TGE Conference image Skin from Skunk Anansie

ALL ABOUT THE TGE CONFERENCE

The Great Escape Conference 2026

The UK’s most essential new-music industry conference — celebrating 20 years of setting the agenda Returning to Brighton from 13th–15th May 2026 (with an extended Wednesday afternoon programme), The Great Escape Conference enters its most ambitious era yet. Marking our 20th anniversary, TGE 2026 brings together the artists, executives, policymakers and cultural leaders shaping the future of music — across three days of insight, debate, discovery and connection. Designed to reflect and influence the entire music ecosystem, this year’s programme is built alongside a record-breaking collective of Conference Collaborators and Trade Partners, each bringing world-class expertise, networks and cultural insight directly into the conversation.

Keynote Speakers Announced

The first keynote speakers for 2026 set the tone for a landmark year. Melanie C joins us for a special keynote conversation with Jaguar, presented in association with our Charity Partner CALM, celebrating the release of her new album Sweat and reflecting on a career that spans three decades — from redefining global pop culture with the Spice Girls to chart-topping solo success and global DJ sets. Ian Murray MP, Minister of State at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), will deliver a keynote session offering direct insight into UK government policy across the creative industries — including music, touring, broadcasting and the night-time economy.
Also confirmed: Molly Neuman (President, CD Baby) in conversation with Mark Sutherland on building sustainable, future-proof independent careers.
Council of Music Makers presents: AI, Streaming, Media + Touring – The Music-Maker Perspective on Key Industry Trends, tackling the most urgent debates shaping the business today. More keynote speakers and major sessions will be announced in the coming months.

Conference Collaborators 2026

This year’s expanded Collaborator collective spans live, venues, labels, rights, mental health, youth development, sustainability, recorded music and artist careers. Confirmed collaborators include: BPI, PPL, Association of Independent Music (AIM), BBC Introducing, Council of Music Makers (CMM), Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), Youth Music, EarthPercent, CALM, IQ Magazine, Music Venues Alliance Brighton (MVAB) plus new for 2026: War Child and Rough Trade Together, this collective ensures expert-led, community-shaped sessions and future-focused debate across the entire programme.

Themes & Daily Strands

Wednesday 13 May — Live Music & Night-Time Culture

Opening day focuses on the future of the live sector, exploring:
  • Venue pressures & resilience
  • Touring innovation
  • Audience evolution
  • Night-time economy reform
  • Policy & infrastructure
Curated alongside IQ Magazine, NTIA and MVAB.

Thursday 14 May — Artist Careers, Rights & Resilience

Thursday centres artist sustainability, examining:
  • Creative development
  • Rights, royalties & licensing
  • Financial resilience
  • New business models
  • AI & streaming economics
Programmed with CMM, AIM, PPL and CALM, amplifying the voices of practitioners and music makers defining the next era.

Friday 15 May — Next Gen Day

Friday spotlights future leaders and rising talent, covering:
  • Early-career pathways
  • Access, education & inclusion
  • Sustainability & climate action
  • Innovation across sync, platforms & licensing
Curated with Youth Music, BBC Introducing, EarthPercent and BIMM Institute.

Trade Partners & Industry Activity

Newly confirmed Trade Partners include: AWAL, FUGA, Downtown, NOMEX, Ticketmaster New Music, Vevo, Virgin Music Group (VMG), M For Montreal, Centre National de la Musique (CNM), Creative Scotland Across the week, partners will host curated showcases, networking brunches, receptions, cocktail events and specialist sessions embedding international connection and commercial opportunity throughout TGE.

First Wave of Major Partners

Lead Education Partner: BIMM Institute Charity Partner: CALM Lead Country Partner 2026: New Zealand (The New Zealand Music Commission & Live Nation New Zealand) Delegates can expect curated New Zealand showcases, industry panels, networking receptions and cultural spotlight programming. 4,000+ Delegates. One Agenda-Setting Week. With over 4,000 global music professionals converging in Brighton, The Great Escape Conference remains the UK’s most influential meeting point for discovery, debate and deal-making in new music. More speakers, sessions and partners will be announced soon — making 2026 one of the most dynamic editions yet. Join Us in Brighton 13–15 May 2026 Be part of the conversations shaping the future of music. Delegate passes available now.  
CONFERENCE HOME
GET A DELEGATE PASS
Back to Top