For the first time, our #NEXTGEN_U event was programmed by your peers from universities across the country, and we believe you will love the results. From career development best practices and educational panels on today’s hottest industry topics to focused mental health conversations, and even a performance or two, this program was one not to miss!
5 – 5:15 pm ET
Day 1 Welcome
Speakers
5:15 – 6 pm ET
Opening Keynote: Mary Rahmani (Moon Projects) & Artist Em Beihold
As the first music hire for TikTok and an expert in short-form video, strategic creative partnerships, and A&R across emerging platforms, Mary Rahmani founded multi-faceted creative collective, Moon Projects, to help support artists looking to have their voice heard in the music industry of 2023. One such artist, singer-songwriter Em Beihold, has made waves with breaking hits like “Numb Little Bug” that offer an honest look at the cultural shift of openly speaking about mental health issues. Together, they’ll open #NEXTGEN_U with a lively discussion on the many ways they’ve redefined success in the modern music business and have become advocates for mental health for artists & managers that follow in their path. You’ll also be treated to a special performance by Em Beihold!
Interviewees
Interviewer
6 – 6:50 pm ET
The A+ Team: Assembling The Right Professionals to Boost Your Career
It’s 2023, and the paradigm of “One Size Fits All” solutions to working with artists is now over. However, whether you’re signed to a label of any size, major or indie, or completely self-releasing your work, it’s of utmost importance that artists have a team of promotion, financial, legal to help navigate all aspects of our ever-changing industry. This panel will gather representatives from all areas of the music business to discuss how they collaborate to bring the careers of artists at all levels to new heights.
Moderator
Speakers
6:50 – 7 pm ET
Network: Your Net Worth
Masterclass Networking Tips for Young Professionals
The best networkers didn’t get that way overnight, and while the music business and the ways in which we connect evolve year after year, the fundamentals of successful networking remain the same and are passed on from generation to generation. A selection of master networkers from all industry segments will be on-hand to discuss how they go about seeking out new connections, what questions to ask when meeting someone new, and how these interactions can lead to professional growth and industry success! After the presentation, join us in the networking lounge to connect with your fellow attendees.
Speaker
7 — 7:20 pm ET
Networking In Lounge
7:20 — 8 pm ET
The State of Music In Virtual Spaces in 2023
Once thought to be mortal enemies, the music and tech/startup communities have been on a trajectory of positive growth and support for the better part of a decade now. As our industry realizes that real opportunities for positive innovation exist in collaboration with other markets, burgeoning metaverse and web3 platforms are once again presenting new, exciting ways to grow the industry and support artists’ long-term financial health. Tune in as experts from across all intersections of music and future tech “break through the hype” and discuss the tangible benefits to artists in the growing metaverse, both now and in the near future.
Moderator
Speakers
5 – 5:10 pm ET
Day 2 Welcome
Speakers
5:10 — 6 pm ET
Building Community Through Camaraderie: Resources To Support All Industry Pros
Despite the many varieties of industry subsets, we that work in the music business have one thing in common: we’re all human beings who will need professional and personal support at one time or another. This panel will bring to light organizations who offer resources to those who need them, ranging from mental health & wellness resources, organizations for women in the music business, groups supporting LGBTQ+ visibility and representation, those who support the development of young professionals, and beyond. It will also serve as a jumping-off point to develop a running Google Doc of active resources and organizations that will be available to ALL in the industry, making everyone aware of all opportunities and benefits available to them!
Moderator
Speakers
6 — 6:50 pm ET
Hiring, Onboarding and Employee Retention In Our New Remote World
More professionals in all industries, especially music & entertainment, call their office home (or, vice versa) now than ever with the rampant adoption of remote working policies. The question is, especially for younger folks looking for their first break in the industry, how has that changed what HR departments look for in a candidate, the interview process, and hiring & onboarding new workers. To answer this, our panel hailing from various music HR teams will discuss what you can expect from the current interview and onboarding processes, and how we’ve all needed to adapt in the 2020s.
Moderator
Speakers
6:50 – 7 pm ET
Network: Your Net Worth
Masterclass Networking Tips for Young Professionals
The best networkers didn’t get that way overnight, and while the music business and the ways in which we connect evolve year after year, the fundamentals of successful networking remain the same and are passed on from generation to generation. A selection of master networkers from all industry segments will be on-hand to discuss how they go about seeking out new connections, what questions to ask when meeting someone new, and how these interactions can lead to professional growth and industry success! After the presentation, join us in the networking lounge to connect with your fellow attendees.
Speaker
7 – 7:20 pm ET
Networking In Lounge
7:20 — 8 pm ET
What’s Now and What’s Next: Tracking Meaningful Progress For DEI Initiatives
Since the events of 2020, a great deal of progress has been made in bolstering DEI initiatives in the music business. But how can the success of our efforts be measured, both to celebrate when tangible victories take place and to determine what work still needs to be done? Listen as those who are leading the charge, both in their companies and in the industry worldwide, discuss the hard work that’s been done to create a culture of acceptance and support for all industry professionals, and how they track the impact they’re making.
Speakers
