The Pop Music Conference returns to the EMP this coming weekend for four days of in-depth exploration of the magical musical land we inhabit. Ranging from the obscure and bizarre to American Idol and the Pet Shop Boys, the panels bring an incredible amount of insight to popular music and its world of influence.

This year’s official theme is “Waking Up From History: Music, Time, and Place,” which, upon glancing through the papers, provides an incredibly broad and versatile background for a host of interesting topics. Looking through the presenters, you will see that it is a collection of the country’s best and brightest in the music journalism, academic study, and artistic stages. There is nothing else in the whole country like it.

Did I mention that for the first time, the conference is free? (Thank you, Rhapsody).

If you’re like me, maybe some of your college professors will be there. Or if you’re like me, all those bylines will come to life before your very eyes. Or, if you’re like me…you’ll check it out.