Futures Forum unveils first dozen speakers for 2025

ILMC Futures Forum, the leading conference for the next generation of live music industry leaders, has confirmed the first dozen speakers and moderators for 2025.

The fifth annual instalment of the gathering will again take place at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London on 28 February 2025 – the final day of its renowned parent event, the International Live Music Conference (ILMC).

ASM Global’s programming director Europe Anna Sjölund is among the first raft of speaker confirmations. She joins previously announced chair Jess Kinn of One Fiinix Live on Rob My Job, a session centred on the journies of industry professionals and advice they can impart to the next class of leaders.

The ‘Real’ World Tour session will see AEG Presents’ VP/GM of international touring Connie Shao take the helm, where she’ll lead panellists through several financially viable international markets where the business looks to expand.

Caroline Reason, director of London-based MATA Agency, will lead Show Me The Money: Alternative Revenue Streams. The session will bring together executives from left-of-live fields like concert films, corporate events, VIP (meet & greets), and the brand space.

Passes are available for the next edition of ILMC Futures Forum

Goodlive Artists’ booker Kedist Bezabih joins chair Julia Frank, Wizard Live head of booking, on Festival Forum: New Booking Strategies. Panellists will cover the many considerations when booking festival lineups, and how to stay competitive in the global marketplace.

And on the opening session Meet The New Bosses: Class of 2025, MOJO Concerts’ booker and promoter Gerbine Ulehake and Primary Talent International agent Dotun Bolaji join chair Matt Hanner founder and booker Runway Artists. The annual session sees the latest class of New Bosses reflect on their journeys, including breakthrough moments, career highlights, and invaluable mentors.

Previously announced chairs include Maz Tappuni (Communion ONE) on The Venue Evolution, leading the discussion on how venues will transform in the near future; Meera Patel (WME) on Tour Marketing: The Industry’s Secret Weapon, where tour marketers demystify their roles; and Alice Hogg (ATC Live) for Now That’s What I Call 2025, the music-sharing session where executives reveal what acts they’ve got their money on.

Passes are available for the next edition of ILMC Futures Forum here, with group discounts available.

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