On Thursday 21 May, we will once again bring together the Belgian worldwide music scene at LaVallée (Brussels) during our Belgian Worldwide Music Meeting.
Programme
10:00 Welcome
10:10 Pitch 1 (ideas for the Belgian worldwide music scene)
10:20 General Assembly (in Dutch & French, everyone is welcome; only members have voting rights)
On the agenda:
- Approval of the minutes of the previous AGM
- Approval of the 2025 annual report
- Approval of the 2026 budget
- Election of new Board members: Espace Senghor (replacing Zoart asbl) & IMEP (replacing Musiques et Traditions)
11:00 Break
11:15 Two parallel sessions (in English)
Who determines your visibility: A new perspective on media, gatekeepers, and reaching your audience.
A conversation with Josh Mason-Quinn (Somewhere Soul, UK) on how visibility and audience building are evolving in a fragmented media landscape.
In a context where traditional media is shifting and digital platforms play an increasingly central role, visibility is no longer just about exposure, but about who creates it. The conversation explores how artists and professionals navigate a mix of legacy gatekeepers, digital platforms and self-driven channels, from TikTok and podcasts to DJ networks and niche media.
We ask what replaces traditional “quality labels” like press reviews and airplay, how audiences are built more collectively through scenes and series, and what these shifts mean for revenue and long-term audience development.
(Moderator TBC)
It’s a Hard Knock Life! How can we make management and booking careers more sustainable for (new) professionals?
- Speakers: Cédric Daelman (RUIS, Jazz Café De Muze, Full Colorz Agency), Lobke Aelbrecht (NEST) & Michael Wolteche (Enthusiast Music)
As the live market continues to evolve and supporting structures disappear or merge, increasing pressure is placed on (the influx of new) professionals in management and booking. This session explores how the sector can respond to these structural challenges.
We look at how to make careers in management and booking more viable and attractive, what new collaborations or structures are needed, and how to support artists in a changing live ecosystem. The conversation also touches on DIY strategies for artists without traditional representation and emerging formats in artist management and consultancy, including the role of education and professional training in shaping a sustainable future for the sector.
(Moderator TBC)
12:45 Lunch by Pois Chiche
14:00 Pitch 2 (ideas for the Belgian worldwide music scene)
14:10 Panel “Breaking boundaries & dealing with conflict in music programming” (in English)
- Moderator: Morgane Mathieu (Les Polysons Festival)
- Speakers: Jaïr Tchong (Ha Concerts), Danny Theuwis (30CC) & Loubna El Boujoufi (TivoliVredenbrug, NL)
How can music programming respond to today’s social, political, and cultural shifts? This panel explores how curators and cultural leaders work with conflict as a creative force, while staying rooted in their values and artistic vision. We discuss balancing tradition and experimentation, aligning programming with organisational missions, and creating inclusive, responsive spaces for contemporary audiences.
15:15 Break
15:30 Speed meetings
During the speed meetings, you’ll have the opportunity to connect one-on-one with managers, bookers, labels, programmers, journalists, and other key players from the Belgian worldwide music scene. Meet professionals from organizations such as ZigZag World, RTBF, HA Concerts, Le Senghor, SABAM, Igloo Records, VI.BE, Enthusiast Music, NEST, Full Colorz Agency, and many more.
A unique chance to expand your network, gain valuable industry insights, and present your projects directly to the people shaping the scene.
16:50 Conclusion & Final pitch
17:00 Networking drink
Registration for the event is mandatory and can be done here.