The Great Escape has announced details of the transformation of its annual music industry conference for the 2024 festival.
The conference is a vital component of the annual Brighton-hosted new music festival, which will be held from 15-18 May next year.
Among the additions to next year's event is the introduction of expert collaborators from across the industry who will shape and elevate the programming of the conference.
These collaborators include The Council of Music Makers, Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), BBC Introducing LIVE and Youth Music, who will each utilise their respective networks to help the conference 'become an even more influential platform for music professionals to make connections and stay one step ahead of the latest industry trends'.
The BPI will host a welcome party on Brighton beach on 15 May, before The Council of Music Makers — who collectively represent The Ivors Academy, Featured Artists Coalition, Music Managers Forum, Music Producers Guild and the Musicians' Union — take the lead the following day (16 May) by turning the conference's focus on the people behind the music.
On 17 May, the NTIA will highlight the importance of the UK’s live music industry by 'bringing the unique concerns of venues, live entertainment and the night time economy to the fore'. BBC Introducing LIVE and Youth Music will then close the conference on 18 May by presenting a day 'focused on professional development for the next generation of emerging artists and music business entrepreneurs'.
Rory Bett, CEO of MAMA Festivals, said: 'We’re very excited to have these amazing organisations on board as collaborators for our conference. They’re all tapped in to key areas of the music ecosystem for anyone forging a career in the modern industry, from bedroom artists to experienced professionals and entrepreneurs. Together, we’ll be curating a cutting edge line-up. Watch this space.'
In other TGE news, Spain has been announced as the festival's Lead Country Partner for 2024 — a full programme with two showcases, panels about the Spanish music industry and industry receptions will form part of TGE — while Brighton-based non-profit AudioActive will serve as its charity partner and BIMM will return as its education partner next year.
You can find out more about The Great Escape 2024, including the first 50 names on the line-up, by heading here.
