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MMB is the first and biggest international music business conference and showcase festival in Romania. Dedicated to all music enthusiasts, MMB is the place where both independent artists and key music business professionals are offered the opportunity to meet with leading experts in the local and international industry, learn from them and interact with them directly.
Type: Panel clear filter
Tuesday, September 1
 

11:00 EEST

(EN) The Global Gateway: Export Strategies for Today’s Music (Panel)
Tuesday September 1, 2026 11:00 - 11:40 EEST
MUGUREL VRABETE ROOM
The Global Gateway: Export Strategies for Today’s Music

Expanding into international markets takes more than great music—it requires the right strategy, partnerships, and timing. This panel explores how artists and music professionals can successfully grow their careers beyond their home territories, from choosing the right markets and building international networks to making the most of showcase festivals, export offices, and digital opportunities. Join industry experts as they share practical insights into navigating today's global music landscape.
Moderators
L
Speakers
avatar for Anca Lupes

Anca Lupes

President, RAW Music
Anca Lupeș is one of the most experienced professionals in Romanian music business. One of her most important advantages is that during her career in the music business she has activated in almost all the areas of this industry – mass media (press, radio, TV), concert organising... Read More →
MH
PP
avatar for Corinne Sadki

Corinne Sadki

Head of European Affairs and Gender Equality, Centre National de la Musique
Corinne Sadki has been working for more than 25 years in record companies (EMI, BMG, Sony Music) developing marketing and communication strategies with a never ending passion for music.
In 2016, she joinded the french music export office in Paris (Le Bureau Export) and got involve... Read More →
Tuesday September 1, 2026 11:00 - 11:40 EEST
MUGUREL VRABETE ROOM HOTEL CARO
  Panel

11:00 EEST

(RO) Hired Stage Guns (Panel)
Tuesday September 1, 2026 11:00 - 11:40 EEST
NICU COVACI ROOM
Behind countless albums, tours, TV shows, and live performances are session musicians, the highly skilled professionals who bring other artists' music to life. But what does it actually mean to build a career as a session musician, and is it a viable full-time profession?

This panel explores the realities of life as a session musician, from finding your first gigs and building a reputation to navigating the freelance nature of the job. How do session musicians get hired? What skills and mindset are essential? How stable is the income, and what are the biggest challenges and opportunities in this career path?
Moderators
avatar for Andrei Ilie

Andrei Ilie

Arist, byron
✉ [email protected]

Andrei Ilie is 28 years old and is one of the most active drummers on the Romanian rock & pop scene. Frequently, though, as a member of the projects he was involved in during the years, he found himself taking care of band tasks which often went beyond drumming duties, particularly... Read More →
Speakers
RB
RP
CP
BS

Bogdan Stoican

Alexandra Căpitănescu
Tuesday September 1, 2026 11:00 - 11:40 EEST
NICU COVACI ROOM HOTEL CARO
  Panel

12:15 EEST

(RO) The Creator Economy Meets the Main Stage: Visa x Untold and the Business of Backing Artists (Panel)
Tuesday September 1, 2026 12:15 - 12:55 EEST
NICU COVACI ROOM
At Untold, Visa built a partnership that puts creators front and center, not as content vendors, but as voices worth investing in. In this panel, the key players behind the collaboration share how the model was designed, what the business case looked like, and what it means for a brand of Visa's scale to genuinely back emerging talent. A conversation for anyone working at the intersection of artist management, festival programming, and brand partnerships.
Moderators
avatar for Carina Sava

Carina Sava

Founder, Watermelon Agency

Speakers
BR
AM
AT
Tuesday September 1, 2026 12:15 - 12:55 EEST
NICU COVACI ROOM HOTEL CARO
  Panel

14:00 EEST

(EN) Navigating Stress and Psyche in the Music Business (Panel)
Tuesday September 1, 2026 14:00 - 14:40 EEST
MUGUREL VRABETE ROOM
In the music industry, a crisis is never a question of if, but when. A leaked statement, a cancelled show, a controversy that spirals overnight — reputation can take years to build and hours to lose. This session looks at what actually happens when things fall apart: how artists, managers, and labels respond under pressure, what separates those who recover from those who don't, and why some careers even come out stronger on the other side.

Drawing on real cases from the music business, we'll break down the anatomy of a reputational crisis — from the first spark to full-blown storm — and explore practical strategies for navigating it: when to speak, when to stay silent, who should deliver the message, and how to rebuild trust with audiences, partners, and the media.

Because in the end, it's not the storm that defines you. It's what you make of it when it breaks.
Moderators
MD
Speakers
IM

Ioan Mirea

Mental Health Professional
AL
Tuesday September 1, 2026 14:00 - 14:40 EEST
MUGUREL VRABETE ROOM HOTEL CARO
  Panel

14:00 EEST

(EN) The Show Behind the Show: Inside Festival & Live Event Production (Panel)
Tuesday September 1, 2026 14:00 - 14:40 EEST
LAURA STOICA ROOM
What does it take to turn a festival concept into a world-class live experience? From stage design and technical production to artist hospitality, logistics, and last-minute crisis management, producing a large-scale event requires precision, teamwork, and the ability to adapt under pressure.

This panel brings together experienced production professionals to discuss the realities behind major festivals and concerts. Topics include production planning and budgeting, advancing with artists and crews, coordinating multiple stakeholders, sustainability and safety, managing unexpected challenges, and the technologies shaping the future of live event production. An essential session for anyone interested in the operational side of the live music industry.
Speakers
BC
RR
GC
avatar for Roxana Luca

Roxana Luca

Manager Producție, independent, TheABC.ro
Roxana Luca is an experienced events professional who began her career in 2006. She has delivered major projects from concept to execution, including Pope Francis’ visit to Blaj, Romania, as well as international productions for ARTmania, Emagic, Pozitif Live, and other promoters.Combining... Read More →
avatar for Zsolt Szabo

Zsolt Szabo

Production Manager, Broadway Events
Zsolt Szabó is a live event production professional with more than a decade of experience, primarily working in Hungary while also gaining extensive experience on international projects across concerts, festivals, arena-scale productions and major events. His career has taken him... Read More →
Tuesday September 1, 2026 14:00 - 14:40 EEST
LAURA STOICA ROOM HOTEL CARO
  Panel

14:00 EEST

(EN) Young, Loud and Fearless: A Eurovision Story (Panel)
Tuesday September 1, 2026 14:00 - 14:40 EEST
NICU COVACI ROOM
The road to one of the biggest Romanian performances at Eurovision with a very young band.
Moderators
avatar for Dan Fintescu

Dan Fintescu

Programs Director & Radio DJ, Kiss FM
DJ at Kiss FM for 13 years, Program Director for a year. One of the organizers of the largest music industry conference in Romania, Mastering the Music Business, with experience in booking and artist management.
Speakers
CG
M

Maji

Artist
VR

Victor Rebenciuc

Marketing, Universal Music Romania
avatar for Mihaela Alexandrina Scrioșteanu
AC
Tuesday September 1, 2026 14:00 - 14:40 EEST
NICU COVACI ROOM HOTEL CARO
  Panel

15:15 EEST

(EN) Stand Out or Fade Out: The New Rules of Festival Positioning (Panel)
Tuesday September 1, 2026 15:15 - 15:55 EEST
NICU COVACI ROOM
The festival market is becoming increasingly crowded, making it harder than ever for festivals to stand out, remain relevant, and build lasting relationships with their audiences and partners. With so many events competing for the same audiences, attention, funding, and resources, success often depends on having a clear and distinctive position.

But what does “positioning” actually mean for a festival? It goes beyond having a strong identity or a catchy slogan — it is about defining what makes a festival unique, who it is for, and why people should choose it over the many alternatives. It is also about understanding how a festival positions itself towards potential partners and sponsors: what it can offer them, what makes the partnership meaningful, and how its identity, audience, values, and cultural relevance can translate into a compelling proposition for brands.

This panel will explore how festivals can define and communicate their position, differentiate themselves in a competitive market, and build partnerships that go beyond traditional sponsorship models.
Moderators
avatar for Cosmin Sipos

Cosmin Sipos

Digital Marketing Specialist, Kooperativa 2.0
Speakers
IT

Ionut Tone

Head of Partnerships, Nostalgia Festival
avatar for Alin Vaida

Alin Vaida

Festival Director, Jazz in the Park
Alin is the founder of the Jazz in the Park festival in Cluj-Napoca and the executive director of the Fatte Association, the implementing organization of the festival. He has been working in the cultural field since 2009, especially in the field of music, being responsible for hundreds... Read More →
SZ
Tuesday September 1, 2026 15:15 - 15:55 EEST
NICU COVACI ROOM HOTEL CARO
  Panel

15:15 EEST

(RO) Nibiru - The Story (Panel)
Tuesday September 1, 2026 15:15 - 15:55 EEST
LAURA STOICA ROOM
Nibiru’s journey is a story of ambition, rapid growth and rethinking what a festival can become. Starting from a large-scale event concept, Nibiru has evolved into a broader entertainment destination, bringing together music, experiences, hospitality, food, leisure and community in one space.

In this session, we’ll explore the vision and strategy behind this transformation: how do you build an entirely new entertainment ecosystem, scale an event into a destination, and create an experience that goes beyond the traditional festival format?

From the challenges of infrastructure and operations to programming, branding, audience development and long-term growth, this conversation will offer a behind-the-scenes look at how Nibiru is shaping a new model for entertainment in Romania.
Speakers
avatar for Dan Fintescu

Dan Fintescu

Programs Director & Radio DJ, Kiss FM
DJ at Kiss FM for 13 years, Program Director for a year. One of the organizers of the largest music industry conference in Romania, Mastering the Music Business, with experience in booking and artist management.
GC
FI
Tuesday September 1, 2026 15:15 - 15:55 EEST
LAURA STOICA ROOM HOTEL CARO
  Panel

15:15 EEST

(RO) The Original Cover (Panel)
Tuesday September 1, 2026 15:15 - 16:00 EEST
MUGUREL VRABETE ROOM
Are cover bands a good way to earn a living in the music business? And are they an accelarator or a brake for an emerging artist trying to promote their music - Can cover bands provide a sustainable career in today's music industry? For many musicians, performing covers offers a reliable source of income, valuable live experience, and opportunities to build a loyal audience. But does it also come with creative limitations?

This panel explores the role of cover bands in the modern music business, examining whether they serve as a financial foundation, a career destination, or a stepping stone toward an original artist career.
Moderators
avatar for Andrei Ilie

Andrei Ilie

Arist, byron
✉ [email protected]

Andrei Ilie is 28 years old and is one of the most active drummers on the Romanian rock & pop scene. Frequently, though, as a member of the projects he was involved in during the years, he found himself taking care of band tasks which often went beyond drumming duties, particularly... Read More →
Speakers
ID
CD

Camelia Dudu

Operating Officer, HaHaHa Production
AL
AV
Tuesday September 1, 2026 15:15 - 16:00 EEST
MUGUREL VRABETE ROOM HOTEL CARO
  Panel
 
Wednesday, September 2
 

11:00 EEST

(EN) Revenue Sources for the Independent Musician (Panel)
Wednesday September 2, 2026 11:00 - 11:40 EEST
LAURA STOICA ROOM
Building a sustainable career in music means looking beyond a single source of income. While streaming has transformed the industry, successful artists and music businesses rely on a diverse mix of revenue streams to support long-term growth.

This panel explores the key ways music generates value today, from streaming royalties, publishing, neighbouring rights, and sync licensing to merchandise, YouTube monetization, fan memberships, crowdfunding platforms like Patreon, and direct-to-fan strategies. Industry experts will break down how each revenue stream works, what opportunities they offer, and how artists can combine them into a sustainable business model in today's ever-evolving music landscape.
Moderators
avatar for Andra Vasile

Andra Vasile

Sync Manager, Global Records
Andra Vasile has been working in the music business for 11 years. She started as a volunteer for various concerts and festivals and landed her first job as PR for a concert promoter in 2012. Since then, Andra has been active in the music industry working in different fields such as... Read More →
Speakers
AB
MA
SK

Seppl Kretz

Founder, Magma Music Agency
avatar for Katarina Kuzmicheva

Katarina Kuzmicheva

Founder, DIVE IN MUSIC
Katarina Kuzmicheva is a Music Marketing Strategist, Artist Development Consultant, and Label Manager at dunk!records, one of the world’s leading independent post-rock/metal labels.

Working at the intersection of independent labels, festivals, digital marketing, and artist manag... Read More →
Wednesday September 2, 2026 11:00 - 11:40 EEST
LAURA STOICA ROOM HOTEL CARO
  Panel

11:00 EEST

(RO) The Next Generation: Young Professionals Shaping the Music Industry (Panel)
Wednesday September 2, 2026 11:00 - 11:40 EEST
NICU COVACI ROOM
The future of the music business is being shaped by a new generation of professionals bringing fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and new ways of working. This panel brings together young professionals from across the industry to discuss how they started their careers, the challenges they've faced, and the opportunities they see for the future. A conversation about breaking into the music business, building meaningful networks, and redefining the industry for the next generation.
Moderators
AB
Speakers
MF

Mihnea Fieraru

FORM Space
TT
avatar for Irina Marinescu

Irina Marinescu

Music Journalist/PR/Promoter, Backstage Babes/Rock FM
avatar for Iulia Hermeneanu

Iulia Hermeneanu

Concerts & Communication & Volunteers Coordinator, Film and Histories Festival
AC
Wednesday September 2, 2026 11:00 - 11:40 EEST
NICU COVACI ROOM HOTEL CARO
  Panel

12:15 EEST

(EN) Own the Road: Practical Strategies for DIY Artists (Panel)
Wednesday September 2, 2026 12:15 - 12:55 EEST
LAURA STOICA ROOM
A practical discussion panel focused on the realities of DIY touring in today’s music industry. Designed for independent artists, managers, and promoters, the panel explores how to plan, book, promote, and sustain successful tours without the support of major agencies or labels. Topics include venue outreach, budgeting, routing, marketing strategies, merchandise sales, audience building, partnerships, and overcoming common challenges on the road. Through real-world experiences and actionable advice, participants will gain valuable insights into creating sustainable touring opportunities while maintaining creative and financial independence.
Moderators
avatar for Andrei Ilie

Andrei Ilie

Arist, byron
✉ [email protected]

Andrei Ilie is 28 years old and is one of the most active drummers on the Romanian rock & pop scene. Frequently, though, as a member of the projects he was involved in during the years, he found himself taking care of band tasks which often went beyond drumming duties, particularly... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Matei Puscaru

Matei Puscaru

Booking Agent, Quantic

avatar for Philip Goron

Philip Goron

Drummer, Manager, Amphitrio
Philip Goron (drums) graduated from the Faculty of Musical Interpretation, Percussion section, at the National University of Music in Bucharest, and the Young Masters program at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna (MDW). In 2023, Philip was awarded the Yamaha Scholarship... Read More →
avatar for Andrada Berceanu

Andrada Berceanu

Through my company, Seraphine Creations, and Asociația Neumarkt, where I serve as president, I build concerts, festivals and international artistic projects, and I approach them the way I approach a recipe: with a real budget, a real schedule, and people who know what they are responsible... Read More →
MV
AM
Wednesday September 2, 2026 12:15 - 12:55 EEST
LAURA STOICA ROOM HOTEL CARO
  Panel

12:15 EEST

(RO) Instrument or Author? AI and the New Order of Creation (Panel)
Wednesday September 2, 2026 12:15 - 12:55 EEST
NICU COVACI ROOM
AI is rapidly changing the way music is created, produced and distributed — but where do we draw the line between a tool and a creator? This panel explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping the creative process, from songwriting and production to ownership, authorship and the future of the music business.
Moderators
IC

Ion Catutoiu

Co-owner, Club Fabrica
Speakers
AH
AM

Ana Mirea

Lawyer, Peligrad Law
CP
Wednesday September 2, 2026 12:15 - 12:55 EEST
NICU COVACI ROOM HOTEL CARO
  Panel

14:00 EEST

(RO) Fighting Fake Tickets (Panel)
Wednesday September 2, 2026 14:00 - 14:40 EEST
LAURA STOICA ROOM
Fake tickets are becoming an increasingly serious challenge for the music industry. But what can we do about it?

This panel explores the growing threat of ticket fraud and its impact on fans, artists, promoters, venues and the wider live music ecosystem. From counterfeit tickets and online scams to resale abuse, we’ll discuss how the industry can work together to protect audiences, build trust and create a safer live event experience.
Moderators
avatar for Dan Fintescu

Dan Fintescu

Programs Director & Radio DJ, Kiss FM
DJ at Kiss FM for 13 years, Program Director for a year. One of the organizers of the largest music industry conference in Romania, Mastering the Music Business, with experience in booking and artist management.
Speakers
BI
avatar for Emil Ionescu

Emil Ionescu

General Manager, BestMusic Live & iaBilet.ro
✉ [email protected]

Emil Ionescu is a Romanian event organizer since 2004. He organized over 4.000 events from clubs to big names like Judas Priest, Pantera, Iron Maiden, Nightwish, Deftones, Disturbed, James Arthur, Slipknot, Garbage, Tom Odell, Slayer, Whitesnake or Evanescence that have had an audience... Read More →
avatar for Cristian Iosub

Cristian Iosub

President, CyberShield
Cristian Iosub este fondator și președinte al CyberShield, asociație non-profit dedicată educației în securitate cibernetică, membră a Clusterului de Excelență în Securitate Cibernetică. Este membru al OWASP Foundation, comunitatea internațională de referință în securitatea... Read More →
Wednesday September 2, 2026 14:00 - 14:40 EEST
LAURA STOICA ROOM HOTEL CARO
  Panel

14:00 EEST

(RO) Financing opportunities for Education, Youth and Mobilities at Erasmus+ (Panel)
Wednesday September 2, 2026 14:00 - 14:40 EEST
MUGUREL VRABETE ROOM
How can Erasmus+ support music professionals, educators and organisations in developing international projects and mobility opportunities? This practical session will explore key Erasmus+ actions, including KA220-YOU, KA220-VET and KA1, covering eligibility, application steps, annual deadlines and available funding. The speakers will also draw on their own experience with Erasmus+ projects, including New European Music Teacher (NEMT) and BeatAgora Camps, sharing practical insights into developing and implementing such initiatives.
Moderators
avatar for Anca Lupes

Anca Lupes

President, RAW Music
Anca Lupeș is one of the most experienced professionals in Romanian music business. One of her most important advantages is that during her career in the music business she has activated in almost all the areas of this industry – mass media (press, radio, TV), concert organising... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Zoli Toth

Zoli Toth

President, As. Star Education
✉ [email protected]

Zoli TOTH is one of the most respected Romanian artists, with over 1,300 performances to his name. Constantly pushing boundaries, he consistently brings new concepts to the stage.

Zoli graduated from the “Gheorghe Dima” Music Academy in Cluj Napoca, un... Read More →
NL
AM

Anca Maxim

Youth coordinator for Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps, ANPCDEFP
avatar for Elena Racu

Elena Racu

Expert - VET Deparment, ANPCDEFP
Wednesday September 2, 2026 14:00 - 14:40 EEST
MUGUREL VRABETE ROOM HOTEL CARO
  Panel

14:00 EEST

(EN) What Europe's Top Bookers Look for in Live Acts (Panel)
Wednesday September 2, 2026 14:00 - 14:45 EEST
NICU COVACI ROOM
With thousands of artists competing for a limited number of festival slots, what makes a live act stand out? Is it streaming numbers, social media presence, ticket sales, a unique artistic vision, or simply an unforgettable performance?

In this panel, representatives from some of Europe's leading festivals share what they expect from the artists they book and how those expectations are evolving. From live performance quality and audience engagement to professionalism, market readiness, and long-term career potential, the discussion will offer a behind-the-scenes look at how programming decisions are made.
Moderators
avatar for Peter Astedt

Peter Astedt

Festival Director, Future Echoes
Peter Åstedt has been working in the music industry for over 30 years. He started his own record label, Dead Frog Records, at the age of fifteen in 1990. Over the years he has started several companies in different fields in the music industry like PR, Publishing, Distribution, Sync... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Janneke de Boer

Janneke de Boer

Junior Booker EU, ESNS
Janneke de Boer (Groningen, NL) is Junior Booker EU at ESNS (Eurosonic Noorderslag), where she works on booking European emerging artists for the showcase festival. Besides ESNS, she works as a music promoter at Explore the North festival in Leeuwarden and she organizes events at... Read More →
MJ
avatar for Ruth Koleva

Ruth Koleva

Founder, SoAlive / ANMIP
Concert promotion
Artist development
Music conferences
Wednesday September 2, 2026 14:00 - 14:45 EEST
NICU COVACI ROOM HOTEL CARO
  Panel

15:15 EEST

(EN) Myths and Truths About the Holy Algorithm (Panel)
Wednesday September 2, 2026 15:15 - 15:55 EEST
LAURA STOICA ROOM
This panel explores how today's music discovery algorithms shape the way audiences find new artists, what actually influences discoverability, and which strategies help musicians build sustainable audiences beyond playlists and viral moments. Industry experts separate myths from reality and share practical insights on growing your music in an increasingly algorithm-driven ecosystem.
Moderators
avatar for Cosmin Ionescu

Cosmin Ionescu

Co-founder, Overground Music
✉ [email protected]

Co-founder of Overground Music agency, I started small - writing gig reviews on last.fm. At some point, one of my favorite local bands quoted one of my reviews, then they asked me to write them a new bio, and 8 years later we're still working together.

Within the agency, I work with established Romanian artists and bands like byron, Robin and the Backstabbers, Lucia and The Mono Jacks, to name just a few. I'm particularly interested in image strategies and I'm fascinated by the narratives that hold together an artist's public image... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Daria Costiuc

Daria Costiuc

Video Manager, Believe
avatar for Ruth Koleva

Ruth Koleva

Founder, SoAlive / ANMIP
Concert promotion
Artist development
Music conferences
AV
avatar for Irina Paduraru

Irina Paduraru

Head of Digital Distribution, Cat Music
With over seven years of experience in the music industry, Irina Păduraru is Head of Digital Distribution at Cat Music, where she leads the digital distribution strategy and oversees releases across all major streaming platforms. She specializes in digital distribution, release strategy... Read More →
Wednesday September 2, 2026 15:15 - 15:55 EEST
LAURA STOICA ROOM HOTEL CARO
  Panel

15:15 EEST

(EN) New Blood, Heavy Sound: What Draws Youth to Metal Today (Panel)
Wednesday September 2, 2026 15:15 - 15:55 EEST
MUGUREL VRABETE ROOM
Metal has seen signs of a comeback in recent years, but is it truly growing or simply maintaining a loyal fanbase? How popular is the genre among younger generations, and what attracts them to it today? Are there noticeable differences in values, music preferences, and community engagement between younger and older metalheads?
Moderators
SZ
Speakers
PG
avatar for Jan Hagerodt

Jan Hagerodt

CEO, Booking Agent, Spider Promotion
Hi folks, I´m hage, nice to meet you! I´m with Spider - a booking and management agency from Hannover, Germany. I'm very much looking forward to MMB and meeting all of you. Let´s hang out and listen to great music! See you soon, all the best, hageBelow is some more serious stuff... Read More →
avatar for Katarina Kuzmicheva

Katarina Kuzmicheva

Founder, DIVE IN MUSIC
Katarina Kuzmicheva is a Music Marketing Strategist, Artist Development Consultant, and Label Manager at dunk!records, one of the world’s leading independent post-rock/metal labels.

Working at the intersection of independent labels, festivals, digital marketing, and artist manag... Read More →
Wednesday September 2, 2026 15:15 - 15:55 EEST
MUGUREL VRABETE ROOM HOTEL CARO
  Panel

15:15 EEST

(RO) BRANDS × MUSIC — How Brands Choose Who to Play With (Panel)
Wednesday September 2, 2026 15:15 - 15:55 EEST
NICU COVACI ROOM
What makes a brand choose one artist, festival, or music project over another? This panel explores what really drives brand–music partnerships, from audience fit, cultural relevance, and reach to credibility, authenticity, creative freedom, and commercial value. We’ll look at what makes an artist or project attractive to brands, what can turn a promising collaboration into a missed opportunity, and how artists, managers, festivals, and agencies can build stronger, more meaningful partnerships beyond simply putting a logo next to music.
Moderators
VV
Speakers
SR
SB
MM
Wednesday September 2, 2026 15:15 - 15:55 EEST
NICU COVACI ROOM HOTEL CARO
  Panel
 
Thursday, September 3
 

11:00 EEST

(EN) Community as Currency: The Business Behind the Fanbase (Panel)
Thursday September 3, 2026 11:00 - 11:40 EEST
MUGUREL VRABETE ROOM
 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.
Moderators
TS

Tanya Stadnyk

Music Export Ukraine

Speakers
PC
avatar for Carina Sava

Carina Sava

Founder, Watermelon Agency

avatar for Marion Sosnowicz

Marion Sosnowicz

Head of Business Developmenet, Music Glue
Marion has been working at Music Glue at Music Glue, an e-commerce platform tailored for the music industry, for the past 13 years.She has worked across multiple departments including ticketing, user services, campaign management, and sales. She currently serves as Head of Business... Read More →
NM
Thursday September 3, 2026 11:00 - 11:40 EEST
MUGUREL VRABETE ROOM HOTEL CARO
  Panel

11:00 EEST

(RO) The Sober Generation Is Here: Can Live Music Venues Keep Up? (Panel)
Thursday September 3, 2026 11:00 - 11:40 EEST
NICU COVACI ROOM
This panel brings together promoters and venue bookers to discuss the current challenges in live music, from rising costs and shifting business models to changing audience behaviours. With Gen Z going out less, drinking less alcohol, and engaging differently with nightlife, the conversation will focus on how venues are adapting their programming and strategies to stay relevant and sustainable. The discussion will explore what it takes today to build and maintain audiences, and how the live sector is responding to a rapidly evolving cultural and economic landscape.
 
Moderators
avatar for Cosmin Sipos

Cosmin Sipos

Digital Marketing Specialist, Kooperativa 2.0
Speakers
avatar for Matei Puscaru

Matei Puscaru

Booking Agent, Quantic

TN
MF

Mihnea Fieraru

FORM Space
Thursday September 3, 2026 11:00 - 11:40 EEST
NICU COVACI ROOM HOTEL CARO
  Panel

12:15 EEST

(EN) Make An Agent Fall For Your Show (Panel)
Thursday September 3, 2026 12:15 - 12:55 EEST
MUGUREL VRABETE ROOM
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.
Speakers
PG
avatar for Anca Lupes

Anca Lupes

President, RAW Music
Anca Lupeș is one of the most experienced professionals in Romanian music business. One of her most important advantages is that during her career in the music business she has activated in almost all the areas of this industry – mass media (press, radio, TV), concert organising... Read More →
DC
JH
Thursday September 3, 2026 12:15 - 12:55 EEST
MUGUREL VRABETE ROOM HOTEL CARO
  Panel

12:15 EEST

(EN) Musicals for Music Artists (Panel)
Thursday September 3, 2026 12:15 - 12:55 EEST
NICU COVACI ROOM
For many artists, musicals can offer exciting creative and professional opportunities beyond the traditional music industry. But what does it take to make the transition from the concert stage to the theatre stage, and how can this experience shape an artist's career?

This panel brings together performers, casting professionals, and musical theatre experts to discuss what qualities artists need to succeed in a musical production, how the casting process works, and the skills that set candidates apart. The conversation will also explore how performing in musicals can influence an artist's visibility, artistic development, and long-term career, opening new opportunities while complementing their work as recording and touring musicians.
Moderators
avatar for Carina Sava

Carina Sava

Founder, Watermelon Agency

Speakers
avatar for Cornel Ilie

Cornel Ilie

Artist, VUNK
Musician, composer and producer, Cornel Ilie is one of the most appreciated and long-lived artists in Romania. He is a founding member and lead singer of one of the most beloved pop-rock bands, VUNK. Tracks like Prăjitura cu Jeleu, Vreau o țară ca afară, Așa, și? or Pleac... Read More →
CM
GM
EP
Thursday September 3, 2026 12:15 - 12:55 EEST
NICU COVACI ROOM HOTEL CARO
  Panel

14:00 EEST

(EN) Scaling Local Talent Into Global Success (Panel)
Thursday September 3, 2026 14:00 - 14:40 EEST
LAURA STOICA ROOM
What does it take to turn local music talent into an international success story?

This panel brings together professionals with hands-on experience in artist development, music business, talent discovery, music export and international industry networks to explore how emerging artists and local music ecosystems can break beyond their home markets.

From building the right professional infrastructure and developing export strategies to connecting artists with international festivals, showcases, networks and industry opportunities, the conversation will look at what really helps talent travel — and how local music industries can create sustainable pathways to global visibility.
Moderators
TS

Tanya Stadnyk

Music Export Ukraine

Speakers
avatar for Svet Nunev

Svet Nunev

Promoter / Head of Business Development, Gotobeat
Svet is a London-based promoter at Gotobeat, one of the UK's fastest-growing independent promotion agencies. In just two years, Gotobeat has organised over 1,500 shows across the UK and 12 European countries, showcasing emerging talent from 16 nations spanning music, comedy, and theatre... Read More →
AC
VD
Thursday September 3, 2026 14:00 - 14:40 EEST
LAURA STOICA ROOM HOTEL CARO
  Panel

14:00 EEST

(RO) Social Media for Artists Who Hate Social Media (Workshop)
Thursday September 3, 2026 14:00 - 14:45 EEST
MUGUREL VRABETE ROOM
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.
Speakers
avatar for Cosmin Sipos

Cosmin Sipos

Digital Marketing Specialist, Kooperativa 2.0
Thursday September 3, 2026 14:00 - 14:45 EEST
MUGUREL VRABETE ROOM HOTEL CARO
  Panel

15:15 EEST

(RO) The Holy Grail of DIY: Cultivating Deep Fan Engagement (Panel)
Thursday September 3, 2026 15:15 - 15:55 EEST
MUGUREL VRABETE ROOM
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
Speakers
avatar for Nicole Cherry
CG
avatar for Stefan Hadar

Stefan Hadar

Artist Manager & Booking Agent, Watermelon Agency
Ștefan Hadăr has been working in the music industry since the age of 19 with some of Romania’s biggest artists such as Tudor Chirilă/VAMA, VUNK, and Zoli Toth. Starting as a jr. project manager, he learned a wide range of skills, from social media marketing to PR and booking... Read More →
avatar for Cosmin Sipos

Cosmin Sipos

Digital Marketing Specialist, Kooperativa 2.0
CV
Thursday September 3, 2026 15:15 - 15:55 EEST
MUGUREL VRABETE ROOM HOTEL CARO
  Panel
 

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