EMC 2019: THE NEXT NOW

We’ve just announced our theme for EMC 2019:
THE NEXT NOW

The last five years have seen the global music sector adjusting to the new world of streaming and a more conscious approach to diversity in programming, A&R and recruitment. EMC’s 2019 conference theme focuses on THE NEXT NOW – Diving into the opportunities, needs and challenges of the new decade ahead. The conference program deeply explores forthcoming technology, new disruptions, and the systematic changes that will alter the way we work, model our businesses, collaborate and create our music and art.

THE NEXT NOW asks the questions:

✦How do we prepare for and embrace the next wave of changes ahead for our business?

✦How do we move beyond conversations about mental health to creating a future foundation in our sector that is supportive of health and wellbeing for all within it?

✦What are the traditional business models that are out of date and holding us back from a sustainable and thriving future?

✦What needs to be done to ensure a fair and equitable playing field for our ecology of businesses, individuals and artists?

✦What are the opportunities to harness new technologies to create new revenue streams and influence a sustainable music business?

The 2019 conference program features keynotes and ‘In Conversations’ from national and international pioneers, a program stream dedicated to mental health and wellbeing, spotlight sessions on Western Sydney and the fast emerging Middle East North Africa region, investigative sessions on financial stability for managers and artists, an interactive session on the future of the Australian music media landscape, an exploratory session on today’s value of music education, and much much more.

2019 KEYNOTE FIRST LOOK

‘ARE YOU READY FOR A NEW SENSATION?’ – SCOTT COHEN

Since Napster launched 20 years ago, the music industry has experienced ongoing disruption and change, and the future forecast predicts a new wave of intense upheaval. Widespread media, tech and music experts globally unanimously agree that the music industry is about to embark on a new suite of technologies and disruptions to navigate. What widespread media and many experts aren’t articulating is not just what is coming, but how as an industry we adopt and exploit the next wave of tech disruptions to our benefit.

In his keynote ‘Are You Ready For A New Sensation?’, Warner Music’s Chief Innovation Officer Scott Cohen focuses on what’s on the horizon, how we adopt and deploy these new technologies, what we have learned from the music industry’s resistance to the last two decades of change, and how we must apply these learnings to tomorrow.

‘Are You Ready For A New Sensation? ’will look at the essential need to embrace the new ways consumers want to engage with music, usage pricing beyond streaming, and how we can change the lens from challenge to opportunity for music and VR, AI, blockchain and MMOs.

‘Are You Ready For A New Sensation?’ is a must for anyone wanting to prepare themselves and their business for the next five years to ensure they’re not left behind in the very, very near future.

PANEL: ‘EMBRACING THE FRINGE – HOW WE’RE DRIVING DIVERSITY WITHIN CULTURE AND NIGHTLIFE’

Sydney is a city that prides itself on its cultural diversity, and yet this diversity is not always mirrored within our culture or nightlife. Evidence also shows that organisations with diverse boards, members and patrons benefit and outperform those that do not, but this fact is not enough to bring about change.

So how can we work towards fostering an intersectional creative community?

Can we dance our way to a more inclusive society, revitalizing Sydney nightlife along the way?

Can club culture be used to contest and dismantle cultural stereotypes?

How do we bridge our existing communities to create a more synergistic, accessible and socially cohesive city?

This solutions-oriented panel will positively focus on realistic outcomes, where we discuss the importance and benefits of creating more diversity within Sydney culture and nightlife, and will benefit promoters, industry and artists alike.

Speakers: Sarah Houbolt + more to be announced

Facilitated by: Ayebatonye Abrakasa 

PANEL: ‘MUSIC EDUCATION – IS IT WORTH THE INVESTMENT?’

In the age of free accessible YouTube learning, many DJs and Producers might not know what value private, vocational or higher education providers can offer. 

It also makes one beg the question – is paying for education worth the tuition fees? 

Will I even make back my money or find work in the industry?

What questions should I ask of these different providers to find out if they’re a good fit for me?

We bring together speakers from a variety of private, public and higher education institutions to help answer some of these questions, and to dive into the different approaches to education, and what value it provides the individual and industry in an uncertain future. 

There will be a networking opportunity after the panel to ask questions to people from specific represented education providers. 

Speakers: Simon Caldwell + more to be announced

Facilitated by: Patrick Nellestein

For the full list of first speakers click HERE
Conference Passes are now on sale and you can purchase HERE

CONFERENCE PASSES ARE PRICED FROM $104.94 INCLUDING FEES
STUDENT PRICES, GROUP RATES AND PAYMENT PLANS FROM APPROX $18 PER WEEK ARE ALSO AVAILABLE
(CONDITIONS APPLY).