A2IM Announces Early Bird Tickets for 2026 A2IM Indie Week Australia Edition

HOSTED BY AIR (AUSTRALIAN INDEPENDENT RECORD LABELS ASSOCIATION) AT THE 2026 INDIE-CON AUSTRALIA CONFERENCE

A2IM INDIE WEEK AUSTRALIA, JULY 29

AIR INDIE-CON AUSTRALIA CONFERENCE, JULY 30-31

New York, NY (February 17, 2026) - Following the tremendous success of A2IM’s inaugural Indie Week Australia edition, the American Association of Independent Music has announced that early bird tickets are now available to its 2nd edition, set for July 29 in Adelaide, Australia. Co-hosted with AIR, the Australian Independent Record Labels Association, at the 10th anniversary Indie-Con Australia Conference, July 30-31.

Taking place at Mercury Cinema and Nexus Arts in Adelaide, Australia’s first and only UNESCO City of Music, and supported by the South Australian Government, the three-day program will welcome delegates and speakers from across Australia and around the world, including the U.S., Japan, the Philippines, Korea, Europe and New Zealand. Across panels, workshops and conversations, the conference will tackle some of the most pressing issues facing the independent sector.
 
Global growth beyond traditional markets, highlighting the importance of cultural understanding, local partnerships and long-term international strategy with topics including deal-making in the age of AI, the rising value of back catalog, why radio caps must go, Glocalisation, insights into the New Zealand market, the ever-changing world of touring, data for decision-making and more.

The first international speaker announcement for 2026 showcases the global depth, innovation, and diversity of the independent music sector, with many more speakers to be revealed in the coming months.

Confirmed speakers include:

Lisa Hresko - A2IM, USA
Ian Harrison - A2IM, USA
Thaddeus Rudd - Mom+Pop, USA
Jason Peterson - GoDigital, USA
Darlene Hall - Create Music Group, USA
Joanie Eaton - Mexican Summer, UK
Natalie Young - Bright Antenna, USA
Eva Karman Reinhold - SOM, Sweden
Marty Ro - Sound Republica, KOR
Takuya Yamazaki - IMCJ, JPN
Nerea Serrano - Worldwide Independent Network, Spain
Aaron Winning - IMAT, Thailand

With its 10th Anniversary edition, the 2026 Indie-Con Australia Conference and A2IM Indie Week Australian Edition promises to build on this momentum, bringing bold ideas, global perspectives and practical tools to the heart of Australia’s independent music community.

More speakers and program details will be announced soon.

AIR Member Early Bird ticket price $259 (RRP $349)
Members will receive a link to purchase their tickets at discounted prices
Find out if you qualify for AIR membership HERE

Non-Members can purchase Early Bird tickets $369 (RRP $449) HERE.
SA based artists and labels also receive a special discounted price. Contact membership@air.org.au for more information.

Early bird tickets close 31st May 2026. Secure yours now to avoid disappointment.
Watch the 2025 Conference highlight reel HERE


Hotel Partner

We are proud to announce that Sofitel Adelaide is our preferred hotel partner. Perched above Adelaide's skyline, Sofitel exudes French elegance and vintage charm as the city's latest luxury hotel. Boasting 251 guest rooms over 24 floors, it merges old-world details with modern aesthetics. Experience opulent French colonial design and stunning city, coast, and Adelaide Hills views, and indulge in curated textiles, amenities, and colours for ultimate comfort. Delight in French-inspired gastronomy with an Australian flair at Garçon Bleu, while Déjà Vu, the Champagne bar, offers luxurious street-level encounters. Centrally located, Sofitel provides easy access to Adelaide's business district, top attractions, cultural gems, and renowned events for a lavish, immersive stay.

A limited number of rooms are available at discounted prices by booking HERE

About A2IM:

A2IM is a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit trade organization headquartered in New York City that exists to support and strengthen the independent recorded music sector. Membership currently includes a broad coalition of over 700 Independently-owned American music labels. A2IM represents these independently owned small and medium-sized enterprises' (SMEs) interests in the marketplace, in the media, on Capitol Hill, and as part of the global music community. In doing so, it supports a key segment of America's creative class that represents America's diverse musical and cultural heritage. Billboard Magazine identified the Independent music label sector as 37.32 percent of the music industry's U.S. recorded music sales market in 2016 based on copyright ownership, making Independent labels collectively the largest recorded music industry sector. In 2025, A2IM was named a ‘Best Place To Work’ by the non-profit Women In Music in the Industry.

About AIR:

AIR is a non-profit, non-government trade association dedicated to supporting the growth and development of Australia’s independent recorded sector. Established in 1996, AIR represents Australian-owned record labels and independent artists based in Australia.

We are a trade body that negotiates with industry and government to facilitate deals for the benefit of the industry. Through our services, we help companies of all shapes and sizes with the tools and information they need to do business.