MUSIC NEWS: Indie-Con Australia & A2IM’s Indie Week Australian Edition 2026
Early Bird Tickets and First International Speakers Revealed for Indie-Con Australia & A2IM’s Indie Week Australian Edition 2026
The countdown to one of Australia’s biggest independent music industry gatherings has officially begun. The Australian Independent Record Labels Association (AIR) today announces Early Bird tickets and the first wave of international speakers for its Indie-Con Australia Conference and A2IM’s Indie Week Australian Edition, taking place 29–31 July 2026 at Mercury Cinema and Nexus Arts in Adelaide.
Celebrating the milestone of its 10th event, Indie-Con returns to Australia’s first and only UNESCO City of Music, supported by the South Australian Government. Over three days, Adelaide will become a global meeting point for independent labels, artists, managers, distributors, tech leaders and music advocates from across the world.
The announcement follows a sold-out 2025 conference, during which AIR hosted A2IM’s first-ever Indie Week Australian Edition as part of Indie-Con Australia. The three-day program welcomed delegates and speakers from across Australia and around the world, including the USA, Japan, the Philippines, Korea, Europe and New Zealand. Across panels, workshops and conversations, the 2025 conference tackled some of the most pressing issues facing the independent sector.
Global growth beyond traditional markets, highlighting the importance of cultural understanding, local partnerships and long-term international strategy with topics including deal-making in the age of AI, the rising value of back catalog, why radio caps must go, Glocalisation, insights into the New Zealand market, and the ever-changing world of touring, data for decision-making and more.
The first international speaker announcement for 2026 showcases the global depth, innovation, and diversity of the independent music sector, with many more speakers to be revealed in the coming months.
Confirmed speakers include:
Lisa Hresko - A2IM, USA
Ian Harrison - A2IM, USA
Thaddeus Rudd - Mom+Pop, USA
Jason Peterson - GoDigital, USA
Darlene Hall - Create Music Group, USA
Natalie Young - Bright Antenna, USA
Eva Karman Reinhold - SOM, Sweden
Marty Ro - Sound Republica, KOR
Takuya Yamazaki - IMCJ, JPN
Nerea Serrano - Worldwide Independent Network, Spain
Aaron Winning - IMAT, Thailand
Joanie Eaton - Mexican Summer, UK
More speakers and program details will be announced soon.
AIR Member Early Bird ticket price $259 (RRP $349)
Members will receive a link to purchase their tickets at discounted prices
Find out if you qualify for AIR membership HERE
Non-Members can purchase Early Bird tickets $369 (RRP $449) HERE.
SA-based artists and labels also receive a special discounted price. Contact membership@air.org.au for more information.
Early bird tickets close on 31st May 2026. Secure yours now to avoid disappointment.
Hotel Partner
We are proud to announce that Sofitel Adelaide is our preferred hotel partner. Perched above Adelaide's skyline, Sofitel exudes French elegance and vintage charm as the city's latest luxury hotel. Boasting 251 guest rooms over 24 floors, it merges old-world details with modern aesthetics. Experience opulent French colonial design and stunning city, coast, and Adelaide Hills views, and indulge in curated textiles, amenities, and colours for ultimate comfort. Delight in French-inspired gastronomy with an Australian flair at Garçon Bleu, while Déjà Vu, the Champagne bar, offers luxurious street-level encounters. Centrally located, Sofitel provides easy access to Adelaide's business district, top attractions, cultural gems, and renowned events for a lavish, immersive stay.
A limited number of rooms are available at discounted prices by booking HERE
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