04 July, Friday
Toplocentrala, Hall 2Registration – Lobby
Panel Description: Is South-East Europe (SEE) the next “promised land” for live music? This session explores the fast-evolving festival and touring ecosystem of the Balkans—from stadium shows in new Schengen countries to grassroots festivals punching above their weight. With lower production costs, highly skilled local crews, and an enthusiastic, underserved audience, the region is quickly becoming a serious player on the European live map. Join us as we chart the future of live music—from the Adriatic to the Black Sea.
Moderator: Georges Perot (CEO, AMW / MESO Events)
Speakers: Vlad Enachescu (CEO, Eventim Romania), Eleonora Mihova (CEO, Ticket Station), Nick Hobbs (founder, Charmenko)
Panel Description: Festivals have evolved into dynamic platforms where brands and audiences connect through bold, creative, and immersive experiences. From telecom giants unveiling new tech to beverage brands creating unforgettable on-site worlds, festivals are no longer just about music—they’re cultural playgrounds where brand stories come alive. In this panel, we’ll pull back the curtain on the mechanics of brand activation at festivals. Our expert speakers will share firsthand experiences, success stories, and candid lessons from the field.
Moderator: Ivan Yotov (founder, Fragment Agency)
Speakers: Nikolay Kirov (Operational Manager, EXE), Anna Velikova (Head of PR & Comms, H&M Eastern Europe), Yordan Zhechev (Creative director), Zarya Vrabcheva (Interdisciplinary designer, STUFISH Entertainment Architects)
Panel Description: In today’s music industry, independent artists juggle countless roles: performer, producer, marketer, strategist, and brand ambassador. So how do you balance the creative process with the practical hustle?
Moderator: Arlette Hovinga (publicist, That Jazz Girl)
Speakers: Matthieu Drago / Théo Tritsch / Nils Boyny (artists, Emile Londonien), Ivo Dimchev (founder, Stereofox), Maria Brachmanska (creative director and media producer, Substantart)
05 July, Saturday
Toplocentrala, Hall 2Registration
Panel Description: Talent alone is no longer enough. In today’s music industry, artistic excellence must be paired with entrepreneurial thinking, digital fluency, and business literacy. This panel explores why music business education is essential—not just as an elective, but as a core part of artistic training.
Moderator: Maria Brachmanska (creative director and media producer, Substantart)
Speakers: Haftor Medboe (professor, Edinburgh Napier University), Alf Olofsson (professor, Berklee Valencia), prof. Sava Dimitrov (rector of National Academy of Music)
Panel Description: The music profession is undergoing a transformation. Once, becoming a performing artist was the main dream. Today, the pathways are more complex—and more diverse. From performers and producers to sound engineers, tour managers, and digital marketers, the industry is calling for hybrid skills and flexible identities.
Moderator: Svetoslav Todorov (journalist, cultural manager)
Speakers: Georgi Linev (artist, producer), Alf Olofsson (professor, Berklee Valencia), Frank Bolder (programmer, North Sea Jazz)
Panel Description: This session explores how Seattle’s KEXP transformed from a local FM radio station into a globally influential digital platform through visionary content strategy, YouTube innovation, and cultural authenticity. Darek Mazzone shares the station’s journey, his own role in championing global sounds through Wo’Pop and SAMA, and how KEXP became a bridge between artists and audiences worldwide.
Speaker: Darek Mazzone (KEXP, SAMA)
Moderator: Elena Rosberg (music journalist)
Panel Description: For emerging artists, the dream of an international career often begins with a showcase slot—but is that enough? As global competition intensifies and the landscape of artist development evolves, musicians must navigate an increasingly complex mix of platforms, partners, and personal investment. This panel explores the real opportunities and hidden challenges behind “exporting” emerging talent.
Moderator: Duygu Mühürdar (booker and music programmer)
Panelists: Olivier Rey (director, Babel Music XP), Jan Hoozee (artistic director, Trefpunt Festival, Sounds Of Europe), Georges Perot (CEO, AMW / MESO Events), Lisa Nasta (Glastonbury Green Futures)
Music Talks Conference is supported by Sofia Municipality Culture Program, National Culture Find and the Ministry of Tourism of Republic of Bulgaira
