The SMIA Summit is the Scottish Music Industry Association’s annual conference, bringing together artists, professionals, community organisers and policymakers to explore the most urgent issues shaping our sector.
In 2025, the Summit plays a central role in developing the Scottish Music Industry Roadmap (2026–30): a long-term action plan that will guide the future growth, sustainability and resilience of our industry.
The in-person Summit in Glasgow is a curated, invite-only gathering to ensure diverse voices are represented in the room. To make sure the conversation is open and accessible to the wider industry, the SMIA Summit: Digital provides free online access to the full programme, alongside opportunities to take part in live discussions and contribute your perspective.
Through panels, roundtables and shared dialogue, the Summit creates space for bold ideas, collaborative thinking and practical solutions to strengthen Scotland’s music ecosystem.
About the SMIA Summit 2025: Digital
This October, the SMIA Summit Digital brings Scotland’s leading music industry conversations directly to you.
Free for all SMIA members, the digital edition gives artists, freelancers, students and professionals across the country the chance to access the same programme of thought-provoking panels and discussions as the in-person event in Glasgow.
How it works:
- Register once via Zoom to secure your place
- Each afternoon, join the live stream of a Summit panel, filmed in Glasgow and broadcast “as live”
- Following each panel, take part in interactive breakout rooms where you can share perspectives, connect with peers and feed into the development of the Scottish Music Industry Roadmap (2026–30)
Wherever you’re based, the digital Summit provides a way to be part of shaping the future of Scotland’s music industry.
Programme
Across four days, the SMIA Summit: Digital streams each panel “as live”, giving you the chance to watch, reflect and join the conversation through interactive breakout discussions.
Levelling the Stage – Prioritising Skills Development for a Fairer, More Inclusive Music Industry
Monday 6 October 2025 | 4pm-6pm
Scotland’s music industry is full of promise and paradox. This panel explores contradictions at the heart of skills development and asks how we can build a truly inclusive, future-ready workforce.
From Survival to Sustainability – Securing Creative Futures in Scotland’s Music Industry
Tuesday 7 October 2025 | 4pm-6pm
A dive into how technological advancements are reshaping Scotland’s music industry. From AI and sustainable practices to new income streams and inclusivity, this session will highlight the pivotal role of innovation in driving industry development.
Local Sounds, National Strategy – Aligning Place-Based Practice with Sector Development
Wednesday 8 October 2025 | 4pm-6pm
Examining how Scotland can better support rural and grassroots music communities, and how local ecosystems can be championed in national strategy.
Scotland’s Music Industry on the Global Stage – Sharing the Soundtrack and Stories of Our Lives
Thursday 9 October 2025 | 4pm-6pm
Exploring how Scotland can build a music export model that reflects our full diversity and connects our industry with the world.
Free for All SMIA Members
The digital version of the SMIA Summit is free to attend for SMIA members. Membership is also free to join, giving you access to year-round opportunities, events and resources designed to support Scotland’s music industry.