More massive names coming to ARIA Innovator

From the mind behind Beyoncé’s digital strategy to the woman taking aim at Australia’s venture capital gender gap, the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) is excited to reveal the final world-leading voices joining ARIA Innovator on 25 March at the NSW State Library.

Globally renowned marketing strategist Dr. Marcus Collins, leading tech investor Solai Valliappan, co-founder of The Daily Aus Zara Seidler, and Amplify Music Education founders Natalie and Ricky Kradolfer, will round out an already outstanding roster including Grammy President Panos Panay, Universal Music’s Gabi Lopes, and AI expert Dr. Nici Sweaney.

The inaugural ARIA Innovator 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 March 25; followed by Accelerate on March 26, an additional, application-only workshop designed to develop leadership skills for high-performing, mid-senior level individuals lead by Megan Brownlow.

ARIA CEO, Annabelle Herd, said: “It’s not every day that Australian artists and music professionals get direct access to the kinds of minds shaping culture, business, and technology on a global scale. ARIA Innovator is designed to give Ausmusic a real competitive edge by bringing in experts who have worked at the highest levels of cultural industries – in and out of music – with artists, brands, and startups. This is about gaining insights and practical tools to actually move the needle.

“With the addition of Dr. Marcus Collins, Solai Valliappan, and Amplify Music Education, we’re not just talking about innovation, we’re delivering world-class intelligence that can be put into action immediately.”

Dr. Marcus Collins said: “ARIA Innovator is positioned to empower today’s music industry with the perspective and skills it needs to reimagine its future. As a musician once myself, I couldn’t be more excited to contribute to this great work. It’s an honour.”

Solai Valliappan said: “Across industries, we’re seeing massive structural shifts, and the music industry is no exception. While it can feel disruptive, it also creates incredible opportunities. I’m excited to explore these possibilities at ARIA Innovator with the industry leaders shaping the future of music and beyond.”

Zara Seidler said: “ARIA Innovator will bring together some of the brightest minds in music, business, and tech, giving industry leaders the opportunity to gain insights that could redefine their careers and companies. I’m thrilled to be hosting conversations that will challenge the status quo and spark new thinking about Australian music’s future.”

To participate, head to the Innovator website at www.aria.com.au/innovator

Information on the new sessions below:

Culture and Consumption: A Conversation with Dr. Marcus Collins

Featuring Dr. Marcus Collins in conversation with Zara Seidler

Dr. Marcus Collins, best-selling author of For The Culture and former Chief Strategy Officer at Wieden+Kennedy New York, will unpack how culture influences everything we buy, do, and believe in. With experience leading digital strategy for Beyoncé, launching McDonald’s brand resurgence, and working with global giants like Apple and Google, Marcus will explore how the music industry can leverage culture – especially digital culture – to drive engagement and action.

Creative Entrepreneurship: How to Make It Pay

Featuring Solai Valliappan, Natalie and Ricky Kradolfer, moderated by Megan Brownlow

Turning creativity into a sustainable business is no easy feat, but it’s possible with the right strategy. In this session, music entrepreneurs Natalie and Ricky Kradolfer (Amplify Music Education) and venture capital expert Solai Valliappan will share practical insights into securing funding and scaling creative ventures. From securing investment to building a globally competitive business, this session will provide actionable takeaways for artists, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders alike.

Full line-up speaking at the ARIA Innovator conference on 25 March:

• Panos Panay – President, The Recording Academy (GRAMMY)

• Dr. Marcus Collins – Marketing Strategist, Former CSO at Wieden+Kennedy New York, author of For The Culture

• Gabi Lopes – SVP Global Insight, Universal Music

• Dr. Nici Sweaney – AI and Innovation Expert

• Solai Valliappan – Investor, tech Investor & Advisor

• Natalie and Ricky Kradolfer – Co-Founders, Amplify Music Education

• Zara Seidler – Co-Founder, The Daily Aus (moderator)

• Megan Brownlow – Industry Strategist (moderator)

Made possible by the NSW Government through Sound NSW.

For more information, please contact:

Andrew Knowles

M: 0449 510 357

E: andrew@skmediagroup.com.au