ArtsQuest’s Second Annual Music Industry Conference

ArtsQuest is excited to announce the return of its Music Industry Conference, now in its second year, scheduled for August 2–4 at the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks, located at 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem. Coinciding with the nation’s largest free music festival, Musikfest, this three-day event aims to unite music educators, emerging artists, industry leaders, and students for an immersive, hands-on experience that blends education with the music industry.

Building on the success of its inaugural 2024 event, the 2026 Music Industry Conference will feature expanded interactive programs, a broader range of presenters, and increased opportunities for attendees to learn, perform, and network.

Unlike traditional conferences, the Music Industry Conference offers sessions that seamlessly integrate classroom learning with stage performance. Planned activities include hands-on workshops, live coaching sessions, mentorship roundtables, and technology labs that provide real-world music industry tools and experiences. The conference will cover various strands including:

• Production and Live Event Operations: Sound, lighting, staging, event safety, tour management logistics, and advances in production technology.
• Performance and Artist Development: Coaching, booking gigs, networking, branding, mental and physical health, and cross-genre collaboration.
• Music Business and Entrepreneurship: Talent buying, contracts, marketing, financial literacy for musicians, and entrepreneurship models.
• Innovation and Future Trends: AI, inclusive design, Web3, audience engagement, and modern music education.

New highlights for 2026 include:

• Band Showcase Program: Youth and emerging bands (ages 10–adult) will receive coaching, perform on an official Musikfest stage, and get live feedback from industry professionals.
• The Green Room Mentorship Lounge: One-on-one and small group mentorship with industry veterans, modeled after NAMM’s “Networking with the Pros.”
• Museum Collaboration: A pop-up exhibit in partnership with the Museum of Music Technology showcasing the history of sonic innovation.

Applications for those interested in participating in this year’s conference will open soon:

• Band Showcase: Applications will open soon; apply by February 15 for a chance to receive coaching, perform on a Musikfest stage, and gain insights from industry experts.

Conference registration will open in spring 2026, with pricing tiers available for educators, students, professionals, and families. Presenters will also receive a modest honorarium for their contributions.

Dr. Sarah Gulish, assistant professor at West Chester University and CEO of F-flat Books, stated, “We desperately need experiences that integrate industry and education, and I can’t think of a better venue than ArtsQuest.”

Lisa Platow from The Electronic Music Education and Preservation Project expressed excitement for the second annual conference, highlighting plans for a diverse range of sessions to engage both educators and industry professionals.

Representatives from Music Will/APME echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of making music accessible and relevant for the next generation of creators.

Patrick Brogan, ArtsQuest’s Chief Programming Officer, remarked, “We are thrilled to enhance the Musikfest experience with this Music Industry Conference, providing rich discussions around contemporary issues that bridge performance and industry.”

For more information and to apply for conference programs, visit Musikfest.org or reach out to Marissa Guarriello at marissa.guarriello@austin.utexas.edu or Grace Obert at gobert@artsquest.org. For sponsorship inquiries, contact Megan Bodmer at mbodmer@artsquest.org.