10:30 - 11:15

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.

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- 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

11:15 - 12:00

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, panellists 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.

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- Moderator, Jett Glozier, Head of Business Development & Global Infrastructure, Sound Diplomacy

- Hessah Alsanea, Head of Venue Membership & Partnerships, MDLBEAST

- Martina Brunner, Executive Director, 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.

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- 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.

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- 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.

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- 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.

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- 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.

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- Luke Jones, CEO, Sound Diplomacy Events & Education

- Fayetteville Music Cities Convention 2025 Handover