The Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) is proud to reveal ARIA Innovator: a forward-thinking conference to best equip the Australian music industry with practical skills and tools to excel in an increasingly complex market.
The inaugural conference will take place 25-26 March 2025 at the NSW State Library and has been made possible through support from Sound NSW funding via Create NSW.
The event will comprise of an innovation conference and mixer open to NSW music industry professionals on day one; followed by Accelerate on day two, an additional, application-only workshop designed to develop leadership skills for high-performing, mid-senior level individuals. Accelerate will be led by acclaimed business consultant and media innovation expert Megan Brownlow.
The ARIA Innovator Conference will feature a keynote Q&A with Panos Panay, President of the Recording Academy (GRAMMY), discussing his highly successful career as a music entrepreneur. Panos will share his insights on how music professionals can achieve global success through innovation.
As Senior VP for Global Strategy and Innovation at Berklee College of Music, Panos founded BerkleeICE (Berklee Institute of Creative Entrepreneurship), inspired by a view that that musicians are entrepreneurial by nature. Panos will also reveal how the Recording Academy intends to be more global, embracing artists from Australasia and beyond.
The conference will also feature SVP, Global Insight at Universal Music Gabi Lopes, who will demonstrate how engaged fans can become marketing channels using case studies and audience data from over 30 markets.
Rounding out the first line-up announcement, Dr Nici Sweaney, founder of AI Her Way and celebrated entrepreneur coach, will join ARIA Innovator to outline how AI can revolutionise the business side of music and enhance success in marketing, fan engagement and financial management.
Additional speakers will be announced over the coming weeks, selected from around the world for their leading expertise in and out of the music industry.
Expressions of Interest are now open for those who want to attend ARIA Innovator. Complete the EOI form for your opportunity to participate.
ARIA CEO, Annabelle Herd, said: "The conference and Accelerate workshop under ARIA Innovator are new and wholly unique opportunities to engage our industry in active thought leadership and future-facing skills development. It is no secret that the complexity of our industry is growing exponentially, and on a daily basis. We want to ensure our artists and music professionals will not only survive but will thrive in this environment. This conference will be a game-changer for artists and professionals seeking inspiration and practical skills to turn bold ideas into market-leading breakthroughs.
“ARIA Innovator will bring global knowledge to Australian shores, and uncover what’s next for music, entertainment and media at large. It is designed to give our industry a competitive edge in centralising leading research, insights and opinion from various industries across one day of exceptional programming.
“On top of that, our second day Accelerate with Megan Brownlow for up to 30 specially selected industry professionals will prove invaluable for high-performing leaders in accelerating their skillset. We are grateful to Sound NSW for their support, which has made this initiative possible."
Panos Panay said: “I’m excited to join ARIA Innovator and help foster a new era of creativity and innovation in the Australian music industry. This initiative is an important step in equipping artists and industry leaders with the knowledge and tools to navigate an ever-evolving global landscape. I look forward to sharing insights and exploring how we can harness the power of technology and community to push the boundaries of what’s possible in music.”
Gabi Lopes said: “In this new phase of the global streaming economy, consumer insight – the dynamic understanding of audiences and how they interact with our content – is a key ingredient in building relevance and lasting impact. I look forward to sharing my observations and read of the marketplace.”
Dr Nici Sweeney said: "I am so excited and honoured to be speaking at the 2025 Innovator conference. AI doesn't just empower creativity; it democratises it, and I know it can be used to give Australian artists the tools to amplify their voices on the global stage."
Minister John Graham, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Music and the Night Time Economy said: "ARIA Innovator is an important step in rebuilding our music sector and ensuring it has the tools and innovation required to move forward."
Head of Sound NSW, Emily Collins, said: "We are thrilled to support ARIA Innovator as a platform for NSW music industry professionals to think in new ways about both new and old problems. The NSW music industry is at a pivotal juncture and it’s great to see ARIA bringing some of the brightest minds together for the future of music right here in Sydney.”
More information about both days are below:
Day 1: Innovator Conference
A half-day conference showcasing compelling global examples of innovations in music and adjacent industries. The event recording to be housed on ARIA’s YouTube channel. Speakers will deliver how-to sessions and case studies that teach and inspire record labels, artists, producers, and managers to be more innovative in their commercial and go-to-market activities.
The Conference will cover the below learning outcomes:
Day 2: Accelerate
A half-day strategy workshop for up to 30 NSW-based, high-performing or high-potential leaders to co-create innovative ideas that improve how they commercialise their music-related activities. Participants will be selected through a robust application process, run by ARIA and Megan Brownlow. Successful regional candidates can apply for travel assistance. Applications close Monday, 2 December 2024.
To participate in either day, head to the Innovator website at www.aria.com.au/innovator
For more information, please contact:
Andrew Knowles
M: 0449 510 357
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