With a multitude of topics to squeeze into a single day of Futures Forum, we’re keeping things brief with four 15-minute presentations by innovators, thought leaders and inspiring individuals.
14:00-14:15: How the Latin American market exploded against all odds
The growth of the Latin American market in 2022 drew the attention of the global live music industry: artists pursuing collaborations, agents seeking offers and labels looking for the next Bad Bunny. What the rest of the world doesn’t know is that LatAm achieved unprecedented numbers of ticket sales whilst dealing with severe levels of inflation, devaluation and poverty. So how did these factors co-exist with LatAm’s best year ever and what can other markets learn from the resilience of its industry and fans? Melanie Eselevsky from Move Concerts in Argentina will answer these questions and reflect on the market’s blockbuster year.
14:15-14:30: Ukraine: The role of the live music industry in a warzone
A year on from the beginning of the war on Ukraine, Vladyslav Yaremchuk (UAME, Atlas Festival) will reflect on the challenges, lessons, achievements and emotions of 2022. The Ukrainian exec will discuss how UAME launched non-profit initiative Music Saves UA and how the team utilised their skills and resources to provide humanitarian relief to Ukrainian residents. This session will also see Yaremchuk discuss what’s next for UAME and the Ukrainian music industry and, above all, it will underscore the power of collaboration and music in dire times.
14:30-14:45: The A Team: Promoting Ed Sheeran’s blockbuster UK tour
Kilimanjaro Live’s Steve Tilley discusses promoting the UK’s best-selling tour of 2022: Ed Sheeran’s + – = ÷ x (Mathematics) tour. The long-time Sheeran promoter will delve into the challenges, triumphs, strategies and collaborations behind the 16-date UK stadium tour and how the whole live team helped to make the outing a box office smash during one of the toughest periods of time for the live music industry.
14:45-15:00: The Roadie’s Philosophy: Leading with a Smile
Nicole Massey, the first-ever female recipient of IQ’s The Gaffer Award, will share the secret to her success on the road with stars such as Billie Eilish, Coldplay, Beyoncé, Rod Stewart, Madonna, Prince and Van Halen. Drawing on decades of experience, the renowned roadie will discuss her career path and how the phrase “work hard, be nice” has served as her modus operandi. Here, Eilish’s PM will consider the value of being kind, advise how to cultivate lifelong working relationships and share tips on how to dig deep on long, arduous tours.
