Location: Bayview Yards - 7 Bayview Station Road, Ottawa
Whether you're a budding artist, a seasoned touring musician, or somewhere in between, take your career to the next level with a full day of professional development at Bayview Yards. This event offers creatives and music entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to sharpen their skills by attending more than 10 professional development activities including panel discussions, presentations, keynotes, roundtables, fireside chats and workshops. Activities will be held in two rooms and organized into three learning categories: “Developing 101,” “Emerging to Export aka 201” and “For Everyone.” Network with peers, engage with industry experts and funders and discover new resources at the Exhibitors’ Market. This is a space for you to ask questions, share ideas, connect and collaborate!
If the cost of attendance is a barrier, scholarships are available. Please contact assistant@ottawamic.com for more information.
Looking for a memorable experience? Keep the energy going by attending the CRANIUM showcase at the National Arts Centre from 8:00 PM onwards.
SOUND x SUMMIT CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
9:00 AM - 9:45 AM (Foundry, 1st Floor) Networking Breakfast
Refreshments provided by Farm Boy
9:45 AM - 10:00 AM (Foundry, 1st Floor) Introduction & Welcome
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (Foundry, 1st Floor) Soundcheck: A National Perspective on Music Industry Mental Health in Canada
Presenter: Catherine Harrison, Revelios [Mental Health Works]
Type: Keynote Presentation
Audience: All
A powerful look at the current state of mental health across Canada’s music industry. Presented by lead researcher Catherine Harrison, President of Revelios [Mental Health Works], this keynote reveals key insights, alarming trends, and opportunities to open dialogue and foster a healthier, more sustainable music workforce
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM (Training Room, 2nd Floor) Creating Deal Terms 101 - Agreement and Contract Tips from an Entertainment Lawyer
Presenter: Byron Pascoe (Edwards Creative Law)
Type: Presentation
Audience: Developing/101
Music lawyer Byron Pascoe will walk you through the process of discussing, negotiating, communicating and finalizing music business deal terms, including producing, composing, and distributing music and managing artists.
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Foundry, 1st Floor) Finding Your Audience - Marketing in the Modern Music Industry
Moderator: Annalie Bonda
Speakers: Mick Janzen (Janzen Boys), Nathan "Thrilla" Gravel (CapitalCityHipHop), Chelsea June & Jaaji (Twin Flames)
Type: Panel
Audience: All
Join us for an insightful panel discussion with dynamic artist-entrepreneur voices from the national music scene who will share their experiences and strategies on how to connect with the right audience in today's evolving music marketing landscape. Whether you're building your fans from scratch or looking to expand your reach, this session offers real-world insights into promotion, social media tips, ad tools, audience engagement and more.
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM (Training Room, 2nd Floor) Rencontre Francophone for the Franco-Curious
Speakers: Anne Gutnecht (MIFO), Sophie Moreau-Parent (APCM), Pierre B. Gourde (Métamusique), Natalie Bernardin (Amixie, Unique FM) José Bertrand (Festival Franco Ontarien, Groupe JKB), Davy Gallant (Réalisateur à Studio Le Pond), Anique Granger (Auteure-compositrice-réalistrice) & more!
Type: Roundtable
Audience: All
Tu es un·e artiste ou réalisateur bilingue qui crée surtout en anglais, mais tu songes à explorer le français? Cette rencontre est pour toi! Viens échanger avec des professionnel·le·s de l’industrie musicale francophone : réalisateurs, festivals, organismes de soutien, et plus encore. Un moment relax, authentique et riche en découvertes — parfait pour poser tes questions, t’inspirer, apprendre… et peut-être même initier des collaborations futures.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM (Foundry, 1st Floor) Building Your Team: A Case Study
Moderator: Margaret McGuffin (CEO, Music Publishers Canada)
Speakers: Mia Kelly, Sarah Porter
Type: Fireside Chat
Audience: All
Over the last 6 years, Mia Kelly has released one EP and two full length albums and has toured all across Canada, and internationally. In 2024 she was awarded Young Performer of the Year and Emerging Artist of the Year a the Canadian Folk Music Awards. Mia and her manager Sarah Porter also have also worked together over the last few years to build out a business team including a publicist, lawyer, music publisher and distributor. Mia and Sarah will join Margaret McGuffin (CEO of Music Publishers Canada) to discuss this journey and what they have learned about the business of music.
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Networking Lunch (Foundry, 1st Floor) with DJ Jay Function
Hot lunch provided by Nando's
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM (Foundry, 1st Floor) Stories from the Studio - Setting Yourself Up for Publishing, Co-Writing, and Song Camps
Moderator: Margaret McGuffin (CEO, Music Publishers Canada)
Speakers: Steve Foley (Owner/Operator, Audio Valley), Vincent DeGiorgio (CEO, Cymba Music Publishing), Taraneh Krispil (Naduh)
Type: Panel
Audience: Emerging/Advanced
Now more than ever Canadian non-performing songwriters and producers are landing high profile cuts around the world. Who organizes song camps and co-writes? How do producers and songwriters prepare for these sessions? What is the role of their music publisher and studio staff? Learn how to how to put your best foot forward as a creative collaborator in the songwriting world.
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM (Training Room, 2nd Floor) Songwriting 101 - Double Experience vs AI: Who Will Win?
Presenter: Double Experience
Type: Workshop
Audience: Developing/101
Double Experience are taking a break from touring the world to battle with neural networks... and they need YOUR help to write a masterpiece. Dive into a collaborative multi-genre group writing session and leave with tips, tricks, and techniques from an independent rock band whose songs garners millions of streams.
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM (Foundry, 1st Floor) Metadata & Sync Workshop
Presenter: Michelle Allman-Esdaille (The HOOK Sync Group)
Type: Workshop
Audience: Emerging/Advanced
This interactive workshop will explore the essential role metadata plays in sync licensing—from song delivery to PRO registration and pitching. Learn how getting your data right can make or break your chances of landing a placement.
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM (Training Room, 2nd floor) Music Business Planning 101 - Make Your Own Music Business Plan
Presenters: Brock Tinsley and Ian Nichols
Type: Workshop
Audience: Developing/101
Ian Nichols and Brock Tinsley provide actionable strategies to help artists turn their passion into a sustainable career. Learn how to monetize your talent and navigate the business side of the arts with confidence, and leave this presentation with a blueprint you can immediately apply to your chosen career in the arts.
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM (Foundry, 1st floor) Listen Up! What Immigrant Musicians Want You To Know
Keynote presenters: Matìas Recharte, Ivàn Escobar (Kune Music Hub)
Speakers: Clau Balladelli (Axé WorldFest), Edra Silva, Dumis9ne I
Type: Presentation and Fireside Chat
Audience: All
KUNE’s mission focuses on fostering dignified, sustainable, and meaningful careers for immigrant musicians arriving in Canada. In 2024 KUNE conducted a participatory research project aimed at gathering knowledge, sharing diverse perspectives and envisioning collective solutions to the challenges of the community. In this workshop, we will share with participants why we conducted this research, what the process taught us about advocacy and collective power and what concrete actions we are taking resulting from what we learned.
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM (Training Room, 2nd floor) Focus Group: Caregivers in the Music Industry
Moderator: Margaret McGuffin (CEO, Music Publishers Canada)
Type: Focus Group
Audience: Caregivers, parents, arts workers, leaders
Music Publishers Canada and Women in Music are undertaking a needs assessment to explore and identify the specific requirements of the music community related to the demands of caregiving. Your participation in this focus group will help us get a better understanding of what new supports or programs would benefit caregivers so that you can succeed in your music careers and as a caregiver. We invite those who have caregiver responsibilities and who work in the music sector in Canada as well as those who have exited their music careers due to caregiving demands. We define ‘caregivers’ as individuals who care for children, aging adults or those in need of personal or primary care.
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM (Foundry, 1st Floor) Networking Mixer with DJ Jay Function
Refreshments provided by Farm Boy
Ticketing Notes:
A single ticket grants you access to all sessions, activities and the Exhibitors’ Market throughout the day. Lunch and snacks will be provided. Half-day tickets are unfortunately not available at this time.
*Please note that there will be downtown street closures on the mornings of Saturday, May 24th so give yourself extra travel time if needed. For more information, please consult this Tamarack Race Weekend street closure map.
Why You’ll Want to Be There:
- Free food!
- Launch your career forward with a full day of professional development
- Gain innovative insights and sharpen your skills with hands-on workshops and panel discussions.
- Connect directly with industry experts, funders and music organizations.
- Expand your network with fellow creatives and music entrepreneurs.
This event is supported by: Ontario Creates, FACTOR, Invest Ottawa, Music Publishers Canada, Women in Music Canada, the City of Ottawa, Farm Boy, and Nando's.
Lieu : Bayview Yards - 7, chemin Bayview Station, Ottawa
Que vous soyez un artiste émergent, en tournée ou en développement, faites progresser votre carrière grâce à cette journée complète de développement professionnel aux Bayview Yards. Cet événement offre aux créatifs et aux entrepreneurs musicaux une occasion unique de perfectionner leurs compétences en participant à plus de 10 activités de développement professionnel, comprenant des panels de discussion, des présentations, des conférences, des tables rondes, des discussions informelles et des ateliers. Les activités se dérouleront dans deux salles et seront organisées en trois catégories d'apprentissage : « Développement 101 », « Émergence à l'exportation » et « Pour tous ». Réseautez avec vos pairs, échangez avec des experts de l'industrie et des bailleurs de fonds et découvrez de nouvelles ressources au Marché des exposants. C'est un espace où vous pouvez poser des questions, partager des idées, vous connecter et collaborer!
Si le coût de participation représente un obstacle, des bourses sont disponibles. Veuillez communiquer avec assistant@ottawamic.com pour en savoir plus.
Vous cherchez une expérience mémorable? Prolongez l'énergie en assistant au spectacle CRANIUM au Centre national des Arts à partir de 20 h. Billets et informations disponibles à cxmw.ca.
Notes de la billetterie :
Un seul billet vous donne accès à toutes les sessions, activités et au Marché des exposants tout au long de la journée. Le déjeuner et des collations seront fournis. Les billets pour une demi-journée ne sont malheureusement pas disponibles pour le moment.
*Veuillez notez qu’il y aura des fermetures de rues au centre-ville les matins du samedi 24 mai alors donnez-vous plein de temps pour voyager. Pour plus d’informations, veuillez consulter la carte des fermetures du Tamarack Race Weekend.
Pourquoi vous voudrez y être :
- Nourriture gratuite!
- Obtenez des connaissances innovantes et perfectionnez vos compétences grâce à des ateliers pratiques et des panels de discussion.
- Échangez directement avec des experts de l'industrie, des bailleurs de fonds et des organisations musicales.
- Élargissez votre réseau avec d'autres créatifs et entrepreneurs musicaux.
Cet événement à l’appui de : Ontario Créatif, FACTOR, Invest Ottawa, Music Publishers Canada, Women in Music Canada, la Ville d'Ottawa, Farm Boy et Nando's.
