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The Music Cities Convention where experts, policymakers, and advocates meet to network, address problems, and develop solutions across city planning, economic development, tourism, festivalsand events, real estate and community development.
WHERE MUSIC POLICY IS DEFINED AND SHARED TO BUILD BETTER PLACES
Music Cities Convention returns to the UK, bringing together global leaders exploring how music shapes cities, economies and communities.
From 9–11 June 2026, Kingston upon Hull will host the international forum where policymakers, city leaders, music professionals and cultural innovators exchange ideas and develop practical solutions for strengthening music ecosystems.
After editions across four continents and ten countries, the Convention returns to the UK at a moment when cities worldwide are rethinking the role of music in urban development, cultural identity and economic growth.
Early ticket pricing is available until 6 April.
THE CONVENTION EXPERIENCE
300+ Delegates from all over the world
30+ executive speakers
Receptions, afterparties and local hospitality
2 Full days of talks
A pop-up festival featuring Hull's vibrant music ecosystem
The global Music Cities Awards
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WHY ATTEND MUSIC CITIES CONVENTION HULL 2026?
Music Cities Convention is designed as a working forum for professionals shaping music ecosystems around the world. The event provides a unique space to exchange knowledge, share best practice and explore practical solutions for strengthening the role of music in cities.
Since launching in 2015, the Convention has become the leading international platform examining how music functions within cities.
Delegates will gain insights into:
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Music policy and governance
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Protecting grassroots venues and live music infrastructure
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Cultural investment and economic impact
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Music tourism and destination strategy
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Regeneration through cultural infrastructure
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Sustainable music ecosystems and nightlife economies
By bringing together international leaders from multiple sectors, Music Cities Convention creates opportunities for collaboration, investment and long-term partnerships.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE CONVENTION
The schedule for the event, including all keynote speakers, panel participants and event partners, will be announced in March.
MUSIC CITIES CONVENTION PROGRAMME
The Music Cities Convention programme features two days of keynotes,
panels, working sessions and networking focused on the relationship
between music, cities and sustainable development.
Programme themes include:
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Measuring the economic and social impact of music
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Urban regeneration through cultural infrastructure
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Building resilient music ecosystems beyond capital cities
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Accessibility and inclusive design in music spaces
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Climate response and sustainable cultural infrastructure
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Housing, affordability and coexistence with residents
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Tourism, hospitality and destination development
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Education and workforce development in music
Alongside the conference programme, delegates will experience:
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Curated networking sessions
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International case studies and best practice
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A citywide music showcase across Hull venues
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The global Music Cities Awards
The full programme and speakers will be announced shortly.
WHO ATTEND MUSIC CITIES CONVENTIONS?
Music Cities Convention attracts senior professionals working
at the intersection of music, culture and city development.
Public Leadership & Policy
Local, regional and national governments and decision-makers working across culture, economic development, tourism, planning, licensing and export agencies.
The Music Industry
Professional musicians, orchestras, live and recorded music professionals, managers, promoters, labels, instrument makers and streaming services.
Civic Advocacy
Music offices, nonprofit advocates and community-led cultural organisations supporting local music ecosystems and creative communities.
Education & Talent Development
Music education organisations, conservatories, universities and vocational training providers developing the next generation of music professionals.
Built Environment & Investment
Developers, real estate firms, investors and placemaking organisations exploring music-led regeneration and cultural infrastructure.
Legal & Intellectual Property
Entertainment lawyers, royalty collection societies and copyright specialists supporting the legal frameworks of music ecosystems.
Urban Design & Districts
City planners, urbanists, downtown development agencies and business improvement districts (BIDs) integrating music into urban planning and cultural districts.
Hospitality & Destination
Tourism bodies, convention and visitor bureaus (CVBs) and hospitality leaders using music to strengthen destination identity and visitor economies.
Wellness & Social Impact
Health and social care providers, music therapists and social prescribing initiatives exploring music’s role in wellbeing and community health.
Innovation & Technology
Technology companies, AI developers, digital platforms and software entrepreneurs shaping the future of music and creative industries.
Global Development
International NGOs and development agencies working on urban sustainability, cultural rights and music ecosystem development.
Nightlife & Safety
Night Mayors, nighttime economy advisors, venue associations and emergency services supporting safe and vibrant nightlife.
WHY HULL?
From its year as UK City of Culture in 2017, to its five-year plan to achieve UNESCO City of Music status by 2030,
Hull has consistently placed music at the centre of cultural, social, and economic transformation.
The city’s legacy is rich — producing world-renowned artists like The Housemartins, ambient icon Throbbing Gristle, Everything but the Girl, and today’s breakthrough rapper Chiedu Oraka. But Hull isn’t only about heritage. It’s about building a future where music drives identity, tourism, and opportunity for the next generation.
This is a living, breathing music city, and the perfect place to host the Music Cities Convention.
MUSIC CITIES CONVENTION VENUES
DOUBLETREE BY HILTON HULL
The 4* hotel and conference centre
will host day 1 of the conference
HULL MINSTER
The Music Cities Awards will be held in one of England’s most iconic medieval churches, reimagined as a cultural gathering space.
CONEXXIN ARENA
Hull’s leading large-scale entertainment venue will host day 2 of the conference
LOCAL MUSIC VENUES
Hull City Council and Sound Diplomacy will present a one-day local music festival on June 10th featuring legendary grassroots venues like The Polar Bear Music Club, The Welly Club, and The Adelphi Club — the lifeblood of Hull’s music scene.
TESTIMONIALS
"What I found very interesting is connecting with the people from around the world trying to find
solutions for the same challenges and really liked the panel on urban planning, how we can
think about music venues, artists and city development together".
Martina Brunner, Executive Director - Vienna Club Commission
"I attended the Music Cities Convention in Lafayette in 2017 and it helped me connect with some
key policy makers from Fayetteville with whom I've been working ever since. It was a great
environment to find like minded people interested in the music ecosystem".
Travis Smith, Venue Booker - Creative Content Marketing Specialist
“After Riyadh Music Week I spent hours working on new ideas, that came to me.
It was the most inspiring and challenging work trip I have been to".
Marie Logická, Booker - Colours of Ostrava
TRAVEL & ACCOMODATION
Kingston upon Hull is easily accessible from across the UK and Europe.
Hull is located:
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2.5 hours from London by train
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1 hour from Leeds
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1 hour from York
Download the Delegate Travel Guide here for everything you need to plan your trip:
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Getting to Hull from major UK and European cities
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Recommended hotels
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Transport within the city
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Conference venues and locations
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Local restaurants, venues and cultural spaces
HOST PARTNERS
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.