A Guide To The Essential Music Business Conferences

Whether you’re cutting your teeth in the music business, or a seasoned professional, conferences are an essential part of the modern creative industries. From key learnings about the challenges facing artists, labels and other creatives to key networking opportunities, they’re a fantastic opportunity to grow your knowledge and your network at the same time.

Below is our guide to the essential conferences that should be on your radar, alongside some emerging events hosted by our partners. Whilst some focus entirely on the panels, speed sessions and key notes, others include live performances as part of the offering.

Eurosonic, Gronigen - January

A trip to the chilly Netherlands is always a refreshing way to kick off the year. A four day showcase featuring artists of all genres, recent alumni include Aurora, The XX, Sam Smith, Hozier and many more now household names. Alongside the live performances, the conference offers one of the finest networking opportunities in Europe, with a focus on sustainability and innovation. Next year sees Eurosonic celebrate it’s 40th anniversary.

SXSW, Austin - March

Often seen as the blueprint for other similar inner-city events, SXSW takes over Austin every year in mid-March. Whether part of their Film or Tech line-up, or heading along solely for the Music section, it’s a highlight on the calendars of many within the creative communities. Keynote speakers in recent years have included the likes of Bruce Springsteen and Willie Nelson.

Outside of the official line-up, a whole host of off-the-grid events pop-up, to complement the festival, and really make Austin feel like the cultural centre of the universe for a week.

Sound City, Liverpool - May

Birthplace of the Beatles and the legendary Cavern Club where they cut their teeth; where better to learn about the music industry than Liverpool? With previous performances from The Vaccines, The Flaming Lips and Florence & The Machine and others; if you’re after sweaty gigs from future superstars then it’s one not to miss.

Music Biz, Atlanta - May

Attracting over 2,500 attendees from more than 800 different companies, Music Biz in Atlanta is a staple of the conference circuit. From keynote speakers, to educational workshops, Music Biz brings together some of the most high profile names in the industry, as well as those working at the intersection of music and technology.

The Great Escape, Brighton - May

Europe’s top new music festival, Brighton’s Great Escape sees thousands of music industry professionals from around the world descend on the UK’s south coast. With panels and keynotes during the day, and then majority of the city’s venues and pubs are taken over by the festival in the evening with artists travelling in from all over the world to perform.

SXSW London, London - June

An off-shoot of the Austin event, SXSW comes to London for the first time this summer. Eagerly anticipated after they spread their roots to Sydney over the past couple of years, the premiere UK edition is promising tech, film and music offerings. The event taking place in 2025 features gaming, planet, the creator economy and automation as some of the key discussion topics.

Primavera Pro, Barcelona - June

Alongside the festival that takes place in early June, Primavera Pro brings thousands of innovative creators to one of Europe’s finest cities, Barcelona. With this year focusing on new financial models in the industry, alongside the existing challenges that they’re looking to solve, key attendees this year including individuals from Sony Music Publishing, Youtube, Secretly Group, Domino and more.

Music Ally NEXT, London - June

Now a highlight of the UK conference circuit, Music Ally NEXT is known for attracting those building the creative tooling of tomorrow. With a focus on practical solutions for those operating within the music industry, it also offers one of the best networking opportunities around, in a supportive and enjoyable environment.

Reeperbahn Festival, Hamburg - September

Another inner-city festival, this time with a focus on the most exciting emerging artists in Europe. Bringing together dozens of the stars of tomorrow, their focus on diversity, gender equality and sustainability makes them one of the most progressive festivals on the circuit. With 475 artists participating, as well as 180 panels, keynotes and workshops, it’s a frantic and exhilarating four days in Hamburg.

Amsterdam Dance Event, Amsterdam - October

Europe’s largest dedicated inner-city dance festival, attracting almost half a million punters from across the globe; if you’re an electronic music lover, this is one not to miss. Alongside the late night shows which take over all of Amsterdam’s most iconic venues and streets, the educational section of the festival during the day is known for being at the forefront of the music and tech journey.

Revelator Partner Conferences

UNSIN, Miami - April

UNSIN is Miami’s premier Latin-focused music and conference, hosted by Revelator Partner, Immigration Records. Fostering an inclusive space for artists from often underrepresented backgrounds to come together and perform, learn and network, UNSIN now hosts over 2,000 attendees from 20 different countries.