Rapper/actor Will Smith will host the first annual “Business of Show Business” movie industry symposium in Washington, DC, which is sponsored by The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA).

The breakfast program kicks off Feb. 6 and is designed to educate policy makers in the United States about the value of the motion picture industry through a series of panels and high profile speakers.

Other speakers during the event include the Hon. Charles Rangle, Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives, Sony Pictures’ CEO Michael Lynton and a presentation by students from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.

Will Smith is one of the brightest stars of the motion picture industry and we are thrilled he will join us for what will be an exciting and informative day here in the nation’s capital, said Dan Glickman, MPAA Chairman and CEO. The American motion picture industry is known as a creative force around the world because of talented individuals like Will Smith, an Academy Award nominee. What is less well known is that the industry is also an economic engine that brings billions of dollars and thousands of jobs to communities across America. The Business of Show Business will showcase both the creative and economic value of this important American industry.

Smith is nominated for an Oscar for his portrayal of Chris Gardner in the critically acclaimed movie, The Pursuit of Happyness.

The invitation-only event, which takes place at The Smithsonian Institution’s Donald W. Reynolds Center for American Art and Portraiture, begins at 8:00 am.

I hope to make it to this event so I can bring back a report. Stay tuned.