Photo by Wendy Harman (via flickr.com under Creative Commons)
From panels of music industry experts to showcases that put the spotlight on the artists themselves, there's a lot to gain by attending music conferences. If you play your cards right, you can even form long-lasting relationships with people who have similar goals and passions.
Rather get lost in the sea of thousands of other artists who will do anything to get their names known at the mega-conferences we're all familiar with, it's worth researching other conferences that you can benefit from, and may not require you to travel across the country. To save you some time, here's a list of four music conferences happening throughout 2016 that should be on your radar.
1. A3C Hip Hop Festival
Image via Sonicbids
For independent hip-hop artists who aren't able to attend SXSW, A3C is a more than worthy option that offers a variety of events to take advantage of. The Atlanta music festival and conference hosts performances by rising talent alongside legendary headliners, as well as panels and speeches from nationally respected artists and industry experts. It continously proves itself to be a prime destination for indie talent looking to connect with influential hip-hop tastemakers.
When: October 7–11, 2016
Where: Atlanta, GA
Price: 2016 prices are TBA, but it's typically around $250 (depends on the type of pass you buy). If you want to perform, keep an eye out on Sonicbids for the call for submissions!
2. ASCAP "I Create Music" EXPO
Image via ascap.com
The ASCAP "I Create Music" EXPO connects you with some of the world's most successful songwriters, composers, artists, producers, and music business leaders representing a diverse array of genres. The innovative programming offered to attendees has grown to include celebrity Q&As, master classes, songwriting and composing workshops, publisher and business panels, one-on-one sessions, DIY career-building workshops, showcases and performances, song feedback panels, state-of-the-art technology demos, as well as leading music industry exhibitors. With a strong focus on songwriting and an ethos that prides itself on creative inspiration, the ASCAP EXPO continues to receive strong testimonials and should only grow in the coming years.
When: April 28–30, 2016
Where: Los Angeles, CA
Price: $340–$465
3. LAUNCH Music Conference
Image via Sonicbids
Featuring a schedule packed full of panels, seminars, parties, and performances, the LAUNCH Music Conference & Festival provides a unique opportunity for artists, music industry professionals, and fans to meet, network, and further their careers. The festival portion of the event showcases artists of all styles performing in a three-block radius with a specific focus on upcoming indie talent. While LAUNCH is lesser known than its counterparts rooted in the same concept, this is a forum that's ideal for indie musicians looking to increase the scope of their artistic identity while meeting some cool new people in the process!
When: April 21–24, 2016
Where: Lancaster, PA
Price: $50 to $150 for a pass; $30 to apply as a performer
4. Millennium Music Conference
Image via Sonicbids
Since 1997, the Millennium Music Conference has become one of the premier music events on the East Coast, educating and showcasing thousands of independent acts. The conference features two afternoons of music industry panels, clinics, workshops, networking, day stages, one-on-one mentoring, demo-listening sessions, and an industry business trade show. In the evenings, the event celebrates new music with three nights of showcase performances featuring over 300 original acts at 30 live music venues in and around Harrisburg, PA.
When: February 19–21, 2016
Where: Harrisburg, PA
Price: $55–$100
Eric Bernsen is a marketing/public relations professional and music journalist who specializes in the genre of hip-hop. You can find more of his work at HITPmusic.com (where he is an editor/writer) as well as HipHop-N-More.com, where he contributes album reviews. Follow Eric on Twitter @ebernsen.
