The highly anticipated countdown to one of Australia’s premier independent music industry events has begun. Indie-Con Australia and A2IM’s Indie Week 2026 promises to be an unmissable gathering for the independent music community. The event will take place from 29–31 July 2026 at Adelaide’s Mercury Cinema and Nexus Arts, marking its 10th edition in the city of Adelaide—Australia’s first and only UNESCO City of Music.
Indie-Con
When: 29 – 31 July 2026
Where: Mercury Cinema and Nexus Arts, Adelaide
Confirmed speakers
Lisa Hresko – A2IM, USA
Ian Harrison – A2IM, USA
Thaddeus Rudd – Mom+Pop, USA
Jason Peterson – GoDigital, USA
Darlene Hall – Create Music Group, USA
Natalie Young – Bright Antenna, USA
Eva Karman Reinhold – SOM, Sweden
Marty Ro – Sound Republica, Korea
Takuya Yamazaki – IMCJ, Japan
Nerea Serrano – Worldwide Independent Network, Spain
Aaron Winning – IMAT, Thailand
Joanie Eaton – Mexican Summer, UK
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This milestone anniversary is shaping up to be a celebration of global innovation, industry collaboration, and the growing influence of independent music worldwide. The Australian Independent Record Labels Association (AIR) has announced Early Bird tickets along with the first wave of international speakers for the highly anticipated conference.
Following a sold-out 2025 event, which saw the successful debut of A2IM’s first-ever Indie Week Australian Edition, this year’s event is set to build on that success. Indie-Con 2026 will continue to offer a comprehensive program of panels, workshops, and networking opportunities for independent labels, artists, managers, distributors, tech leaders, and advocates. With the support of the South Australian Government, Adelaide will once again become a global meeting point for the independent music sector.
The 2025 conference tackled major industry topics, from the impact of artificial intelligence on deal-making to the importance of cultural understanding in global expansion. With a strong focus on key trends such as Glocalisation, back-catalogue value, and navigating the evolving world of touring, the conference provided valuable insights and tools for navigating the complex independent music landscape.
For 2026, the first round of international speakers reflects the depth and diversity of the global independent music community. Among the confirmed speakers are Lisa Hresko and Ian Harrison from A2IM (USA), Thaddeus Rudd from Mom+Pop (USA), Jason Peterson from GoDigital (USA), Darlene Hall from Create Music Group (USA), Natalie Young from Bright Antenna (USA), Eva Karman Reinhold from SOM (Sweden), Marty Ro from Sound Republica (Korea), Takuya Yamazaki from IMCJ (Japan), Nerea Serrano from Worldwide Independent Network (Spain), Aaron Winning from IMAT (Thailand), and Joanie Eaton from Mexican Summer (UK). These experts will provide invaluable insights into the ever-evolving challenges and opportunities in the independent sector, offering a truly global perspective.
With more speakers and detailed program announcements to follow, the 2026 Indie-Con promises to push boundaries, spark fresh discussions, and offer new opportunities to the independent music industry.
Early Bird tickets are now available, with AIR members receiving a significant discount. AIR Member Early Bird tickets are priced at $259 (RRP $349), while non-members can secure their Early Bird tickets for $369 (RRP $449). South Australian-based artists and labels are also eligible for a special discounted price.
Indie-Con Australia & A2IM’s Indie Week 2026 is not just a conference—it’s a celebration of everything that makes independent music thrive. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this global event, where bold ideas, diverse perspectives, and endless possibilities will take centre stage.
To find out if you qualify for AIR membership and to secure your Early Bird tickets, visit the official Indie-Con website here.
