At Cyber PR we help artist understand the importance of curating a cohesive digital marketing brand. While many important connections can be formed online, and we encourage you to sustain and maintain this form of connection, another amazing way to grow your network is in person through attending events such as music conferences!
Music conferences are invaluable when looking to learn and grow in the industry, and there really is a conference for everyone. No matter which one you decide to attend you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself with networking, meet established professionals and make connections with other artists all who can be vital to your growth.
Here is a list of some of our favorite music conferences offered in North America in 2020.
SXSW
Austin, TX • March 13-22, 2020
It is almost impossible to incapsulate the beast that is South by South West into a few words. With over 30 years of expertise and traction, this is the THE event to attend if you’re looking for what is on the horizon in the Music Industry. With startup competitions, performances, and an abundance of music industry professionals the opportunities for relationship building are endless here.
Winter Music Conferences
Miami Beach, FL • March 16-19, 2020
Celebrating their 35th year, Winter Music Conference is the longest running festival of its kind. This year they are rolling out a new feature called “Signed On The Spot” where selected artists will have the opportunity to play their music for record labels in person and potentially sign a deal. Including a bunch of other panels and opportunities for learning from the best in the biz, this is another wonderful opportunity to grow your network.
MUSEXPO
Hollywood, CA • March 22 – 27, 2020
This event offers an in-depth analysis of the global music landscape from leading executives and innovators across all facets of the industry. As far as music conferences go this is our favorite for all things broadcasting and synchronization. MUSEXPO provides insights and opportunities through their panels and lectures focused on worldwide synch business including film, TV, gaming, advertising and brand partnerships.
ASCAP music conferences experience
Downtown LA, CA • April 1-3, 2020
The ASCAP experience, formerly known as ASCAP “I Create Music” EXPO, is the largest gathering of music creators in North America. In its 15th year, the event promises three days of performances, informational panels, and musical inspiration! ASCAP’s signature event is known for providing networking opportunities, one-on-one feedback and real-world advice from established songwriters and composers. It is an unforgettable and authentic experience – real knowledge, tools, connections and a community of support and guidance you can’t find anywhere else. Anyone is welcome to attend, and ASCAP members get a discount!
North American Music Conferences On Video Game Music
Ithaca, NY • April 4 – 5, 2020
This conference takes place at a university each year. Its 7th year will be taking place in The School of Music at Ithaca College and is known for taking a deep dive into video game music – composition, user experience and tech. If you’re interested in all things video games and video game composition this is THE music festival for you.
LAUNCH Music Conferences & Festival
Lancaster, PA • April 30 – May 3, 2020
In its 12th year, this music conference and festival features a schedule packed full of panels, workshops, one-on-one mentor sessions, and performances, the Conference portion of LAUNCH provides a unique opportunity for artists, music industry professionals and fans to meet, network and further their careers from the up-and-coming artist to the seasoned music industry veteran. The festival portion features music of all genres and artists of all levels. This festival prides itself on affordability and as an extra bonus, any band or artist who submits to play are allowed to attend for free regardless of whether they get chosen for a slot or not!
320 Festival
Los Angeles, CA • May 9, 2020
The brain child of Talinda Bennington, Chester Bennington’s widow, and Kevin Lyman, formerly in charge of running the Vans Warped Tour have joined together to advocate for mental health in the heart of one of music’s biggest cities. It is apparent with the number of suicides and overdoses it is time to give musicians the support they need to do what they love. This inclusive event is something you do not want to miss. Official details announcement will take place on March 9th. Make sure to check out their website to find out more!
Music Biz Conferences
Nashville, TN • May 11-14, 2020
The Music Business Association’s conference brings together global power players and industry enthusiasts committed to the future of music monetization for 100+ panels, presentations, workshops, private meetings, cocktail parties, live music, and more. They offer panels that breakdown the latest news in the music business all while teaching you how to apply it to your personal brand. As always, an amazing opportunity for connecting with industry personnel and artists alike to expand your network and your brand.
Canadian Music Week
Toronto, Canada • May 19-23, 2020
Canadian Music Week (or CMW as many refer to it) is an industry conference and music festival held in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.This conference leading annual entertainment event dedicated to the expression and growth of Canada’s music, media and entertainment industries. It has an amazing amount of panels, keynotes and showcases. The summit will be taking place from the 20th to the 22nd, but other music events will be going on all week.
Make Music New York
New York City, NY • June 2020
Every June is New York Music Month, the official New York City celebration of the most diverse music scene in the world. The annual conference presented by the NYC Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment, NY is Music, and the NYU Steinhardt Music Business Program is a key component of the month. There are tons of free workshops and panels and masterclasses throughout the city. The official 2020 schedule has not yet been released but make sure to check their site every so often to remain up to date on this amazing event!
NXNE Music Conferences
Toronto, Canada • June 12-21, 2019
Definitely, one of Toronto’s leading festivals, NXNE (North by Northeast) is a raging annual 10-day event hosted every June in Toronto. It features music, gaming, comedy, interactive and more at this packed cultural explosion. NXNE will be in its 26th year in 2020 and takes over Toronto with showcases, panels, parties, installations, and more. The festival includes a major free, three-day music festival in the centre of the city at Canada’s biggest street corner, Yonge and Dundas. It also features comedy, food, art installations.
SyncSummit
Nashville, TN • May 15 – 16, 2020
New York City, NY • June 11-12, 2020
Los Angeles, CA • December 2-3, 2020
SyncSummits consistently brings together the top executives in the sync market for discussion, networking and dealmaking. You get access to the email addresses of all attendees before, during and after the event which is amazing just in case you happen to lose a business card. These music conferences are intimate enough not to overwhelm and informative so that you walk away with a new outlook on how to approach Synch licensing. The best part? It takes place in 3 cities so you can go to the one that is most convenient for you!
Independent Music Awards
New York City, NY • June 27, 2020
Now on its 18th year, The Annual IMA Award Ceremony and Independent Music Party Industry Conference brings extraordinary artists and industry from around the world together in celebration of the independent music business. The IMAs honor the most exceptional music, videos, concert photography, and designs by established and emerging talent. Most importantly, IMA connects all of these creators to a wider audience. While this is not technically a “Conference” The IMAs take deep care in facilitating networking and connections.
Latin Alternative Music Conferences
New York City, NY • July 7-11, 2020
LAMC has been around for almost 20 years, creating a platform for independent Latin musicians to connect and learn about the industry. With live performances, a series of panels, concerts and exhibitions, it is designed to highlight emerging Latin artists working outside the mainstream.
CD Baby DIY Music Conferences
Austin, TX • August 28-30, 2020
This is specifically for independent musicians. At this conference, you will learn a ton and get a chance to network with like-minded artists, with the ultimate understanding that “do it yourself” doesn’t have to be as lonely as it sounds. The event promotes actionable industry education, access to the best brands in the music business, and an indie community that welcomes musicians of all ages and genres. You’ll learn from active leaders in the space, get one-on-one mentoring, make lasting connections, and walk away with both a plan of action AND the fire to get it done!
AmericanaFest
Nashville, TN • September 15-20, 2020
In its 21st year, the Americana Festival and Conference features over 500 live performances in venues all over Nashville. The conference portion features numerous panels, seminars, and exclusive day time performances. Americanafest proudly provides Nashville’s most educational music industry forum. This special event covers the interests and needs of artists, managers, labels, radio stations, publishers, and many other industry personnel. This is one of the music conferences enthusiastically attended and presented by music industry leaders.
Mondo NYC
New York City, NY • October 13-16, 2020
Mondo.NYC, a Global Business Summit and Music Festival, announces its fifth annual four-day event. Mondo.NYC, headquartered in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, is an incubator for the music and tech industries and by night, it’s a platform for emerging artists from around the globe performing at New York’s premier independent venues. Join professionals, artists and festival-goers October 13-16, 2020 for an enriching experience for fans and creators alike who share a mission of empowering artists and advancing ideas in ever-changing music and technology businesses.
The Rock/Star Advocate’s Music-preneur Mindset Summit
New York, NY • Fall 2020
If you’re looking to get clear on your goals and break down your next steps all while avoiding the overwhelm associated with wearing all the necessary hats of being a Music-Preneur, then this summit is for you! Dive into your sustainable income streams, and reach the fans who want to engage with you without burning out. Keep an eye on our girl Suz, aka the Rock/Star Advocate, who takes time and energy to curate an event that focuses on self-care and mindset at this intimate and informative music conference. Last year it took place on the beach in Long Beach, NY a short ride from midtown.
TAXI Road Rally
Los Angeles, CA • November 5-8, 2020
TAXI has been helping musicians from all over the world since 1992. Prior to TAXI, it was nearly impossible for musicians to get their music to the right people unless they lived in one of the major music cities and had a well-connected manager or music attorney. Their annual free music conference is called The Road Rally which features panels, classes, one on one mentor sessions, special listening and feedback sessions as well as VIP luncheons.
Billboard Live Music Summit + Awards
Los Angeles, CA • Fall 2020
Billboard presents live music’s top gathering of industry insiders, power players, and artists. This event gives attendees a 360-degree look at the challenges and opportunities we share as an industry. This year’s summit will redefine and expand the boundaries of the live experience as far as music conferences are concerned.
Women In Music
Industry Panels, Networking Events & Parties • All Year Long
Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, LA, Miami, Nashville, NYC, and more!
Though Women In Music is technically not a music conference, we still highly recommend you to join. It is an incredible organization with a mission to advance awareness, equality, diversity, heritage, opportunities, and cultural aspects of women in the musical arts. They do this through education, support, empowerment, and recognition. They host events all over the country all year long! Their seminars, panels, showcases, achievement awards, and youth initiatives celebrate the female contribution to the music world and strengthens community ties. Keep an eye on their calendar for events in your area. Despite its name, you do not have to be a woman to join!
The sheer volume of music industry events in the world is growing exponentially every year. We encourage you to find at least one that fits your needs. We hope this list narrowed down your search for music conferences best suited for you to learn and grow in this industry. If you don’t see your favorite on our list, leave it in the comments!
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