The Australian Independent Record Labels Association has revealed the first wave of global speakers for its 2026 conference, taking place 29–31 July at Mercury Cinema and Nexus Arts in Adelaide.
One of Australia’s most significant independent music industry gatherings is back, and its 10th edition is shaping up to be the most ambitious yet. The Australian Independent Record Labels Association (AIR) has announced early bird tickets and the first international speaker lineup for Indie-Con Australia and A2IM’s Indie Week Australian Edition 2026, returning to Adelaide – Australia’s first and only UNESCO City of Music – from 29 to 31 July.
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Following a sold-out 2025 conference that welcomed delegates from the USA, Japan, the Philippines, Korea, Europe and New Zealand, the 2026 event promises to build on that momentum with three days of panels, workshops and conversations spanning Mercury Cinema and Nexus Arts. Supported by the South Australian Government, Adelaide provides a fitting backdrop for a conference that has grown into a genuine global meeting point for independent labels, artists, managers, distributors, tech leaders and music advocates.
The first wave of confirmed international speakers reflects the breadth and diversity of the independent sector. Representatives include 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). More speakers and program details are to be announced in the coming months.
The topics discussed at the 2025 conference, including deal-making in the age of AI, the rising value of back catalogue, radio caps, globalisation strategy, touring and data-driven decision-making, set a high bar for the conversations expected in 2026. The independent sector is navigating a rapidly shifting landscape, and Indie-Con continues to position itself as the space where those conversations happen frankly and productively.
Early bird tickets are available now with AIR member and non-member pricing options, along with a special discounted rate for South Australia-based artists and labels. Early bird pricing closes 31st May 2026 – contact [email protected] for SA pricing enquiries.
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