Music x Media brings AI debate, Lost In Music showcases and Industry Awards to Tampere

ePressi reports that a two-day conference will take place at Tampere Hall on 1–2 October 2026, focusing on the future of live music, audience development and artificial intelligence, with nightly Lost In Music showcase performances. Organised by Music x Media, the event aims to connect different sectors of the creative industries and spark practical conversation about the music business’s next steps.

Organisers say the programme responds to a period of rapid change in the music sector. Sessions will explore new operating models, ways to reach fresh audiences, and the practical implications of AI and sustainability for artists and promoters. Several panels will be moderated by journalists to encourage open, structured debate and to foreground artists’ perspectives.

The conference joins the city's busy Sept–Oct festival calendar of music and cultural events, offering industry-focused programming alongside public showcases.

Lost In Music will host evening showcase concerts featuring emerging artists and bands, bringing fans into the conference nights. Organisers expect more than 1,500 conference delegates, thousands of festival attendees across the showcase evenings, and over 100 speakers and artists in October.

Nominees for the Industry Awards have been announced and voting is open. The Industry Awards gala, part of the conference on 2 October at Tampere Hall, will hand out prizes in four categories: Media, Label and Publishing, Live and General. The awards have recognised notable industry professionals since 1995.

"Music x Media's task is to act as a platform for the sector's development. That's why we must look boldly to the future, bring together different viewpoints and expertise and open discussion across industry borders. At the same time, we want to bring international expertise into the domestic discussion and ideas about what we can learn from developments elsewhere," said Lotta Savolainen. Full programme and nominee lists are available at musicmedia.fi.