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MUSIC CITIES AWARDS
Mayadeen Village
18:00
Reception
19:00
Opening
20:00
Awards Ceremony
22:00
Dinner & Live Music
23:00
Closing
CONFERENCE DAY 1
Mayadeen Village
09:30 - 10:15
Registration
10:20 - 10:30
Opening Remarks
- Luke Jones, CEO, Sound Diplomacy Events & Educations
10:30 - 11:00
Keynote: Riyadh’s Vision - Music as a Catalyst for Urban Transformation
To set up the tone for the event, we’ll explore Riyadh’s ambitious vision for leveraging music as a powerful driver of urban development and cultural innovation. This keynote will delve into the transformative potential of music to shape cities, foster community, and create a vibrant, globally connected cultural identity.
- Paul Pacifico, CEO, the Saudi Music Commision
- Jerry Inzerillo, Group Chief Executive Officer, Diriyah Gate Development Authority
11:00 - 11:45
Panel: Building Riyadh's Music Legacy - Vision & Strategy
Discover how Riyadh is crafting a sustainable and dynamic music legacy in this engaging panel discussion. Industry leaders, policymakers, and cultural strategists will share insights into the vision, strategies, and collaborative efforts shaping the city's musical future. Learn how Riyadh is positioning itself as a global music hub while celebrating its unique cultural heritage.
- Moderator, Hala Alhedeithy, General Manager, Activation & Programming at Saudi Ministry of Culture
- Gigi Arabia, CEO & Founder, Heavy Arabia Entertainment
- Taymoor Marmarachi, Executive Director MENA, The Recording Academy, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Eleven ™ Entertainment
- Ahmed Alammary (Baloo), House DJ/Producer, Chief Commercial Officer, MDLBEAST
- Rami Zeidan, Managing Director, Billboard Arabia
11:45 - 12:00
Networking Coffee Break
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12:00 - 12:30
Fireside Chat: Music Hub's role in the Local Music Ecosystem Development
The Saudi Music hubs is a place for creative people, amateurs and professionals, to come together to expand their minds and experiences, through which they become part of a wide Saudi community that motivates cultural growth. In this fireside chat session we will have the head of operations from Saudi Music Hub sharing about their work and how SMH is strengthening the music ecosystem.
- Khaled AlKhaldi, Head of Operations, Saudi Music Hub
- Cristina Peregrina, Project Manager, Sound Diplomacy Events & Education
12:30 - 14:00
Networking Coffee & Lunch Break
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14:00 - 14:45
Masterclass: Creator Rights and Getting Paid in the 21st Century
In today’s digital world, the rise of AI tools and the relevance of streaming platforms are changing what it means to be an artist and what channels their work is being distributed. Under this context, protecting creative work and earning fair compensation have become critical challenges for creators. This masterclass will delve into essential topics like streaming royalties, licensing, and intellectual property, offering practical guidance on navigating the complexities of the industry. Led by experts in the field, the session will cover key topics such as streaming royalties, licensing, and intellectual property, and explore ways creators can navigate the industry and ensure they get paid fairly for their contributions.
- Jataneel Banerjee, Senior Relationship Manager - Asia, PRS for music (UK)
- Peter Leathem, CEO, Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL)
14:45 - 15:30
In Conversation With: Future Strategies for Music Education
Music Education can be one of the most impactful ways in which music can change the lives of people. It not only provides them with skills that can be applied for a music career, but can also give them a deeper sense of purpose, discipline and mental structures that will allow them to become more fulfilled individuals. This is something reflected in the way young people that are part of a youth orchestra tend to see their overall academic achievement improve. This conversation will focus on innovative and successful models to advance music education. The session will be conducted by leading professionals and their approaches to leveraging strategies, technology, and fostering collaborations to better music education for coming generations.
- Moderator, Denise Stanley-Chard, Founder & Director, the CLOCK Programme
- Panos Panay, President, The Recording Academy
- Bill Bragin, Executive Artistic Director, The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi, Co-Founder & Co-Director, globalFest, Inc
- Ana Flávia Cabral Souza Leite, VP & General Superintendent of the Brazilian Symphony
- Niclas Molinder, President/Founder, Music Rights Awareness Foundation / Salt
15:30 - 15:45
Networking Coffee Break
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15:45 - 16:30
Panel: Innovative Infrastructure: Place Making for Sustainability via Culture & Music
Placemaking in cities is all about using creativity for changing the culture of a neighbourhood in an attempt to attract new people to live and carry on all kinds of activities in it. What would happen if, when using music and arts to change a place's culture, we input sustainability (both social and environmental) into the mix? What will be the impact of this on the resilience of the community that will gravitate towards these new spaces? This is what this panel is all about. A session in which we’ll explore how culture and music can drive sustainable urban development. Panelists will discuss strategies for integrating music and cultural initiatives into urban planning, focusing on creating opportunities for economic growth, community engagement, and environment sustainability through cultural initiatives.
- Moderator, Noof Khonji, Advisor, MOCX, the Saudi Ministry of Culture
- Dr. Sumayah Al-Solaiman, CEO, Architecture Commission
- Kamal Al Nuaimi, Director of Arts, The Royal Commission for Riyadh City
- Carlo Ruiz, Global Policy Advisor, UNDP
- Justin Gerard Dobbin, President of Main Stage Rehearsal
16:30 - 17:15
Panel: Music Tourism: The Live Show Industry and its Regional Impact: GCC Perspectives
High-profile live shows are rapidly becoming an important component of the Gulf Cooperation Council's cultural and economic landscape, attracting regional and local audiences, as well as enhancing the overall music tourism experience for visitors. How has the landscape of live music changed in the region in the past couple of years? What are the ways countries are leveraging the live music industry to draw visitors and position cities as music destinations? This panel will explore how live shows and music tourism is impacting the region’s economy, fostering global connections, and enhancing the cultural identity of the Gulf.
- Moderator - Ray Ahmed, Business Development Lead, PopArabia
- Rajat Malhotra, Partner, Sole
- Ramadan Al Haratani, CEO, MDLBEAST
- Khadija El Bennaoui, Head of Performing Arts, Abu Dhabi Department of Culture & Tourism
- Dana Alsaad, Deputy CEO, Bahrain Tourism & Exhibitions Authority, Board Member, Al Dana Amphitheatre
WORKSHOP DAY 1
Workshop Room (Secondary Hall)
Riyadh’s Music Ecosystem and Regional Impact
14:00 - 14:45
Workshop: Developing an Action Plan to Integrate Music into a City Strategy
Integrating music into urban development is about more than enhancing a city's soundscape; it’s about using music to build a stronger cultural identity, stimulate creativity, and generate economic opportunities. But how can cities make this vision a reality? This workshop will dive into practical steps for incorporating music into city strategies, offering participants a roadmap to create actionable, impactful plans. Through case studies and hands-on examples, attendees will explore successful approaches to embedding music within city planning and policy, aiming to shape vibrant, economically dynamic, and culturally rich urban spaces.
- Azucena Micó, Global Head of Research & Projects, Sound Diplomacy
14:50 - 15:50
Networking Session: Connecting Saudi Music Industry Stakeholders"
Building a thriving music industry relies on strong connections and collaboration. What could happen if regional stakeholders come together to share insights and forge partnerships? This networking session aims to create just that space, bringing key players from the regional music industry into one room to foster deeper connections. Join us as we collectively shape the future of music in the region.
- Hany Al Banjary, DJ, Senior Support & Coaching Specialist, the Saudi Ministry of Culture
- Cristina Peregrina, Project Manager, Sound Diplomacy Events & Education
15:55 - 16:40
Roundtable: This Must Be The Place
How does integrating music into urban policy shape the character and prosperity of a city? This roundtable will delve into This Must Be The Place by Dr. Shain Shapiro, a thought-provoking exploration of the intersections between music policy, urban structure, and their impact on economic growth and quality of life. Through global case studies, the book reveals how cities that embrace music within their planning strategies can foster cultural vitality and community well-being. Join us as we discuss the insights and implications of Shapiro’s work and consider how these ideas can inform future urban and music policy.
- Shain Shapiro, Founder & Executive Chairman, Sound Diplomacy, Executive Director, Center of Music Ecosystems
CONFERENCE DAY 2
Mayadeen Village
10:00 - 10:45
Panel: Building Global Music Trade and Music Export Opportunities
Although Music Export has been a trending topic within the music industry for the last couple of years, the truth is that there are only a handful of countries that are net exporters of music. Does this mean that music export offices are not achieving their desired outcomes? How else can we measure their success? What are the best ways to achieve it? To navigate through this and more, this panel will bring together global professionals who have successfully navigated these complexities. Through shared insights, they will explore strategies for entering international markets, building global networks, and leveraging cultural assets to drive success in the global music industry. Join us for a session that will provide actionable approaches for growing music trade and export in today’s interconnected world.
- Moderator, Diya Azzony, Head Of Talent Development & Coaching, Music Commission
- Rafael Pereira, Executive Trustee, India Music Exchange
- Eddie Hatitye, Executive Director, Music in Africa Foundation
- Elizabeth Agbor-Tabi, Vice President, Global Citizen
10:45 - 11:30
Panel: Integrating Music into Urban Planning and Development - A Global Perspective
What happens when music becomes an integral part of urban planning? Is it worth the effort for the community? This panel will explore global case studies that highlight how music initiatives can enhance cultural vibrancy, stimulate economic growth, and improve quality of life. By examining these examples, panelists will discuss practical strategies for integrating music into sustainable urban development, focusing on its power to shape resilient, dynamic cities that foster creativity, community engagement, and long-term prosperity.
- Moderator, Jett Glozier, Head of Business Development & Global Infrastructure, Sound Diplomacy
- Hessah Alsanea, Head of Venue Membership & Partnerships, MDLBEAST
- Martina Brunner, Management - Content Manager, Vienna Club Commission
- Dale Packard, General Manager, Music Victoria
12:00 - 13:30
Networking Coffee & Lunch Break
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13:30 - 14:15
Panel: Funding Models for Music Projects: Ensuring Long-Term Success
Sustaining music projects requires more than just initial investment—it demands resilient funding models that support long-term growth. Does anyone out there know the secret to securing financial support that ensures both creative and economic sustainability? Most probably a couple of them will be seated in this panel, a session that will bring together a diverse group of experts to explore sustainable funding strategies for music initiatives. Through real-world insights, panellists will discuss how to navigate funding challenges, secure long-term financial backing, and build robust funding structures that enable music projects to thrive and evolve over time.
- Moderator, Hisham Aramouny, Regional Lead, Attachment
- Faisal Al Asseeri, Programs Director, Cultural Development Fund
- Will Page, Strategic Advisory, Pivotal Economics
- Dan Waite, CEO, Better Noise Music
- Azucena Micó, Global Head of Research & Projects, Sound Diplomacy
14:15 - 15:00
In Conversation with: New Music Innovations Shaping the Future of Music Tech Ecosystems
Every once in a while a new piece of technology revolutionises the way the music ecosystem works. Vinyl records debunked the sheet music industry at the beginning of the 20th century, in the 60s portable radios allowed young people to explore music listening habits independently from their parents, and in the 2000s Internet 2.0 democratised access to music, creating the path to the rise in prominence of music streaming platforms. In the past couple of years, the pace of technological change within music ecosystems has increased exponentially, giving way to all kinds of music tech innovations that are redefining the paradigms of music ecosystems year in and year out. In this conversation, we’ll dive into how groundbreaking technologies are transforming the music industry. The speakers will discuss emerging trends in music tech, how these innovations are reshaping how music is created, distributed, and experienced, and what that means for the future of the music tech ecosystem.
- Mounya Abou Rahal, Production Executive, Anghami
- Paul Pacifico, CEO, the Saudi Music Commision
- Cliff Fluet, Partner, Lewis Silkin, Managing Director, Eleven Advisory
- Nick Keynes, Co-Founder, Tileyard London
15:00 - 15:15
Networking Coffee Break
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15:15 - 16:00
Panel: Global Insights into Music Tech Ecosystems - Local Implementation & Policy Support
How can new music technologies be seamlessly integrated into local contexts, while also being supported by robust policy frameworks? This panel will explore how global music tech innovations can be effectively implemented within specific local ecosystems. The discussion will focus on the role of government and industry leaders in creating environments that foster both technological progress and the unique needs of local music communities. Panellists will share strategies for aligning policy with innovation, ensuring that music tech ecosystems thrive within diverse cultural and economic settings.
- Moderator: Cliff Fluet, Partner, Lewis Silkin, Managing Director, Eleven Advisory
- Yvan Boudillet, Co-Founder, Music Tech Europe, Co-Founder & President, Metal Social Club
- Omar Al-Shabaan, CEO & Co-Founder, The Space, Board Member, Brandship Consultancy
- Takayuki Suzuki, CEO, ParadeALL, Managing Director, MusicTech Japan
- Fouad AlNazawi, Managing Partner, Lamarka Consulting Services
16:00 - 16:45
In Conversation with: Engaging Youth in Music Initiatives
There are countless ways in which the youth can be engaged through music. This could happen in the form of youth orchestras, all ages music venues, mentoring programmes, subsidies to attend music performances and much more. What happens when we actively engage young people in music? What are the best ways to do it? Experts will share successful strategies for creating youth-centred music programs, highlighting ways to nurture talent and foster community through music. The conversation will focus on how music can become a powerful tool for youth empowerment, building a sense of belonging and opportunity while shaping the cultural landscape of the future.
- Moderator, Kelly Ng, Vice President of Finance, Main Stage Rehearsal Studios
- Anna Klimala, President & CEO, Miami Music Project
- Saud Al Turki, Founder, Producer, Curator, Brij Entertainment
- Nada Al Helabi, General Manager, MDLBEAST
16:45 - 17:00
Closing Remarks
The closing remarks provide attendees with an opportunity to reflect on the discussions, celebrate the connections made, and look ahead to next year’s Music Cities Convention handover in Fayetteville, Arkansas, where new insights and collaborations will continue to shape the future of music and cities.
- Luke Jones, CEO, Sound Diplomacy Events & Education
- Fayetteville Music Cities Convention 2025 Handover
WORKSHOP DAY 2
Workshop Room (Secondary Hall)
Policy, Innovation, and Sustainable Music Development
13:30 - 14:15
Workshop: Developing Successful Music Tourism Itineraries and Offers + The Hidden Gems of Music Tourism Official Launch
The tourism industry is regularly criticised for some of its negative impacts such as overtourism, gentrification and impact on the environment. However, music tourism can offer a different perspective on tourism, one that’s more about creating a dialogue between cultures than anything else. This workshop will explore the nuances of using music as the core of the travel experience, as well as provide strategies for crafting compelling music tourism itineraries and offers that engage visitors and celebrate local music heritage. The session will also launch Sound Diplomacy Events & Education’s The Hidden Gems of Music Tourism project, which aims to promote lesser-known music destinations while driving sustainable tourism.
- Pablo Borchi Klapp, Head of Marketing & Partnerships, Sound Diplomacy Events & Education
14:20 - 15:05
Workshop: Using Music To Combat Social Isolation and Encourage Self Expression
At its core, music is all about expressing feelings and connecting with other people, but what happens when we use it as a tool for healing and problem solving? What is the scope of its impact and what are the best strategies to exploit its power to address the most prevalent issues facing those in need today? In this workshop, we’ll explore strategies for using music to bridge divides, change the narrative, and create lasting impact. The session will focus on developing programs in troubled areas that not only connect and empower individuals and cultures, but develop opportunities to express their unique voices and solve the problems their community faces. Insights will highlight the transformative power of music to break through conflict and create social cohesion and lasting change.
- Jake Groshong, Chief Executive Officer, Playing for Change
HOST PARTNERS
Do you have any other questions regarding the Riyadh Music Cities Convention? Contact Pablo at pablo@sounddiplomacy.com
For everything related to the event's program and activities contact Vishruti at vishruti@sounddiplomacy.com