Music Biz 2026 Call For Presentations

90% of the conference programming is geared toward our core membership segments: Record Stores, Online Retailers & Wholesalers; DSP, Streaming & Internet Radio; Labels, Distribution & Publishing; Music Rights Administration; Startup & Tech; Business & Artist Strategy; and Music Marketing & Artist Promotions. Program submissions for these segments should be 201 and 301-level discussions.
Artists are invited to attend the one-day Music Biz Roadshow program that will take place on Monday, May 11. Therefore, “Music Business 101”-type presentations geared specifically towards artists will only be considered for this portion of the conference.
Lastly, we will incorporate our popular #NEXTGEN_U program for collegiate-level music business students on Thursday, May 14, the last day of the conference. Programs to educate and inspire the next generation of industry leaders will also be considered for this portion of the program.

While Music Biz membership is not a requirement for submitting a proposal, active members are given priority consideration. There are many benefits to membership beyond participation in the Annual Conference — to learn more, visit musicbiz.org/about or contact our Membership Director, Sonya Askew, at sonya.askew@musicbiz.org.
All topics MUST present a balanced perspective, ensuring that attendees understand the full spectrum of an issue and that key industry stakeholders are given a chance to weigh in on the discussion from their vantage point.
NO sales pitch-oriented presentations will be considered.
Presentations, case studies, conversation/interview formats, and panels are encouraged. Those sessions that lend themselves best to a panel format MUST be limited to no more than one (1) moderator and three (3) panelists.
Presenters/panelists MUST be diverse in gender, ethnicity, age, geographic location, areas of expertise, and ideologies. This push is in line with the Music Business Association’s aim to accelerate change in the music industry and create a more inclusive environment for present and future generations. If balance and diversity are not achieved, the Association reserves the right to disqualify submissions, or suggest/add participants to a discussion to ensure that our standards are met.

Deadlines

Submissions must be received by 11:59 PM PST on Wed., December 3, 2025.
Those whose submissions are chosen will be contacted by January 30, 2026.
Panels must be fully staffed with panelists by Friday, March 27, 2026 so that proper follow-up and marketing of the session can be completed.

Expenses

There are no fees required to submit a proposal.
Presenters/panelists will receive a complimentary full registration to attend the event.
Music Biz does NOT pay per diem or honoraria, or provide travel expenses or hotel accommodations for those chosen to speak. Please let your panelists know this when you ask them to fill a panel slot.
Music Biz does NOT offer speakers complimentary passes for personal assistants, PR teams or local colleagues to attend the conference as their guest.

Presentation Space Particulars

The programming space at the Renaissance Waverly will include:
- Wireless Internet connection;
- In-house sound hook-up; and
- Screen with LCD projector.
If the presentation requires visuals, presenters should bring their own laptops to hook into the equipment outlined above.
If the presentation requires equipment other than that shown above, the organizer and/or participants must provide equipment at their own expense.