Every year, TAXI’s free (for members and their guests) music conference, the Road Rally, brings together songwriters, composers, producers, artists, and music industry professionals in a vibrant, immersive environment. For many TAXI members, it’s more than just a convention — it becomes a transformative experience that accelerates their careers, expands their networks, and opens doors they didn’t even know existed. Below are real member voices describing their Rally journeys—and how attending has led to forward motion, deals, sync placements, collaborations, and lasting growth.
1. “From Uncertainty to Confidence”
One of the most common refrains among first-time attendees is how the Rally shifts mindset and gives clarity.
“I almost didn’t go to the Road Rally this year because I didn’t feel ready and professional enough. I decided last minute to go anyway, and I’m so glad I did. I came home feeling much more professional and knowledgeable about the industry and my own direction as an artist!” — Celia Rose
“The education you get through the TAXI Forums and the Road Rally is something I’ve really valued during my membership.” — Dane Holmes, Orem, Utah
“As a new member of TAXI and a first-time attendee of the Road Rally, I was incredibly impressed by the entire event. The sense of community was off the charts. I learned a lot, made some new friends, and established great connections. I’m already looking forward to next year!” — Tim Walker
These reflections underscore how the Rally offers more than tips or sessions—it provides validation, structure, and a renewed sense of purpose. Many members arrive unsure of their place; they leave with a clearer sense of what to do next.
2. “Networking + Serendipity = Opportunity”
A striking outcome of the Rally is the serendipitous meetings and conversations that lead to real opportunities.
“To be honest, the TAXI Road Rally did not live up to the hype. It surpassed it, tenfold! I made more contacts than expected and learned more than I anticipated. Yes, it’s a fun weekend spent with truly exciting people, but beyond that, it simply is the best way to advance your music career. Less than two weeks after attending, I was offered a library deal from one of the mentors. If you’re serious about music, you really can’t afford to miss the TAXI Road Rally.” — Gary Shaffer
“I traveled to the Road Rally all the way from Finland, and I can tell you it was worth it. I have been to music business conventions before, but the vibe of the Road Rally was exceptionally warm, welcoming, and inspiring. A very resourceful weekend for all artists and writers!” — Vilho Rajala
“Started my first collab with someone I met at the Rally as soon as I got home. In touch with another pop artist about working with them, asap. More lined up. Some of the folks I’ll collab with I met when doing One-to-One Mentoring. Others I met at the infamous Westin Lobby Bar. So, it pays to sign up for a mentor session and hang out at the bar.” — Casey Horowitz
The message is clear: when you show up, you open the door for conversations and connections that rarely happen online or by email alone. Mentor sessions, open-mic jams, the luncheons, and casual dinners all contribute to building relationships. The “bar chat” anecdote underscores that informal moments often spark major career moves.
3. “Learning the Industry Inside & Out”
It’s not just about meeting people—it’s about gaining actionable knowledge of how the sync and record industries really work.
“Thank you for the excellent few days of education, music, and fun at the Road Rally. This was an amazing event for me—I learned so much in such a small amount of time. I learned things that I didn’t know I didn’t know. I learned how the industry is structured and more importantly, why it’s structured that way. I learned how to better classify music and how to think about its usefulness with regard to applying it to the picture.” — Sean Samet
“The Road Rally has been a huge part of my journey with TAXI. As someone who knew nothing about sync prior to joining, TAXI is completely reshaping my life in a positive way.” — Eliza Pope
“The TAXI Road Rally conventions also offer great ways to learn what’s happening now in the business and connect with industry pros and collaborators.” — Skaie Knox
For many members, this is the first time they’re exposed to the “language” of sync—cues, briefs, libraries, music supervisors, and production music. The Rally’s panels and workshops demystify the business in short order.
4. “Deals, Forwards, and Placements”
Perhaps the most compelling evidence of success is when the Rally leads directly to deals and placements.
“The 2023 Road Rally was my second in-person TAXI conference, and I can emphatically say that attending in person is by far the best way to get the most out of your membership. I’m currently in the process of signing two library deals that I never would have gotten if I hadn’t been there in person. One was the result of a casual chat outside the main ballroom, and the other was helped along by a chance meeting at the hotel restaurant.” — Janet Brooks
“This is my second TAXI Road Rally—I’ve been a member for two and a half years. I signed a contract for three tracks for an ABC TV show all because of TAXI! Last year’s Road Rally resulted in lifetime friendships and collaborative efforts, as well as a referral to a renowned sound engineer who raised my production skills tremendously! This year’s Rally resulted in even more friendships—and the training classes were better than ever!” — Randy Ruppert
These stories show that attending the Rally isn’t a passive exercise—it correlates directly with results, especially when combined with the ongoing practices of submitting, learning, and improving.
5. “Community, Support & Motivation”
Beyond business, members routinely talk about the community, friendships, and support systems that keep them motivated and inspired.
“I’ve met and made some lifelong friends through the TAXI Forums and the Road Rally. It’s so encouraging to meet like-minded people who are on this journey with you. No matter where you are in the process—either just starting out, or with years of experience under your belt—TAXI can help you along your way!” — Kyle Sutton
“I was so happy to see many familiar faces, meet people whom I had only known online, and—no less important—make new connections. I certainly came away as a better person, both in terms of increasing my knowledge of music and the industry, and more importantly, as a better human being.” — Marco Iannello
“Everyone I interacted with was very friendly and supportive. The experience was rejuvenating to my life with music. I’m now better equipped to utilize my TAXI membership and handle the business when (not if) I get placed. Win–win–win!” — Kent Wall
This emphasizes that success isn’t just technical—it’s personal. Confidence, connection, and renewed purpose often matter just as much as tangible results.
6. “If You Treat It Like a Job, It Behaves Like One”
It’s clear that members who treat the process seriously tend to get the most out of it.
“If you treat it like a hobby, it will pay you like a hobby.” — Michael Laskow’s father
The underlying message: the more you show up, engage, learn, submit, and connect, the more likely you are to convert opportunities into results.
What This Means for You
Show up. The first step is simply being there. Attending the Road Rally dramatically increases the odds of having key conversations, mentor sessions, and chance introductions that lead to signing deals, getting placements, and meeting collaborators.
Participate. Take full advantage of Industry Panels, Classes, One-to-One sessions, Open Mics, Jam Sessions, Eat & Greet Luncheons, and “off-hours” networking like you’ve never experienced before. Many success stories hinge on those unexpected chats.
Learn. Use the Rally to absorb new knowledge about the sync/licensing business, submission practices, production standards, catalog building, and more.
Connect. Build relationships—not just surface contacts, but peers, collaborators, mentors, and industry professionals.
Follow through. After returning, keep momentum going: refine your craft, submit to listings, maintain new contacts, and build on what you learned.
Mindset. Adopt the attitude of a professional—not an amateur. Be proactive, humble, hungry, and open. Many attendees credit that mindset shift for their subsequent growth.
In Their Own Words
“Today’s strangers are tomorrow’s successful collaborators.” — Casey Horowitz
“Less than two weeks after attending, I was offered a library deal from one of the mentors.” — Gary Shaffer
“The amount of networking I have done with other musicians and industry professionals has grown exponentially with each Rally.” — Jeff Lizerbram
“People I met, and the motivation I gained, will carry me for a lifetime.” — Steven Rainbow
“I’m currently in the process of signing two library deals which I never would have gotten if I hadn’t been there in person.” — Janet Brooks
“This was an eye-opening experience for this first-timer… I found it exceptionally well executed and well worth the venture!” — Joy Diebold
Final Thought
The Road Rally isn’t magic—but it is a catalyst. It’s a weekend that compresses years of growth into days. It’s a place where knowledge, community, opportunity, and action converge. As one long-time attendee put it:
“I have attended three Road Rallies, and this one (2024) by far was the best. Classes were very informative, mentors were outstanding—very helpful and insightful. I’m already looking forward to attending next year.” — John Granat
Whether you’re just beginning your sync journey or you’re a seasoned pro looking for the next level, the Rally can be that push you need. As multiple members attest: show up, lean in, network, learn—and after, go write, submit, and collaborate. The deals, placements, and connections will follow.
Ready to Experience It for Yourself?
You’ve just read story after story from people who showed up—and came home with new skills, friends, and sometimes even deals. The next success story could be yours.
👉 If you’re a TAXI member, register now for the next Road Rally before registration closes. It’s completely FREE for members and a guest, but space fills fast every year.
Not a member yet? 👉 Join TAXI today, and your Road Rally ticket is on us. You’ll instantly unlock access to hundreds of real music opportunities, a thriving community, and the most inspiring weekend of your music career.
Make this the year you stop dreaming about success—and start doing something about it!
SUPER IMPORTANT: The DISCOUNTED Road Rally rooms at the Westin LAX Hotel are already 90% gone, and the Rally starts in about 10 days! Ask anybody who’s ever stayed elsewhere, and they’ll tell you it was a mistake they didn’t repeat the following year. And if you miss the deadline for getting the Road Rally discount, you’ll be paying quite a bit more. Click the button below to reserve your room now, before they’re all gone!
Purchase Your Eat & Greet Luncheon Seats Now!
There’s limited seating, and those are going quickly, as well!
All you need to do to reserve your seats at the Eat & Greet Luncheons is click here to do it online, or call our Member Services team at (818) 222-2464 (open 9am - 6pm Pacific Time), Monday - Friday and they’ll answer any questions you have, and sign you up over the phone!