Flagship independent music conference, AIM Connected, goes panel-less for 2020

05 December 2019 - Press release

The Association of Independent Music (AIM) has announced that its flagship music business conference, AIM Connected, is going totally panel-less for its 2020 edition, reuniting the themes of business, tech and people with one packed day of programming on 4 February at Kings Place in London.

Replacing the standard panel format, the event will feature a series of quick-fire ‘Strong Opinions’, plus case-studies from independent success stories, practical workshops and speed networking sessions with the UK’s leading music business experts. The event will feature over 30 industry-leading speakers across11 Strong Opinions, three case studies and six workshops, in addition to four speed-networking sessions.

‘Strong Opinions’ will deliver some of the most cutting-edge hot takes from leading industry experts in a quick fire, TED-style 15-minute format, with a Q&A session at the end of each presentation.

Building on the popularity of case studies at the first AIM Connected, which included a mobbed deep dive into breaking the top 10 with IDLES from Partisan Records, the format returns this year with blow-by-blow accounts on how some of the biggest independent success stories were achieved this year. Manchester-based label Scruff of the Neck, who picked up Best Small Label at this year’s AIM Awards, are the first case study to be announced this year.

Some of the world’s leading music service companies will deliver interactive workshops, giving attendees a chance to meet key contacts, and empower and grow their businesses. Deezer, Bandcamp, Leaf Grow and PPL are all holding sessions, with more to be confirmed.

One-on-one speed networking sessions will be taking place throughout the event giving attendees the chance to network with experts from across the industry in the sessions covering the following sectors; PR, profile & influencers, digital marketers, playlisters & pluggers, and physical.

Paul Pacifico, CEO of AIM said: “This year AIM Connected is breathing new life into the world of music business conferences, bringing attendees the latest insights in a refreshingly direct and engaging format. This is the one day not to miss if you are building a business in music.”

Subsidised member tickets start from £80+VAT and non-member tickets start from £195+VAT. Lunch, refreshments and networking drinks are included in the ticket price. Discounts are available for members of affiliate organisations.

 

Tickets are available from www.aimconnected.com. The event is open to both AIM members and non-members.

AIM has committed to offering AIM Connected bursary places to people within the industry facing obstacles or barriers to attend the event. Six free bursary places (plus up to £100 to help cover the cost of travel and accommodation) will go to AIM members based outside London.