music pro summit

DAY X DAY SCHEDULE

Music Pro Summit SEPT 10 – 12 2024 features industry experts from around the globe
Covering the LATEST topics on what you need to know for a career in the music business. 

TUES SEPT 10

11 AM • Kickoff Keynote: Embracing the Future of Music in the Digital Age

Join Darryl Hurs (CEO INDIE WEEK, Music Pro Summit, DIT), in setting the stage for Music Pro Summit 2024.
This opening session will embrace the future of music in the digital age, highlighting the transformative role of AI and technology in the industry.

Special guest, Sandra Sutter will be giving an indigenous perspective and acknowledgment,
adding a unique and valuable viewpoint to the summit’s opening.
Additional guests TBA.


moderator:
Darryl Hurs (Music Pro Summit, INDIE WEEK, DIT)
speakers: Sandra Sutter (Artist)
Ritch Esra (Music Business Registry) 

12 PM • Building a Music City: Strategies for Urban Music Growth

Presented by the London Music Office, this session explores how cities can transform into thriving music hubs
that support and elevate the local music industry. Learn about the strategic initiatives, community collaborations, and policies
that can create a vibrant music ecosystem beneficial to artists, venues, and music-related businesses.
Discover practical steps to foster a supportive environment for musicians and music professionals.

Key topics include:
Developing infrastructure and venues that provide performance and rehearsal spaces for local artists.
Engaging the music community and fostering collaboration among artists, venues, and local businesses.
Implementing policies and initiatives that support music creation, performance, and distribution.
Successful examples of music cities and the positive impact on the local music scene and economy.
Whether you’re an artist, venue owner, music professional, or city official,
this session will equip you with the insights and strategies to help your city thrive as a music hub.


moderator:
Cory Crossman (London Music Office)
speakers: Sandra Wall (Visit Norrköping Sweden)
Mike Tanner (Toronto Music Office)
Demetrius Nath (Missisauga Music)
Natalie Wakabayashi (London Tourism)
Azucena Mico (Sound Diplomacy) 

1 PM • From ZERO to 1,000,000:
How the Musicians Behind Howdytoons Reached 1.1 Million YouTube Subscribers

The creators of the Howdytoons YouTube channel share their journey from the early stages to reaching over 1 MILLION subscribers. The discussion will explore how these musicians transformed a side hustle into a legitimate income earner by turning their love for music and animation into a thriving online platform. Learn about the challenges they faced, the strategies they employed to grow their channel, and the key factors that contributed to their success. Valuable insights for musicians and content creators looking to build a strong online presence and engage with a large audience.


moderator:
Karen Allen (Infinite Album)
speakers: Mike Whitla (HowdyToons)

2 PM • From Studio to Stream: Web Tools to Create, Release, and Connect with Fans

In the digital age, the journey from creating music to reaching your fans involves multiple stages and tools.
This session will explore the web tools available to musicians for creating, releasing, and registering their music, ensuring it reaches the right audience effectively. Learn how to streamline your music production process, distribute your music across various platforms, and manage your rights and royalties efficiently.

Discover how to make the process easier and faster, from creation to delivery, while ensuring your music is properly monetized and collected. Whether you’re an independent artist or part of a larger music project, this session will provide you with the knowledge and resources to succeed in the digital music landscape and connect more deeply with your fans.


moderator:
Darryl Hurs (Music Pro Summit, INDIE WEEK, DIT)
speakers: Steve Stewart (SongHub)
Romain Palmieri (Groover)

3 PM • What Funders Look For: Securing Financial Support for Your Music Career

Navigating the world of music funding can be challenging.
In this session, be provided insider knowledge on what funders are looking for in grant applications and funding proposals.
Learn the key elements and best practices to help you secure the financial support needed to propel your music career forward.

Key topics include:
Crafting compelling grant applications that resonate with funders.
Optimizing your online presence to strengthen your grant profile.
Identifying the most suitable grants for your specific musical projects.

Discover how to craft compelling applications, understand the evaluation criteria, and avoid common pitfalls.
Whether you’re seeking grants, sponsorships, or investment, this presentation will equip you with the insights and strategies you need to succeed.

moderator:Darryl Hurs (Music Pro Summit, INDIE WEEK, DIT)
speaker: Dele Opaleke (Grants for Musicians)

4 PM • Speed Meetings: Rapid Networking for Music Professionals

Maximize your networking opportunities with our online Speed Meetings session, designed to connect music professionals in a fast-paced and efficient format.
This session offers you the chance to engage in multiple brief, focused conversations with industry peers, potential collaborators,
and key players in the music industry.

Whether you’re an artist looking for new opportunities, a manager seeking talent, or an industry professional aiming to expand your network
these rapid networking rounds will help you make valuable connections quickly and effectively.
Come prepared to introduce yourself, exchange ideas, and explore potential collaborations in this dynamic and interactive setting.

WED SEPT 11

10 AM • ARTIST vs INDUSTRY: Bridging the Gap Between Art and Commerce

Step into the clash of “ARTIST vs INDUSTRY: Bridging the Gap Between Art and Commerce”—where the creative spirit meets the business grind! This panel will unpack the ongoing battle between artists who want to immerse themselves in creation and performance, often sidestepping the business side, and industry professionals driven by profit maximization. Discover how differences in communication fuel these tensions and explore how both sides can better understand and collaborate with each other. Join us for a fun and insightful discussion on finding common ground and bridging the gap between artistic vision and commercial strategy.


moderator: Darryl Hurs (Music Pro Summit, INDIE WEEK, DIT)
speaker: Luther Mallory (Performance Coach)

11 AM • SPECIAL EDITION! TEDDIT with Ted Cohen (TAG STRATEGIC)

Ted Cohen is joined by legendary figures John Luongo and Robert Margouleff for an insightful discussion on the music industry, production, and the stories that have shaped their iconic careers. Dive deep into behind-the-scenes moments and gain valuable knowledge from these industry veterans as they share their experiences and lessons learned throughout their decades in music. Don’t miss out on this exclusive session packed with history, expertise, and inspiration.


moderator: Ted Cohen (TAG STRATEGIC)
speakers: John Luongo (John Luongo Music)
Robert Margouleff (American Record Producer)

12 PM • Brand Experiences with music in the digital era

As the digital landscape evolves, music plays an increasingly vital role in creating compelling brand experiences. This session will explore how musicians and industry professionals can collaborate with brands to craft unique and immersive digital experiences.

Learn from industry leaders about successful campaigns and innovative strategies that leverage music to enhance brand engagement and loyalty. Discover how technology is being used to integrate music into digital marketing, and how artists can benefit from these partnerships.


moderator: Darryl Hurs (Music Pro Summit, INDIE WEEK, DIT)
speaker: Jesse Kirshbaum (Nue Agency)

1 PM • The Future of Immersive Events: Amplifying the In-Person Experience

As the boundaries between physical and digital experiences continue to blur, immersive events are becoming the new standard in the music industry.
This session will delve into the future of immersive events and how they are transforming the in-person experience.
Learn about the latest technologies and strategies that are enhancing live performances and creating unforgettable experiences for audiences.

Discover how augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and other cutting-edge technologies are being used to amplify in-person events, making them more interactive and engaging. Explore how venues are evolving to incorporate these technologies, including innovative concepts like dome/spehere 360 experiences that offer a fully immersive environment. Whether you’re an artist, event organizer, or industry professional, this session will provide valuable insights into the future of live music and how to leverage immersive technologies to elevate your events.


moderator: Fiona Ham (MusicTeam)
speakers: Anne McKinnon (Ristband)
Sean Ahearn (ElevationXR)

2 PM • More Info Coming Soon!

3 PM • The Future of Sync: Revolutionizing Music Licensing

The landscape of music licensing and synchronization is evolving rapidly with advancements in technology. This session will delve into how new technologies are impacting the sync world, transforming the way music is matched with visual media such as films, TV shows, advertisements, and video games. Engage in a discussion on the implications of these technological advancements, including the benefits and challenges they present for musicians, producers, and licensors.

Explore how these changes are reshaping the music industry and what it means for the future of music licensing.


moderator: Darryl Hurs (Music Pro Summit, INDIE WEEK, DIT)
speaker: Justin Gray (Songistry)

4 PM • MMX 7/11: 7 minutes to convey 11 points on the topic of your choice

Get ready for a whirlwind of insights as music industry heavyweights take the stage for “7-11.” In this lightning-fast session, speakers have just 11 minutes to deliver 7 critical points that distill their wealth of experience into actionable advice. It’s a high-octane fusion of PechaKucha and top 10 advice lists, where every second counts.

With no topic restrictions, speakers dive headfirst into the heart of the matter, sparking new ideas and revelations along the way. Audience members are bombarded with a rapid-fire barrage of facts, figures, and expert advice, leaving them energized and equipped with a treasure trove of knowledge.


moderator: Martin Atkins (Museum of Post Punk & Industrial Music)
speaker: Odell Mitchel III (Third Line Legal)
Wally Lockard III J.D. (Urban Grind TV)
Celia Rose (What Up Pitches)

THURS SEPT 12

10 AM • Making Live Streaming Work for You: Success Stories and Strategies

Live streaming has become an essential tool for musicians to connect with their audience in real time.
The power of live streaming is illustrated through success stories and strategies from artists who have effectively used this platform to enhance their careers.
Learn from those who have made live streaming work for them, gaining insights into the methods and technologies they used to engage audiences and build a loyal following.

Understand how to create captivating live streams, build and maintain a loyal online audience, and utilize various platforms to maximize reach and impact.
Discover how to augment your income and increase your fan base through effective streaming practices.
Additionally, engaging with fans online through live streaming can lead to better live shows by fostering a deeper connection with your audience before meeting them in person. Integrate live streaming into your broader digital strategy to ensure a seamless and engaging experience for your audience


moderator: TBA
speakers: Alanna Matty (Artist)
Siobhan Bodrug (Artist)

11 AM • The Future of Merchandising: Innovating Music Sales and Increasing Revenue

Merchandising remains a vital revenue stream for musicians, but the landscape is changing rapidly. This session explores the future of music merchandising, highlighting innovative strategies and technologies that are transforming how artists sell their merchandise. From online stores and limited-edition drops to immersive merch experiences and sustainable products, discover what’s working in the evolving world of music merch.

Learn how to create unique and appealing merchandise that resonates with fans, drives sales, and enhances your brand. Explore the role of e-commerce, social media, and fan engagement in boosting merchandise sales. Understand how to integrate merchandising into your overall business strategy and leverage new trends to maximize revenue.


moderator: TBA
speaker: Vanessa Ferrer (Merch Cat)

12 PM • Demo Listening: Industry Feedback on New Tracks

Experience the invaluable process of having demos critiqued by industry professionals.
In this session, a panel of experts will listen to submitted demos and provide feedback on various aspects of the tracks.
Gain insights into what makes a demo stand out and receive constructive criticism that can help refine music and enhance production skills.

Hear directly from industry professionals about what they look for in new music, and understand the common pitfalls to avoid. Whether an emerging artist or an established musician seeking feedback, this session provides an excellent opportunity for growth and development.


moderator: John Switzer (Seneca Polytechnic)
speakers: Blair Packham (Blare! Music Inc.)
Rebecca Hennessy (Seneca Polytechnic/ Rebecca Hennessy)
Murray Foster (Founder of Toronto Songwriting School)

1 PM • Artist Services and Development in Todays World

As the music industry evolves, the demand for comprehensive artist services and development has never been greater.
This session explores the critical support systems that artists need to thrive in today’s competitive landscape.
From career planning and branding to marketing and financial management, discover the essential services that can propel an artist’s career forward.

Understand the role of artist development in nurturing talent, building a sustainable career, and navigating the complexities of the modern music industry.
Learn from experts about the resources and strategies that can help artists at all stages of their careers achieve success.


moderator: TBA
speakers: TBA

2 PM • Live Music Cancelled? 2024 the year of cancellations

The live music industry has faced unprecedented challenges, with a surge in event cancellations and postponements in 2024.
This session will delve into the factors contributing to this trend and its impact on artists, venues, promoters, and fans.
Explore the economic and emotional toll of cancellations, and discuss strategies for resilience and adaptation in an unpredictable landscape.

Gain insights from industry professionals on navigating these turbulent times, managing risks, and finding alternative ways to connect with audiences.
Whether through virtual events, innovative engagement strategies, or new business models, discover how the live music sector is evolving to cope with ongoing disruptions.


moderator: TBA
speakers: TBA

3 PM • Using Data to Sell Tickets: Amplify your events through new tech

Discover how to leverage analytics to boost audience engagement and drive success for your shows.
experts Rachel Li (Jamalytics) and Oleg Plypenko (Ticketsell.ai) will dive into how data-driven strategies and innovative technology can supercharge your event promotions.


moderator: TBA
speakers: Rachel Li (Jamalytics)
Oleg Pylypenko (ticketsell.ai)

4 PM • TBA