The Waves Festival Conference is part of the Music Festival and offers lectures, panels and workshops. The subject-specific program is dedicated to the over-theme “East Meets West”, which will be the basis and inspiration for a long-term, pan-European cooperation.

Due to Corona, the conference will only be accessible to a limited number of visitors. To attend the conference directly in Vienna, you need a Music Conference Registration.

The conference is also broadcasted online and can be accessed with the Conference Streaming Ticket.

Confirmed conference speakers include representatives of the European Commission, Live DMA, BPI, IMMF, Bandcamp and Sound Diplomacy. Festivals like The Great Escape Festival, Focus Wales, Primavera Sound, Atlas Weekend, Ment Festival and Wide Days will also take part in various panel discussions and meeting sessions.

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THU 10.SEP.2020

11.00-11.45 Meet the Ukraine (Speed Meeting)
Closed meeting for selected applicants only.

12.00-13.00 The Future of the European Music Eco System hosted by EMEE
The COVID-19 crisis has a huge impact on the music eco system, that will certainly need a lot of support and smart ideas. EMEE, the European network of music export offices, invited representatives of the European Commission and the most active music networks to hear about their evaluations, ideas and initiatives.

13.15-14.00 Music Cities hosted by Vienna Club Commission
Every city has a music scene. Each music scene defines a city. In the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, Sound Diplomacy has developed a 9-point plan on how cities can strengthen this aspect. Setting focus on Vienna we will discuss about how music creates better cities and urban development for all of us.

14.15-15.00 Closed Music Cities Workshop hosted by Vienna Club Commission
Closed workshop for invited applicants only.

15.30-16.15 Feedback Listening Session
International professionals give constructive feedback on up-and-coming acts with international potential.

18.00-18.30 MUSEXPO Presentation
Presentation of the annual international music and media conference that takes place in Hollywood, CA.

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FRI 11.SEP.2020

12.00-13.00 Focus Country Ukraine
Each year true to the motto of the festival “East meets West” Waves invites two focus countries for the festival and the conference. Find out more about the rich and lively Ukrainian music scene. Networking opportunity with key players of the Ukrainian music market, facts & figures, country presentation

13.15-14.15 Fair Streaming? hosted by VTMÖ

• Streaming a 2 min. 30 sec. track is generating the same amount as an epic 20 min. suite.
• A “family account” enables up to 6 persons to stream “as they wish” for an only 50% higher monthly rate than an individual is paying.
• A fake user account that streams 24/7 can create an income of app. € 45,- per month whilst the subscription fee only is € 9,99 – a nice business model for criminal minds.

Questions to be discussed at this panel:

• How fair is the current “pro rata” accounting model?
• Would “user centic” make a difference?
• How can streaming services improve fairness of revenue distribution?

13.30-14.30 Focus Country UK
Each year true to the motto of the festival “East meets West” Waves invites two focus countries for the festival and the conference. Find out more about the rich and lively UK music scene. Networking opportunity with key players of the UK music market, facts & figures, country presentation

15.00-15.45 Bandcamp Webinar
Aly Gillani, Bandcamp’s European Label and Artist Rep will take lead this webinar, taking participants through the key principles behind a successful (and money-making!) presence on Bandcamp

15.00-15.45 Brexit Workshop
In February 2020, Brexit became a reality and since then, the music industry has been discussing its impact on live music and performance opportunities in the UK. A lack of information and many misunderstandings about visa requirements and work permits as well as ever changing regulations have a profound impact on current and future plans of artists, booking agencies and promoters alike. This workshop wants to inform artists seeking work in the UK about current developments and answer questions about visas, carnets, tax issues and travel regulations.

16.30-17.15 Earning Money in Times of Crisis
Musicians, managers and labels discuss their ways of dealing constructively with the difficult situation, opening up new opportunities.

16.30-17.15 Meet the Festivals (Speed Meeting)
Closed meeting for selected applicants only.

Waves Festival Conference presented by