Billboard, in partnership with AEG Presents and Live Nation, has announced the second round of industry leaders participating in this year’s Billboard Live Music Summit and Awards, taking place on Thursday, Nov. 14 in Los Angeles. Bringing together the brightest stars and leaders in music, the day will be an unparalleled celebration of creativity and achievement in the live space through exclusive panels and conversations.
The second-round lineup includes:
Inside Global Touring Today: A Conversation with Arthur Fogel & Bobby Campbell: Join Live Nation’s Arthur Fogel as he sits down with artist manager Bobby Campbell to explore the evolution of global touring. From the growing demand for live experiences to advancements in large-scale production, Fogel and Campbell will share insights into how the industry continues to push boundaries and create unforgettable moments for fans around the world.
Trends In Ticketing: The Latest In Innovation and Tools: Sponsored by AXS, this panel will take a deep dive into how artists and their managers are improving the live experience at the point of purchase. Moderated by Greg Schmale from AXS, this panel will include Amanda Gray from Goldenvoice, Katie Nowak from TBA Agency, Thomas Cussins of Ineffable Music and Fielding Logan from Q Prime.
The Life And Times of Disco Donnie: Veteran dance and EDM promoter James “Disco Donnie” Estopinal sits with Billboard Live Senior Director Dave Brooks to talk about his long career in live music and the future of the fan and artist relationship.
Previously announced talent and industry leaders include:
Multi-platinum singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo will be a part of the Superstar Q&A and will receive Billboard’s editorially selected Touring Artist of the Year award.
Louis Messina will be honored with the prestigious Touring Titan Award and recognized as the Executive of the Year in honor of his work producing Taylor Swift’s record-breaking Eras Tour, as well as tours for Eric Church, George Strait, Kenny Chesney and many more top grossing artists. Following the award presentation, he will sit with Billboard’s Melinda Newman for The Power Players Conversation. Together, they will delve into Messina’s remarkable career, covering his time with Pace Concerts, his work with artists like Tim McGraw, Ed Sheeran and Shawn Mendes, as well as his plans to build the next generation of touring superstars. This fast-paced, insiders-only conversation will offer attendees a rare glimpse into the business mindset of the 21st century’s most successful concert promoter and showman.
John Summit and his longtime manager Holt Harmon will take part in an exclusive conversation, Inside the Rise of John Summit. Moderated by Billboard’s Katie Bain, the duo will discuss Summit’s explosive rise and the strategy behind it, exploring how the producer went from playing small bars and clubs to becoming one of the leading artists in the global dance scene. They’ll share insights into the creative process behind Summit’s chart-topping hits, the evolving relationship between artists and audiences and the challenges and opportunities DJ’s face in an ever-changing market.
A powerhouse lineup of agents are set to share their insights and expertise during the Agents Power Panel: A New Era of Uncertainty, moderated by Billboard’s Jason Lipshutz, and featuring industry heavyweights like Avery McTaggart of TBA Agency, Brent Smith from Wasserman, David Zedeck of UTA, Jarred Arfa from IAG, as well as Kirk Sommer from WME and Rick Roskin representing CAA. This panel is sponsored by Allegiant Stadium and a must-attend session for anyone involved in talent booking. The Agency Power panel will cover all things related to artist development and representation with a focus on building superstar talent for a growing global audience.
L-Acoustics, the leader in professional audio technologies, is sponsoring the The Immersive Experience: The Future of Sound, Visual and Interactive Programming at Festivals panel. A distinguished group of executives will take center stage to discuss how innovations in sound, video and immersive media are transforming the festival experience. Moderated by Amber Mundinger (L-Acoustics Global Director of Artistic Engagement), the panel features Dave Rat, President of Rat Sound Systems, Polygon’s David Lopez de Arenosa, and WME’s Josh Kurfirst. They will explore the critical role of sound design and technology, including deploying large-scale spatial audio, immersive sound and projection mapping. From deep diving into Electric Forest’s sellout success to new initiatives for developing artists, the Festivals of the Future panel will serve as a roadmap for the next generation of experienced creators.
The Live Music Awards, which will honor touring acts as well as some of the visionary executives behind them, are based on a number of criteria ranging from revenue to tour demand, production, technical ambition, fan engagement, momentum and cultural impact.
Programmed by Brooks, who has worked at Billboard since 2017, the Billboard Live Music Summit and Awards will bring an unforgettable experience, spotlighting some of the biggest names in music and emerging artists who are shaping the future of the industry. The event will feature a series of keynote panels as well as the Billboard Live Music Awards, honoring artists and industry professionals who have made significant contributions to the world of live music.
In addition to exclusive panels and conversations with the brightest stars and industry leaders, the summit will feature insightful panels with leading figures from AEG Presents and Live Nation, exploring trends, challenges, and innovations in the live music sector. The summit aims to foster dialogue and inspire future developments in the industry.
Additional information will be distributed in the coming weeks. For more information on this year’s Billboard Live Music Summit and Awards, visit billboardlivemusicsummit.com.