The cftpa’s annual industry conference is on deck, a minglefest for all sectors of the film and television production industry composed this year of a new format including The Specialty Service Marketplace and new invitees the likes of Corel Corp. president Dr. Michael Cowpland.

With the Americans sharpening their claws, the annual parliamentary blitz promises to bring the lobbyists out in full force Feb. 13 as members of Parliament, senior public servants and political advisors gather with industry executives in the House of Commons’ Reading Room for cocktails and conversation.

The one-day seminar kicks off the next morning with Prime Minister Jean Chretien the invited keynote speaker, followed by the State of the Industry Report from cftpa chair Tom Berry, and a blue-chip panel on Towards 2000: The Business in the New Millennium.

Front and center will be the assistant deputy ministers of both Canadian Heritage and Industry Canada, Victor Rabinovitch and Shirley Serafini, Alliance ceo Robert Lantos, cbc’s Jim Byrd, TMN-The Movie Network’s Lisa de Wilde, Alan Morinis from New York-based Ark Films, and Cowpland, moderated by the lively Laurier Lapierre.

Heritage Minister Sheila Copps will take the stage at noon.

In the afternoon, the cftpa is testing a new concept, a series of breakout sessions and industry roundtables which will provide producers with an update on government policy initiatives including the Canadian Cable and Television Production Fund, the Refundable Investment Tax Credit Program and cavco in Questions & Answers with Robert Soucy.

Attracting buzz is The Specialty Service Marketplace, which will allow producers to discuss concepts and proposals, air beefs, and generally gather information on the programming plans and philosophies of a mix of the specialties.

On board for the discussion are a mix of old, not so old, and not yet launched specialties including Discovery Channel, Family Channel, teletoon, The History and Entertainment Network, Prime tv, Showcase, Life Network, Home and Garden tv, The Comedy Network, wtn, CBC Newsworld, Citytv/MuchMusic/ Bravo!, and Vision tv.

Lest we forget, the Valentine’s Day-based festivities will wrap with a chocolate/cappuccino/wine cafe, beginning post the specialty marketplace.