Technology is literally advancing everyday, and yet many artists and record labels are stuck in essentially archaic ways of thinking in terms of production, marketing and the listener experience. While there are many panels focused on the music industry at large, these are the five best panels to learn about how to utilize new technologies for the best possible outcome.

The Value of VR for Indie Labels and Artists

*STAY TUNED FOR PREVIEW OF THIS PANEL*

Representatives from music labels, as well as musicians, will head this panel to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of using new immersive technologies as part of their marketing strategies, while still maintaining their artistic integrity and indie status. Speakers will include Matt Harmon, president of Beggars Group USA, Rob Lowe (no, not THAT Rob Lowe) of Austin-based instrumental group Balmorhea, Robby Morris of Secretly Group, previously the director of A&R at Matador Records, and Christian Stiegler, co-founder and CEO of Indigo Reality, a creative agency that specifically uses immersive technologies to promote indie artists.

TUESDAY, MARCH 12
3:30PM – 4:30PM
JW MARRIOTT
SALON 3-4

A New Wave: VR/AR’s Impact on Music

This panel of professionals from across various industries will discuss how VR is changing, and, in fact, already has changed, the way music is experienced, as well as what they think the future holds for this technology and what kind of content can be expected. Speakers will include Sophia Dominguez, CEO and co-founder of SVRF, Tom Impallomeni, co-founder and CEO of TribeXR, Amy LaMeyer, managing partner of WXR Fund and David Liu, creative director and co-founder of AFVR Co.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13
2:00PM – 3:00PM
JW MARRIOTT
SALON 1-2

New Adventures in Film and Music

The presenters in this panel span music, film and more and will talk about the ways people in these industries can collaborate across platforms to make sure they all have the best projects they can. Speakers include Lisa Brook, director of Live Cinema UK, Amar Ediriwira, acquisitions director and film curator at 4:3 Boiler Room, Joel Mills, senior music programme manager for British Counciland Will Theakston, head of licensing at Warp Records.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13
3:30PM – 4:30PM
AUSTIN CONVENTION CENTER
ROOM 15

How Digital Assistants Can Change Music

This panel, presented by Jacquelle Amankonah Horton, a powerhouse in the music industry, will explore how continuous integration of AI and smart home devices will affect the way we produce, access and consume music, among other things.

FRIDAY, MARCH 15
12:45PM – 1:00PM
AUSTIN CONVENTION CENTER
ROOM 13AB

Building a Better Music Industry on Blockchain

Dreaming of a world where artists get paid fairly? So are these guys. Grammy-winning producer RAC, co-founder of Ujo Music/ConsenSys Jesse Grushack and senior project manager of Ninja Tune Taryn Haight are here to take you on a journey to better fan/artist interactions and better compensation for their art.

FRIDAY, MARCH 15
12:30PM – 1:30PM
HILTON AUSTIN DOWNTOWN
SALON A