Image courtesy of AIR
Australia’s independent music sector is gearing up for one of its most significant annual gatherings. Australian Independent Record Labels Association (AIR) has opened Early Bird registrations and unveiled the first international speakers for the 2026 edition of Indie-Con Australia, alongside A2IM’s Indie Week Australian Edition. The conference will run July 29–31 at Mercury Cinema and Nexus Arts in Adelaide.
Now celebrating its 10th installment, the event returns to Adelaide, officially recognized as Australia’s only UNESCO City of Music, with backing from the South Australian Government. Over three days, the city will once again serve as an intersection for independent label executives, artists, managers, distributors, tech entrepreneurs, and policy advocates from across the globe.
Momentum is high following last year’s sold-out conference, which incorporated the first Australian edition of A2IM’s Indie Week. The 2025 program brought together delegates from North America, Europe, Asia, and across Australia to examine the rapidly shifting dynamics of the indie business, from navigating artificial intelligence in dealmaking to maximizing catalog value, rethinking radio restrictions, expanding into emerging territories, and refining data-driven strategies.
The initial 2026 speaker reveal reaffirms the event’s international reach. Confirmed guests include Lisa Hresko and Ian Harrison of A2IM (USA), Thaddeus Rudd of Mom+Pop, Jason Peterson of GoDigital Media Group, Darlene Hall of Create Music Group, Natalie Young of Bright Antenna Records, Eva Karman Reinhold of SOM, Marty Ro of Sound Republica, Takuya Yamazaki of IMCJ, Nerea Serrano of Worldwide Independent Network, Aaron Winning of IMAT, and Joanie Eaton of Mexican Summer. Additional speakers and program details are expected in the months ahead.
Discounted registration is now available, with reduced rates for AIR members and South Australia–based artists and labels. Early Bird pricing closes May 31, 2026.
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