The Best UK Music Conferences in 2024

Whether you're an emerging artist, an industry professional, or just passionate about music, these conferences offer exciting opportunities to network, learn, and keep up-to-date with the latest trends and emerging technologies.

Here are some of the best music conferences in the UK that you shouldn't miss out on.

Top music networking events in the UK

Growing your professional network is a vital part of developing your music career and music conferences are the perfect place to expand yours. Where better to meet people just like you who want to boost their music, find potential collaborators, and meet top dogs from all across the industry? So dive into our list and pick out some events near you.

You can also check out our Music Funding Map and Music Festival Opportunities Map for more exciting opportunities to meet other musicians and get the support you need to build your career.

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Ditto X: Meet The Music Industry

Where: indigo at The 02 - London

When: Thursday 21st November 2024

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First up on our list is Ditto Music’s annual music conference and networking event, Ditto X: Meet The Music Industry.

Hosted at London's indigo at The 02, Ditto X offers guests the chance to network with top industry pros, check out expert panels and discussions on how to build a successful music career, get live in-person feedback on their latest tracks and learn all the ins and outs of the industry.

Previous guests have included key figures from Spotify, Vevo, TikTok, Netflix and Amazon Music, with special artist showcases also coming from Myles Smith, Krept & Konan, Big Zuu and Central Cee. 

If you’re looking for guidance on the next steps, Ditto X is the place for you. Grab an early bird ticket for this year’s event now and save 50% while you still can.

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Beyond the Music

Where: Manchester

When: October

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‍Beyond the Music is a new music conference based across some of Manchester’s finest music venues and bars. The event helps connect artists, creatives and music industry stakeholders with each other as well as showcasing a range of new music through live performances from global and local artists.

This year’s event will once again take place around the Northern Quarter area of the city in October.

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AVA London

Where: London

When: March

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AVA London is an annual music conference which specialises in bringing together the electronic music and digital arts communities. Not to be confused with AVA’s other flagship event, AVA Festival held in Belfast at the start of June, AVA London is focused towards connecting industry professionals through a full programme of talks and live shows.

AVA 2024 guests included names from across the electronic music scene including Brian Eno, Charlie XCX, Resident Advisor, Laurent Garnier, Elijah, United Visual Artists and Fabric.

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The Great Escape

Where: Brighton

When: May

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Often regarded as the UK’s answer to SXSW, The Great Escape is one of the country’s most well-known music events. Held in Brighton each May, the festival and conference offers guests the opportunity to experience exciting new acts as well as various industry panels and showcases.

With over 400 up-and-coming artists performing in various venues across the city, The Great Escape is a must-visit for anyone looking to break into the music industry.

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Sound City

Where: Liverpool

When: May

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Liverpool's Sound City is one of the UK’s favourite small festivals and one of the world’s leading music conferences. Each year, Sound City showcases a wide range of music as well as feature panels and Q&A sessions with top industry heads. 

The Sound City conference covers various aspects of the music industry and is definitely a must-attend for anyone looking to break into the industry - artist or music professional.

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Wide Days

Where: Edinburgh

When: April

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‍Wide Days is Scotland’s leading music conference and takes place each year in Edinburgh. The industry event combines a live music programme with industry insight panels, with guests coming from all over the UK and further afield to attend. 

Known for its inclusive atmosphere, Wide Days is another great place to network and discover new music. The conference covers a wide range of topics and plays a key part within the Scottish music scene.

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Music Ally NEXT

Where: London

When: June

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‍Music Ally NEXT focuses on the relationship between new technologies and the music business. The event focuses on what’s in store next for the technology and music sectors - putting the spotlight on trending issues and top companies at the forefront of shaping the future of music. 

Taking place in London, Music Ally NEXT gives guests the opportunity to learn from industry experts and mingle with like-minded professionals interested in the latest news from across the industry.

If you’re looking to break into the UK music industry, then you need to grow that network, learn the tips to success and listen to people who have been there and done it. Luckily, we have some of the best events available on our very doorstep, so make the most of things and check out the events we’ve listed above. You never know who you might bump into at one of these events. 

No matter if you're a new artist looking to break into the industry, an established industry pro looking to spot new trends, or simply a music lover eager to experience fresh tunes, these conferences offer something for everyone. Now mark your calendars and get out there!

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