Launchpad and PRS Foundation presents…

THE TALENT DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE 2023

Friday, 24th February 2023 in Leeds

Tickets for the conference are free/ pay as you feel, but attendees must register in advance.
*Tickets no longer available*

PRS Foundation and Music:Leeds/ Music Local’s Launchpad have merged their individual Talent Development Conferences – which have attracted hundreds of music industry attendees from across the UK and internationally – for a joint Talent Development Conference in 2023 at Leeds Beckett University (a Principal Education Partner of LEEDS 2023).

This coming together into one event in 2023 follows the hugely successful inaugural Launchpad Conference last year in Leeds and PRS Foundation’s annual Talent Development Conference which has taken place since 2017 in different cities each year including Hull, Cardiff, Sheffield and online during the pandemic.

Open to everyone involved in music at any level and hoping to gain a better understanding of the music industry – as an artist, producer, manager, promoter, student, enthusiast or otherwise – this day-long event will kick off from 10:00am and will feature a mix of panel discussions and In Conversations from leading experts and professionals across a range of subjects impacting talent development today for music creators, the music industry and scenes across the country and beyond.

Additionally, there will be 1-2-1 sessions and opportunities for networking with music industry professionals.

The event will be an opportunity for organisations and individuals specialising in meaningful music creator development, as well as music creators wanting to make regional and national connections.

Panelists & Speakers include:

• Michelle Escoffery (President of the Member’s Council – PRS)
• Kate Lowes (Head of Programmes at Brighter Sound)
• Yasin El Ashrafi (HQ Recording Studio, HQ Familia record label, HQ CAN)
• Yvette Griffith (Co-Chief Exec of Jazz re:freshed)
• Michelle Myrie (Grants and Learning Officer at Youth Music)
• Stephen Lynch (DJ/Producer, DJ Agent M)
• Benjamin Akpojaro (A&R / Manager at Triple Seven Music)
• Bethan Heaton (Project Manager, Secretly Distribution)
• Adam Joolia (CEO of AudioActive)
• Jo Towler (Chief Executive of Music in the Round)
• LayFullstop (Artist)
• Yaw Owusu (Senior Manager, POWER UP / Programme Manager, LIMF Academy)
• Cath Hurley (Co-Founder + Head of Skills and Development at Future Yard, Artist Manager at MOSTDEFFO and Liverpool City Region Music Board member)

Topics for discussion will include:

• Making the Most of Live Showcase Events
• What next for Talent Development Pipeline
• On Track with PRS, PPL & PRS Foundation
• Songwriting Collaboration, Publishing and Sync
• Building Support in a Regional Music Sector
• Music Sector Partnerships for Industry & Music Education
• UK Music MAP Panel
• PLUS Launchpad’s regular Speed Advice Sessions will return, allowing you to book one to one meetings with industry professionals.

View the full schedule for the event