The ARIA Innovator Conference brought global knowledge to Australian shores, uncovering what’s next for music, entertainment and media at large.
Speaker sessions can be viewed here
Featured sessions included:
Panos A. Panay, President, The Recording Academy and GRAMMYs
Through the first person experience of a globally successful music entrepreneur, learn how to leverage global audience trends, innovative technology, and inclusivity to expand Australian artists' reach, while navigating discoverability challenges in a crowded global market.
Gabi Lopes, SVP, Global Insight at Universal Music
Learn how to leverage global consumer data and behavioral insights to inform their marketing strategies and fan engagement on social media platforms and distribution channels like Spotify. By understanding evolving audience preferences, participants will develop targeted promotional strategies to increase artist visibility and fan engagement in a competitive digital landscape.
AI the right way
Dr Nici Sweaney, AI expert and data scientist
Learn how to use AI tools to boost efficiency and speed to market for Australian music businesses of all sizes.
Dr Nici is an AI expert and data scientist who spent a decade consulting for global organisations like the UN, World Bank, and AUS Aid before founding Ai Her Way in 2023. This practical session will include a live demo of automating data for better insights and a takeaway booklet of useful AI tools.
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Culture and Digital Strategy: A Conversation with Dr. Marcus Collins (Presenting via VC)
Featuring Dr. Marcus Collins in conversation with Zara Seidler
Dr. Marcus Collins, best-selling author of For The Culture and former Chief Strategy Officer at Wieden+Kennedy New York, will unpack how culture influences everything we buy, do, and believe in. With experience leading digital strategy for Beyoncé, launching McDonald’s brand resurgence, and working with global giants like Apple and Google, Marcus will explore how the music industry can leverage culture – especially digital culture – to drive engagement and action.
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Creative Entrepreneurship: How to Make It Pay
Featuring Solai Valliappan, Natalie and Ricky Kradolfer, moderated by Megan Brownlow
Turning creativity into a sustainable business is no easy feat, but it’s possible with the right strategy. In this session, music entrepreneurs Natalie and Ricky Kradolfer (Amplify Music Education) and venture capital expert Solai Valliappan will share practical insights into securing funding and scaling creative ventures. From securing investment to building a globally competitive business, this session will provide actionable takeaways for artists, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders alike.
Speaker sessions can be viewed here
This half-day strategy invitation only workshop for selected NSW-based music professionals focused on practical strategy and growth planning.
Run by business strategy expert Megan Brownlow and working collaboratively with industry peers, participants left the workshop with an individual Strategic Action Plan and a date for a one-on-one check-in session following the workshop.
Image: ARIA Innovator Accelerate 2025 cohort with ARIA CEO Annabelle Herd and Megan Brownlow
Board director and Managing Director, Housten Consulting
Megan Brownlow is an experienced strategist and non-executive director who, over the course of her 30-year executive career, held senior leadership positions in strategy, marketing and management for large media and consulting firms. She started her career as a journalist and producer in television and radio.
Megan’s clients include Google, Sound NSW, Screen NSW and the Sydney Opera House.
Apart from her consulting and strategy work, Megan is Deputy Chair of Screen Australia, Chair of the Industry Advisory Board for the School of Communications, UTS and the independent director for the Media Federation of Australia.
Megan is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD), holds an MBA from the AGSM and a BA (Hons) from the Australian National University.
