Here's an overview of this year's conference events! Additions may still be made.
All events of the conference will be held in English.
Thursday
Breaking the Silence: Abuse of Power in the Music Industry
2. OCT. 2025 10.00-11-00 @ Brunnenpassage
Power imbalances and their abuse have always seemed inextricably linked to the music industry. The cases that have come to light in recent years are a renewed wake-up call to urgently address these conditions.
This panel deals with strategies to counteract existing and future abuses of power. Therefore, insights from the music industry gained by Ines Fernau (cute concerts) and Sophie Rendl (Frauen:domäne) will be combined with the expertise of Sonja Eismann (author of the book Candy Girls. Sexism in the Music Industry) and founder of Missy Magazine). The panel will be moderated by the artist Yasmin Hafedh, aka Yasmo.
Speakers: Ines Fernau (AT), Sophie Rendl (AT), Sonja Eismann (DE)
Moderation: Yasmin Hafedh (AT)
Feedback Listening Session
2. OCT. 2025 10.00-11.00 @ Tagada Club
International professionals give constructive feedback on up-and-coming acts with international potential. To take part in this session you have to apply.
The Application is closed
Speakers: Marlon Burton (UK), Camila Anino (ES), Corinna Maier (AT), Susi Ondrusova (AT)
Moderation: Bettina Schöll (AT)
Lights, Camera, Action (even without the lights!)
2. OCT. 2025 10.30-11.30 @ Fania Bar
This most vital panel / workshop give you all (or most ) of the tools to grab and produce fabulous video however limited your equipment might be. We look at techniques for filming , editing and using what you have to get the best possible results for your artists , in live settings in produced video / film settings AND anywhere else you can think of. Led by two of our own here at Waves , full time film and video professional: Chris Gütl full time video producer film maker and cameraman (our key guy at Waves for content you see) and Ian Smith also of Waves but for many years other than agency owner and sound engineer has been making / producing video all the way back to VHS (yes really) .
So we'll look at all of the above and how sound and location can be used to best effect in ways you never ( maybe ) dreamt of!
Speakers: Ian Smith (AT), Chris Gütl (AT)
Funding Hacks for Creative Projects
2. OCT. 2025 11.00-12.00 @ Café Concerto Wintergarten
Funding and investment in the creative industries is not getting easier but it now demands sophisticated strategy to put different types of funding together. Working across creative sector is also a way to access more funding and increase revenues. Let's have an overview of funding in Europe for digital content including AV, Music and Games.
Hosted by Vienna Business Agency
Speakers: Christoph Muck (AT), Thierry Baujard (DE)
"What are you willing to give for art?" presented by Clouds Hill
2. OCT. 2025 11.30-12.15 @ Tagada Club
What counts more today - streams or attitude, trend awareness or artistic vision?
In an industry in which algorithms are increasingly deciding what becomes visible, artists and labels are coming under increasing pressure, A willingness to compromise and adapt to current trends often seems indispensable for success - but where is the freedom that art actually needs?
This panel asks about the conditions under which music is created today - and what price visibility, reach and success really have. How much room is left between platform dependency and self-realisation? How do sustainable connections to fans develop?
Clouds Hill discusses together with guests, which paths are possible: How can real artistic development be given space again? What does it take to turn fans into real communities, and what happens if we stop trying? What are we - as artists, labels and decision-makers - prepared to give for art? Do we need the courage to rethink?
Speakers: Steffi von Kannemann (DE), Carlo Giulio Sossella (Cordoba78, AT), Johann Scheerer (DE), Bettina Ruprechter (AT)
Moderation: Yasmin Hafedh (AT)
Spotlight Distribution:Understanding Music Distribution: Deals, Partners & Platforms
2. OCT. 2025 12.00-13.00 @ Brunnenpassage
As part of this year's Spolight on Distribution of the Waves Vienna Conference, we'd like to present distribution channels for music productions, but also discuss problems, risks and opportunities.
Get to know the key players in music distribution – from global majors to independent distributors. What types of deals are out there? How do different distributors work? And what sets them apart?
This Pecha Kucha-style panel brings together national and international voices from both physical and digital distribution to give you a rapid, insightful overview of today’s landscape. Whether you're an artist, label or manager, this session will help you understand how to choose the right partner to get your music out into the world.
This year’s conference spotlight is dedicated to the backbone of the music cosmos: distribution.
Whether physical or digital, music distribution remains the indispensable bridge between artists and their audiences – and understanding it is key to navigating today’s industry. This panel is your gateway into that essential conversation at Waves Vienna 2025.
Speakers: Torsten Mewes (DE), Hannes Müller (AT), Desiree J. Vach (DE), Peter Gruse (DE), Christoph Enzinger (AT), Tina Koppelin (AT), Simon Semrau (DE), Frank-Peter Leffler (DE), Lisa Riepe (DE)
Moderation: Franz Hergovich (AT)
Colombia Work Exchange Presentation
2. OCT. 2025 12.00-12.45 @ Fania Bar
Presentation of the Colombia Work Exchange Program, implemented by Waves Vienna with funding from LiveMX and the European Union. We present the program itself, the outcomes and possible next steps.
Speaker: Robert Marksteiner (AT)
XA Master Class
2. OCT. 2025 12.30-13.30 @ Café Concerto Wintergarten
Closed workshops for the artists nominated for the XA Export Award and their teams.
Speakers: Cesar Andion (ES), Glenn Larsen (FO)
SynchClinic
2. OCT. 2025 12.30-13.30 @ Tagada Club
Europe in Synch (https://EuropeInSynch.net) is a European initiative dedicated to knowledge transfer and networking between the worlds of music, film, television, advertising and games. Workshops and networking missions are held across the continent to dispel myths and misunderstandings about music synchronisation (‘synch’) and to make the selection and licensing of music more accessible and easier for both sides. In addition to explaining why Europe in Synch exists and what it has achieved in recent years, Waves Vienna will host the ‘SynchClinic’ – a public Q&A session with experts from the field of synch, true to the motto: Everything you always wanted to know about synch.
Speaker: Hannes Tschürtz (AT)
Digitising the Festival Experience: NFC Wristbands & Data in Action
2. OCT. 2025 13.00-13.45 @ Fania Bar
Discover how festivals are being transformed through NFC wristbands and real-time data analytics. This session dives into how these technologies enhance crowd management, streamline access control, and provide actionable insights to improve operations and audience engagement.
Speakers: Fridolin Drucker (AT), Tibro Brosz (DE)
Future of festivals: cashless meets ticketing... and happy visitors!
2. OCT. 2025 13.45-14.30 @ Tagada Club
How to improve the visitor experience and also integrate customer data to maximize incomes for your event - a roundtable discussion where Sziget Festival, Cardnet (Festipay) and Backstage Ticketing present the results of their newest research and development project.
3 major players of the Central European event market recently joined forces to enhance their cooperation in the field of ticket sales, cashless payment, access control and all data generated in the process. The idea was simple: let’s unify these separate processes in a way that it provides a clear advantage for all involved areas. Furthermore, let’s simplify the user experience, so both access control at the gates and cashless payment at the bars become more simple (meaning quicker flow, less staff and more income), while providing a better insight on user stats and preferences to further develop, streamline and market the event. We will discuss topics like online topup, ticketing dashboards, consumption heatmaps, rfid solutions, AI data analysis and all the techy stuff you can think of... and don’t worry, we will do that in a way that all participants will get the point, along with the main ideas and results of the project. Join us for an interactive session!
Speakers: Katalin Eszter Varga (HU), Tamá Horváth (HU), David Szujko (HU)
Moderation: Andras Berta (HU)
Focus on Spain – Inside the Spanish Music Scene
2. OCT. 2025 14.00 @ Brunnenpassage
This panel offers a deep dive into the diverse and thrilling Spanish music market and scene. What structures define it, which genres thrive, and which festivals and different regional markets shape the cultural landscape? Following an introductory overview of key players and trends, we will explore the potential for international collaboration—highlighting both opportunities and challenges when working with artists, professionals, and institutions across Spain.
Speakers: Camila Anino (ES), Natalia de Jesus (ES), Elena Barroso (ES), TBC
Stress and Balance in the Music Industry: A Group Session
2. OCT. 2025 14.00-15.30 @ Café Concerto Wintergarten
Working in music can be as demanding as it is inspiring. Deadlines, uncertainty, financial pressures, and the constant drive to deliver often take a toll on our well-being. This small group session offers a safe, confidential space to reflect on how stress affects us in our professional and personal lives. Together, we’ll explore ways to recognize early signs of burnout, share strategies for coping, and connect with peers who understand the unique realities of the industry. Apply to take part here: https://podio.com/webforms/28817163/2327890
Speaker: Rosana Corbacho (ES)
AustroVinyl Workshop
2. OCT. 2025 14.00-14.45 @ Fania Bar
In this workshop, practice and technology come together: from special audio preparation and mastering for vinyl to differences and further to digital formats and the steps in the pressing plant. All relevant processes are explained in an understandable way. Participants will learn why vinyl has special technical requirements and how these affect the sound. Dynamic and frequency adjustments, overdubbing times and level optimization will be covered. The workshop is supplemented by practical tips and a look at pressing plant practice. how a high-quality vinyl record is created from an audio file. Ideal for producers, sound engineers and music makers who want to understand and use the sound and craft of vinyl.
Speaker: Peter Wendler (AT)
Ohne Ehrenamt keine Clubkultur?!
2. OCT. 2025 15.00-16.00 @ Fania Bar
This panel will be held in German language.
In 2023, 192 volunteers at the Acoustic Lakeside Festival were classified by the financial police as undeclared employees – with the threat of heavy penalties. The case caused a stir and raises questions: at what point does voluntary work in clubs and events become an employment relationship, and what are the consequences for non-commercial structures? These structures depend on volunteers – whether at the entrance, bar or backstage. If legal pressure increases, a diverse and accessible club culture is at risk. This panel discussion will address current challenges and the necessary framework conditions for the future of independent club and festival formats.
Speakers: Tobias Fortunits (AT), Clara Hofmann (AT)
Moderation: Alexandra Roudriguez (AT)
Ticketmaster Reception
2. OCT. 2025 15.45-16.45 @ Tagada Club
Ticketmaster is the world's leading ticketing provider and is part of Live Nation Entertainment, the largest live entertainment company in the world. Live Nation Entertainment comprises three global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts and Live Nation Media & Sponsorship. Our ticket platforms bring 500 million tickets annually into the hands of fans in 29 countries – and provide the optimal ticketing solution to artists, venues, festivals, sports clubs and leagues, theatres, exhibitions and other cultural and recreational institutions.
German Showcase Artist Pitch & Reception
2. OCT. 2025 17.00-18.30 @ The Loft Upstairs
Come join us and meet the Germans! German Music Export by Initiative Musik and the pop music funding agencies Musicboard Berlin, popNRW, Pop-Büro Region Stuttgart, RockCity Hamburg, and Verband für Popkultur in Bayern invite you to this year’s German reception. Discover exciting new artists from Germany at our pitching session, then mix and mingle with other industry professionals, artists and fellow music lovers.
Please register here: https://german-showcase-artist-pitch-reception.eventbrite.com
Friday
Feedback Listening Session 2
3. OCT. 2025 10.00-11.00 @ Tagada Club
International professionals give constructive feedback on up-and-coming acts with international potential. To take part in this session you have to apply.
The Application is closed
Speakers: Carolyn Bates (UK), Henning Dietz (UK), Jean Charles Medina (FR), Jan Hagerodt (DE)
Moderation: Battina Schöll (AT)
Song Contest, Sound Economy: Chancen für Österreichs Musikszene
3. OCT. 2025 10.30-11.30 @ Brunnenpassage
The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 will bring international attention to Vienna – but what does that mean for the domestic music industry? In this panel discussion, experts will discuss economic effects, new career opportunities for artists and the long-term visibility of Austrian music. What potential does this offer for labels, event organisers and creative professionals – and how can the industry use the ESC as a sustainable springboard?
Sync Smart – How to Collaborate with Music Supervisors as an Indie
3. OCT. 2025 11.00-12.00 @ Fania Bar
Landing a sync deal can be a game changer—but how do you get your music in front of the right people? This panel explores how independent labels, artists, and publishers can effectively collaborate with music supervisors. What assets and metadata are essential? Is a pitch deck needed? How do you approach supervisors the right way? Gain practical insights into expectations, industry standards, and the do’s and don’ts of sync from both sides of the table.
Speakers: Isaac Allaway (UK), Everton Lewis Jr. (AT)
Moderation: Hannes Tschürtz (AT)
Spotlight Distribution: UMG/Downtown : What’s all the fuss really about ? Hosted by VTMÖ – indies.at
3. OCT. 2025 11.15-12.45 @ Tagada Club
As announced at the end of 2024, UMG plans to acquire Downtown Music, home to FUGA, CD Baby, Songtrust and other services much loved and used by DIY artists and independent labels across the industry. The EU has opened a formal competition investigation into this acquisition. Trade bodies representing independent labels, authors and composers, artists, managers and independent publishers are calling for the deal to be stopped. Our speakers will explore why this particular acquisition is being investigated by the European Commission, where we are in the process and whether or not this should be a cause for concern for the music sector.
Hosted by VTMÖ – indies.at
Speakers: Matthieu Philibert (FR), Jess Partridge (UK), Maria José Schmidt-Kessen (AT)
Moderation: Alexander Hirschenhauser (AT)
Navigating Visibility: Black Artists in European Music Markets
3. OCT. 2025 12.00-13.00 @ Brunnenpassage
This panel sheds light on the experiences of Black artists navigating music markets in Europe. From systemic barriers to representation and recognition—what are the realities across countries like the UK and Austria? We’ll discuss challenges, successes, and what structural changes are needed to create a more inclusive and equitable music industry. Hear from artists and professionals shaping the conversation and pushing for visibility and change.
Speakers: Mwita Mataro (AT), Adem Holness (UK), Marlon Burton (UK)
Moderation: Smaranda Krings (AT)
Career Compass: Strategic Foundations for Going International
3. OCT. 2025 13.00-14.00 @ Tagada Club
Going international takes more than talent—it requires strategy, timing, and the right support network. This panel focuses on the foundational steps artists and their teams need to consider when building an international career. From identifying key markets to preparing for showcases, securing funding, and finding the right partners—get insights from professionals who’ve successfully navigated this path and learn how to map out your own global journey.
Speakers: Annemarie Reisinger-Treiber (AT), Cesar Andion (ES), Paulina Parvanov (AT)
Moderation: Jess Partridge (UK)
ROLA MUSIC Workshop
3. OCT. 2025 13.00-13.45 @ Fania Bar
ROLA MUSIC has been shaping and supporting artists across Europe for over 15 years – from first steps to international growth. In this panel, the team will share detailed insights into their approach to artist development and reveal what it takes to build a sustainable career across borders. The conversation will look at how artists can grow within Europe and, in particular, what Austrian acts need to consider when setting up their careers beyond Austria. Drawing on ROLA’s long-standing experience, the panel will highlight their way of working in tour booking, PR and digital marketing, offering a look behind the scenes at the processes that help turn emerging talent into established artists.
Speakers: Rokko Konrad (AT), Eva Oswald (AT), Marie-Theres Weiser (AT)
Moderation: Dominik Schmidt (AT)
Shaping Queer Sound: FLINTA* Artists at the Forefront
3. OCT. 2025 13.30-14.30 @ Brunnenpassage
From hyperpop’s glossy chaos to experimental R’n’B’s intimate textures, from queer techno’s dancefloor politics to the fractured beats of deconstructed club – FLINTA* artists are at the forefront of redefining music’s visual and sonic aesthetics. The Eurovision Song Contest plays a key role in bringing these aesthetics into the spotlight, influencing mainstream pop on a massive scale. This panel explores how identity and lived experience shape sound design and push artistic innovation beyond the mainstream.
Speakers: ÆNGL (AT), Andrea M. Junker (AT), Lara Velasco Davoise (ES), Ania Gleich (AT)
Moderation: Micòl Didi (AT)
Speed meetings for UpBeat artists Come meet and engage with music professionals from all areas of the industry
3. OCT. 2025 13.30-14.30 @ Café Concerto Wintergarten
This speed dating session is for UpBeat network artists to book slots to work discuss the very real and vital opportunities to expand careers and find new potential. Want to know more about UpBeat an EU creative Europe funded project of whom WAVES is a a partner then check out https://upbeat-platform.eu/
Apply here to participate in the speed meeting session.
Moderation: Ian Smith (AT)
Sounds from the Edge: Music and Identity on the Faroe Islands
3. OCT. 2025 14.15-15.15 @ Tagada Club
The Faroe Islands may be small and remote, but their music scene is bold, unique, and full of creative energy. This session offers a glimpse into the islands’ vibrant musical identity, blending tradition and innovation. We’ll also screen the short film "Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned" – a raw and intimate portrait of a Faroese band making their mark at The Great Escape 2024.
Speaker: Glenn Larsen (FO)
How to Showcase in the UK
3. OCT. 2025 14.30-15.30 @ Fania Bar
The UK remains one of the world’s most influential music markets — but breaking in requires the right strategy. This session offers practical insights on how to prepare for and succeed at UK showcase festivals, from choosing the right event and building local connections to navigating visas, funding, and industry expectations. Learn directly from experts how to make your showcase in the UK a powerful step for your international career.
Speakers: Carolyn Bates (UK), Kitt Car (UK), Adem Holness (UK)
Moderation: Ian Smith (AT)
AKM Come Together!
3. OCT. 2025 15.30-16.30 @ Delegates Lounge
We’re inviting music creators and all participants of Waves to join us for a relaxed get-together.
Enjoy free drinks, meet fellow participants, and connect with music creators, industry peers, and new friends.
Let’s celebrate creativity and music!
Speaker: Susanne Lontzen (AT)
Collaborating over distance part 2.
3. OCT. 2025 16.-17.00 @ Tagada Club
Last year at Waves we did a session about collaborating over distance, creating sound projects without having to be in the same physical space, how we'd do that and what the obstacles were, looked at famous projects like One Giant Leap and Playing For Change. Well this time we take this one step beyond (to quote Madness). This "workshop' will look at how participants will actually create a network and create new works together. We ask that anyone attending be open to the idea of new collaborations with the other participants subject of course to actually liking the ideas! You will listen to other peoples short presentations of their music and art (visual as well) and present your own ideas. Afterwards Waves via Ian will co-ordinate with you and who knows where that might lead!
Speaker: Ian Smith (AT)
Spanish Fiesta
3. OCT. 2025 17.00-18.15 @ Wirr Brunnenmarkt
Let's bring the southern sun to Vienna by enjoying drinks and connecting with the Spanish delegates!
MuFA Cometogether
3. OCT. 2025 18.00-19.00 @ The Loft Upstairs
"Let’s meet, talk, network, and learn more about MuFA and our 2nd MuFA Mentoring Program in cooperation with BMWKMS.
We promote gender equality in Austria’s music industry by giving visibility to women and other underrepresented groups, supporting their careers, and ensuring equal opportunities. We create spaces for growth, connection, and collaboration – with empowerment, diversity, and equality at the core of everything we do.
By highlighting inspiring role models, we showcase the richness of music and encourage you to shape your own creative path with confidence. With the support of the Federal Ministry for Housing, Arts, Culture, Media, and Sport (BMWKMS), we are proud to present the MuFA Mentoring Program 2025/26, empowering women in music through guidance, community, and professional development."
Saturday
French Pitch Breakfast
4. OCT. 2025 11.00-12.00 @ Speisen Ohne Grenzen - Artist Village
As part of the Waves delegates program, CNM Your French Music Partner is organising a "French artist pitch breakfast” on Saturday Oct. 4th from 11:00-12:00 at restaurant Speisen Ohne Grenzen (Ypengasse 2/4). The networking reception will allow representatives of the 7 French-produced artists playing at the festival to give presentations of their projects to key international delegates, over some nice croissants, coffee and juices. To participate please RSVP to the Waves delegates program here. Please also check our dedicated What The France playlist! For further inquiries please get in touch with Daniel Winkel from CNM’s international team.
Please apply here to take part.
Speaker: Daniel Winkel (DE)
Let's discuss cultural policies! Networking meet-up powered by ÖMR
4. OCT. 2025 12.30-13.30 @ Delegates Lounge
Let's discuss cultural policies! The Austrian parlament has instructed the government to develop a music strategy to strenghen the music economy. What measures are needed to support music export and production? How can we strenghen the position of artists and composers on the digital market? The Austrian Music Council (ÖMR) will present its activities and invites you to take part in a lively policy discussion. The networking event is powered by Austrian Music Council (ÖMR), the umbrella organization of interest groups for music in Austria, and the Music Starters Network which focuses on the needs of young professionals.
W: www.oemr.at | Insta: https://www.instagram.com/oesterreichischer_musikrat/
Speakers: Eva-Maria Bauer (AT), Sophie Katharina Schollum (AT), Magdalena Fuernkranz (AT)
Gürtel-Tour
4. OCT. 2025 14.00-15.00 @ Start at rhiz
Join us for a walk along the Wiener Gürtel to explore its iconic venues and rich history. Once a neglected area, the Gürtel has been revitalised through the URBION project, blending historical preservation with modern design. Discover the restored stone arches of Otto Wagner’s former city railway and experience how this vibrant space connects different parts of Vienna. The carefully lit facades and public spaces now highlight the Gürtel’s transformation into a dynamic hub for club-cultural and entertainment hub.
Speakers: Silja Tillner (AT), Peter Rantaša (AT)
The Gap Pop-Quiz
4. OCT. 2025 16.30-18.00 @ Café Concerto Wintergarten
The Gap Magazine is hosting the perfect event to put your Pop Music knowledge to the test. Come by and come prepared!
pop KulTOUR
4. OCT. 2025 16.30-18.30
This tour is conducted in German!
The two-hour Walk & Talk takes us to locations that have had a major impact on pop and subcultural life in Vienna over the past 70 years. Together with music nerd, record collector and amateur music historian Geri Hollerer, we follow in the footsteps of legendary local musicians, without whose pioneering achievements the thriving contemporary Viennese scene might not even exist. From early rock “n” roll and beat music of the 1960s, to the founding of the first hip hop groups in the late 1980s, to the heyday of Viennese electronic music in the late 1990s: the Vienna Pop Culture Tour through Ottakring offers plenty of insider stories, funny anecdotes, song samples, photos, flyers and, of course, records to browse through.
The tour starts at 4:30 p.m. at Schuhmeierplatz 17/18, 1160 Vienna (tram line 46, Schuhmeierplatz stop) and ends at 6:30 p.m. at Grundsteingasse 60, 1160 Vienna.
VTMÖ EXTENDED: Indie Labels and Indie Publishers ∞ Management Sector and Live Sector
4. OCT. 2025 17.00-18.00 @ Wienstation (Delegates Bar)
This event will be held in German language!
Austria's indie labels invite the ‘music management’ and ‘live’ sectors to join forces and become even stronger. The aim is to represent the interests of the Austrian independent music industry.
The VTMÖ management team will present and discuss this project with all interested parties. Get involved and help shape the future!
Speaker: Alexander Hirschenhauser (AT)