Here's a first overview of this year's conference events! Additions are still being 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 @ 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. With a focus on Austria, best practice examples will be used to discuss where we stand and what we need to change.
Speakers: Ines Fernau (AT), Sophie Rendl (AT), Sonja Eismann (DE)
Moderation: Yasmin Hefedh (AT)
Feedback Listening Session
2. OCT. 2025 10.00 @ 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. Application opened tbc.
"What are you willing to give for art?" presented by Clouds Hill
2. OCT. 2025 11.30 @ Tagada Club
What counts more today - plays 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 seem 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? And finally: 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)
Moderation: Yasmin Hefedh (AT)
Spotlight Distribution:Understanding Music Distribution: Deals, Partners & Platforms
2. OCT. 2025 12.00 @ Brunnenpassage
Part of this year's Spolight on Distribution of the Waves Vienna Conference in which we would 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), Deniz Everling (DE), Peter Gruse (DE), Christoph Enzinger (AT), Tina Koppelin (AT), Simon Semrau (DE), Frank-Peter Leffler (DE)
Moderation: Franz Hergovich (AT)
Colombia Work Exchange Presentation
2. OCT. 2025 12.00 @ 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)
Why Music? – Unlocking the Potential of Sponsorships
2. OCT. 2025 12.30 @ Tagada Club
Why do major brands choose music as a key sponsorship field? This panel brings together leading voices from the world of sponsorship to explore motivations, strategies, and expectations behind their engagement with music. We’ll discuss how partnerships are built, what brands look for, and how artists and festivals can navigate and benefit from this evolving landscape.
Funding Hacks for Creative Projects
2. OCT. 2025 13.00 @ Café Concerto Wintergarten
Speakers: Christoph Muck (AT), TBA
Creating Exchange with NFC Ticketing
2. OCT. 2025 13.00 @ Fania Bar
This panel will discuss, how NFC ticketing can not only facilitate the running of events, but also create real networking opportunities – for example, to bring artists and talent scouts together. Come get a detailed insight into technology, reliability and scalability of NFC, as well as the potential of the Data.
Speakers: Fridolin Drucker (AT), TBA
Future of festivals: cashless meets ticketing... and happy visitors!
2. OCT. 2025 13.45 @ 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 @ Tagada Club
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), TBA
Vienna Club Commission – Volunteering at Festivals
2. OCT. 2025 15.00 @ Fania Bar
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: Alexandra Roudriguez (AT), Tobias Fortunit (AT)
Ticketmaster Reception
2. OCT. 2025 15.45 @ Tagada Club
Come get to know Ticketmaster and grab a drink with other delegates afterwards.
German Showcase Artist Pitch & Reception
2. OCT. 2025 17.00 @ 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.
Friday
Feedback Listening Session 2
3. OCT. 2025 10.00 @ 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. Application opened tbc.
Song Contest, Sound Economy: Opportunities for Austria's Music Scene
3. OCT. 2025 10.30 @ 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 stepping stone?
Speakers: Peter Schreiber (AT), TBA
Sync Smart – How to Collaborate with Music Supervisors as an Indie
3. OCT. 2025 11.00 @ 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), TBA
Spotlight Distribution: How the Indies are bought by the Majors
3. OCT. 2025 11.15 @ Tagada Club
Part of this year's Spolight on Distribution of the Waves Vienna Conference in which we would like to present distribution channels for music productions, but also discuss problems, risks and opportunities.
Speakers: Matthieu Philibert (FR), TBA
Navigating Visibility: Black Artists in European Music Markets
3. OCT. 2025 12.00 @ 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, France, 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), TBA
Moderation: Smaranda Krings (AT)
Career Compass: Strategic Foundations for Going International
3. OCT. 2025 13.00 @ 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), TBA
Moderation: Jess Partridge (UK)
ROLA MUSIC Workshop
3. OCT. 2025 13.00 @ Fania Bar
ROLA MUSIC gives detailed insights into the following areas of their work:
1. Growth and development of an artist within Europe.
2. For Austrian artists in particular: Steps in setting up outside of Austria.
3. Artist development ala ROLA MUSIC: ROLA has been developing acts throughout Europe for 15 years. Learn more about their way of working in the areas of tour booking, PR and digital marketing.
4. Export to the USA: When it matters and how to do it!
Speakers: Rokko Konrad (AT), Eva Oswald (AT), Marie-Theres Weiser (AT)
Queer Futures in Music – FLINTA Artists as the Aesthetic Avant-Garde
3. OCT. 2025 13.30 @ 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), TBA
Speedmeeting Germans
3. OCT. 2025 14.00 @ Café Concerto
This session provides an opportunity for international music professionals to meet representatives of the German acts performing at Waves Vienna this year.
Sounds from the Edge: Music and Identity on the Faroe Islands
3. OCT. 2025 14.15 @ 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)
Freedom of Movement for Artists After Brexit
3. OCT. 2025 15.00 @ Brunnenpassage
The end of free movement between the UK and the EU has reshaped touring. The 90/180 rule and visa requirements pose major challenges for artists, crews, and promoters. This panel brings together officials from the European Union and the UK alongside music industry representatives to discuss political perspectives, practical obstacles, and possible solutions to secure cultural exchange and sustainable touring across borders.
Spanish Fiesta
3. OCT. 2025 17.00 @ 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 @ The Loft Upstairs
Saturday
The Gap Pop-Quiz
4. OCT. 2025 16.30 @ 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!