Countdown to the 25th Annual Billboard Latin Music Conference: 1994-1998

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In honor of the 25 anniversary of Billboard's Latin Music Conference, Billboard.biz is breaking out the greatest moments from Latin music's premiere event. The conference has hosted Superstar Q&A’s from Latin legends including Pitbull, Enrique Iglesias, Don Omar and the late Jenni Rivera. Showcases from the event have assisted in the launch of countless careers, including Selena, Kat Dahlia and Prince Royce. Here: a look back at 1994-1998.

Countdown to the 25th Annual Billboard Latin Music
Conference: 1989-1993

1994

• Tom Preston, CEO of MTV Networks and Jay Berman of RIAA, deliver Keynote speeches at the 5th Annual Billboard Latin Conference.
• Emilio Estefan is awarded the El Primio Billboard Award/Lifetime Achievement Award. This award is given annually in recognition of contributions made to the development of Latino Music Industry.
• Celia Cruz and Cachao Lopez are inducted into the Hall of Fame at the 5th Annual Billboard Latin Music Conference.

1995

• Songwriter & Producer KC Porter delivered the Keynote speech at the Billboard Latin Conference.
• Selena is inducted into the Hall of Fame and is awarded with the Spirit of Hope, a new award to be given annually in her honor.

1996

• Shakira performed at the New Artist Showcase at the 1996 Billboard Latin Conference & Awards. She has gone on to win 26 Billboard Latin Music Awards.
• Singer and Composer Jose Feliciano was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Billboard Latin Music Awards.
• Enrique Iglesias took home Best new Artist and Pop Album of the year at the Billboard Latin Music Awards.
• Ay! Macarena! Los Del Rios brought  home the award for Latin Dance Album of the Year featuring their hit  “Macarena Mix.”

1997

• McHenry Thichenor  delivered the Keynote Q&A at the 8th annual Billboard Latin Conference.
• Julio Iglesias won Pop Album of the Year from the hit album “Tango” at the Billboard Latin Music .
• Former MTV VJ, Daisy  Fuentes hosted the ‘ Star Studded’ 8th annual Billboard Latin Music Awards at the Gusman Center of Performing Arts in Miami.

1998

• Alex González of Mana gave the keynote speech at the Billboard Latin Conference.
• El Rey de la Canción Ranchera, Vincente Fernandez are inducted into the Billboard Latin Music Hall of Fame in 1998.
• Jon Seda of “Selena” hosted the 9th Annual Billboard Latin Music Awards in Miami.
• Latin rock band Mana took home Rock Album of the Year at the Billboard Latin Music Awards.