Valeria Ramos is the Director of Artist Relations and Communication Strategies at MalfiCo, where she has worked for over a decade. She has collaborated with hundreds of local and international artists and major labels such as Virgin, Ninja Tune, and HYBE. Valeria has led Artist Relations at major festivals including EDC Mexico and Corona Capital Guadalajara. In 2025, she co-founded MUSICMEX, a new music market in Mexico City connecting global professionals with the Mexican music scene.

Anda Vaičekone is the Head of Tallinas Street Quarter, a guest lecturer at the Latvian Academy of Culture and Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music, and a Project Manager at the social enterprise “Small Stuff.” Her work focuses on the management, sustainability, and socio-economic impact of creative industries. Under her leadership, Tallinas Street Quarter has become a vibrant cultural hub, hosting over 200 music and arts events annually and fostering international collaboration.

Helen Sildna is a music promoter and events producer with 20 years of experience. After working as an international talent booker at BDG (now Live Nation), she founded the promotion company Shiftworks in 2008 and established Tallinn Music Week. She also launched the Station Narva festival and co-initiated Narva’s European Capital of Culture 2024 bid. A founding board member of Music Estonia, Helen has received the Tampere Music Award (2014) and the Budapest Ritmo Award (2022).

Mārtiņš Spuris is a Latvian TV and radio personality with over 10 years of experience, known for hosting TV3 shows like The Masked Singer, Dancing with the Stars, and Who Would Have Thought?!, as well as the morning show 900 Seconds. He has hosted Latvia’s top music award shows Zelta Mikrofons (2022–2024) and GAMMA (2025). Since 2023, he’s hosted the podcast LAIKA KAPSULA, and is also the drummer of the indie pop band Franco Franco.

Tamara has over 14 years of experience in the cultural and creative industries. As Program Director of one of Poland’s leading cultural institutions, she produced major music events, including WOMEX 2017, and authored Katowice’s winning bid to join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, later overseeing the “Katowice City of Music” program. Currently, she is the Director of Music Export Poland, Founder and CEO of Music Week Poland, Advisor to ZAiKS, and Coordinator of the Europeana Music Exporters Exchange network.

Daina Zalāne from Latvia has over 20 years of experience managing folk music projects. She is the founder and manager of the NGO Culture Management Centre “Lauska,” which runs a folk music label with 100+ releases spanning traditional roots to contemporary world music. The NGO participates in European-funded projects, organizes musician exchanges, and fosters international artistic collaborations. Daina is also Programming Director of the Valmiermuiža Ethnomusic Festival and a board member of the European Folk Network.

Kristers Pļešakovs is the Executive Director of the Latvian Broadcasting Association, representing Latvia’s leading TV and radio broadcasters and strengthening cooperation between the media sector, policymakers, and other stakeholders. Previously, he was responsible for the development and implementation of media policy in Latvia at the Ministry of Culture.

Anne Schneider is Senior Manager, Digital Marketing at Nettwerk Music Group, developing global digital strategies that help artists connect with fans authentically. She collaborates with artists, managers, and product teams to create narrative-driven campaigns blending creativity with data insights. Before joining Nettwerk in 2021, she earned an MA in Media Studies from the University of Tübingen and has experience in radio, booking, and music promotion.

Rachel Cartier is a cultural strategist, curator, and creative director with nearly 20 years’ experience in music and the creative industries. Former Head of Music at Deezer, she led editorial strategy and original content initiatives like Deezer Next. She chaired MEWEM France, served on the French National Centre for Music’s gender equality committee, and now leads Halcyon, advising on cultural strategy and policy, while researching cultural industries’ geopolitical roles across Asia.

Edgars Bāliņš ia a latvian musician, comedian, actor, media reporter, and content creator, with 3 years’ experience as Head of Media for the Latvian Eurovision delegation and a full-time Eurovision Song Contest fan.

Tarmo Noormaa is the director of the Estonian Traditional Music Centre (Eesti Parimusmuusika Keskus), overseeing concerts, educational programs, and artist development. A skilled lõõtspill (accordion) player in the band Ülemakstud Rentslihärrad, he connects traditional music with contemporary creativity. Since 2006 he has directed the Viljandi Folk Festival and has over 20 years’ experience in Estonian folk music. He is also completing a master’s thesis on the Teppo-style lõõtspill.

Patricia Carrera is a music supervisor and licensing expert for audiovisual projects on platforms like Netflix, Amazon, Disney, and HBO. As President of the Spanish Speaking Music Supervision Association (ASM), she protects artists’ and producers’ rights. She collaborates with Phil Vinall and manages artists including Beto Cuevas, Ely Guerra, Enjambre, and Pato Machete. Paty also leads international workshops, panels, and educational programs, sharing industry expertise and trends.

Lisa Nasta is an experienced event manager and programmer, currently directing the Re-Play Music C.I.C., a non-profit community project that donates musical instruments, educates and entertains children, and maintains a permanent presence at Glastonbury Festival’s Kidz Field. The project has received two Music Industry Awards for “Environmental Initiative & Sustainability” from MIA (UK) and NAMM (US). Lisa also serves as area coordinator and production manager for Glastonbury’s Green Futures Field and programs and produces for several other festivals.

Kristians is Project Manager at KINETIC, a Latvian non-profit techno movement dedicated to developing the local scene, providing artists with performance spaces, and producing educational content for the community. He oversees events, masterclasses, radio broadcasts, and the annual FILTRS competition, guiding the top 10 artists to vinyl releases. Kristians advocates for the cultural value and resilience of club culture across Europe.

Keren McKean is Director of We Make Music Work (Scotland), exploring new revenue models in music, immersive tech, and creative entrepreneurship. She manages Ristband/Venice Bleach and Twin City (2M TikTok followers), supports global brand and record label collaborations, and works as Events & Brand Partnerships Manager at South Lanarkshire Leisure & Culture and Fundraising Manager for Hidden Door Festival. Formerly Snow Patrol’s manager, she secured £300k sponsorship for their Ward Park show.

Keno Mensing began as a beat producer working with UK and US artists, then joined OHA! Music in artist management and booking, creating the “Beats and Business” event series. He moved into PR at FACTORY92, supporting artists and showcases. Since April 2025, he’s Senior Manager Partnerships at Reeperbahn Festival, coordinating showcases and networking, while also serving as Senior PR Consultant at FACTORY92.

Kaspars Ansons is a Latvian music producer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and singer. His productions have represented Latvia at Eurovision three times. He has participated in numerous international songwriting camps and received awards including “Song of the Year,” “Radio Hit,” “Best Debut,” and “Producer of the Year.” In his free time, he enjoys chess, reading, and cooking.

Juliana Volož is a booking agent and manager since 2005, curating showcases, panels, and mentoring emerging artists and managers. She has organized international music projects and supported bands touring worldwide, with a network across 40 countries. In 2023, she received the Estonian Music Industry Award for Best Music Exporter, and in 2025 the Estonian Cultural Endowment Music Award for her achievements in management and artist promotion.

Josh Rogosin is an audio engineer and documentarian known for NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts and his own Global Sound Concerts. Combining his journalistic sound-recording background with live performance expertise, he captures intimate musical moments in unique environments. Josh is also Technical Director at New York Public Library’s Studio 40, where he plans events and teaches recording classes.

Ingrid Kohtla is Head of PR & Communications and programme curator at Tallinn Music Week and Station Narva, produced by Shiftworks. With a background in journalism and communications at MTV Estonia, she has curated boundary-pushing showcases and lectured on subculture and style. A poptimist who believes “nothing endures but change,” Ingrid received the Outstanding Contribution to Music award at the Estonian Music Industry Awards 2023.

Ilze Dzenovska is a mediator, peace-builder, and Latvia’s only CNVC-Certified Trainer, helping creative teams turn conflict into collaboration. With roots in the music industry, she understands the pressures of artistic work. As founder of Peace Lab and Mederi, Ilze designs “peace architecture” — embodied methods that foster trust, resilience, and empathy in leadership, negotiation, and creative collaboration.

Ilona Pētersone is the Head of the Copyright Unit in the Latvian Ministry of Culture. Vast experience in the copyright legislation-making, both at national and international level. Eager educator of young artists and people in general on copyright. Co-founder of the Latvian Copyright School.

Hanna Jõgis is the Managing Director of Piletilevi PLG in Estonia. Over the past nine years, she has grown within the company from project manager to department head and Customer Success Officer. Her experience spans major concerts, theatre, film festivals, and national celebrations. In 2024, she was appointed Managing Director, continuing to strengthen Piletilevi’s role in Estonia’s live entertainment landscape.

Līga Blaua is the CEO of Biļešu Serviss PLG, one of Latvia’s leading ticketing companies, with over 20 years of experience in the culture and entertainment industry. She has contributed to the growth and professionalization of the Baltic entertainment market. Under her leadership, Biļešu Serviss has become a trusted, innovative partner for event organizers and audiences, promoting excellence, accessibility, and creativity.

Guntis Trekteris boasts over two decades of experience in production. Throughout his career, he has successfully produced over 30 films by different genres, garnering both local and international acclaim. Currently there are two new features by Viesturs Kairišs and Marta Elīna Martinsone in production along with couple of documentaries by Davis Simanis and Yevhen Titorenko (Ukraine).

Edouard Witrand is the Marketing & Partnership Associate at Soundcharts, a platform specialized in music data analytics for industry professionals. Holding a degree in marketing, he uses his expertise to help artists and music professionals leverage data to track and optimize performance. He is dedicated to promoting a data-driven culture at the core of artistic development strategies.

Britte Meinema is the Marketing Manager at Make Waves, an online distribution and promotion platform for independent artists. Previously, she worked as Communications Officer at NVPI, the Dutch industry association for the film and music sectors. Combining experience in industry communications with a passion for independent music, Britte focuses on empowering artists through innovative marketing and digital visibility.

Anete Zviedre is a yoga instructor and a member of the professional team at Veselības sporta stacija. Known for her creative approach, dynamic classes, and dedication to both the practice and teaching of yoga, Anete brings a playful yet focused energy to her sessions. Rooted in Hatha yoga and influenced by rhythmic breathing and meditative flow, her classes combine strength-building fitness elements with Vinyasa sequences, encouraging students to challenge their limits and experience yoga’s transformative power.

Andrii Volkovintsev is a Ukrainian music manager with over 10 years of experience in the music industry. His background spans event production, comedy and radio projects, and concert venue management, forming a strong base in talent and project development. After contributing to label work that led to a Universal Music deal, he now represents Geisha Ninja Samurai, expanding its international partnerships and serving as the European agent for Ziferblat, Ukraine’s 2025 Eurovision act.

Andis Ansons is a Latvian music producer, sound engineer, and member of the indie dance project Bel Tempo. With nearly 20 years of experience, he has produced multiple hits, including three songs reaching Latvia’s Spotify Top 10 in 2025. Andis also composes music for sync — including campaigns for YouTube Music Library, Bolt, and airBaltic — and works daily on TV and radio commercials as a sound designer.

Alexa Niculae is a Romanian singer, songwriter, and performer with nearly 20 years in the music industry. Her career spans television, musicals, commercials, and live shows across Europe. As a songwriter, she co-wrote “Yodel It”, Romania’s 2017 Eurovision entry — the country’s highest-scoring song to date — and has written for The Voice of Romania winner Alexandra Capitanescu and Romania’s Got Talent winner Laura Bretan.

Aleksandra Line is a Latvian music and project manager specialising in jazz, classical, and contemporary music. She works as an expert and project manager at the Latvian Music Information Centre and is the co-founder of Louder.lv, a management and promotion agency collaborating with artists and organisations across Europe. Aleksandra is also a journalist for Mūzikas Saule and Baltic Outlook, a poet and lyricist, and leads the spoken-word jazz project klausies.

Agnese Štrause-Kubliņa is a media professional with nearly a decade of experience in the TV industry. She is head of entertainment and documentary content at Latvian Public service media. She oversees the creation of entertainment content, formats and documentary content. Under her supervision a dedicated youth hub within LTV has been created, which enables youth to learn public service media values and content creation cycle.

Balázs Weyer is an ethnomusicologist and Director of Hangvető, Balázs curates major festivals like Budapest Ritmo and leads international projects including MOST, UPBEAT, and Polyglot. Representing Veszprém in the UNESCO Cities of Music network, he bridges heritage and innovation across Europe’s cultural landscape.

Michaël Spanu is a cultural strategist and researcher (PhD) with 12 years of experience advising cities, creative organizations, and cultural networks across Europe and North America on innovation and sustainable growth.

Suzette Das is a co-director of “Ireland Music Week,” the country’s leading independent showcase festival and conference, and coordinator for “Music From Ireland,” the national export office supporting artists worldwide. With a background as both artist and industry professional, she bridges creative and executive perspectives to build a fairer, forward-thinking music ecosystem.

Bruno Roze is a founder and Artistic Director of “I Love You Records”, one of Latvia’s most respected independent labels. Starting as a small bar and venue in Riga’s Old Town, it evolved into a platform that has launched and supported numerous Baltic acts onto international stages. Beyond the label, Bruno is deeply involved in curating festivals, pressing vinyl, and fostering the growth of Latvia’s independent music scene.

Ištvan Tomaš is an experienced music industry professional with over 16 years of work across marketing, PR, A&R, artist management, booking, show promotion, and event production. This broad background provides him with a full-circle understanding of the music business. He is the founder of MONOKEY, a music management company offering a wide range of services with an authentic approach — treating every client as a partner on a shared journey to discover their musical DNA.

Hanna-Greth Peetson is the Sync and Music Supervision Manager at Tier Music Publishing, an Estonian company with a strong local and international presence. Tier Music represents over 25 Estonian artist catalogues and a roster of talented composers working on music for film, TV, advertising, and video games. In addition to managing sync partnerships and creative projects, Hanna-Greth helps organize international songwriting camps, fostering collaboration and promoting Estonian music globally.

Thea is an artist and producer manager, publisher, and founder of a leading Estonian music company established after leaving a major London record label in 2015. She manages successful acts such as NOËP, Sander Mölder, Raul Ojamaa, and ALIKA, who represented Estonia at Eurovision and placed 8th. Thea also founded Estonia’s first sync agency and publishing branch, representing top local talent. A lecturer and consultant on music export and publishing, she was named Manager and Entrepreneur of the Year in 2022.

Edžus Arums is a Producer and creator behind “Dziesma Dejo. Deja Skan”, exploring the connection between song, dance, and cultural identity through movement and performance.

Artis Volfs is a prominent Latvian radio personality, DJ, and music enthusiast with over three decades in the industry. He is a key figure at stations like Radio SWH and Radio SWH LV, where he is the host of the popular drive-time show “Ielās ar Arti Volfu”, and curated the long-running Radio SWH TOP 20 chart since the early 1990s, and at Radio SWH, Radio SWH LV, Radio SWH GOLD serving as a music director. Known for his deep passion for music.

Liena Edvardsa is the CEO of LaIPA (Latvian Performers and Producers Association), a collective rights management organization. A senior executive with extensive experience in the music industry and intellectual property law, she has led initiatives in copyright legislation, licensing, and remuneration systems in Latvia. Liena represents Latvia internationally through SCAPR, IFPI, and AEPO ARTIS, and is the founder of the Latvian Copyright School, promoting IP education nationwide. She also chairs the charity Fonds Līdzskaņa and serves on the board of Music Latvia, advancing awareness of legal and professional standards in the music industry.

Baiba Braže is the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia. From 2020 to 2023, she served as NATO Assistant Secretary General for Public Diplomacy, overseeing the Alliance’s global strategic communications across all civilian and military structures. Previously, she was Latvia’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom (2016–2020) and the Netherlands (2003–2008), also representing Latvia in the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.

Agnese Cimuška-Rekke is the founder of Riga Music Week and the international songwriting camp RIGaLIVE, as well as the CEO of Music Latvia. She serves on the boards of LaIPA and is a member of the Music Council at the Ministry of Culture of Latvia. With over 20 years of experience in the music and cultural industries, she has worked across record labels, television and live production, building bridges for Latvian music internationally.

Līva Pētersone-Kļaviņa is an experienced music manager and event producer. Since 2010, she has managed the band Instrumenti, organizing major concerts at venues like Arena Riga and Daugava Stadium, producing music recordings, and leading PR and marketing campaigns. Previously, she worked with Every Little Thing, supporting bands like Carnival Youth and The Sound Poets. A board member of Music Latvia, she was named Best Music Manager of 2024 at the GAMMA Awards and continues to support Latvia’s music industry and emerging artists through mentorship and strategic initiatives.

Guna Zučika is the CEO of Every Little Thing, a music company collaborating with leading Latvian musicians on local and international projects, covering label services, booking, management, and consulting. She holds a Master’s in Music Business Management from the University of Westminster and lectures at the Latvian Academy of Culture and Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music. Guna serves on the boards of Latvian Music Export Office and LaIPA, and is a member of the Music Council at the Ministry of Culture. She is also the conference curator for the inaugural Riga Music Week (2–6 November), promoting the growth and international reach of Latvian music.

Rob van Dongen has over 40 years of experience in the media and entertainment industry — first as a musician, later as a leading media and entertainment lawyer. He co-wrote and produced Precious with Prince and the Dutch band Lois Lane. Today, he represents major DJs, artists, managers, and labels, specializing in copyright, neighbouring rights, and privacy law. Rob has successfully litigated high-profile cases involving Afrojack, Mr. Probz, Roger Sanchez, and Julio Iglesias.

Nuno Saraiva is a Portuguese music professional with 30 years of experience as an artist, publisher, label owner, consultant, and project manager. He is Executive Director of AMAEI, President of AEMI, and a Board Member of IMPALA. A passionate advocate for independent music, diversity, and fairness, he promotes a humanist approach to the industry and leads projects that strengthen the global music ecosystem, including Europe in Synch.

Lena Ingwersen is Managing Director of the Music Cities Network (MCN), a global non-profit connecting music cities worldwide to strengthen music ecosystems through collaboration and empowerment. As Cultural Manager, DJ, and inclusion advocate with 15+ years of experience, she co-founded Act Aware and HALLO/Schaltzentrale and performs internationally as DJ Lej. Based in Berlin, Lena works across borders to connect people, places, and ideas through the transformative power of music.

Lauras Lučiūnas is a Lithuanian producer, cultural entrepreneur, and strategist with over 20 years of experience in music, television, and large-scale events. Founder of Creative Industries, he has worked with artists such as Jazzu, Leon Somov, Alina Orlova, and The Roop. He also founded Green Lakes Pressing, a leading vinyl hub, and co-founded What’s Next in Music? festival. Lauras bridges art, innovation, and civic life through creative production and education.

Kostia Pace is the Director and Artistic Programmer of Jazz Station in Brussels — a renowned venue dedicated to jazz and improvised music. For over twelve years, he has shaped it into a vital platform for emerging artists, education, and cultural dialogue. Under his leadership, Jazz Station champions diversity, inclusion, and innovation, exploring how jazz interacts with contemporary society. His curatorial vision focuses on hybrid art forms, new generations of musicians, and the intersections of music, performance, and civic engagement.

Jan Ole Otnæs has been a central figure in Norwegian and European jazz for over five decades. Since his first concert promotion in 1969, he has served as Director of Bodø Kulturhus (1991–2001), Artistic Director of Moldejazz (2001–2013), and Managing Director of Nasjonal Jazzscene – Victoria (2013–2023). He has also chaired the Norwegian Jazzforum for 27 years and the Europe Jazz Network for two. Currently, he leads the East Norwegian Jazz Center, serves on the Punkt Festival committee, and is a Nordic Music Prize jury member. In recognition of his lifelong contribution, he received the King’s Medal (2023) and the Norwegian Jazzforum Prize of Honor (2025).

Frank van Berkel has been the Artistic Director of BIMHUIS Amsterdam since 2018 — a leading venue presenting over 300 concerts annually that showcase innovation in jazz, improvised, world, and electronic music. A founding member of the Europe Jazz Network, BIMHUIS serves as a hub for pioneering artists from around the world. Frank also works as a freelance curator and advisor for festivals and juries, including the Buma Boy Edgar Prize and North Sea Jazz’s Paul Acket Award. He holds degrees from Codarts and ArtEZ Institute of the Arts.

Fabian is the Project Lead at Hamburg Music, overseeing EU cooperation projects and public affairs. His work centers on strengthening international collaboration, innovation, and policy development in Hamburg’s music sector. He has coordinated multiple EU-funded initiatives under Interreg Baltic Sea Region and Interreg Europe, and managed COVID-19 support funds and research on the city’s music ecosystem. With a background in economic geography, Fabian bridges policy, research, and practice in the creative industries.

Vaidotas Valiukevičius is the lead singer, songwriter, and creative force behind THE ROOP. The band gained international attention in 2020 with “On Fire,” Lithuania’s Eurovision entry that became a viral hit despite the contest’s cancellation. In 2021, “Discoteque” earned them 8th place in the Eurovision Grand Final in Rotterdam. THE ROOP has toured across Europe, Australia, and the USA, opened for Ed Sheeran in 2024, and returned to Eurovision in 2025 as guest performers.

Urmas Ambur is Managing Director of the Estonian Performers’ Association (EEL), leading the organization since 2000. With over 20 years in collective rights management, he represents Estonian and international performers, ensures fair remuneration, and shapes copyright policy. A long-time member of Estonia’s Ministry of Justice Copyright Committee, he also contributes to national cultural strategies, including the Culture 2030 steering group, and frequently trains and speaks on copyright and the creative industries.

Dublin-born Tom Sherlock has been a full-time music industry professional since 1982. As A&R Manager at Claddagh Records, he helped the label become Ireland’s leading folk music distributor. Since 1997, Tom has worked in artist management and event consultancy, representing some of Ireland’s most acclaimed traditional acts, including Altan, Liam O’Flynn, The Chieftains, and Lankum. He now manages Dreamers’ Circus, one of the most prominent names in Nordic folk, and continues to champion the international growth of the Nordic music scene.

Scott Cohen co-founded The Orchard in 1997, pioneering digital music distribution. After its acquisition by Sony Music in 2015, he remained with the company until retiring in 2019. He then became Chief Innovation Officer at Warner Music Group, a position created specifically for him, where he led innovation across emerging technologies. In 2023, Scott co-founded Jukebox, a company transforming song income streams into regulated securities. He continues to explore how AI and blockchain are reshaping the music industry’s future.

Marion has been part of London’s music scene for over a decade since moving from France after completing her master’s degree. For the past 12 years, she has worked at Music Glue, an e-commerce platform for the music industry, where she now serves as Head of Business Development. She collaborates with artists, managers, and labels on campaign management and ticket presales while developing strategic partnerships across the industry. A passionate music lover, she spends her free time crate-digging and discovering new live acts around London.

Debs Wild has over 25 years’ experience in the music industry, working across A&R, artist development, fan engagement and creative consultancy. She discovered Coldplay in their early days and went on to become the band’s long-standing Fan Liaison and Web Ambassador, bridging the gap between the band and their global fanbase. She is the author of Life in Technicolor: A Celebration of Coldplay, with a new edition just published.

Becci Scotcher is a senior music executive with over 20 years of experience in partnerships, programme development, communications, and international export. As Senior Grants & Programmes Manager at PRS Foundation, she manages over £3 million in annual grants and has been key in embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion across all funding. She has led initiatives such as PPL Momentum Accelerator, Prelude with Amazon MGM Studios, and the Early Career Promoter Fund, while launching UK Sounds to amplify British music globally.

ansis is one of the most recognized and award-winning hip-hop artists in Latvia. He is a multiple recipient of the Latvian Music Recording Award “Zelta mikrofons” and the first rapper to receive the prestigious “Austras balva”. He is also half of the hip-hop producer duo Netīrās Cilpas, whose debut album Melnezera grāmata, featuring various hip-hop artists, was recognized as the Best Rap Recording in Latvia in 2023.

Agnė Begetė represents AGATA, Lithuania’s neighbouring rights organization for performers and producers. AGATA protects and promotes artists’ and producers’ rights while developing the country’s music ecosystem through initiatives such as Muzikos salė, Pakartot.lt, the Golden Platinum Awards, Lithuanian Music Charts, AGATA Academy, and AGATA Backstage, fostering collaboration, education, and visibility for local talent.

Raj Kalyani has 8 years of experience in the music industry, starting as a producer/artist before focusing on playlists, marketing, and artist growth. He is currently Streaming Manager at Global Records, Spotify and Partnerships Manager at EDM House Network, Label Manager at Vibora, Curators Manager at SoundCampaign, and manages PR for DJ Eran Hersh. He develops and curates playlists across genres, pitching to editorial placements like New Music Friday and Fresh Finds.

Pascal Bertin is a French music journalist and communications consultant. Formerly editor-in-chief at Les Inrockuptibles, he has covered pop, rock, electronic, and rap music. Since 2010, he has written for Vice France, i-D, Tsugi, Libération, France Inter, and Mouv’, and collaborated with Sacem, Fnac, and Fédélima. Today, he also works with emerging artists at venues like File7, Le Plan, and FGO Barbara, helping them navigate media and develop communication strategies.

Oleksandr Volkovintsev is a Ukrainian music manager and co-founder of Geisha Ninja Samurai. He has worked with artists like Jamala, Kazka, LAUD, INGRET, and TONKA. Currently managing Masha Kondratenko and Ziferblat, who represented Ukraine at Eurovision 2025 and placed 9th in the Grand Final. His company also handled music supervision for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, integrating nearly 200 Ukrainian songs.

Andrii Zaitsev is a Ukrainian music manager with deep roots in media and artist development. Starting in radio — from host to program director — he gained broad experience across the industry. He later co-founded Geisha Ninja Samurai, a music supervision and management company known for its work on the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 soundtrack. In 2025, the company’s artist Ziferblat represented Ukraine at Eurovision, marking a milestone for both the artist and the company.

Ola Melzig is a renowned technical production manager and event director known for his sharp organizational skills, creative mindset, and trademark humor. Born in Malmö, Sweden, Melzig began his career in production in the early 1990s and has since worked on some of the world’s biggest live events, including multiple Eurovision Song Contests, the Commonwealth Games Ceremonies, the European Games in Baku, and the American Song Contest (NBC). A natural leader and communicator, he is praised for building strong, motivated teams and executing complex productions with precision and passion.

Toomas Olljum is founder of Made in Baltics, an artist management company, agency, and label. Formerly a lawyer at Estonia’s Ministry of Culture, he has worked with Sony Music, Universal, Warner, EMI, BMG, and Live Nation. A founding member of Music Estonia and board member of the Estonian Phonogram Producers Association, he has earned 18 Estonian Music Awards and managed Ewert and The Two Dragons.

Ruud Berends is the co-founder and Head of Agenda of IFF in London, Advisor of SAMC in Sofia, Bulgaria and Board member and Advisor of Bridge Conference, Croatia. From 2002 till 2018 Ruud was project manager of Dutch Music Export and Executive Producer of the Dutch Impact Parties. From 2002 - March 2023 he worked for ESNS as Head of Conference, CEETEP, ETEP, intl marketing and sales. In 2024 Ruud received the Live Time Achievement Awards at Yourope’s European Festivals Awards.

Robert Meijerink is Head of Program and Booker at Eurosonic Noorderslag (ESNS) in Groningen, the premier European conference and showcase for emerging acts. He also works as in-house promoter at Doornroosje Nijmegen, an internationally recognized venue hosting concerts and festivals. At ESNS, Robert oversees performances, panels, and networking opportunities for thousands of music professionals.

Ramūnas is a Lithuanian music journalist, TV and radio host with 30 years of experience. After two decades at Lithuania’s largest daily paper, he now serves as Head of Pop Music at Lithuanian Radio and Television (LRT) and has been Lithuania’s Eurovision commentator since 2021. He covers both local and international music scenes.

Martin Schuhmacher is Managing Director of Nettwerk Music Europe GmbH, leading the company’s expansion across European markets. With 20+ years in A&R, artist management, and international strategy, he has managed artists including NNEKA and Xavier Rudd, and held senior roles at Intercord/EMI, Edel Records, and Yo Mama’s Recording Company. He focuses on sustainable growth and audience development for independent music.

Magdalena Niestryjewska is an award-winning music supervisor with 14+ years in advertising and film, curating music for 500+ commercials and productions for MAX and Netflix. She consults for Universal Music Poland, fostering collaborations between artists and brands. Her work has earned the Mark Award, multiple KTR Awards, and finalist nominations at the Music & Sound Awards.

Guillaume has 15+ years in recorded music and music tech, working with Caro Emerald and Fuga. He founded LAB Music, co-founded Vokall Records, and launched the DIY distribution platform Make Waves. He is chairman of the Dutch independent music association STOMP and serves on the IMPALA Executive Board and Digital Committee, representing European independent music interests.

Fruzsina is Managing and Festival Director of SUPERBLOOM in Munich and has directed Lollapalooza Berlin and Budapest’s Sziget Festival. She co-founded CEETEP and RegiON, and champions diversity through TAKE A STAND, now embraced by 100+ festivals. She serves on the Yourope board, directed the Hungarian Music Export Office, and has received honors including Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres and the European Festival Award.

Christoph Hallerberg has over a decade of experience in artist and product management, running PR campaigns for artists including girl in red, Zeal & Ardor, Black Sea Dahu, UCHE YARA, and Bilderbuch. He now focuses on coaching artists and music businesses to discover their purpose and connect with their audiences.

Stephen Budd is a London-based music industry executive and manager of artists, producers, and songwriters. Co-founder and former chairman of the MMF, he has represented Grammy- and Brit-winning talent. Budd directs OneFest, Damon Albarn’s Africa Express, and NH7 Weekender India, and has led charity initiatives supporting live music. He is also a frequent TV commentator on music industry issues.

Sebastian Król is co-founder of Hamburg-based label and PR agency Backseat, representing indie-pop/rock artists including Bilderbuch, Ane Brun, and girl in red. He heads booking for Norden Festival and Klangkosmos Festival and co-founded Fanklub, a direct-to-fan platform. A musician himself, he releases music under the name Karwendel.