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Press Release
Confluence Returns To Charlotte As Artists And Industry Leaders Tackle The Future Of Music
July 7, 2026 – As artists and music businesses navigate artificial intelligence, rising touring costs, evolving fan expectations, and new revenue opportunities, Confluence returns to Charlotte October 7–10, bringing together the people shaping the future of music in the Carolinas and beyond.
Now entering its fourth year, Confluence has grown into one of the Southeast’s leading gatherings focused on the future of music and the business behind it. Last year, more than 250 conference attendees traveled from 17 states to participate. Attendees included representatives from record labels, artist management companies, artists, booking agencies, venues, promoters, media companies, and students. The event also welcomed more than 1,200 festival attendees.
Produced by Music Everywhere CLT, Confluence was created to strengthen the music ecosystem across North and South Carolina while connecting the region’s artists and industry professionals with national leaders and opportunities.
“Confluence brings together the music community to build what’s next,” said Rick Thurmond, Executive Director of Music Everywhere CLT. “As the music industry continues to evolve, pros and artists need the knowledge, relationships, and resources to solve problems and build sustainable careers. Confluence fosters those connections while showcasing the incredible talent and innovation coming out of the Carolinas.”
Confluence arrives at a pivotal moment for the music industry as artists, venues, and music communities navigate artificial intelligence, rising touring costs, changing fan behaviors, and ongoing debates around ticketing and artist compensation.
This year’s conference programming will focus on helping artists and music businesses adapt, grow, and build sustainable careers. Sessions are expected to explore:
- The impact of artificial intelligence on music creation, distribution, and discovery
- Royalties, publishing, and ensuring artists collect all available revenue
- Sync licensing, brand partnerships, and music placement opportunities
- Direct-to-fan engagement and audience development
- Marketing, social media, and data-driven growth strategies
- Artist management and sustainable career development
- Touring, festivals, and the economics of live music
- Radio, music discovery, publicity, and storytelling
- Financial literacy and wellness for music professionals
- Tools, technology, and resources for independent artists
As a part of the conference programming, Confluence will host its first Music Ecosystem Summit, bringing together music advocates, policymakers, industry leaders, artists, and venue operators to discuss issues impacting music communities across East Coast. Topics are expected to include ticketing reform, artist advocacy, music policy, and strategies for strengthening local and regional music economies.
Daytime programming will take place at The Union at Station West in Charlotte. As conference sessions conclude each day, Confluence will transition into a citywide music festival experience, with performances taking place across multiple venues before culminating in a larger Saturday festival event.
Last year’s festival featured 47 artists from North and South Carolina, creating opportunities for regional talent to connect directly with fans and industry professionals. Confluence also facilitated 30 one-on-one mentoring sessions and generated more than 90 hotel room nights, highlighting the event’s growing role in supporting artist development and music-driven tourism in Charlotte.
Speaker announcements, artist selections, and additional programming details will be released throughout the summer.
EVENT DETAILS
October 7–10, 2026
The Union at Station West, Charlotte, North Carolina
Registration is now open at ConfluenceCarolinas.com
ABOUT CONFLUENCE: Confluence is the Carolinas’ music industry conference and festival, produced by Music Everywhere CLT. Each year, Confluence brings together artists, industry professionals, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and music advocates for several days of education, networking, collaboration, and live music. Through panels, workshops, showcases, and community conversations, Confluence strengthens the Carolinas’ music ecosystem and helps create opportunities for sustainable careers in music. This project was made possible, in part, with funding from ASC, and the N.C. Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural & Cultural Resources.