Industry Awards gala in Tampere crowns 2026 Finnish music winners

Winners of the 2026 Industry Awards were revealed at a gala at Tampere Hall on Friday, October 2, with 29 prizes handed out across 27 categories. The event formed part of the Music x Media conference on 1–2 October 2026.

Nominations were open to the public from May 20 to August 12, 2026. Industry panels then drew up the shortlists, prioritising professional skill and success while also seeking diversity of background, role and geography.

Final winners were decided by jury assessments and public votes, weighted 70/30. Eligibility covered projects between August 1, 2025 and July 31, 2026; projects that began in that period but concluded later, such as concert series or tours, were accepted.

Notable winners included Anne Lainto, named Radio Professional of the Year for her work at YleX, and Yle Musiikki, which took Music Media of the Year. Jojo “Johanna” von Hertzen won Cornerstone of the Year. Maiju Talvisto of SheSaid.So Finland was named Future Visionary, and Alt Agency & Management took Agency of the Year. Festival and venue prizes went to Tuska Festival 2026; Allas Live was large Venue of the Year and G Livelab Tampere won small Venue of the Year. The Tampere International Music Award went to Fruzsina Szép.

Special recognitions included a Jazz Suomi 100 history prize for Eero Koivistoinen, Janne Mäkelä and Matti Laipio, and a Womex-to-Finland acknowledgement for Rockadillo and the City of Tampere. Lifetime Achievement awards were shared by Aku Syrjä and Tuula Sarotie.

Organisers worked with partners on several category awards, including Tampere Live, Akun Tehdas and Hyvinkää Areena. The gala highlighted a wide range of professionals, organisations and projects from Finland's music and events ecosystem.