Brighton Music Conference 2026
AFEM returns to Brighton Music Conference from Wednesday 20 to Friday 22 May 2026, with a full programme spanning four panels, the Welcome Mixer, a Members Dinner, and the return of Meet the Experts.
BMC 2026 brings the UK electronic music industry together for three days of conversation, programming and connection. AFEM’s contribution centres on the conversations that matter to members right now: publishing structures for artists and managers, the psychology of working in this industry, the technical and creative shift toward immersive audio, and the regional growth question facing the UK club scene. The programme runs across Tempest, Quarters, Players, Carousels and Lazy Fin.
Wednesday 20 May
Welcome Party Networking Mixer | 19:00 to 01:00, Tempest. Free entry with a complimentary drink on arrival. DJ sets from Banxi, Chad Jackson, Janika Tenn, Pete Bones and Ralf Kollmann (Mobilee).
Thursday 21 May
AFEM’s Guide to Publishing Deals for Artists and Managers | 10:00 to 11:00, Quarters. Moderated by Mandy Salem-Aubry (MSA Music Services), with Charlotte De Vega (Material Music), Shamus Damani (Defected) and Vicky Taylor (Truelove Music Publishing). A practical session on how publishing deals actually work for working artists and their managers.
AFEM Presents: Imposter Syndrome in the Music Industry | 13:00 to 14:00, Tempest. With Emma Cordell (Downtown), Ines Martinez (Four Venues) and Lewis Sinclair (Cygnus), moderated by Finlay Johnson (AFEM). An honest conversation about the doubt that follows DJs, producers, managers, label executives and founders through long careers.
AFEM Presents: Immersive Audio with Dolby and Mobilee (Workshop) | 14:00 to 15:00, Players. With Andrea Borgato (Dolby), Myles Clarke (Dolby) and Ralf Kollmann (Mobilee), moderated by Finlay Johnson (AFEM). A hands-on look at where Dolby Atmos and immersive sit in electronic music production today, and what artists and labels need to know to work with the format.
AFEM Members Dinner | evening, members only. RSVP via your AFEM member communications.
Friday 22 May
Supercharging Electronic Scenes: Supporting Growing Regions Across the UK | 10:00 to 11:00, Carousels. Moderated by Duncan King (Skiddle), with Ben Price (PRS Foundation), Finlay Johnson (AFEM), Laurie Oliva (Help Musicians) and Hannah Deeble (Arts Council). A look at how electronic music scenes outside London are being built, funded and sustained.
AFEM x BMC: Meet the Experts | 14:00 to 15:00, Lazy Fin. Ten industry leaders, forty 15-minute one-to-one sessions, booked in advance. Open to all BMC attendees.
The Meet the Experts line-up:
- Trina Smith, Music & Sync Strategy Consultant (Sourcery Collective)
- Inés Martinez Llinas, Head of Events (FourVenues & FBD)
- Vicky Taylor, Head of Creative & Licensing (Truelove Music)
- Ashley Howard, Relationship Manager (PRS for Music)
- Rhys Baker, Label Manager (Tru Thoughts)
- Bobby Lambkin-Williams, Music Industry Accountant
- Sean Keenan, Founder (Soundboard Music Consulting)
- Richard Morris, COO (Syncvault)
- Silvia Montello, Senior Music Industry Executive and Consultant
- Ralf Kollmann, Co-Founder (Mobilee)
Book a Meet the Experts slot
Each expert holds four 15-minute sessions, so pick the most relevant to your work and book early. Places are limited.
RSVP: https://form.jotform.com/261262077919362
AFEM members get a discounted BMC 2026 pass. Check your member communications for the code.