MAKE IT MUSIC x WINCON

MONDAY NOVEMBER 9th, 2026

WINCON 10AM – 2:30PM

WINCON is WIN’s annual conference for the global independent music community, bringing together industry leaders and delegates from across the Worldwide Independent Network. For more than a decade, WINCON has been a place to advance the independent agenda, exchange knowledge and resources, build international business opportunities, and celebrate the diversity of our global community.

The event connects local and international music professionals, creating opportunities to share ideas, forge new partnerships, and strengthen the independent music ecosystem worldwide.

This year, WINCON will take place alongside MAKE IT MUSIC, bringing together the world’s independent music leaders for three days of connection, insight, collaboration, and business building.

WINCON Programming this year will include:

• From Advocacy to Ownership: Exploring how independents can build durable collective power through ownership, investment, and greater control of the infrastructure they rely on.
• Streaming in Focus: Examining the key developments shaping the digital music landscape, from streaming reform and discoverability to fraud and the impact of generative AI.
• WIN Annual General Meeting: An update on WIN’s activities, finances, working groups, and regional priorities across the global independent music community.
• Navigating Merlin Membership: A practical guide to Merlin membership for trade associations, covering eligibility, the application process, and how to support members seeking greater independence.
• Evolving Together: Exploring how trade associations are adapting their structures, services, and funding models to represent an evolving independent music sector.

CIMA’s LABEL SUMMIT 2:30PM - 5:30PM

CIMA is excited to announce the return of the CIMA Label Summit, an in-person afternoon gathering of leaders from Canada’s independent record label community.

This will mark CIMA’s third Label Summit, building on the momentum of last year’s event and continuing to grow what has become a unique, peer-driven space for independent labels to connect, share knowledge, and discuss the issues shaping their businesses.

The Summit is strictly for record labels and is geared toward established, senior-level staff. Attendance will be by submission and space is limited.

What to Expect

• Peer-led roundtable discussions
• Programming focused specifically on the independent label sector
• Opportunities to connect with Canadian and international label leaders

Certain sessions will follow a confidential discussion format to encourage candid, solutions-focused conversations among participants.

The Label Summit is designed as a collaborative working session focused on the real-world challenges, opportunities, and priorities facing independent record labels today.

By bringing senior label leaders together in a peer environment, the goal is to create space for honest conversation, shared learning, stronger relationships, and practical ideas that participants can take back to their businesses.

For more information please contact Sam Rayner at: sam@cimamusic.ca