Elisa Thompson- VP of A&R Mid Atlantic Region

Elisa M. Thompson, a self-made top music executive, has carved her path from the ground up in the entertainment industry. As the founder of EMT Talent Management, she also holds the title of Chief Business Development Officer at Wealth Nation, a global artist development and brand management company. Along with serving as their C.O.O. for Artist Rewards and E.V.P. of Industry Certified Magazine, Elisa has continually proven herself as a majorplayer in the entertainment world by fulfilling a pivotal role in shaping strategic partnerships and driving innovation within the company. Outside of her professional endeavors, Elisa is a devoted mother who cherishes spending quality time with her daughter and grandson. Her journey began in the 1980’s managing breakdance groups in the emerging NYC scene and itsexpansion into new areas like the DMV (DC, Maryland, and Virginia), where Elisa and her family live. During her time in the Air Force, she came across emerging talents like TLC and Jermaine Dupri that later made a significant impact in the music industry, creating in her a desire to support rising stars in the entertainment world. Since then, she has not only successfully navigated the music industry but has also left an indelible mark on its evolution- gaining unique insights and experiences that have shaped trends and fostered new talent along the way. Elisa’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Her passion for music and nurturing talent became apparent when she took on the role of managing her first artist, resulting in collaborations with major labels such as Sony, Bad Boy Records, and theeventual establishment of EMT Management. Elisa possesses a deep understanding of the entertainment landscape and excels in negotiating deals and managing complex projects. Additionally, she is recognized for her talent in identifying and developing new artists, with extensive expertise spanning from artist management to brand development. Her skills as a songwriter and music engineer, coupled with her global talent scouting and artist development capabilities, have rendered her a valuable asset in the production studio. Elisa’s innate nature to adapt quickly to diverse challenges has been instrumental in propelling artists. With a network of top industry connections and over 2 decades of experience, Elisa’s approach is grounded in mentoring and guiding independent artists through the complexities of the music industry. Over the course of her career , she has assisted countless local, national, and international artists in broadening their marketing reach. Her coaching has not only helped them to discover and unleash their full potential but cultivate a thriving monetizable business. As a public speaker, Elisa enjoys educating artists on navigating the competitive entertainment industry. She emphasizes the importance of the business side of a musical career and stresses the significance of establishing a robust marketing and promotion campaign to attain global success. “If you don’t have the business side of your musical career,” Elisa warns, “it’s like having a boat with no bottom.” Elisa’s journey, marked by a strong faith, and overcoming challenges in both a military career and the music industry, stands as a true testament to her resilience. Her leadership is a guiding light for those in the industry, and her mantra of “never quit and never stop” reflects her relentless drive, inspiring others to strive for excellence. Elisa’s unwavering commitment is summed up in her own words: “Never quit and never stop. No matter how old, no matter how long, no matter where it takes you. Never stop.”