Here’s a first look at the Waves Vienna Conference programme for 2026. Applications for the workshops and feedback sessions will open at a later date, and additional events for Saturday will be announced soon.
The Conference location will be the Albert Hall in the 8th district of Vienna, very close to the festival venues. Please see all the locations of the festival in our festival map here.
THURSDAY 1 OCT
Feedback Listening Session 1 @ Albert Gallery, Thursday, 1 October 2026, 10:00–11:00 A focused feedback format for selected artists who want to test their music with experienced industry professionals. Participants receive direct first-impression reactions, practical advice and concrete input on how their songs may work in an international context.
Young Professionals @ The Nest, Thursday, 1 October 2026, 10:00–10:30 A short morning meeting point for emerging music professionals at the beginning of the conference day. The session offers a relaxed setting to connect, get oriented and meet peers before diving into the wider Waves Vienna programme.
How to Make It as an Independent Artist: A Step-by-Step Guide @ Albert Einstein, Thursday, 1 October 2026, 10:30–11:30 This workshop offers practical guidance for artists building their careers outside traditional label structures. From releases and positioning to promotion and long-term planning, the session focuses on tools and strategies independent artists can actually use.
Collecting from Twitch: Music Licensing for Games & Games Media @ Albert Gallery, Thursday, 1 October 2026, 11:15–12:15 As music becomes increasingly present in livestreams, games media and online communities, licensing questions are becoming more complex. This panel looks at how music rights can be managed in relation to Twitch and similar platforms, and what artists, publishers and rightsholders need to know.
Who Gets to Feel Safe at Night? Hosted by VCC @ Albert Hall, Thursday, 1 October 2026, 11:15–12:15 Nightlife and live music spaces are places of freedom, community and expression, but not everyone experiences them in the same way. This panel discusses safety, access and responsibility, asking how the music sector can create environments where more people feel welcome and protected.
Music Across Borders: Collaboration & Networking in Booking hosted by UpBeat @ Albert Einstein, Thursday, 1 October 2026, 12:00–13:00 International booking relies on trust, timing and strong professional relationships. This workshop explores how artists, agents, promoters and festivals can build cross-border networks and create more sustainable touring opportunities.
International Mobility for Creative Arts in Challenging Times hosted by UpBeat @ Albert Gallery, Thursday, 1 October 2026, 12:30–13:15 Artists and cultural professionals continue to face barriers around travel, funding, visas and changing political conditions. This session looks at how international mobility can be maintained and reimagined in a more fragile cultural landscape.
Human Curation in the Age of Algorithms: Why Radio Still Matters @ Albert Hall, Thursday, 1 October 2026, 13:00–14:00 In a world shaped by playlists, platforms and automated recommendations, radio continues to offer context, personality and trust. The panel discusses why human curation still matters for music discovery and how radio can remain relevant in a changing media environment.
Waves First Impression Sessions: Sync Focus @ The Nest, Thursday, 1 October 2026, 13:00–13:30 Artists present short excerpts of their music to sync and music supervision experts and receive direct feedback. The session offers insight into how music may work for film, television, advertising, games and other audiovisual contexts.
Waves Vienna UK Residency with Oskar Haag: A Recap from Vienna to Edinburgh @ Albert Gallery, Thursday, 1 October 2026, 13:30–14:15 This presentation looks back on the Waves Vienna UK Residency and the creative journey of Oskar Haag between Vienna and Edinburgh. It reflects on collaboration, songwriting, exchange and what international residency formats can offer to artists.
The Subscene: How Local Scenes Become a Cross-Regional Network @ Albert Einstein, Thursday, 1 October 2026, 13:45–14:30 Local scenes often begin with small groups, informal spaces and shared energy. This presentation explores how such scenes can grow into wider cross-regional networks, creating new visibility and stronger structures for artists and communities.
Beyond the Numbers: Gender Equality in the Music Industry: What Actually Works? @ Albert Hall, Thursday, 1 October 2026, 14:30–15:30 This panel moves beyond statistics and asks which measures actually create change. Speakers discuss practical approaches to gender equality, from programming and leadership to structural support, accountability and long-term cultural shifts.
Scot(Music)land @ Albert Gallery, Thursday, 1 October 2026, 14:45–15:45 A presentation introducing Scotland’s music landscape, its scenes, institutions and international connections. The session offers insight into how Scottish artists and music organisations work across borders and how the country positions itself internationally.
Small Society, Global Reach: What AKM Can Do for Songwriters and Publishers @ Albert Einstein, Thursday, 1 October 2026, 15:00–15:45 This workshop explains how AKM supports songwriters and publishers in Austria and beyond. It looks at collective rights management, international royalty flows and the practical value of strong representation for music creators.
Waves Vienna 2026 Opening @ Albert Hall, Thursday, 1 October 2026, 16:00–17:30 The official opening of Waves Vienna 2026 brings together artists, delegates, partners and invited guests. It marks the beginning of this year’s festival and conference edition and sets the tone for three days of music, exchange and discovery.
Ukrainian Reception @ Location tbc, Thursday, 1 October 2026, 18:45–19:30 This reception creates space for exchange with Ukrainian music professionals, artists and partners. It offers an informal setting for networking, visibility and solidarity within the international music community.
FRIDAY 2 OCT
Feedback Listening Session 2 @ Albert Gallery, Friday, 2 October 2026, 10:00–11:00 The second feedback listening format gives artists another opportunity to receive direct professional reactions to their music. The focus is on concise, useful feedback that can help participants understand how their work is perceived by industry experts.
Young Professionals @ The Nest, Friday, 2 October 2026, 10:00–10:30 A compact morning format for young and emerging professionals to reconnect, exchange impressions and plan the day ahead. It offers an accessible entry point into the conference programme and encourages peer-to-peer networking.
Your Brand Is Your World: Considering Your Artist Brand @ Albert Einstein, Friday, 2 October 2026, 10:30–11:30 An artist’s brand is more than visuals or social media: it shapes how music is understood, presented and remembered. This workshop helps artists think about identity, storytelling and consistency across platforms, releases and live appearances.
How Music Becomes Part of the Game World @ Albert Hall, Friday, 2 October 2026, 10:45–11:45 Music in games does more than accompany gameplay; it helps build worlds, emotion and immersion. This panel explores how music enters game environments, from creative briefing and composition to licensing, implementation and collaboration with developers.
Waves First Impression Sessions: Production Focus hosted by Qobuz @ The Nest, Friday, 2 October 2026, 11:00–11:30 Hosted by Qobuz, this feedback session focuses on sound quality, arrangement and production. Artists receive direct professional input on how their tracks work sonically and what could strengthen their recordings.
Who Builds the Next Music Ecosystem? From fragmented events to shared infrastructure - hosted by FoMC @ Albert Gallery, Friday, 2 October 2026, 11:30–12:30 The music ecosystem is being reshaped by changing career models, technology, funding pressures, mobility barriers and inequalities between regions. Yet many of the structures supporting artists and professionals still operate separately by event, market or country. This panel will bring together music professionals, conference leaders and policy voices to explore what is changing, what is currently missing and what could be built collectively.
Magic on Screen: Music in Film & Television @ Albert Hall, Friday, 2 October 2026, 12:00–12:45 Music can define the emotional language of film and television, but entering that world requires understanding both creative and industry processes. This talk explores how songs and scores are selected, placed and licensed for screen productions.
Local Roots, Global Sounds: How Cultural Diversity Shapes Music Creation hosted by UpBeat @ Albert Einstein, Friday, 2 October 2026, 12:15–13:00 Cultural diversity influences how music is written, produced, performed and shared. This panel looks at how local identities and international influences can meet in contemporary music creation and open new paths for collaboration.
From Bulgaria to Europe: Regional Identity, Eurovision and New Paths to International Success @ Albert Gallery, Friday, 2 October 2026, 12:45–13:30 This panel looks at Bulgaria’s music scene and its growing international visibility. It explores how regional identity, Eurovision, collaboration and new industry structures can help artists reach audiences beyond their home market.
Connecting Creators hosted by AKM @ Foyer, Friday, 2 October 2026, 13:00–13:45 Hosted by AKM, this networking format brings together songwriters, composers, publishers and music professionals. It offers an informal space to meet, exchange experiences and build new connections around rights, creation and collaboration.
Jaka.fm - Conversations, Music and Support Networks@ Albert Einstein, Friday, 2 October 2026, 13:30–14:00 Jaka.fm is a podcast, studio and platform created by and for female musicians and engineers. Founded by Berlin-based artist, producer and mixing engineer Mirna Stanić aka M. Rider, JAKA brings together intimate conversations, shared experiences and live performances.
Game On: The Art of Music in Video Games @ Albert Hall, Friday, 2 October 2026, 13:30–14:30 Video games offer some of the most dynamic and fast-growing opportunities for music today. This panel explores original scores, sync licensing, trailers, branded partnerships and the creative potential of interactive media.
UK’s Premier Showcase Hubs @ Albert Gallery, Friday, 2 October 2026, 13:45–14:30 This presentation introduces key UK showcase platforms and their role in connecting artists with international industry networks. It offers an overview of different regional scenes, professional opportunities and routes into the UK music landscape.
Age: Does It Matter? Hosted by UpBeat @ Albert Einstein, Friday, 2 October 2026, 14:30–15:15 The music industry often talks about new talent, but age can shape access, expectations and visibility in different ways. This panel asks how careers can develop across life stages and what support structures are needed beyond youth-focused narratives.
Next Gen Sync: How to Enter the World of Music Supervision @ Albert Gallery, Friday, 2 October 2026, 14:45–15:45 This workshop introduces artists and music professionals to the world of sync and music supervision. It offers practical insights into pitching, catalogues, rights, relationships and how music finds its way into film, TV, advertising and games.
Rethink, Rework, Reassemble: The Future of UK–EU Cultural Exchange @ Albert Hall, Friday, 2 October 2026, 15:00–16:15 This panel discusses the future of cultural exchange between the UK and the European Union. It looks at mobility, funding, collaboration and the new realities facing artists and organisations working across borders.
AKM verstehen: Veranstaltungsanmeldung, Lizenzentgelte und ihre Bedeutung für die Musikbranche @ Albert Einstein, Friday, 2 October 2026, 15:15–16:00 This German-language workshop explains event registration, licensing fees and why these processes matter for the music sector. It offers a practical introduction for Veranstalterinnen, Künstlerinnen and other professionals who want to better understand AKM procedures.
Meet the UK Delegates @ Albert Hall, Friday, 2 October 2026, 16:15–17:15 An informal reception offering delegates the chance to meet representatives from the UK music sector. The format is designed for easy networking, introductions and conversations around future collaboration.
German Artist Pitch @ Lucia, Friday, 2 October 2026, 17:45–18:45 This pitch format introduces selected German artists to international delegates and music professionals. It creates a direct opportunity for discovery, exchange and potential new partnerships.
MuFA Come Together @ Loop, Friday, 2 October 2026, 18:30–19:30 The MuFA Come Together offers a relaxed networking moment for music professionals, partners and delegates. It is designed as an informal meeting point to continue conversations from the conference day.
Joint reception hosted by Riga Music Week (LV) and Make Waves (NL) @ rhiz, Friday, 2 October 2026, 19:00–20:00 Join us for an informal evening of talks, snacks, and drinks, and take part in a quiz where you’ll discover more about Latvia and the Netherlands - with special prizes from both countries.
SATURDAY 3 OCT
French Artist Pitch @ Speisen ohne Grenzen, Saturday, 3 October 2026, 11:00–12:00 Selected French artists are presented to international industry professionals in a compact pitch format. The session supports discovery, networking and new opportunities for cross-border collaboration.
Austrian Heartbeats @ Lucia, Saturday, 3 October 2026, 13:00–14:00 Austrian Heartbeats offers a spotlight on Austria’s music scene and its international connections. The reception brings together artists, professionals and partners for exchange around local talent and global opportunities.
DeziBellas - international Networking for FLINTA* Music Professionals @ Loop, Saturday, 3 October 2026, 14:00–15:00 Join us for an international networking event for FLINTA* professionals working across the music industry and related creative fields.
Swiss Music Export Mixer @ Wirr Rooftop, Saturday, 3 October 2026, 15:00–16:00 This mixer connects Swiss music professionals and artists with the international Waves Vienna community. It offers an informal setting for meetings, introductions and conversations around Swiss music export.
Waves Vienna Awards Ceremony @ Albert Hall, Saturday, 3 October 2026, 19:00–21:00 The Waves Vienna Awards Ceremony celebrates outstanding artists, projects and achievements within the festival context. It brings the conference and festival community together for a festive highlight.
Here’s a first look at the Waves Vienna Conference programme for 2026. Applications for the workshops and feedback sessions will open at a later date, and additional events for Saturday will be announced soon.
The Conference location will be the Albert Hall in the 8th district of Vienna, very close to the festival venues. Please see all the locations of the festival in our festival map here.
THURSDAY 1 OCT
Feedback Listening Session 1 @ Albert Gallery, Thursday, 1 October 2026, 10:00–11:00 A focused feedback format for selected artists who want to test their music with experienced industry professionals. Participants receive direct first-impression reactions, practical advice and concrete input on how their songs may work in an international context.
Young Professionals @ The Nest, Thursday, 1 October 2026, 10:00–10:30 A short morning meeting point for emerging music professionals at the beginning of the conference day. The session offers a relaxed setting to connect, get oriented and meet peers before diving into the wider Waves Vienna programme.
How to Make It as an Independent Artist: A Step-by-Step Guide @ Albert Einstein, Thursday, 1 October 2026, 10:30–11:30 This workshop offers practical guidance for artists building their careers outside traditional label structures. From releases and positioning to promotion and long-term planning, the session focuses on tools and strategies independent artists can actually use.
Collecting from Twitch: Music Licensing for Games & Games Media @ Albert Gallery, Thursday, 1 October 2026, 11:15–12:15 As music becomes increasingly present in livestreams, games media and online communities, licensing questions are becoming more complex. This panel looks at how music rights can be managed in relation to Twitch and similar platforms, and what artists, publishers and rightsholders need to know.
Who Gets to Feel Safe at Night? Hosted by VCC @ Albert Hall, Thursday, 1 October 2026, 11:15–12:15 Nightlife and live music spaces are places of freedom, community and expression, but not everyone experiences them in the same way. This panel discusses safety, access and responsibility, asking how the music sector can create environments where more people feel welcome and protected.
Music Across Borders: Collaboration & Networking in Booking hosted by UpBeat @ Albert Einstein, Thursday, 1 October 2026, 12:00–13:00 International booking relies on trust, timing and strong professional relationships. This workshop explores how artists, agents, promoters and festivals can build cross-border networks and create more sustainable touring opportunities.
International Mobility for Creative Arts in Challenging Times hosted by UpBeat @ Albert Gallery, Thursday, 1 October 2026, 12:30–13:15 Artists and cultural professionals continue to face barriers around travel, funding, visas and changing political conditions. This session looks at how international mobility can be maintained and reimagined in a more fragile cultural landscape.
Human Curation in the Age of Algorithms: Why Radio Still Matters @ Albert Hall, Thursday, 1 October 2026, 13:00–14:00 In a world shaped by playlists, platforms and automated recommendations, radio continues to offer context, personality and trust. The panel discusses why human curation still matters for music discovery and how radio can remain relevant in a changing media environment.
Waves First Impression Sessions: Sync Focus @ The Nest, Thursday, 1 October 2026, 13:00–13:30 Artists present short excerpts of their music to sync and music supervision experts and receive direct feedback. The session offers insight into how music may work for film, television, advertising, games and other audiovisual contexts.
Waves Vienna UK Residency with Oskar Haag: A Recap from Vienna to Edinburgh @ Albert Gallery, Thursday, 1 October 2026, 13:30–14:15 This presentation looks back on the Waves Vienna UK Residency and the creative journey of Oskar Haag between Vienna and Edinburgh. It reflects on collaboration, songwriting, exchange and what international residency formats can offer to artists.
The Subscene: How Local Scenes Become a Cross-Regional Network @ Albert Einstein, Thursday, 1 October 2026, 13:45–14:30 Local scenes often begin with small groups, informal spaces and shared energy. This presentation explores how such scenes can grow into wider cross-regional networks, creating new visibility and stronger structures for artists and communities.
Beyond the Numbers: Gender Equality in the Music Industry: What Actually Works? @ Albert Hall, Thursday, 1 October 2026, 14:30–15:30 This panel moves beyond statistics and asks which measures actually create change. Speakers discuss practical approaches to gender equality, from programming and leadership to structural support, accountability and long-term cultural shifts.
Scot(Music)land @ Albert Gallery, Thursday, 1 October 2026, 14:45–15:45 A presentation introducing Scotland’s music landscape, its scenes, institutions and international connections. The session offers insight into how Scottish artists and music organisations work across borders and how the country positions itself internationally.
Small Society, Global Reach: What AKM Can Do for Songwriters and Publishers @ Albert Einstein, Thursday, 1 October 2026, 15:00–15:45 This workshop explains how AKM supports songwriters and publishers in Austria and beyond. It looks at collective rights management, international royalty flows and the practical value of strong representation for music creators.
Waves Vienna 2026 Opening @ Albert Hall, Thursday, 1 October 2026, 16:00–17:30 The official opening of Waves Vienna 2026 brings together artists, delegates, partners and invited guests. It marks the beginning of this year’s festival and conference edition and sets the tone for three days of music, exchange and discovery.
Ukrainian Reception @ Location tbc, Thursday, 1 October 2026, 18:45–19:30 This reception creates space for exchange with Ukrainian music professionals, artists and partners. It offers an informal setting for networking, visibility and solidarity within the international music community.
FRIDAY 2 OCT
Feedback Listening Session 2 @ Albert Gallery, Friday, 2 October 2026, 10:00–11:00 The second feedback listening format gives artists another opportunity to receive direct professional reactions to their music. The focus is on concise, useful feedback that can help participants understand how their work is perceived by industry experts.
Young Professionals @ The Nest, Friday, 2 October 2026, 10:00–10:30 A compact morning format for young and emerging professionals to reconnect, exchange impressions and plan the day ahead. It offers an accessible entry point into the conference programme and encourages peer-to-peer networking.
Your Brand Is Your World: Considering Your Artist Brand @ Albert Einstein, Friday, 2 October 2026, 10:30–11:30 An artist’s brand is more than visuals or social media: it shapes how music is understood, presented and remembered. This workshop helps artists think about identity, storytelling and consistency across platforms, releases and live appearances.
How Music Becomes Part of the Game World @ Albert Hall, Friday, 2 October 2026, 10:45–11:45 Music in games does more than accompany gameplay; it helps build worlds, emotion and immersion. This panel explores how music enters game environments, from creative briefing and composition to licensing, implementation and collaboration with developers.
Waves First Impression Sessions: Production Focus hosted by Qobuz @ The Nest, Friday, 2 October 2026, 11:00–11:30 Hosted by Qobuz, this feedback session focuses on sound quality, arrangement and production. Artists receive direct professional input on how their tracks work sonically and what could strengthen their recordings.
Who Builds the Next Music Ecosystem? From fragmented events to shared infrastructure - hosted by FoMC @ Albert Gallery, Friday, 2 October 2026, 11:30–12:30 The music ecosystem is being reshaped by changing career models, technology, funding pressures, mobility barriers and inequalities between regions. Yet many of the structures supporting artists and professionals still operate separately by event, market or country. This panel will bring together music professionals, conference leaders and policy voices to explore what is changing, what is currently missing and what could be built collectively.
Magic on Screen: Music in Film & Television @ Albert Hall, Friday, 2 October 2026, 12:00–12:45 Music can define the emotional language of film and television, but entering that world requires understanding both creative and industry processes. This talk explores how songs and scores are selected, placed and licensed for screen productions.
Local Roots, Global Sounds: How Cultural Diversity Shapes Music Creation hosted by UpBeat @ Albert Einstein, Friday, 2 October 2026, 12:15–13:00 Cultural diversity influences how music is written, produced, performed and shared. This panel looks at how local identities and international influences can meet in contemporary music creation and open new paths for collaboration.
From Bulgaria to Europe: Regional Identity, Eurovision and New Paths to International Success @ Albert Gallery, Friday, 2 October 2026, 12:45–13:30 This panel looks at Bulgaria’s music scene and its growing international visibility. It explores how regional identity, Eurovision, collaboration and new industry structures can help artists reach audiences beyond their home market.
Connecting Creators hosted by AKM @ Foyer, Friday, 2 October 2026, 13:00–13:45 Hosted by AKM, this networking format brings together songwriters, composers, publishers and music professionals. It offers an informal space to meet, exchange experiences and build new connections around rights, creation and collaboration.
Jaka.fm - Conversations, Music and Support Networks@ Albert Einstein, Friday, 2 October 2026, 13:30–14:00 Jaka.fm is a podcast, studio and platform created by and for female musicians and engineers. Founded by Berlin-based artist, producer and mixing engineer Mirna Stanić aka M. Rider, JAKA brings together intimate conversations, shared experiences and live performances.
Game On: The Art of Music in Video Games @ Albert Hall, Friday, 2 October 2026, 13:30–14:30 Video games offer some of the most dynamic and fast-growing opportunities for music today. This panel explores original scores, sync licensing, trailers, branded partnerships and the creative potential of interactive media.
UK’s Premier Showcase Hubs @ Albert Gallery, Friday, 2 October 2026, 13:45–14:30 This presentation introduces key UK showcase platforms and their role in connecting artists with international industry networks. It offers an overview of different regional scenes, professional opportunities and routes into the UK music landscape.
Age: Does It Matter? Hosted by UpBeat @ Albert Einstein, Friday, 2 October 2026, 14:30–15:15 The music industry often talks about new talent, but age can shape access, expectations and visibility in different ways. This panel asks how careers can develop across life stages and what support structures are needed beyond youth-focused narratives.
Next Gen Sync: How to Enter the World of Music Supervision @ Albert Gallery, Friday, 2 October 2026, 14:45–15:45 This workshop introduces artists and music professionals to the world of sync and music supervision. It offers practical insights into pitching, catalogues, rights, relationships and how music finds its way into film, TV, advertising and games.
Rethink, Rework, Reassemble: The Future of UK–EU Cultural Exchange @ Albert Hall, Friday, 2 October 2026, 15:00–16:15 This panel discusses the future of cultural exchange between the UK and the European Union. It looks at mobility, funding, collaboration and the new realities facing artists and organisations working across borders.
AKM verstehen: Veranstaltungsanmeldung, Lizenzentgelte und ihre Bedeutung für die Musikbranche @ Albert Einstein, Friday, 2 October 2026, 15:15–16:00 This German-language workshop explains event registration, licensing fees and why these processes matter for the music sector. It offers a practical introduction for Veranstalterinnen, Künstlerinnen and other professionals who want to better understand AKM procedures.
Meet the UK Delegates @ Albert Hall, Friday, 2 October 2026, 16:15–17:15 An informal reception offering delegates the chance to meet representatives from the UK music sector. The format is designed for easy networking, introductions and conversations around future collaboration.
German Artist Pitch @ Lucia, Friday, 2 October 2026, 17:45–18:45 This pitch format introduces selected German artists to international delegates and music professionals. It creates a direct opportunity for discovery, exchange and potential new partnerships.
MuFA Come Together @ Loop, Friday, 2 October 2026, 18:30–19:30 The MuFA Come Together offers a relaxed networking moment for music professionals, partners and delegates. It is designed as an informal meeting point to continue conversations from the conference day.
Joint reception hosted by Riga Music Week (LV) and Make Waves (NL) @ rhiz, Friday, 2 October 2026, 19:00–20:00 Join us for an informal evening of talks, snacks, and drinks, and take part in a quiz where you’ll discover more about Latvia and the Netherlands - with special prizes from both countries.
SATURDAY 3 OCT
French Artist Pitch @ Speisen ohne Grenzen, Saturday, 3 October 2026, 11:00–12:00 Selected French artists are presented to international industry professionals in a compact pitch format. The session supports discovery, networking and new opportunities for cross-border collaboration.
Austrian Heartbeats @ Lucia, Saturday, 3 October 2026, 13:00–14:00 Austrian Heartbeats offers a spotlight on Austria’s music scene and its international connections. The reception brings together artists, professionals and partners for exchange around local talent and global opportunities.
DeziBellas - international Networking for FLINTA* Music Professionals @ Loop, Saturday, 3 October 2026, 14:00–15:00 Join us for an international networking event for FLINTA* professionals working across the music industry and related creative fields.
Swiss Music Export Mixer @ Wirr Rooftop, Saturday, 3 October 2026, 15:00–16:00 This mixer connects Swiss music professionals and artists with the international Waves Vienna community. It offers an informal setting for meetings, introductions and conversations around Swiss music export.
Waves Vienna Awards Ceremony @ Albert Hall, Saturday, 3 October 2026, 19:00–21:00 The Waves Vienna Awards Ceremony celebrates outstanding artists, projects and achievements within the festival context. It brings the conference and festival community together for a festive highlight.
Here’s a first look at the Waves Vienna Conference programme for 2026. Applications for the workshops and feedback sessions will open at a later date, and additional events for Saturday will be announced soon.
The Conference location will be the Albert Hall in the 8th district of Vienna, very close to the festival venues. Please see all the locations of the festival in our festival map here.
THURSDAY 1 OCT
Feedback Listening Session 1 @ Albert Gallery, Thursday, 1 October 2026, 10:00–11:00 A focused feedback format for selected artists who want to test their music with experienced industry professionals. Participants receive direct first-impression reactions, practical advice and concrete input on how their songs may work in an international context.
Young Professionals @ The Nest, Thursday, 1 October 2026, 10:00–10:30 A short morning meeting point for emerging music professionals at the beginning of the conference day. The session offers a relaxed setting to connect, get oriented and meet peers before diving into the wider Waves Vienna programme.
How to Make It as an Independent Artist: A Step-by-Step Guide @ Albert Einstein, Thursday, 1 October 2026, 10:30–11:30 This workshop offers practical guidance for artists building their careers outside traditional label structures. From releases and positioning to promotion and long-term planning, the session focuses on tools and strategies independent artists can actually use.
Collecting from Twitch: Music Licensing for Games & Games Media @ Albert Gallery, Thursday, 1 October 2026, 11:15–12:15 As music becomes increasingly present in livestreams, games media and online communities, licensing questions are becoming more complex. This panel looks at how music rights can be managed in relation to Twitch and similar platforms, and what artists, publishers and rightsholders need to know.
Who Gets to Feel Safe at Night? Hosted by VCC @ Albert Hall, Thursday, 1 October 2026, 11:15–12:15 Nightlife and live music spaces are places of freedom, community and expression, but not everyone experiences them in the same way. This panel discusses safety, access and responsibility, asking how the music sector can create environments where more people feel welcome and protected.
Music Across Borders: Collaboration & Networking in Booking hosted by UpBeat @ Albert Einstein, Thursday, 1 October 2026, 12:00–13:00 International booking relies on trust, timing and strong professional relationships. This workshop explores how artists, agents, promoters and festivals can build cross-border networks and create more sustainable touring opportunities.
International Mobility for Creative Arts in Challenging Times hosted by UpBeat @ Albert Gallery, Thursday, 1 October 2026, 12:30–13:15 Artists and cultural professionals continue to face barriers around travel, funding, visas and changing political conditions. This session looks at how international mobility can be maintained and reimagined in a more fragile cultural landscape.
Human Curation in the Age of Algorithms: Why Radio Still Matters @ Albert Hall, Thursday, 1 October 2026, 13:00–14:00 In a world shaped by playlists, platforms and automated recommendations, radio continues to offer context, personality and trust. The panel discusses why human curation still matters for music discovery and how radio can remain relevant in a changing media environment.
Waves First Impression Sessions: Sync Focus @ The Nest, Thursday, 1 October 2026, 13:00–13:30 Artists present short excerpts of their music to sync and music supervision experts and receive direct feedback. The session offers insight into how music may work for film, television, advertising, games and other audiovisual contexts.
Waves Vienna UK Residency with Oskar Haag: A Recap from Vienna to Edinburgh @ Albert Gallery, Thursday, 1 October 2026, 13:30–14:15 This presentation looks back on the Waves Vienna UK Residency and the creative journey of Oskar Haag between Vienna and Edinburgh. It reflects on collaboration, songwriting, exchange and what international residency formats can offer to artists.
The Subscene: How Local Scenes Become a Cross-Regional Network @ Albert Einstein, Thursday, 1 October 2026, 13:45–14:30 Local scenes often begin with small groups, informal spaces and shared energy. This presentation explores how such scenes can grow into wider cross-regional networks, creating new visibility and stronger structures for artists and communities.
Beyond the Numbers: Gender Equality in the Music Industry: What Actually Works? @ Albert Hall, Thursday, 1 October 2026, 14:30–15:30 This panel moves beyond statistics and asks which measures actually create change. Speakers discuss practical approaches to gender equality, from programming and leadership to structural support, accountability and long-term cultural shifts.
Scot(Music)land @ Albert Gallery, Thursday, 1 October 2026, 14:45–15:45 A presentation introducing Scotland’s music landscape, its scenes, institutions and international connections. The session offers insight into how Scottish artists and music organisations work across borders and how the country positions itself internationally.
Small Society, Global Reach: What AKM Can Do for Songwriters and Publishers @ Albert Einstein, Thursday, 1 October 2026, 15:00–15:45 This workshop explains how AKM supports songwriters and publishers in Austria and beyond. It looks at collective rights management, international royalty flows and the practical value of strong representation for music creators.
Waves Vienna 2026 Opening @ Albert Hall, Thursday, 1 October 2026, 16:00–17:30 The official opening of Waves Vienna 2026 brings together artists, delegates, partners and invited guests. It marks the beginning of this year’s festival and conference edition and sets the tone for three days of music, exchange and discovery.
Ukrainian Reception @ Location tbc, Thursday, 1 October 2026, 18:45–19:30 This reception creates space for exchange with Ukrainian music professionals, artists and partners. It offers an informal setting for networking, visibility and solidarity within the international music community.
FRIDAY 2 OCT
Feedback Listening Session 2 @ Albert Gallery, Friday, 2 October 2026, 10:00–11:00 The second feedback listening format gives artists another opportunity to receive direct professional reactions to their music. The focus is on concise, useful feedback that can help participants understand how their work is perceived by industry experts.
Young Professionals @ The Nest, Friday, 2 October 2026, 10:00–10:30 A compact morning format for young and emerging professionals to reconnect, exchange impressions and plan the day ahead. It offers an accessible entry point into the conference programme and encourages peer-to-peer networking.
Your Brand Is Your World: Considering Your Artist Brand @ Albert Einstein, Friday, 2 October 2026, 10:30–11:30 An artist’s brand is more than visuals or social media: it shapes how music is understood, presented and remembered. This workshop helps artists think about identity, storytelling and consistency across platforms, releases and live appearances.
How Music Becomes Part of the Game World @ Albert Hall, Friday, 2 October 2026, 10:45–11:45 Music in games does more than accompany gameplay; it helps build worlds, emotion and immersion. This panel explores how music enters game environments, from creative briefing and composition to licensing, implementation and collaboration with developers.
Waves First Impression Sessions: Production Focus hosted by Qobuz @ The Nest, Friday, 2 October 2026, 11:00–11:30 Hosted by Qobuz, this feedback session focuses on sound quality, arrangement and production. Artists receive direct professional input on how their tracks work sonically and what could strengthen their recordings.
Who Builds the Next Music Ecosystem? From fragmented events to shared infrastructure - hosted by FoMC @ Albert Gallery, Friday, 2 October 2026, 11:30–12:30 The music ecosystem is being reshaped by changing career models, technology, funding pressures, mobility barriers and inequalities between regions. Yet many of the structures supporting artists and professionals still operate separately by event, market or country. This panel will bring together music professionals, conference leaders and policy voices to explore what is changing, what is currently missing and what could be built collectively.
Magic on Screen: Music in Film & Television @ Albert Hall, Friday, 2 October 2026, 12:00–12:45 Music can define the emotional language of film and television, but entering that world requires understanding both creative and industry processes. This talk explores how songs and scores are selected, placed and licensed for screen productions.
Local Roots, Global Sounds: How Cultural Diversity Shapes Music Creation hosted by UpBeat @ Albert Einstein, Friday, 2 October 2026, 12:15–13:00 Cultural diversity influences how music is written, produced, performed and shared. This panel looks at how local identities and international influences can meet in contemporary music creation and open new paths for collaboration.
From Bulgaria to Europe: Regional Identity, Eurovision and New Paths to International Success @ Albert Gallery, Friday, 2 October 2026, 12:45–13:30 This panel looks at Bulgaria’s music scene and its growing international visibility. It explores how regional identity, Eurovision, collaboration and new industry structures can help artists reach audiences beyond their home market.
Connecting Creators hosted by AKM @ Foyer, Friday, 2 October 2026, 13:00–13:45 Hosted by AKM, this networking format brings together songwriters, composers, publishers and music professionals. It offers an informal space to meet, exchange experiences and build new connections around rights, creation and collaboration.
Jaka.fm - Conversations, Music and Support Networks@ Albert Einstein, Friday, 2 October 2026, 13:30–14:00 Jaka.fm is a podcast, studio and platform created by and for female musicians and engineers. Founded by Berlin-based artist, producer and mixing engineer Mirna Stanić aka M. Rider, JAKA brings together intimate conversations, shared experiences and live performances.
Game On: The Art of Music in Video Games @ Albert Hall, Friday, 2 October 2026, 13:30–14:30 Video games offer some of the most dynamic and fast-growing opportunities for music today. This panel explores original scores, sync licensing, trailers, branded partnerships and the creative potential of interactive media.
UK’s Premier Showcase Hubs @ Albert Gallery, Friday, 2 October 2026, 13:45–14:30 This presentation introduces key UK showcase platforms and their role in connecting artists with international industry networks. It offers an overview of different regional scenes, professional opportunities and routes into the UK music landscape.
Age: Does It Matter? Hosted by UpBeat @ Albert Einstein, Friday, 2 October 2026, 14:30–15:15 The music industry often talks about new talent, but age can shape access, expectations and visibility in different ways. This panel asks how careers can develop across life stages and what support structures are needed beyond youth-focused narratives.
Next Gen Sync: How to Enter the World of Music Supervision @ Albert Gallery, Friday, 2 October 2026, 14:45–15:45 This workshop introduces artists and music professionals to the world of sync and music supervision. It offers practical insights into pitching, catalogues, rights, relationships and how music finds its way into film, TV, advertising and games.
Rethink, Rework, Reassemble: The Future of UK–EU Cultural Exchange @ Albert Hall, Friday, 2 October 2026, 15:00–16:15 This panel discusses the future of cultural exchange between the UK and the European Union. It looks at mobility, funding, collaboration and the new realities facing artists and organisations working across borders.
AKM verstehen: Veranstaltungsanmeldung, Lizenzentgelte und ihre Bedeutung für die Musikbranche @ Albert Einstein, Friday, 2 October 2026, 15:15–16:00 This German-language workshop explains event registration, licensing fees and why these processes matter for the music sector. It offers a practical introduction for Veranstalterinnen, Künstlerinnen and other professionals who want to better understand AKM procedures.
Meet the UK Delegates @ Albert Hall, Friday, 2 October 2026, 16:15–17:15 An informal reception offering delegates the chance to meet representatives from the UK music sector. The format is designed for easy networking, introductions and conversations around future collaboration.
German Artist Pitch @ Lucia, Friday, 2 October 2026, 17:45–18:45 This pitch format introduces selected German artists to international delegates and music professionals. It creates a direct opportunity for discovery, exchange and potential new partnerships.
MuFA Come Together @ Loop, Friday, 2 October 2026, 18:30–19:30 The MuFA Come Together offers a relaxed networking moment for music professionals, partners and delegates. It is designed as an informal meeting point to continue conversations from the conference day.
Reception Latvia @ rhiz, Friday, 2 October 2026, 19:00–20:00 This reception highlights Latvian music connections and offers space for exchange with artists, professionals and partners. It provides an informal setting to discover more about Latvia’s music ecosystem and build international links.
SATURDAY 3 OCT
French Artist Pitch @ Speisen ohne Grenzen, Saturday, 3 October 2026, 11:00–12:00 Selected French artists are presented to international industry professionals in a compact pitch format. The session supports discovery, networking and new opportunities for cross-border collaboration.
Austrian Heartbeats @ Lucia, Saturday, 3 October 2026, 13:00–14:00 Austrian Heartbeats offers a spotlight on Austria’s music scene and its international connections. The reception brings together artists, professionals and partners for exchange around local talent and global opportunities.
DeziBellas - international Networking for FLINTA* Music Professionals @ Loop, Saturday, 3 October 2026, 14:00–15:00 Join us for an international networking event for FLINTA* professionals working across the music industry and related creative fields.
Swiss Music Export Mixer @ Wirr Rooftop, Saturday, 3 October 2026, 15:00–16:00 This mixer connects Swiss music professionals and artists with the international Waves Vienna community. It offers an informal setting for meetings, introductions and conversations around Swiss music export.
Waves Vienna Awards Ceremony @ Albert Hall, Saturday, 3 October 2026, 19:00–21:00 The Waves Vienna Awards Ceremony celebrates outstanding artists, projects and achievements within the festival context. It brings the conference and festival community together for a festive highlight.
