The Great Escape conference announces collaborators and themes for 20th anniversary edition in 2026

04 December 2025 - Press release

 

The Great Escape's UK-leading conference is pleased to announce its brand new line-up of industry collaborators and the themes they will delve into at its 20th anniversary edition - from the live industry to artist careers and the next generation of artists and music professionals. 

First introduced two years ago, Conference Collaborators were established to bring major industry networks directly into the programming process, shaping sessions through their communities of experts and practitioners. 

Now, the event is scaling up with more collaborators than ever. New additions include: BPI, PPL, EarthPercent, CALM, IQ Magazine, Music Venues Alliance Brighton (MVAB) and Audio Active, who join the returning collaborators, Association of Independent Music (AIM), BBC Introducing, Council of Music Makers (CMM), Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) and Youth Music. Together, they represent the full breadth of the modern music ecosystem, spanning live, labels, rights, artist support, mental health, sustainability, youth development and more. 

This strengthened collective helps shape a newly expanded conference format that begins earlier than ever, running from Wednesday 13 May to Friday 15 May. Delegates are encouraged to arrive on Wednesday in time for a full afternoon of sessions. 

Focusing on the evolving live landscape, Wednesday 13 May's programme will examine the pressures, opportunities and innovations shaping venues, touring, audiences and night time culture. Sessions will be curated with IQ Magazine, the NTIA and MVAB. 

Thursday 14 May will explore the issues central to artist careers in 2026, covering creative development, rights, financial resilience, artist health and new business models. Sessions will be curated with the Council of Music Makers (CMM), PPL and the Association of Independent Music (AIM), CALM and more. 

Friday 15 May will spotlight the future of the industry, platforming emerging artists, young professionals and next generation leaders. Programming will focus on early career development, new pathways into the sector and the innovations shaping tomorrow's music landscape. Youth Music, Audio Active, EarthPercent, BBC Introducing and BPI will contribute to the day's curation among others yet to be announced. 

Rory Bett, CEO of MAMA Festivals, said: "The Great Escape conference returns in 2026 powered up with a phenomenal group of collaborators, each bringing world class expertise from across the music landscape. Their involvement ensures we continue to lead essential conversations that shape the future of our industry. Every year we work to evolve The Great Escape, and this edition represents our most ambitious vision yet. We look forward to welcoming the music community back to Brighton for the UK's standout industry event of the year." 

Kate Reilly Chief Membership & People Officer, PPL said:"PPL is proud to join The Great Escape conference as a collaborator. We look forward to working alongside our industry partners to champion the value of recorded music, support the next generation of talent, and ensure that performers and recording rightsholders have access to help shape a sustainable and inclusive music industry." 

The Great Escape also unveils the first wave of partners set to host various events at its 20th anniversary edition, including networking brunches, showcase, cocktail parties and more. These include its Lead Education Partner BIMM and Charity Partner CALM, alongside ACS, Audio Network, Sounds Australia, Austrian Music Export, Bandcamp, BIMM, CD Baby, CIMA, Music From Ireland, Dutch Music Export, the New Zealand Music Commission, Portuguese Discovery Initiative, Qobuz, SESAC, Swiss Music Export, The Spanish Wave, The Orchard, Showcase Cymru, Zeitgeist Germany and Waterbear. 

Michelle Humphreys, Careers Manager, BIMM, said: "We are proud to continue our relationship with The Great Escape in 2026 as Lead Educational Partner. This reflects our commitment to empowering the next generation of creative talent and championing new music. We look forward to another year of inspiring experiences, meaningful connections, and unforgettable performances from BIMM University students." 

Meanwhile, New Zealand is announced as The Great Escape's Lead Country Partner for 2026. Led by The New Zealand Music Commission and Live Nation New Zealand, they will present a full programme with two showcases, panels on the New Zealand music industry and industry receptions. Ringlets, a post-punk quartet signed to the legendary New Zealand Indie label Flying Nun are the first performers from Aotearoa/New Zealand to be announced. The Great Escape's New Zealand partners include: The New Zealand Music Commission, Live Nation New Zealand and The British Council. 

Alan Holt, International Manager at the New Zealand Music Commission, said: "We are excited for this opportunity for Aotearoa/New Zealand to be lead nation at The Great Escape 2026. The Great Escape has long been a pivotal event for us and we relish the opportunity to draw a giant spotlight upon the amazing talent that our country has to offer." 

Additionally, BBC Introducing, Notion, The Independent, DIY, Pollstar, IQ Mag, Dork, Clash, Billboard UK and So Young are returning as media partners for 2026. 

 

Delegate passes for The Great Escape 2026 are available now at: https://greatescapefestival.com/buy-delegate-passes/ 

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