A great music conference is the perfect place to connect with other musicians and composers to nerd out about your favorite subjects and hot topics in the field. It’s also the best place to network with other creatives, particularly the ones who are looking to hire talent like you. Whether you write for video games, film, or license your work for multiple uses, there’s a conference out there that’s perfect for you.
Not sure where to start? Try one of these six great conferences for composers to boost your networking game this year:
Super MAGFest
Super MAGFest is an event designed to celebrate all aspects of video game music and includes a slate of demos and performances that runs 24 hours a day throughout the weekend. The unique event is non-profit, so you’ll connect directly with game makers and fans without any gatekeepers. There are plenty of guest speakers and fan activities for gamers, too.
Check their website for event updates.
ASCAP Experience
ASCAP is one of the biggest performance rights organizations, so it’s no surprise that their conference for songwriters and composers features sessions by some of the biggest names in music. ASCAP Experience features top songwriters, producers, composers, music publishers, thought leaders and the ASCAP team, discussing real-world topics and deep dives on the issues that matter most to the future of music creation.
Check their website for event details.
A2IM Indie Week
A2IM sponsors Indie Week, which is a four-day international conference and networking event aimed at maximizing the global impact of Independent music. Featuring keynotes, panels, exclusive networking sessions, and more, Indie Week has historically drawn an attendance of over 1200 participants from over 30 countries.
Check their website for event details.
GDC: The Game Developers Conference
GDC is a huge conference that brings game developers together in the capital of high-tech: San Francisco. It’s the world’s biggest conference for gaming pros, so it’s the ideal place to make connections with developers looking for composers. Over 500 companies are represented, and you can learn more about industry trends — particularly if you attend the special Audio Summit.
Check their website for registration details.
Production Music Conference
Sponsored by the Production Music Association (PMA), PMC brings together emerging and established composers, major labels, independent publishers, and more. Past sessions have included specifics on everything from composing a series of cues to understanding rights and licensing.
ReelCrafter was a proud sponsor of PMC in 2022 and 2023!
Check their website for event updates.
GameSoundCon
GameSoundCon offers over 70 sessions featuring everything you need to know to dive into the brave new world of composing for video games, virtual reality, and other cutting-edge media. There’s a special track to get traditional film and TV composers up to speed, as well as research presentations, speed mentoring, and more — all packed into just two days!
Pro Tip: Are you a G.A.N.G. member? The Game Audio Network Guild offers a discount on GameSoundCon passes!
ReelCrafter was a proud sponsor of GameSoundCon in 2023!
No matter what your specialty or professional goals are, there’s definitely a conference that’s right for you. Once you’ve signed up, make sure you’re ready to impress new industry connections with a reel that highlights all your best work. Need help with that? ReelCrafter has you covered.
Now get out there and network!
Conference details last updated February 2023
