The Conference Centre brings together keynotes and panel discussions focused on the future of Scotland’s music industry.
Speakers from across the industry and beyond will consider some of the key challenges facing the sector, what needs to change and where Scotland could do things differently.
Full programme and speakers will be announced soon.
Conference Centre Programme:
From Discovery to Demand – Building Audiences for Scottish Music Panel
Discovery is the lifeblood of music, but the routes connecting artists and audiences are being transformed. Global platforms and algorithms increasingly shape what people hear, while broadcasting, journalism, venues, festivals, education and local scenes remain vital but face growing pressure.
How can Scottish music cut through, reach new people and build relationships that last? This panel will explore what is changing in audience behaviour, why affordability, geography, transport, accessibility and representation still determine who gets to participate, and how the industry can develop younger and more diverse audiences.
From first encounter to lifelong connection, what will it take to turn discovery into meaningful demand for Scottish music?
Speakers to be announced soon.
Beyond Codes of Conduct – Safety, Power and Accountability in Scotland’s Music Industry Panel
Recent research into experiences of sexual violence and harassment in Scottish folk music has brought important questions about safety, power, professional conduct and accountability into sharper focus.
These issues have implications across the wider music industry, particularly within freelance, informal and close-knit working environments where responsibilities and routes to support may not always be clear.
Connecting with the Roadmap’s ambitions for fairer and more sustainable music careers, this panel will consider how Scotland can create safer and more supportive conditions for people to participate, work and progress in music.
It will explore where responsibility sits, how organisations and institutions can move beyond policy commitments towards meaningful practice, and what collective action could help strengthen standards across the industry.
Speakers to be announced soon.
When a Region’s a Nation – Scotland in a UK-wide Music Industry Panel
Scotland is a nation with its own cultural policy, public institutions and funding environment. Yet within the UK music industry, it can still be treated as one region among many.
That tension matters, as decisions affecting Scottish artists, workers and businesses are made across both Scottish and UK-wide systems, and the two do not always connect effectively.
So what does meaningful UK-wide representation of Scotland actually require?
Bringing national trade bodies together with Scotland-based industry voices, this panel will ask when common UK approaches work, where Scotland needs something different and whether its distinct priorities, evidence and opportunities are being properly understood.
Who should adapt, where does responsibility sit and what needs to change to ensure Scotland is not operating at the edge of a system largely designed elsewhere?
Speakers to be announced soon.
Part of The SMIA Summit 2026
The Conference Centre runs alongside the Training Centre, offering attendees two different ways to take part in The SMIA Summit 2026.
While the Conference Centre focuses on wider industry issues, the Training Centre provides practical sessions covering organisational foundations, financial resilience and measuring and communicating impact.
Attendees will also receive tools and resources they can continue using in their own work.
Register for the SMIA Summit 2026
The SMIA Summit 2026 is free for SMIA members, with places available on a first come, first served basis.
Not a member yet? SMIA membership is free and open to anyone working in Scotland’s music industry.
We welcome people from across Scotland’s music industry, and organisations are encouraged to bring their teams so more people can take part in the conversations and training throughout the day.
Accessibility
If you have any accessibility requirements or would like to discuss how we can support your attendance at The SMIA Summit 2026, please contact info@smia.org.uk.
The venue access guide can be found here.
You can also access our SMIA Code of Conduct here.