Un-Convention is heading back to Manchester this October, and with just three months to go, the speaker lineup is already looking seriously strong.
Taking place at Band on the Wall on 22 and 23 October, the two-day music conference brings together artists, managers, labels, promoters, venue teams, festival organisers and independent music people from across the UK.
New names joining this year’s programme include Blur drummer Dave Rowntree, Alice Boeglin—who has helped steer the rapid rise of Getdown Services—and Music Venue Trust chief operating officer Bev Whitrick. Paul Reed and Kelly Wood from the Musicians’ Union will also be taking part.
They join speakers already confirmed from UK Music, the Music Managers Forum, the Featured Artists Coalition and LIVE UK, with another batch of guests still to be announced.
For 18 years, Un-Convention has been one of the most important places for the independent music community to come together, have honest conversations and look at where the industry is heading. It has always been about sharing ideas, challenging the status quo and finding better ways to make music work for the people creating it.
This year’s programme will tackle plenty of the big issues, including artist management and release strategies, developing regional scenes, touring and live promotion, the current festival landscape, music as a force for social change, and the artist perspective.
Over half of the available places have already been snapped up, so if you are planning to head along, it is worth getting involved sooner rather than later.
With the cost of working in music still hitting hard for so many people, Un-Convention has held full passes at the early-bird price of £50, including booking fee, for now.
More speakers and showcasing artists will be revealed soon.
Un-Convention takes place at Band on the Wall, Manchester, on 22 and 23 October. The event is supported by Skiddle, the Musicians’ Union, PRS Foundation and PPL.
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