Schedule
Preliminary Schedule
- 10:00am - 5:00pm
Festival VR Experience Activation
Step into Groundbreaking Virtual Showcase from EXPO Dubai
Delegates will have an exclusive opportunity to experience EXIT Festival like never before, stepping directly into the immersive VR activation originally showcased at Expo Dubai.
This innovative virtual experience transports participants to the heart of one of Europe’s premier festivals, offering a firsthand look at how cutting-edge technology can redefine audience engagement and the future of live events.
Key Highlights
- Experience EXIT Festival’s revolutionary VR activation from Expo Dubai
- Discover the powerful potential of VR to enhance live music events and fan experiences
- Engage directly with immersive festival content and next-generation virtual storytelling
- Understand how immersive tech can drive audience growth and brand loyalty
- Explore future possibilities for festivals and live entertainment through VR innovation
- 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Conference Opening
Toast to Innovation, Connection, and the Start of Something Exceptional
Our founders and board members officially open the Bridge Conference with a celebratory toast. In this special moment, they will welcome our esteemed guests, speakers, and partners, and share the vision behind Bridge – a space where innovation, creativity, and collaboration converge. Let’s raise a glass to the beginning of an unforgettable journey together.
- 5:00pm - 5:45pm
Gideon Gottfried in conversation with Dušan Kovačević
Key Talking Points
- The founding vision and purpose of The Bridge Conference
- How EXIT Festival evolved into a platform for cultural and social impact
- Common pitfalls of relying too heavily on analytics or intuition alone
- The creation and impact of the Life is Live campaign
- Festivals as drivers of real-life connection in a tech-driven world
- Integrating technology and social activism in the festival industry
- The role of creative industries in shaping future societal change
- 6:00pm - 6:45pm
Data vs. Gut 1
Navigating Analytics and Instinct in Artist Selection and Booking
In today’s data-driven music industry, the artist booking process increasingly relies on analytics, predictive insights, and digital metrics. However, intuition, experience, and creative vision continue to play a vital role.
This panel explores why finding the right balance between data-driven decision-making and instinctive judgment is crucial. Industry experts discuss practical strategies for blending analytics with intuition to create memorable, authentic, and commercially successful artist lineups.
Key Talking Points
- Best practices for integrating data analytics with intuitive insights
- Case studies: How successful promoters balance instinct and data
- Common pitfalls of relying too heavily on analytics or intuition alone
- Maintaining authenticity and artistic vision in data-informed decisions
- How to effectively leverage predictive analytics without compromising creativity
- What the future holds: Will balanced decision-making become the industry standard?
- 7:00pm - 7:45pm
The Next-Gen Festival
How AI and Emerging Tech Are Revolutionizing Live Music Experiences
As technology transforms live music interaction, festivals are pioneering this shift, employing AI, AR, VR, and other innovative technologies to craft unparalleled experiences.
This panel explores how AI and emerging tech enhance festival operations, fan engagement, and forge new revenue models and immersive experiences. Industry leaders will discuss cutting-edge applications in storytelling through VR/AR and predict the evolution of festivals over the next five years.
Key Talking Points
- Enhancing fan engagement and interaction through digital and immersive technologies
- Crafting immersive experiences through Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)
- Diversifying revenue with innovative digital strategies: personalized merchandise, virtual participation, and dynamic sponsorships
- Ensuring festival resilience and adaptability through advanced digital solutions
- Future outlook: Redefining the festival landscape in the next five years with immersive and digital technologies
- Safety and event management improvements via predictive digital tools
- 8:30pm - 10:00pm
Dinner
- 10:00pm - 12:00am
Networking Drinks
- 07:00am - 09:30am
Breakfast
- 07:30am - 08:30am
Yoga
- 09:00am - 10:00am
Post-breakfast Networking
- 10:00am - 5:00pm
Festival VR Experience Activation
Step into Groundbreaking Virtual Showcase from EXPO Dubai
Delegates will have an exclusive opportunity to experience EXIT Festival like never before, stepping directly into the immersive VR activation originally showcased at Expo Dubai.
This innovative virtual experience transports participants to the heart of one of Europe’s premier festivals, offering a firsthand look at how cutting-edge technology can redefine audience engagement and the future of live events.
Key Highlights
- Experience EXIT Festival’s revolutionary VR activation from Expo Dubai
- Discover the powerful potential of VR to enhance live music events and fan experiences
- Engage directly with immersive festival content and next-generation virtual storytelling
- Understand how immersive tech can drive audience growth and brand loyalty
- Explore future possibilities for festivals and live entertainment through VR innovation
- 10:00am - 10:45am
Quantum Leap in Audience Growth Through AI & Data-Driven Marketing
In today’s rapidly evolving music industry, data-driven marketing is the essential key to unlocking untapped audience potential. By harnessing analytics, predictive insights, and algorithm- driven strategies, industry leaders can precisely reach, attract, and retain their ideal fans.
This panel reveals how festivals, managers, artists, promoters, and venues can turn data into actionable marketing strategies, ensuring lasting connections with fans and consistent, measurable growth.
Key Talking Points
- Leveraging analytics to identify new and emerging audience segments
- Real-world examples of successful data-driven marketing campaigns
- Turning insights into revenue: Optimizing marketing budgets through targeted algorithms
- Predictive analytics for audience retention and loyalty
- Navigating the ethical challenges of personalized data marketing
- Future-proofing your marketing strategy: Key trends and next-generation tools
- 11:00am - 11:45am
Keynote: Barry Dickins (Music Agent & Co-Founder at ITB) in conversation with Greg Parmley (Managing Director at International Live Music Conference (ILMC) & IQ Magazine)
As one of the architects of the modern live music business, Barry Dickins has spent 60 years representing many of the world’s biggest artists. From starting with The Who, Jimi Hendrix Experience and Otis Redding, to his current roster that includes Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, ZZ Top and Billy Idol, it’s a remarkable career.
In a unique conversation at the first edition of Bridge, Barry and ILMC head Greg Parmley will discuss building a legacy of success in music, Barry’s views on the business of talent and entertainment, and key insights in shaping the stars of tomorrow.
- 12:00pm - 12:45pm
Bridging The World
Operating the music business across the globe
The global music industry continues to evolve, with markets previously considered “emerging” rapidly becoming central hubs of growth. Regions like the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), India, Latin America, and Southeast Asia now offer unprecedented opportunities for artists, promoters, and music businesses. This panel brings together experts to discuss which global markets are transitioning from “emerging” status to essential growth drivers, exploring unique regional trends, cultural dynamics, market challenges, and strategies for successful entry and expansion.
Key Talking Points
- The shift from “emerging markets” to essential global music hubs: spotlight on MENA, India, Latin America, and beyond
- Current opportunities and market potential for international promoters and artists in these regions
- Practical insights into navigating local challenges, cultural considerations, and consume behaviors
- Case studies: successful global music events and partnerships within rapidly evolving markets
- Best practices for entering and scaling in key growth markets
- Predictions and future trends: which global markets will dominate music industry growth in the next decade?
- 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Networking Lunch
Power Hour: Fueling Ambition, Building Connections
Pioneering Paths & Breaking Barriers in Business.
Join fellow female founders, entrepreneurs and members of the Exit Festival team, for a dynamic networking lunch designed to celebrate and elevate women in music and tech. This hour of connection blends casual conversation with purposeful networking, creating space to share insights, forge new collaborations, and spotlight the journeys of women driving innovation and successful business within the industry. Whether you’re scaling your business, supporting a visionary founder, or part of the mighty EXIT Festival family, this power hour is your opportunity to expand your network, exchange ideas, and be inspired by a community of powerhouse women.
Females in the Bridge program
Exit Group female team members
Key Discussion Points
- The Current State of Female Entrepreneurship
- Challenges & Barriers to Success
- Innovation & Leadership
- Building a Resilient & Scalable Business
- The Future of Female Entrepreneurship
- 3:00pm - 3:45pm
Keynote: Folkert Koopmans, Founder and CEO at FKP Scorpio by James Drury, Special Projects Editor at IQ Magazine
From Local Gigs to Global Stages and What Comes Next
- 4:00pm - 4:45pm
Beyond the Barcode
The Future of Ticketing
Key Talking Points
- Decentralization and Security:
- Blockchain and token-based ticketing: combating fraud and scalping
- The role of secure identity and authentication in modern ticketing
- Alternatives to prevent resale fraud and integration with ticketing systems
- Mobile-First & Contactless Experiences:
- How NFC and digital wallets are streamlining event entry
- Enhancing fan engagement through mobile-based interactivity
- Powering the customer journey through connection with cashless technology
- Marketing Intelligence & Smart Data Use
- How ticketing data powers smarter, more targeted marketing strategies
- Turning purchase behavior and attendance patterns into actionable insights for promoters, operators and artists
- Interoperability and Scalability:
- Ensuring seamless integration across platforms, venues, and ticketing systems.
- Challenges and opportunities in global ticketing standards.
- The Road Ahead:
- Predictions for the next 5 – 10 years: What will the “ticket” of the future look like?
- The role of collaboration between tech providers, venues, and governing bodies.
- 5:00pm - 5:30pm
Limitless Capacity
Unlocking Global Audiences Through Digital Worlds
In a world where digital presence is becoming as critical as physical attendance, events with a robust online strategy have the potential to reach global audiences far beyond traditional limitations.
By strategically combining effective digital marketing, strong online communities, and innovative virtual concert experiences, promoters can dramatically increase their event’s global reach, engagement, and profitability.
This panel will explore how event organizers can leverage their event’s online presence and virtual platforms to attract new audiences worldwide, enhance fan interactions, and secure new revenue opportunities and sponsorships.
Key Discussion Points
- How to strategically build and expand your event’s digital presence to engage global audiences.
- Practical strategies for combining online marketing and community building with virtual events.
- Monetization models and sponsorship opportunities specific to online presence and virtual concerts.
- Real-world success stories: events that effectively utilized online presence to achieve global reach.
- Best practices for creating engaging, memorable, and interactive virtual concert experiences.
- Challenges in scaling online events globally, and how promoters can overcome these.
- The future of hybrid events: balancing digital presence with physical attendance to optimize overall success.
- 5:00pm - 5:45pm
The Great AI Debate
Who Will Own the Music of Tomorrow?
As artificial intelligence transforms music creation, ownership, and distribution, questions around intellectual property rights, originality, and authorship become increasingly urgent.
This provocative panel debates how AI-generated music will impact artists, labels, rights holders, and listeners. Who owns music when algorithms become creators? Experts from both the music and technology sectors discuss the ethical, legal, and economic implications of an AI-driven music industry.
Key Talking Points
- Intellectual property and AI-generated music: legal challenges and solutions
- Ownership dilemmas: artists, labels, developers, or AI platforms?
- Ethical implications of AI creativity: originality, authenticity, and artistic value
- Monetization and rights management in an AI-dominated music landscape
- Industry adaptation: how can artists protect their creative identity and value?
- Future scenarios: what music ownership could look like in a decade
- 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Drinks
- 8:30pm - 10:00pm
Gala Dinner
- 10:00pm - 12:00am
Party
- 07:00am - 12:00pm
Hotel Checkout
- 07:00am - 09:30am
Breakfast
- 07:30am - 08:30am
Yoga
- 09:00am - 10:00am
Post-breakfast Networking
- 10:00am - 5:00pm
Festival VR Experience Activation
Step into Groundbreaking Virtual Showcase from EXPO Dubai
Delegates will have an exclusive opportunity to experience EXIT Festival like never before, stepping directly into the immersive VR activation originally showcased at Expo Dubai.
This innovative virtual experience transports participants to the heart of one of Europe’s premier festivals, offering a firsthand look at how cutting-edge technology can redefine audience engagement and the future of live events.
Key Highlights
- Experience EXIT Festival’s revolutionary VR activation from Expo Dubai
- Discover the powerful potential of VR to enhance live music events and fan experiences
- Engage directly with immersive festival content and next-generation virtual storytelling
- Understand how immersive tech can drive audience growth and brand loyalty
- Explore future possibilities for festivals and live entertainment through VR innovation
- 10:00am - 10:45am
Innovate Her
The Future of Female Entrepreneurship
Pioneering Paths & Breaking Barriers in Business. Explore the transformative journeys of female founders in this empowering panel. “InnovateHer: The Future of Female Entrepreneurship” will spotlight the challenges and triumphs faced by women trailblazers in business.
Panelists will discuss how they navigate a predominantly male-driven industry, the innovative strategies they employ to thrive, and the support networks vital for fostering female entrepreneurship. This session aims to inspire and equip aspiring entrepreneurs with the insights needed to succeed in the competitive world of business.
Key Discussion Points
- The Current State of Female Entrepreneurship
- Challenges & Barriers to Success
- Innovation & Leadership
- Access to Capital & Funding Opportunities
- Building a Resilient & Scalable Business
- The Future of Female Entrepreneurship
- 10:00am - 10:45am
Data vs. Gut 2
Navigating Analytics and Instinct in Artist Positioning and Market Penetration
“Data vs. Gut2” dives deeper into the world of artist positioning and market strategy, this time from the perspective of the bookers shaping lineups and trends worldwide. In a rapidly shifting industry flooded with data points – from ticketing metrics and streaming stats to fan engagement and regional analytics – are booking decisions becoming more scientific, or does gut instinct still lead the way?
In this candid conversation, some of the world’s most forward-thinking bookers will explore how they balance intuition with hard data when evaluating artist potential, predicting market performance, and building successful lineups.
Key Talking Points
- What booking metrics really matter – and which are noise?
- When data falls short, how do seasoned bookers make the call?
- How analytics inform where and when to take risks
- Are festivals becoming formulaic? How to keep it fresh
- What platforms and dashboards are bookers actually using?
- Why gut instinct, cultural context, and crowd-reading still matter
- 11:00am - 11:45am
Keynote
Indira Paganotto & Alex Avanzato: Fireside chat
This dynamic keynote conversation brings together pioneering techno DJ and producer Indira Paganotto and her industry strategist manager Alex Avanzato for an intimate exploration of the evolving landscape of electronic music. Blending Indira’s boundary-pushing artistry in psytech and techno with Alex’s sharp industry insight, the session will dive into the intersection of sound, identity, cultural shifts, and the future of dance music. Through her innovative music, entrepreneurial ventures, and dedication to fostering new talent, Indira Paganotto stands as a prominent figure in the electronic music scene and an advocate for female empowerment in the industry. This session will take a deep dive into Indira’s illustrious career alongside her manager, friend and business partner Alex Avanzato. Expect authentic stories, bold ideas, and inspiration on how underground movements are shaping global trends.
Key Discussion Points
- How and why they met during CODIV-19 and how this shape their future success story
- Their partnership which has been instrumental in shaping Indira’s unique blend of techno and psytrance, and in expanding her presence on the global electronic music scene
- The creation and launch of ARTCORE, a multifaceted platform encompassing a record label, event series, and merchandise line – but what’s next for the brand?
- The artist // agent/manager relationship and how it is unique
- Indira as a female role model for young aspiring artists and entrepreneurs
- 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Freqs of Nature - Plant Soundscape Experience
Immersive plant music journey w/ suspended kokedama plants
Your invitation to go interspecies. Expand your reality with the help of plant music technology. Performing artist Aklea Neon’s plant powered sonic design reminds us to slow-down with a micro lens turned towards nature. In a carefully curated safe space the visitors will decompress and let nature take the lead. Yes, plants will be singing to you which is not only fascinating but healing for the nervous system, boost of creativity and deep relaxation.
For a unique sensory experience, Aklea is collaborating with kokedame specialist Petra Pavelić exhibiting suspended “plant planets” enhanced by Dario Stojčević’s light and sound design.
- 1:00pm - 1:45pm
REMEDIES for Festivals
A Bridge to Green EXIT and a Circular Future
The panel will explore sustainable practices in the festival industry, focusing on the Bridge to Green EXIT initiative, the REMEDIES project, and broader efforts towards greener, circular festivals. Speakers will discuss practical implementation, challenges, and opportunities for festivals to drive environmental change, with a particular focus on reducing plastic pollution and fostering intersectoral collaboration through innovative projects.
Key Discussion Points
- Brief introduction to Bridge to Green EXIT & Green EXIT Initiative
- REMEDIES Project and its Connection to EXIT & Sea Star Festivals
- Green Deal Circular Festivals/Green Events and A Greener Future
- Greening Festivals: Expectations vs. Reality – example Boom Festival, Portugal
- The Role of Festivals in Reducing Plastic Pollution
- Intersectoral Collaboration in Festival Sustainability
- What Comes After the Project Demo Edition?
- 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Lunch
- 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Closing Cocktail
- 10:30pm - 02:00am
Sea Star Festival Opening
*All sessions and times are subject to change
The Bridge Conference offers a dynamic and immersive program designed to provide attendees with invaluable insights, opportunities, and experiences.
Our carefully crafted agenda includes a wide range of sessions, from thought-provoking keynotes and interactive panels to hands-on workshops and networking opportunities designed to foster meaningful connections between industry leaders.
Expect topics ranging from the significance of independent festivals, How tech innovations can reduce costs and boost profitability, The intersection of tech and ticketing, Sustainability in the industry, Diversity and Take a Stand initiatives, Festivals and Agents, as well as various tech related topics.
Stay tuned for our full schedule, which will highlight the most exciting and innovative events of the conference, ensuring that you walk away with actionable insights and new relationships that will propel you and your business forward.