Mastering The Music Business (MMB) 2026

 Everyone talks about building a fanbase, but what does it really take to turn an audience into a thriving and sustainable community? Not just followers, streams, or likes, but genuine fans who are willing to buy tickets, merchandise, memberships, experiences, or support crowdfunding campaigns, while continuing to engage with the artist over time.

This panel explores what it takes to build and, crucially, monetize a community around an artist or music project. Artists and music industry professionals will share real experiences and practical strategies for turning audience engagement into meaningful, sustainable revenue. From identifying the right supporters and creating value beyond the music, to developing products, experiences, and direct-to-fan revenue streams, the conversation will look at what makes a community willing to invest in the project they care about.

What does it take for an artist to make a booking agent fall in love with their music and live show? In today's highly competitive live music landscape, great songs are only part of the equation. This panel brings together experienced booking agents to discuss what truly captures their attention, what convinces them to take a chance on an emerging artist, and what makes a live act stand out in a crowded market.

We'll also explore the realities of an agent's role today: the challenges of building tours, navigating rising costs, changing audience behaviour, and balancing artist development with commercial viability. Whether you're an emerging artist, manager, or music professional, this conversation will offer practical insights into how to build stronger relationships with agents and better position your project for the live circuit.

A working session for musicians who dislike this part of the job but still have to do it. Not motivational, and not a list of formats that work this month. Expect uncomfortable arguments along the way about what the algorithm is actually measuring, what authenticity has ever meant in music, and where the line between public and private belongs. You leave with a way of working that survives the weeks when you don't feel like it.

Community is the Holy Grail of the music business. In an industry where attention is increasingly fragmented, a strong community is one of the most valuable assets an artist, festival, or event brand can build. This session explores how to create, nurture, and grow engaged communities that go beyond audiences and followers, transforming fans into active participants and long-term advocates. We'll discuss strategies for building authentic connections, sustaining engagement between releases or events, and fostering a sense of belonging that drives both cultural impact and sustainable growth