London, 29th October 2024
Following a sold out inaugural event last year, The Agents x Managers Conference will return to London’s Rich Mix on December 4, 2024.
A one-of-a-kind event organised by independent booking agency Runway, the Agents x Managers Conference aims to foster better agent and manager relationships and build a deeper understanding of the two roles to help grow artist businesses.
The 2024 edition drills down into key topics faced by agents and managers as they navigate the live industry, with a one-day programme of panels alongside time allocated to networking and meetings.
This year will include a review of the current live music landscape from the perspective of key stakeholders; stories from entrepreneurs who have carved their own path through the industry; and a considered appraisal of how artists can navigate the increasing moral and ethical pressures that surround sponsored events while maintaining and communicating their own views.
Meanwhile, mental health charity Tonic will deliver role-specific Peer Group sessions and a Mental Health Lounge with a view to fostering better support networks amongst professionals.
The Peer Group Sessions are bookable 1-hour slots for up to 15 conference attendees, facilitated by a Tonic Music psychotherapist who has significant experience working in the music industry. The session will include an opening question provided to participants beforehand (e.g, ‘How has your working week been?’), to help initiate the conversation between participants. There is no set topic for the session, but discussion will revolve around mental health and the music industry in a safe, confidential and non-judgemental environment.
Meanwhile, an open 1-hour Mental Health Lounge will be available for any conference attendees to talk about their mental health with members of the Tonic Music mental health team. As part of the Mental Health Lounge, bespoke resources will be available for attendees to read and take home.
Confirmed speakers on the wider programme include representatives from LIVE, SoundCloud/Musiio, ATC, Big Life Management, Tonic Music, the Association of Independent Festivals (AIF), The Musicians’ Union, The Library, and many more.
A full programme outline can be found here.
Tickets are available here, set at an affordable price point to encourage emerging professionals, with a further discount available for independent management companies and agencies.
Runway founder Matt Hanner said: “It’s great to be able to bring this event back for a second year. It was a big success in 2023 and we received some really positive feedback. Even though it’s beyond what we would normally do as a booking agency, providing this conference feels like a chance to make a meaningful contribution to the independent sector in particular. We’re looking forward to connecting in person with our peers as the year draws to a close to reflect on the past 12 months. We’ve put together a genuinely unique schedule that is highly tailored to agents and managers big and small, and we encourage new and upcoming professionals in particular to come and get involved.”
About Runway
Runway was launched in 2020 by former ATC Live agent Matt Hanner. The London-based firm was one of the first new agencies to launch in a time of unprecedented upheaval for the live industry against the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic. It represents a number of exciting acts including The Mission, A Certain Ratio, Sleeper, Toyah & Robert, Personal Trainer, Punk Rock Factory, Melin Melyn, Babymorocco, Junior Brother, Cosmo Pyke and many more.
https://www.agentsxmanagers.com
