Wide Days Conference Sessions, Trade Delegations and Speakers Announced
Wide Days is set to welcome trade delegations from Canada and Mexico after agreeing its first partnership with the UK’s Department of Business and Trade. The move follows exchanges with both countries in 2022 and marks the event’s continuing focus on creating international collaborations and export opportunities.
It will see a market focus panel on each country with delegates also participating in one-to-one meetings and the full convention, which takes place in Edinburgh from 13-15 April. Moreover, this year’s Festival Takeover includes Quebec event M For Montreal.
The addition to the programme coincides with the latest announcement of the first speakers and conference sessions.
This includes a panel with the leaders of key UK-wide music industry organisations making their first visit to Wide Days to outline their visions for the coming years. Chaired by PPL CEO Peter Leathem OBE, confirmed participants include Annabella Coldrick (Music Managers Forum), Silvia Montello (Association of Independent Music), Jon Collins (LIVE).
Following on from 2022’s two round table sessions connecting music with tourism and gaming professionals, this year’s convention explores how the music sector can more effectively work with government and public bodies. This includes case studies on the recently-introduced Universal Basic Income for artists in Ireland and the role of night-mayors in creating a harmonious balance in cities.
A second strand will focus on the range of areas where science and music coincide, including the areas of technology, sustainability and creativity. Artist Hanna Tuulikki and producer Tommy Perman will talk about their Echoes In The Dark conservation project which incorporates the echolocation frequencies of a variety of bats into a series of tracks used for their bat raves. Moreover, neuroscientist and songwriter Tommy Ashby is the first guest to be confirmed for the scientific musicians panel, exploring how the two fields complement each other.
As in previous years Wide Days will feature an introduction to PPL session, as well the A&R You Brave Enough? panel where artists are invited to submit tracks for feedback from the media and music professionals. Moreover, Claire Cordeaux, CEO of the event’s charity partner, the British Association for Performing Arts Medicine, will be hosting a session on performance anxiety.
Olaf Furniss, Wide Days founder, says: “We are really excited to begin 2023 with such a variety of topics and we guarantee that there are many more exciting sessions to come,” says Wide Days founder. “We are also looking forward to welcoming the leaders of so many UK organisations to connect with their Scottish industry and hosting delegations from Mexico and Canada.”
Peter Leathem OBE, says: "I am delighted to attend the Wide Days conference this year and to chair a discussion with fellow leaders of key UK music organisations. Music drives economic value but also has social and emotional importance, so it is more important than ever that we take the necessary steps to protect, strengthen and grow the industry."
Wide Days 2023 Speakers: https://www.widedays.com/speakers
Wide Days 2023 Programme: https://www.widedays.com/2023-conference