We bring global knowledge to Australian shores, and uncover what’s next for music, entertainment and media at large. Innovator is designed to give our industry a competitive edge in centralising leading research, insights and opinion from various industries across one day of exceptional programming.
Speaker sessions can be viewed here
Featured sessions included:
Errol Parker and Clancy Overell shared the story behind building the Betoota Advocate into a powerful community of engaged fans. This candid conversation explored their early strategy and how it has evolved, practical insights into building and maintaining a strong following, and innovative approaches to content and fan engagement
Often called the Godmother of the Metaverse – is a globally renowned futurist and tech innovator who has shaped the intersection of AI, immersive technologies and gaming for some of the world's biggest brands. Hackl has designed experiences in platforms like Roblox and Fortnite and produced virtual concerts including Electric Fest. In this session, Cathy explored the opportunities for deeper collaboration between gaming and music – beyond sync deals – and examined how AI can help promote music to gaming audiences, drawing on real-world case studies from her work at the frontier of both industries.
Dom Price brought experience spanning gaming, tech and finance, including his work at Atlassian. His presentation explored work behaviour and practical applications, the path to entrepreneurship, embracing a failure mindset, and insights on building successful creative businesses.
Jonathan Dworkin is Executive Vice President of Digital Business Development at Universal Music Group. Jon and his team lead UMG's digital partnerships globally, working with the company's senior management team to develop digital strategy, next-generation business models, and oversight of digital strategy throughout UMG's global expansion. In this presentation, Jonathan explored the opportunities in new technologies for the Australian music industry, drawing on his experience as an artist strategist and his perspective on what it takes to succeed in music tech today.
One of the most dynamic creative leaders of her generation – a Forbes Asia 30 Under 30 honouree, World Economic Forum Young Global Leader and the youngest editor-in-chief in Vogue’s 130-year history – Zhang’s career spans filmmaking, editorial leadership and global creative direction across fashion, film and media.
Her keynote conversation explored creative leadership across industries, the lessons she has drawn from working between cultures and disciplines, and what the music industry can learn from the evolving ecosystems of fashion, film and digital communities.
A global music industry operator, innovator and investor spanning multiple sectors, including digital (BandLab Technologies), media (NME Networks), and manufacturing and retail (Vista Musical Instruments). In this session, Meng shared his vision for accessibility and collaboration in music, discussing how emerging technology can help artists create and connect.
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.
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.
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.
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.
AI isn’t here to replace creativity, it’s here to enhance it. From sparking new ideas to streamlining workflows, the possibilities are endless!
Artists who endure aren’t the ones with the biggest hits but the ones who mean something.
