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HULL MUSIC CITIES CONVENTION 2026 FAQs

ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION

Who is Music Cities Convention for?

Music Cities Convention is designed for professionals working at the intersection of music, culture, policy and city development, and brings together the people shaping how music operates within cities.

Attendees typically include:

Public Leadership & Policy:
Local, regional, and national governments and decision-makers across culture, economic development, tourism, planning, licensing, and export agencies.

 

The Music Industry:
Professional musicians, orchestras, live and recorded music professionals, managers, instrument makers, and streaming services.

 

Civic Advocacy:
Music offices, nonprofit advocates, and community-led cultural organizations.

 

Education & Talent Development:
The music education community, conservatories, universities, and vocational training providers.

 

Built Environment & Investment:
Developers, real estate firms, private investors, and placemaking entities.

Urban Design & Districts:
City planners, urbanists, downtown development agencies, and business improvement districts (BIDs).

 

Hospitality & Destination:
Tourism bodies, convention and visitor bureaus (CVBs), and hoteliers.

Wellness & Social Impact:
Health and social care providers, music therapists, and social prescribers.

 

Innovation & Technology:
Technology and AI developers, software entrepreneurs, and digital rights innovators.

 

Global Development:
nternational NGOs and development agencies focused on urban sustainability and cultural rights.

 

Nightlife & Safety:
Night Mayors, nighttime economy advisors, emergency services, and urban safety experts.

 

Legal & Intellectual Property:
Entertainment lawyers, royalty collection societies, and copyright specialists.

 

Can my organisation participate as a speaker or partner?

Speaking and partnership opportunities are curated to align with the programme themes.

If your organisation is interested in participating, please contact:

info@sounddiplomacy.com

​Can I transfer my ticket to a colleague?

If you need to transfer your ticket to a colleague, please contact the Music Cities Convention team and we will review requests on a case-by-case basis.

EVENT DETAILS

What does a Music Cities Convention pass include?

A delegate pass includes access to the full Music Cities Convention programme, including:
 

  • Two days of conference programming

  • Keynotes, panel discussions and presentations

  • Networking sessions and receptions

  • The citywide music showcase across Hull venues

  • The Music Cities Awards ceremony

Where and when will the event take place?

Music Cities Convention Hull 2026 will take place 9–11 June 2026 in Kingston upon Hull, United Kingdom.


The event will take place across several venues in the city:

 

  • DoubleTree by Hilton Hull – main conference programming

  • Connexin Live Arena – conference sessions and discussions

  • Hull Minster – Music Cities Awards ceremony


Additional networking events and live music showcases will take place across local venues in Hull.

Will sessions be livestreamed or recorded?

No. Music Cities Convention is designed primarily as an in-person event.


Selected insights and highlights may be shared after the event, but sessions will not be livestreamed.

TRAVEL & PRACTICAL INFORMATION

How do I travel to Hull?

Hull is easily accessible from across the UK and Europe.
 

Approximate travel times include:
 

  • 2.5 hours by train from London

  • 1 hour from Leeds

  • 1 hour from York

Detailed travel guidance  will be available in the Delegate Travel Guide including recommended hotels and transport options.

What is the dress code?

Business casual is recommended for the conference programme, networking events and receptions.
 

What should I bring to the event?
 

We recommend bringing:
 

  • A notebook or device for taking notes

  • Business cards or digital contact-sharing tools

  • Comfortable shoes for moving between venues

  • A reusable water bottle

What can I explore while visiting Hull?

Hull has a vibrant cultural scene and a rich music heritage.

While attending the Convention, delegates may wish to explore:

  • Independent music venues such as The Adelphi Club, The Welly Club, and Polar Bear Music Club

  • Local record stores and independent cultural spaces

  • Hull’s historic Old Town and the waterfront along the River Humber

  • Exhibitions, galleries, and cultural events across the city
     

Hull was UK City of Culture in 2017 and continues to build a strong and evolving creative ecosystem.

For venue recommendations, cultural spaces and local experiences, download the Hull Delegate Guide here.

Is there a ticket cancellation policy?

Ticket cancellation policies are outlined during the booking process. If you need to discuss changes to your booking, please contact the Music Cities Convention team.

Are hotel recommendations available?

Yes. A selection of recommended hotels and accommodation options will be included in the Delegate Travel Guide, which also contains information on transport and conference venues. 


You can also book your hotel accommodation at a discounted rate via the official booking link, here.

How accessible is the event?

We work closely with our venue partners to ensure accessibility across conference sessions and event locations.

Trinity Market is an accessible venue. For detailed accessibility information, including step-free access, facilities and contact details, please visit the full accessibility guide here.

If you have specific accessibility requirements, please contact the team in advance at info@sounddiplomacy.com

Who should I contact for additional questions?

For general enquiries about Music Cities Convention Hull 2026, please contact info@sounddiplomacy.com

ADDITIONAL FAQS

I’ve never attended a Music Cities Convention before. Is it suitable for first-time delegates?

Yes. Many delegates attend Music Cities Convention for the first time each year. The event encourages open discussion and knowledge sharing, creating a welcoming environment for professionals looking to explore music policy, cultural infrastructure and urban development.

Delegates come from a wide range of sectors, offering opportunities to exchange perspectives and build new collaborations.

Will there be networking opportunities?

Yes. Music Cities Convention is designed to encourage meaningful connections between delegates.

Alongside the conference programme, the event includes:

  • Networking sessions

  • Receptions and social gatherings

  • Informal discussions between sessions

  • A citywide music showcase across Hull venues

 

These moments create space for delegates to meet peers, exchange ideas and explore future collaborations.

What makes Music Cities Convention different from other music conferences?

Music Cities Convention focuses specifically on the relationship between music and cities.

Rather than focusing solely on the commercial music industry, the Convention explores how music contributes to:

  • Urban planning

  • Economic development

  • Cultural policy

  • Tourism and destination strategy

  • Community wellbeing

 

This makes it a unique forum for professionals shaping the long-term future of music ecosystems.

Can I attend if I am travelling internationally?

Yes. Music Cities Convention welcomes delegates from around the world.

Hull is easily accessible via London and major UK transport hubs. The Delegate Travel Guide includes detailed information on travel routes, accommodation and local transport.

Are group tickets or organisational bookings available?

If you are planning to attend as part of a team or organisation, please contact the Music Cities Convention team to discuss group bookings: info@sounddiplomacy.com

What will I take away from the Convention?

Delegates leave Music Cities Convention with practical ideas, international case studies and new professional connections.

The programme focuses on real-world challenges facing music ecosystems and explores how cities are responding through policy, partnerships and investment.

Many past delegates have gone on to launch new initiatives, policies and collaborations in their own cities after attending.

HOST PARTNERS

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SUPPORTING PARTNERS

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Do you have any other questions regarding the Hull Music Cities Convention, or want to sponsor? Contact info@sounddiplomacy.com to learn everything related to the event's programme and activities.

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