Christian songs on U.S. radio and TV, will be presented April 20 at the organization's headquarters.

The 41st Annual GMA Dove Awards will be presented at the Grand Ole Opry House, with performers to include TobyMac, BeBe and CeCe Winans, Natalie Grant, Casting Crowns, MercyMe and bluegrass star Ricky Skaggs. The event will be televised nationwide on the Gospel Music Channel, April 25, 8-10 p.m. EST.

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