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This blog post was contributed by Max Willens, ZIO's Music Channel Assistant.

ZIO is going to be all over CMJ this year. So much so that we're covering it already! Read on for part two of our three-part preview of CMJ 2009.

Fun fact: CMJ features more than just concerts.

In addition to the roughly eleventy bajillion bands playing the eleventy bajillion shows at the eleventy bajillion venues, each CMJ showcase features an underrated collection of panel discussions on subjects ranging from what the kids are listening to today to the future of intellectual property, and there are several especially strong ones this year.

A full run-down of all the panels being presented can be seen here. But because most of you are in this for the shows, we're only suggesting one panel per day. See below for your cheat sheet, as well as pictures of panelists Jamie Tworkowski and the always-divisive Sarah Lewitinn.

TUESDAY - But How Will I Get Paid? Reimbursement in a Digital World
(NYU's Kimmel Center, Shorin, Room #802)
This panel will discuss the mechanical licensing role and how digital distributors have stepped up to ensure that publishers and songwriters get paid for online music distribution. Typical entities have not taken on this responsibility in the physical world, but with the digitalization of music, the business practice has changed. This group will explore the paper trail of policies and online reimbursement considering how some services don't pay publishers directly and pass-through mechanical royalties to labels and distributors with no accountability back to the publishers and songwriters. These experts will weigh in on these digital front-burner issues.
Speaker/Artist(s): Moderator: Gary R. Greenstein, Of Counsel, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati
Richard Barone, Recording Artist/Producer/Author/Frontman
Ben Cockerham, COO, RightsFlow
John Lippman, EVP/COO/CFO, Evergreen Copyrights
Dan Pifer, EVP, Operations & Technology, The Orchard

WEDNESDAY - Masters of the Indie Universe Discuss a Path to the Future
The independent music market share has grown to almost a third of the industry over the last decade. As this model transforms from strictly selling finished music products to relying more heavily on licensing, streaming royalties, publishing, etc., these industry heads discuss their visions for the way forward.
Speaker/Artist(s): Moderator: Bob Frank, Chairman, Merlin
Lucas Mann, President, Original Signal Recordings
Sid McCain, VP Label Acquisitions and Development, EMI Label Services/Caroline Distribution
Jonas Nachsin, President, Roadrunner Records
Amacchi Uzoigwe, Co-Founder, Definitive Jux

THURSDAY - Music For Good
(NYU's Kimmel Center, Room #405)
Music has long been a vehicle and a voice for change. Today, there is an exciting new wave of non-profits helping people to solve problems through different means. A common thread among these powerful yet generous organizations is that the music community has played a major role in their growth. Join us as leaders from both music and charity discuss the countless opportunities to partner for good.
Speaker/Artist(s): Moderator: Steven Smith, Entertainment Correspondent, Fuse, MySpace
Alexander Collins, Artist Liaison/Tour Coordinator, Invisible Children, Inc.
Phillip Crosby, Director, Special Events, Charity:Water
Casey McPherson, Artist, Alpha Rev
Jamie Tworkowski, Founder, To Write Love On Her Arms

FRIDAY - Music Industry Myths, Gossip and Predictions For the Next Five Years
(NYU's Kimmel Center, Rooms 905-07)
Some people have the inside scoop on everything happening right now and others are constantly and accurately predicting the future. This group of professionals and soothsayers will do both while adding their own two cents.
Speaker/Artist(s): Moderator: Sarah Lewitinn, Co-Founder, For The Win! Media; Blogger, Ultragrrrl.com
Emily Bass, Project Manager, A&R, Yep Roc Records
Eric Garland, Founder/CEO, BigChampagne Media Measurement
Chris Jacobs, General Manager, Sub Pop Records
Sarah Lewitinn, Co-Founder, For The Win! Media; Blogger, Ultragrrrl.com
Lucas Mann, President, Original Signal Recordings
Mike Spinella, Director, Partner Relations, AOL Music