ILMC Futures Forum was launched in 2019 to provide a meeting place for the next generation of live music industry leaders, where they could exchange ideas about the evolution of the business.
The one-day discussion and networking event is held in London each spring, on the final day of the International Live Music Conference (ILMC) – the leading annual gathering of professionals involved in the global live entertainment industries.
Each year, we’ve welcomed 500+ delegates of all ages and experiences from sectors such as promoting, agency, ticketing, festivals, venues and more to discuss the evolution of the business.
Leaving traditional conference formats behind, the Futures Forum event offers TED Talk-style presentations with thought leaders, immersive workshops, peer-to-peer networking, mentor sessions and keynote interviews with world-renowned artists and professionals.
To ensure topics and content at Futures Forum are as relevant as possible, the agenda is steered by our Futures Forum Council.
Highlights from the past couple of years include unforgettable keynote interviews with Dua Lipa and her father Dugi in 2019, Team Mumford & Sons (Lucy Dickins, Ben Lovett and Adam Tudhope) in 2020, Wasserman Music’s Marty Diamond (Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, Janelle Monáe and more) in 2023, and Team Kilimanjaro Live (Stuart Galbraith, San Phillips and Alan Day) in 2024.
The most recent edition of Futures Forum took place on 28 February 2025 at ILMC’s home, the five-star Royal Lancaster Hotel in central London.
The flagship event is supported by year-round content on the Futures Forum website and in the monthly newsletter, highlighting the work and movements of the younger generation.
For exclusive interviews, essential news from within the community and invitations to must-attend events, subscribe to the Futures Forum newsletter.