All day programming will take place in person in the Baker University Center's Ballroom unless otherwise noted. Some sessions will take place in other rooms within Baker University Center. Evening events will be held in various locations and may require an additional RSVP or ticket purchase (noted on the schedule).
Special Pre-Summit programming has been added for Tuesday, March 25 so make plans to arrive early to catch these events. Registration is not required to attend events on the 25th, except a ticket purchase is required to attend the Charles Wesley Godwin concert that evening.
Only main stage programming on March 26-27 will be livestreamed for virtual attendees.
We are pleased to announce a series of special events that will take place on Tuesday, March 25, ahead of the Summit officially kicking off on Wednesday, March 26. These events do not require attendees to be registered for the Music Industry Summit. The draft schedule is below. Details will be updated as they are announced.
Australian singer, songwriter, and producer Gordi will perform a set in-store at Republic of Athens Records. This event is free and open to anyone. No registration required.
Moderated by Matt Hendrickson, President of Big Swede Media. This artist keynote is free and open to anyone. No registration required. This session is not available for livestreaming.
Mia Barnes’s extraordinary photography featuring her work with today’s leading artists will be on display, and Mia will join us for the official gallery opening at the VisComm Focus. This event is free and open to anyone. No registration required.
Join the Music Industry Summit team for a Happy Hour, featuring $1 off full pours of the MIS brew "Music to My Beers", at the Jackie O's Brewpub before the Charles Wesley Godwin concert. A selection of complimentary hors d'oeuvres will be available as well as themed cocktails. We will do a drawing for a pair of tickets to see My Morning Jacket in concert on April 17. This event is free and open to anyone. No registration required.
Tickets are on sale now. All attendees are required to purchase a ticket if they wish to attend this concert.
Registration is required to attend events on Wednesday, March 26, with the exception of the Opening Night Party which is free and open to the public. Register Now
Join acclaimed director and photographer Mia Barnes for an exploration of her work with today's biggest artists. Mia will share about her production process, with behind-the-scenes stories on helping artists bring their music to life through visual storytelling.
In a world oversaturated with content, how do artists break through? Join A&R representatives Hunter Evans of RCA Records and Abbey Jo of Columbia Records, along with Xander Zellner, Senior Charts and Data Analyst at Billboard, for a panel conversation on pathways to artist discovery.
RSVP required; more details announced soon. This session is not available for livestreaming.
Jay Gilbert and Mike Etchart, Hosts of Your Morning Coffee Podcast, host an interactive conversation on what you need to know about today's music industry. These sessions will be recorded live and featured on their popular podcast series. This session is not available for livestreaming.
Making a career in the music industry takes more than passion—it requires strategy, resilience, and the right opportunities. Join 51ÂÒÂ× alumni Tommy Boone (Universal Music), Rob Harvilla (The Ringer), Mads Murphy (Panache), and Marisa Salopek (Tour Manager/Artist Manager) as they discuss their career paths and offer advice on entering and engaging with the music industry.
Join Tunecore CEO Andreea Gleeson, in conversation with Sarah Kloboves of Chartmetric, for an exploration of the ecosystem of distribution and opportunities for artists in releasing their music.
Music journalist Marcus J. Moore hosts a keynote conversation with hip hop legend DJ Premier.
All breakout sessions will have limited capacity and will be available on a first come, first served basis.
Following their participation in the live event production breakout session, local band The Laughing Chimes will perform a half hour set. All are invited to attend.
Join us for an Opening Night Party featuring a performance by DJ Premier, presented by Sonicbids and Picklejar. The Opening Night Party is free and open Summit registrants and the general public. Light refreshments will be provided and a cash bar will be available.
Registration is required to attend events on Thursday, March 27, with the exception of the Opening Night Party which is free and open to the public. Register Now
Navigating digital royalties can be complex, but understanding them is crucial for artists and songwriters looking to maximize their earnings. In this panel, industry experts Kevin Fagan (BMG), Sean McNamara (MLC), Sam Rainey (Universal Music Group), and Tim Pattison (BMI) break down the fundamentals of digital royalties, including how they’re generated, collected, and distributed. Learn about performance, mechanical, and streaming royalties, the role of organizations like MLC and BMI, and key strategies to ensure you’re getting paid what you’re owed.
What does it take to place the perfect song in a film, TV show, or commercial? Join acclaimed music supervisor James Cartwright, in conversation with Joanna Batemits, for an inside look at the art and business of music supervision. With over 15 years in the industry, James will share insights on the creative process of sync licensing and the role of a music supervisor in shaping iconic moments on screen.
RSVP required; more details announced soon. This session is not available for livestreaming.
Jay Gilbert and Mike Etchart, Hosts of Your Morning Coffee Podcast, host an interactive conversation on what you need to know about today's music industry. These sessions will be recorded live and featured on their popular podcast series. This session is not available for livestreaming.
In today’s music landscape, success isn’t just about streams—it’s about building a loyal fan community. This panel brings together Sony’s Semajah Parker, The Digilogue’s Drew de Leon, Cyber PR’s Ariel Hyatt, and Hearing Things' Jill Mapes to explore the strategies behind fan engagement. Learn about the tools and platforms that artists and industry professionals use to build connections with their audiences.
Note: TORRES will no longer be able to join this panel. Please view the announcement here.
The live music industry is a powerhouse, but who’s behind the scenes making it all happen? In this insightful session, panelists will break down the key players in live music—from talent agents and promoters to tour managers and venue operators. This session will provide essential knowledge on the mechanics of the business and actionable steps to get involved. Learn how shows are booked, tours are built, and what it takes to navigate the world of live entertainment. Featured panelists include Lisa Cave, Owner of Evermint Music; Dan Melnick, CEO of Sonicbids/Advance; and Ryan Slone, Rock & Pop Agent at Universal Attractions. Moderated by LJ Malberg, Founder of CoMuse.
In conversation with Jill Mapes of Hearing Things
Note: Julien Baker will no longer be able to join for her artist keynote. Please view the announcement here.
All breakout sessions will have limited capacity and will be available on a first come, first served basis.
StewMac will open the doors to their historical building for a special Happy Hour + Jam Session for Summit attendees before the Julien Baker+TORRES show. Speciality drinks and light apps will be available.
Unfortunately, the Closing Night Concert has been cancelled. Please view the full announcement here.
Hosted by WIMI, the Official MIS After Party will feature a lineup of local artists: Solon, StaRRanee, and Blush. Doors open at 9:00 p.m. and music begins at 9:30 p.m. and will go through midnight. $8 cover charge at the door.
Rising country-folk artist Charles Wesley Godwin will join us for a special pre-Summit keynote conversation at 4 p.m. (no registration required) and concert at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 25 so make plans to attend. The concert is a separately ticketed event and tickets are on sale now.
Mark your calendar for our Opening Night Party, presented by Sonicbids and PickleJar, featuring a DJ set by DJ Premier! The Opening Night Party is free and open to the public, in addition to conference attendees. No advanced registration required. Complimentary light snacks and a cash bar will be available.
StewMac will open the doors to their historical building for a special Happy Hour + Jam Session for Summit attendees before the Julien Baker+TORRES show. Speciality drinks and light apps will be available. Summit registrants need to RSVP to attend.