ILMC launches 2020 conference programme

Following last week’s preview of the first sessions, organisers of the International Live Music Conference (ILMC) today revealed the 2020 conference programme.

Stretching across the global touring and festival businesses, topics on the ILMC agenda range from the agency, ticketing and festival sectors to greener touring, mental health, the Insta-generation and life after your star act.

“Building the ILMC agenda this year has been the most difficult in our history,” says conference head Greg Parmley. “As the contemporary live music business gets broader and touches more fans and sectors than ever, reflecting that growth in just three days at ILMC gets harder.

“We owe a huge debt of thanks to the 150 professionals around the world who’ve contributed to the planning this year as part of our agenda committee.”

Further sessions and details of all guest speakers will be announced in the coming weeks

With over 100 speakers and 40 sessions lining up, organisers expect over 1,200 delegates to attend the invitation-only conference from 3 to 6 March, with a total of 2,000 professionals at ILMC events across the week. This year also sees the return of Futures Forum on Friday 6 March, the one-day discussion and networking event created by young professionals for the next generation of live music industry leaders.

Highlights of the 2020 agenda include:

• ILMC’s game show theme this year is reflected in opening session The Open Forum: Universally challenged, which adopts a quiz show format as industry leaders review the last 12 months in the business, while Promoter & Agent Blind Date sees eight contestants attempt to find their perfect business partner
• 2020 Vision: The ten-year view predicts how consumer behaviour will change around live over the next decade, while Mental Health: Next steps for live looks at how much more the industry can do to support its workforce
• Urban Legends: Hip hop on top examines urban music’s meteoric rise and growing pains, The Agency Business 2020 looks at updates to artist development strategies, and Insta-generation: Live through a lens considers the impact of social media on the format of shows.
• ILMC’s workshop schedule includes sessions on TikTok, 5G, greener touring, digital marketing, life after your star act, the digital ticket and cancellation insurance.

“Building the ILMC agenda this year has been the most difficult in our history”

Session chairs and workshop hosts include Alex Bruford and Stacey Pragnell (ATC Live), Sophi Lobl (C3 Presents), Paul Latham (consultant), Jackie Wilgar (Live Nation), Ruaha Kyyro (Fullsteam), Raye Cosbert (Metropolis), Jo Young (Ticketmaster), Karma Bertelsen and Lucy Levitt (Kilimanjaro Live), Kelly Bennaton (DHP), Prince Laryea (Shift Coaching), Lou Champion, Steve Machin (FanDragon), Chris Carey (TicketSwap), Michael Hosking (Midas Promotions), Claire O’Neill (A Greener Festival) and IQ’s Gordon Masson and Jon Chapple (pictured).

Further sessions and details of all guest speakers will be announced in the coming weeks.

The full ILMC agenda can be viewed here, while the Futures Forum website is here.

ILMC takes place at the Royal Garden Hotel in London from 3 to 6 March. Companies supporting this year’s conference include Live Nation, Ticketmaster, Eventim, WME, Universe, Livestyled, Tysers, Joy Station, Mojo Rental and Showsec.

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