Make It Music 2026

Canada’s Independent Music Industry Conference

MAKE IT MUSIC STARTS IN

Days

Hours

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LIZ PELLYKEYNOTE SPEAKER

National best-selling author of MOOD MACHINE: The Rise of Spotify and the Costs of the Perfect Playlist

NEW RULES. NEW MODELS. NEW OPPORTUNITIES

The music business is being rebuilt. Power is shifting. AI is changing the economics of music. Independents are challenging traditional models. Fans are becoming stakeholders. New avenues for monetization are emerging.

Are you ready? Join us for two days of candid conversations, alternative thinking and practical strategies as we explore the ideas, platforms, partnerships and business models transforming the music business. From the evolution of streaming and AI to international growth, next-gen leadership, fandom, music IP and innovative partnerships, we’ll unpack the forces reshaping our industry and the opportunities emerging for independents.

Hear from the people rewriting the rules, challenging traditional models and expanding what’s possible at MAKE IT MUSIC 2026.

UNDERSTAND THE FORCES RESHAPING THE INDUSTRY.

MAKE IT MUSIC is designed for independent labels, artist entrepreneurs, managers, agents, publishers, distributors, music companies, and other music professionals working in the independent music ecosystem who want to unlock new pathways to success.

Why Attend?

UNCOVER NEW OPPORTUNITIES

Understand the shifts transforming the industry and what’s opening up for independents.
THINK DIFFERENT

Explore alternative perspectives and new business models taking shape across the industry.
GET THE INSIDE TRACK

Hear directly from the people at the forefront of music’s new chapter.
REAL TAKEAWAYS

Leave with ideas, strategies and approaches you can put to work.
MAKE NEW ALLIES

Build relationships, open doors and turn conversations into collaborations.

TICKETS ARE LIMITED
GRAB YOURS NOW!

MEET OUR SPEAKERS

Liz Pelly

George Ergatoudis

Cadence Weapon

Zena White

Carlos Pineda

GEE DAVY

Patch Twaddle

NOEMÍ PLANAS

David Barnes

Margaret McGuffin

Brodie Conley

C.Y. Le

Josh Madell

Hubert Léveillé Gauvin

Justin West

Pierre B. Gourde

Sean Power

Caroline Jonnaert

Sandy Pandya

Gord Dimitrieff

Rob Sealy

Joel Gouveia

Simon mortimer-lamb

Jason Peterson

Orri Sachar

Melissa Vincent

Derrick Ross

Edward Ginis

Felippe Llerena

See All Speakers

WHAT OUR ATTENDEES HAVE TO SAY

“Participating in the Make It Music conference was a turning point for my business. The event gave me direct access to current industry thinking, emerging global trends and the realities other creators are facing in this shifting landscape. I came away with new strategic clarity, meaningful connections and a much stronger sense of where my company should focus next. The conference helped me refine my goals, sharpen my pitch and understand exactly what today’s music ecosystem is asking for. It was invaluable for both my creative and business development.”

“Make It Music provided unparalleled opportunities to connect with global industry leaders and explore forward-thinking strategies and disruptive business models. Through engaging panel discussions and masterclasses, we gained insights into the latest trends in music, marketing, and artist management, which are directly applicable to our operations. The interactive workshops and networking sessions facilitated meaningful connections with like-minded professionals, enhancing our ability to support and empower our artists. Participating in the Make It Music conference has equipped us with innovative tools and strategies to navigate the music industry landscape. We highly recommend this summit to any organization dedicated to pushing the boundaries of the music industry.”

“Make It Music recalibrated my focus as a manager, label, and business in general. It supported our goal of becoming thought leaders with a strong, sustainable, long term impact. It was incredibly valuable to be in a room of peers, many who are on the next level that our organization looks up to, and to brainstorm about the bigger picture that ultimately affects our entire music ecosystem.”

“As a newly established business in the Music space, the make it music conference was extremely helpful for understanding the different perspectives within the industry, some of the existing trends, and where I can position my company for the future.”

“Make It Music was a fantastic opportunity to further connect with Canadian independent labels and professionals. The quality of the panels was top-notch and the networking was fantastic!”

“It was more ambitious than typical conferences. Subjects dove deeper, were complex, and there was an expectation that attendees were not idiots. There was an overall respect for attendees, from the venue, to the quality food, to the panelists that I found refreshing. I didn't feel the panels had the usual pre-packaged, sponsor supported tripe”

CIMA's Make It Music is a really informative and succinct networking and educational opportunity especially for independent companies the greater Toronto area. They pack a lot into 2 days and the price is quite affordable. I wish there was more than one Make It Music a year!

“Make It Music was one of the best conferences I have ever been to, not just in terms of programming and operational considerations, but also in terms of the people attending and running it.”

“Make It Music was expertly curated and encouraged depth and thoughtfulness. It's a welcome change from most conferences.”

“Make It Music isn't your usual music conference, and it's exactly what the independent sector needs. I can't wait to go back next year.”