SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Syracuse's annual Sammy Awards for local musical artists are about to expand to include a music industry conference to help those artists grow their careers.

Organizers say the plan is to stage the two day event October 8th and 9th at the convention center in Syracuse.

"It's an opportunity for you to network with people outside of our borders. Outside of the Central New York area. And to bring in people from LA and New York and Nashville and Toronto and to be able to expand your career with professionals in the different areas," said Liz Nowak.

Organizers hope the conference will attract thousands of participants.

The keynote speaker will be Max Weinberg, the drummer from Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band. Weinberg and his own big band will also perform at the conference.

For more information on the conference and the Sammy Awards, visit www.micnys.com.