Networking at The Great Escape
The Great Escape is the place where the global music industry meets.
Each May, over 4,000 international delegates from every corner of the business come to Brighton, creating an unrivalled environment for connection, collaboration and deal-making.
Across four days, we’ve designed countless opportunities to grow your network and spark meaningful partnerships
International Speed Networking
International Speed Networking, presented by Department for Business and Trade, returns to The Great Escape 2026, offering UK based delegates a unique opportunity to build global connections in a fast-paced, structured setting. Taking place in the main Conference Hub at the Leonardo Royal Brighton Waterfront, these sessions bring together a curated selection of international delegates from across the music industry, spanning the USA, Iceland, Netherlands, France, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Japan and Australia.
Participants include leading organisations such as SXSW, CAA, Ground Control Touring, Friendly Fire, State of Sound, ROAM, Iceland Airwaves, ESNS, Transmusicales, MDLBEAST, DMZ Peace Train Festival, Creativeman Productions and BIGSOUND, covering festivals, agencies, promoters, sync and music supervision. These sessions offer invaluable face-to-face access to key global players, creating opportunities to exchange ideas, spark collaborations and build international careers.
Register your interest to participate in the Speed Meetings here.
Delegate Receptions & Parties
Alongside the conference programme, The Great Escape’s networking parties offer countless opportunities to connect, collaborate and build relationships across the global music industry.
The week kicks off on Wednesday 13th May with the official welcome party hosted by The Independent at On The Rocks on the TGE Beach site, setting the tone for what’s to come. From there, events take place across Brighton on Thursday and Friday from beachfront brunches and daytime mixers to early evening receptions with partners including M for Montreal, Downtown, Audio Network, BIMM, Symphonic, Northern House, Export Music Sweden, Qobuz, VEVO, Ja Ja Ja, Zeitgeist, Virgin Music Group, The Orchard and New Zealand hosting a series of informal gatherings designed to bring delegates together.
Whether you’re meeting new collaborators, catching up with peers or discovering new scenes and communities, these events are at the heart of the TGE experience. You can find out more about our networking parties on Thursday 14th May here. For parties taking place on Friday 15th May you can find more info here.
Drop-In Networking Booths
Across Thursday and Friday, The Great Escape Conference Drop-In Networking Booths at the Leonardo Royal Brighton Waterfront offer delegates direct access to expert advice, career support and essential industry resources.
Drop in to meet Arts Council England for guidance on funding opportunities and developing your next project, or visit ACS – The Ear Station for specialist support around hearing health. At Handle Recruitment, book in for one-to-one career sessions and gain practical advice on breaking into or progressing within the industry, while Music Support mark their 10th anniversary with opportunities to connect, learn about their vital work and access support around mental health and wellbeing. Whether you’re looking for funding, career direction or personal support, the Networking Booths provide a valuable space for meaningful conversations and practical guidance.
At The Great Escape, networking is at the heart of everything we do. Whether you’re here to expand globally, sign new talent, or launch your next project, the people who can make it happen will be in the room.
Secure your delegate pass today and be part of the conversation.