ESNS (Eurosonic Noorderslag) has revealed the first speakers for its 40th annual music conference, taking place January 14–17, 2026 in Groningen. With EUROPE CALLING as its guiding theme, the program spotlights Europe as a whole rather than a single focus country, emphasizing collaboration, cultural exchange, and the shared challenges facing the music industry.
The conference brings together agents, bookers, festivals, clubs, policymakers, media, managers, artists, venues, labels, and publishers to discuss topics such as AI and technology, global influences and private equity, media freedom, artist activism, knowledge transfer between generations, and opportunities for unity and cooperation across Europe.
House of Europe, a central program element, will showcase European music export offices, highlighting local talent, culinary culture, and traditions. Key highlights include:
- IMPALA Executive Chair Helen Smith in a keynote fireside chat, celebrating the organization’s 25th anniversary and its impact on over 6,000 independent European music companies.
- Leading label voices such as Simon Raymonde (Bella Union), Ellie Rumbold (Partisan Records), and Martin Schuhmacher (Nettwerk Music Group) exploring independent label acquisitions and the evolving industry landscape.
- ETE session on freedom of curation and government pressures featuring Roxana Morar (Radio România Cultural), Dusan Kovacevic (EXIT Festival), Michal Kaščák (Pohoda Festival), and Koka Gogokhia (Stockton Records).
- AI and tech discussions with speakers including Marleen Stikker (Waag), Gérôme Vanherf (ikii), Jakob Wedstrøm (Amplitude Ventures), Mansoor Rahimat Kahn (Beethoven.ai), Einar Helde (AIMS), Premysl Koudela (Get Moments), Marine Rivollet (2AM), and Collette Tibbetts (Joker Deck VC).
- A tribute to the legacy of Steve Strange, five years after his passing, with insights from Josh Javor (WME), Jim Morewood (K2tours), and Natalie Ryan Williams (Luger / Way Out West) moderated by Jeps Salfischberger (MOJO Concerts).
- Panels on the role and relevance of music agents with Barnaby Harrod (Mercury Wheels @ Live Nation) and Jan Digneffe (FKP Scorpio Belgium).
- Expanded focus on mental health, social safety, and diversity with workshops led by Joe Hastings (Music Support), Eline van den Audenaere (The Unicorn Mothership), and Becky Wixon (Balance the Mix).
Other confirmed speakers include Joost van Abeelen (MOJO Concerts), Marija Astromskaitė (Plié Music), Ronald de Bas (8Ball Music), Leifur Björnsson (Iceland Music), Esmee Bouwmeister (DGTL), Tineke Codron (Square 1 support), Jaël Gradenwitz (Truus Agency), Brian Hetherman (NXNE Music Conference and Festival), Daan Holthuis (013), Stefanie Joosten, Arjo Klingens (MOJO Concerts), Stanislav Malkikov (Geisha Ninja Samurai & Believe), Lisanne Middag (Crystal Stone Management), Ismail Myrseli (SPICY_SNAIL), Satria Ramadhan (AXEAN Festival), Roger Rutten (The Tribute Agency), Mandy Salem-Aubry (MSA Music Services), Lilian Severin (Pot Music NGO), Noah Smits (Smidswater), and many more.
The ESNS 2026 Conference promises a dynamic exploration of Europe’s music industry, combining insights from veterans, emerging voices, and international experts to inspire collaboration and shape the future of European music.