LAUNCH Music Conference & Festival 2026: Full Schedule

Individual showcase stage tickets linked in each performance slot. Weekend Badges for Conference & Festival admission can be found at https://www.launchmusicconference.com/lancaster/

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10:00am EDT

Morning Mingle - Snacks & Networking

Friday April 24, 2026 10:00am - 10:30am EDT

CommonWealth Ballroom 3

Friday April 24, 2026 10:00am - 10:30am EDT
CommonWealth Ballroom 3

Conference

10:30am EDT

🚀 COUNTDOWN TO LIFTOFF Welcome to the 18th Annual LAUNCH!

Friday April 24, 2026 10:30am - 10:40am EDT

CommonWealth Ballroom 3

A little jump start to your LAUNCH Music Conference weekend! LAUNCH Conference Director, Jeremy Weiss kicks off the 18th Annual LAUNCH Music Conference. Jeremy goes over the framework of LAUNCH 2026, and how to make the most of your LAUNCH experience.

Speakers

Jeremy Weiss

Owner & Founder, The CI Companies/LAUNCH

Jeremy Weiss is the founder and owner of The CI Companies, the umbrella brand of his career endeavors: CI Records (label), LAUNCH Music Conference & Festival, Christmas Burns Red (Annual Holiday) Festival, CI Productions, CI Design & Printing, & the CI band management arm.
CI ... Read More →

Friday April 24, 2026 10:30am - 10:40am EDT
CommonWealth Ballroom 3

Conference

10:45am EDT

🚀 MISSION CONTROL: The Real Playbook for Artist Growth in 2026

Friday April 24, 2026 10:45am - 11:35am EDT

CommonWealth Ballroom 3

Ready for liftoff? This panel brings together an exceptional team of industry pros to break down what actually drives artist growth in 2026 — from building or identifying your audience, to crafting a clear identity, storytelling, recognizing or building leverage, and strategies that actually move the needle now.
Sharpen your skills, strengthen your vision, and build a foundation that lasts. Come ready to level up.

Speakers

Randy Nichols

President & CEO, Fly South Music Group, Force Media Managment

Randy Nichols has guided artists to multiple Gold records and Grammy nominations. He is regularly invited to speak about artist management, live streaming, merchandise, and technology at conferences including SXSW, CMJ, LAUNCH Music Conference, Montauk Music Festival, as well as multiple... Read More →

Kevon Glickman

Lawyer, Kevon Glickman Law, Blingnot Media

Kevon Glickman is a well-traveled entertainment lawyer and music executive with over 35 years of record making history.Equally comfortable in the studio, courtroom or boardroom, Kevon has worked with some of the biggest artists in the world.He was there in the beginning of Hip hop... Read More →

BLASKO

Management, Branding, Mentoring, Consulting

Blasko is one of the rare figures who has lived in the music industry from every angle. He built a multi-decade career around one thing: his passion for heavy metal, turning it into a life on global stages with Ozzy Osbourne and Rob Zombie, managing Grammy-winning artists, and helping... Read More →

Laura Catana

Director of Content & Social Media Strategy, Symphonic

Laura Catana is a passionate advocate for independent artists, with a career rooted in empowering musicians to take control of their creative journeys. As the co-founder of Cuba’s first independent urban music label, Guámpara Music, she discovered her interest in artist management... Read More →

Andrew Ellington

Agent, Artists By Artists

Andrew is passionate about music and its universal power to connect, inspire, and transform people & communities across the globe. His passion for music stems from his early exposure to his grandfather's legacy as a bass player, composer, and booking agent, as well as an extensive... Read More →

Terry Tompkins

Education, Management, Talent Buying, Analytics, Hofstra University

Terry Tompkins has been a professional and professor in the music industry for the past 25 years. He began his career as an artist manager and worked as a talent buyer, journalist, record label president, festival organizer, A&R Rep and Professor of Music Industry. Tompkins is... Read More →

Friday April 24, 2026 10:45am - 11:35am EDT
CommonWealth Ballroom 3

Conference

11:40am EDT

🚀 FUEL THE THRUSTERS: Turning Passion Into a Sustainable Career

Friday April 24, 2026 11:40am - 12:30pm EDT

TBA

In this panel, we’ll explore how passion pairs with smart strategy to create real momentum — and how that game-changing advocate might just be you. Why passion still matters—and how to design a creative life that actually lasts.

Speakers

Ashlyn Bruni

Hopeless Records

Kevin Sutton

Founder, 11:22 MMG, 11:22 Solutions

Kevin C. Sutton - A native of Brooklyn, NY, has been in sales, marketing and advertising for over 20 years. He is a proud alumnus of both Milton Hershey School, and Grambling State University, where he received his degree in Mass Communications. He has amassed over 10 million dollars... Read More →

Brooks Dawson

Director of Tour Marketing, Foundations Artist Management

Brooks Dawson is a seasoned entertainment industry professional with extensive experience in tour marketing, artist management, and live event promotion. Currently serving as the Director of Tour Marketing at Foundations Artist Management, Brooks oversees marketing strategies for... Read More →

Dr. Ulf Oesterle

Director of Marketing; Professor, After Dark Presents; Murray State University

Ulf Oesterle has spent a career operating at the intersection of the music business and higher education. Oesterle spent nearly two decades teaching at Syracuse University while also managing artists, running an independent record label, curating and hosting a commercial specialty... Read More →

BLASKO

Management, Branding, Mentoring, Consulting

Suz Fattorini

Mental Health Professional, The Rock Star Advocate

Suzanne Fattorini, LMSW
The Rock/Star Advocate

Suz is a licensed therapist and founder of The Rock/Star Advocate and creator of The 2026 Rock/Star Life Planner, guiding creative professionals to find career success through a growth mindset. With over 20 years of industry experience, her passion is helping creative professionals... Read More →

Monika Julien

Education, Drexel University

Jason Spiewak

CEO and Founder, Noble Steed Music

Once dismissed by The Village Voice as a “bitter, jaded alterna-Billy Joel,” NYC’s Jason Spiewak is a veteran of the music industry, celebrated for his thoughtful songwriting and dynamic piano performances. His first solo release in 21 years, Wash Me Clean, marks a defining... Read More →

Friday April 24, 2026 11:40am - 12:30pm EDT
TBA

Conference

11:40am EDT

🚀 HOUSTON, WE HAVE A CONTRACT Understanding Contracts & Band Agreements

Friday April 24, 2026 11:40am - 12:30pm EDT

CommonWealth Ballroom 3

When is it time to call an attorney? What are you actually signing? Legal language can feel like language from another galaxy. Let experienced professionals translate contracts, band agreements, and deal points into plain English so you can protect your work, your money, and your relationships before small misunderstandings become major problems.

Speakers

Barry Heyman

Heyman Law

Barry Heyman is an attorney practicing music, entertainment, intellectual property (copyrights and
trademarks), and digital media law for over 20 years. In 2004, Barry founded Heyman Law where he
is the principal attorney. In his law practice, Barry advises individuals and business... Read More →

Kevon Glickman

Lawyer, Kevon Glickman Law, Blingnot Media

Friday April 24, 2026 11:40am - 12:30pm EDT
CommonWealth Ballroom 3

Conference

12:35pm EDT

🚀 HUMAN AT THE HELM: Using AI without killing the soul.

Friday April 24, 2026 12:35pm - 1:25pm EDT

CommonWealth Ballroom 3

AI can accelerate your process — but you’re still the captain. This panel explores how artists are using AI to spark ideas, refine demos, streamline marketing, and boost output while protecting their unique voice and art. This panel will discuss what’s real, what’s hype, where the risks are—and how artists can use, and benefit from, AI without losing control. Learn how to work faster and smarter without losing the heart of your creativity.

Speakers

Randy Nichols

President & CEO, Fly South Music Group, Force Media Managment

Barry Heyman

Heyman Law

Jason Spiewak

CEO and Founder, Noble Steed Music

BLASKO

Management, Branding, Mentoring, Consulting

Grant McFarland

Producer/Engineer, Atrium Audio

Since 2012, producers Carson Slovak and Grant McFarland have become known for their consistent quality output and super-efficient workflow among regional, national and international artists. The two opened a boutique recording studio in Lancaster, PA called Atrium Audio and spent... Read More →

Friday April 24, 2026 12:35pm - 1:25pm EDT
CommonWealth Ballroom 3

Conference

1:30pm EDT

🚀 CLEARED FOR LANDING: What Buyers Really Want

Friday April 24, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm EDT

TBA

Buyers, agents, promoters, ticketing pros, venue operators — they’re the ones deciding who gets the slot. So what are they actually listening for? What makes an artist bookable, promotable, and scalable in a real market?
In this no-filter conversation, you’ll hear directly from the decision-makers about what moves you from inquiry to offer — and how to position yourself (or your client) for bigger shows and better opportunities. Bring your questions. This is your chance to ask the people who decide who boards the craft, yourself.

Speakers

Brooks Dawson

Director of Tour Marketing, Foundations Artist Management

Laura Rose

Camp Punksylvania

Laura Rose is a passionate and forward thinking music industry professional and community builder who’s reshaping the scene in a traditionally male-dominated field. As the driving force and CEO of Riot Squad Media and talent buyer & operations coordinator at Creative Concerts, she... Read More →

Jeremy Weiss

Owner & Founder, The CI Companies/LAUNCH

Andrew Ellington

Agent, Artists By Artists

Gregory Ferraiolo

Co-Founder, Music Indie Coalition

development company that helps aspiring musicians develop full-time music careers, and Skill Tree Records, a video game soundtrack label.

Greg spent the majority of his 18+ years in the music industry working for legendary GRAMMY Award-winning composer, producer, and musician NI... Read More →

Kevin Sutton

Founder, 11:22 MMG, 11:22 Solutions

Friday April 24, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm EDT
TBA

Conference

1:30pm EDT

🚀 LAUNCH PAD OR FLIGHT SCHOOL? Education vs. Real-World Experience

Friday April 24, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm EDT

CommonWealth Ballroom 3

Do you need a degree? Or just experience? This panel explores how formal education, hands-on work, mentorship, and self-directed learning can work together — not compete — in building a long-term career. Discover how to combine knowledge and action to prepare for real success in the evolving music industry.

Speakers

Randy Nichols

President & CEO, Fly South Music Group, Force Media Managment

Shawn Young

Director of Music Industry Studies, Professor of Music, York College of Pennsylvania

Shawn Young, PhD is director of Music & Entertainment Industry Studies at York College of Pennsylvania. After serving in the U.S. Army Band and working in the music industry as a performer, promoter, and manager, Dr. Young entered the world of higher education and has not looked back... Read More →

Chris Keeney

Immersive Music/Media Group

Chris is a professional guitarist, recording engineer, and educator, based in Lancaster, PA. As a musician, he has recorded or performed with a wide variety of national and international artists and groups over the past 20 years. In addition to guitar, he is also an oudist, and... Read More →

Lou Plaia

Founder, Artist Services Specialist, Hot Rats Entertainment

Plaia launched Hot Rats Entertainment in 2022 to provide consulting and various artist services for solo Artists, Bands, Songwriters, Producers and Managers. At Hot Rats, he also manages the Spinefarm/Universal recording artist, Deadlands, a female-fronted metalcore band.
From... Read More →

Dr. Ulf Oesterle

Director of Marketing; Professor, After Dark Presents; Murray State University

Goldie Harris

Internship Coordinator Hofstra University, Director of Streaming & Commerce at EMPIRE

Goldie Harris is a music executive, strategist, DJ, and educator currently serving as Director of Streaming & Commerce at EMPIRE, where she helps shape streaming strategy and commerce outcomes for artists across all genres. At EMPIRE, Goldie works closely with internal teams and DSP... Read More →

Monika Julien

Education, Drexel University

Terry Tompkins

Education, Management, Talent Buying, Analytics, Hofstra University

Friday April 24, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm EDT
CommonWealth Ballroom 3

Conference

2:25pm EDT

🚀 INDEPENDENT ORBIT: Building a Career Without Waiting for Clearance

Friday April 24, 2026 2:25pm - 3:15pm EDT

CommonWealth Ballroom 3

In today’s landscape, no one’s handing out permission slips. Artists & industry entrepreneurs are founders, CEOs, marketers, and community builders all at once. Every one of you is a start-up. This panel dives into what it really means to think like a startup: clarifying your mission, and how to build & maintain momentum without gatekeepers.

Speakers

Neil Sheehan

President, Vocana

Specializing in indie music, Neil has an impressive track record of entrepreneurship and innovation in the industry. He founded and successfully sold two companies: HM, a band management and concert promotion firm, and Standby Records, a renowned record label. A sought-after speaker... Read More →

Josh Korel

Founder, Contend. MGMT

Josh Korel is a former tour manager turned artist manager and the founder of Contend. MGMT, With years of experience navigating the music industry, he brings a wealth of knowledge and firsthand insight into the challenges and triumphs of life on the road. In addition to his work in... Read More →

David Stingle

Engineer, West West Side Music

David Stingle is a multi-skilled engineer from New York specializing in recording, production, and mixing. Over the past few years working at 3x Grammy award winning studio West West Side Music, he has built a repertoire in producing independent artists and mixing, but also specializes... Read More →

Ricky Armellino

Producer/Engineer

BLASKO

Management, Branding, Mentoring, Consulting

Gregory Ferraiolo

Co-Founder, Music Indie Coalition

Friday April 24, 2026 2:25pm - 3:15pm EDT
CommonWealth Ballroom 3

Conference

3:20pm EDT

🚀 CAN YOU HANDLE THE TRUTH? - Marketing

Friday April 24, 2026 3:20pm - 4:00pm EDT

CommonWealth Ballroom 3

A new twist on our most popular panel!! How confident are you in your band image and marketing? How much do you want real feedback from people who work with bands every day? The panel reviews artist submissions PUBLICLY with brutally honest feedback. How’s the band name? The logo? The photos and artwork? The website? The social posts? What is the band doing right, and what can they improve on?

Speakers

Ashlyn Bruni

Hopeless Records

Randy Nichols

President & CEO, Fly South Music Group, Force Media Managment

Joe Caviston

Social Media / Online Marketing, Screaming Infidelities

Joe Caviston is a seasoned digital marketing expert, live event promoter, and logistics mastermind. With a wealth of experience in the Tri-state area and DMV, he currently provides top-tier marketing consulting for some of the region's leading music venues and promoters. Joe is also... Read More →

Kevin Sutton

Founder, 11:22 MMG, 11:22 Solutions

Brooks Dawson

Director of Tour Marketing, Foundations Artist Management

Jason Spiewak

CEO and Founder, Noble Steed Music

Lou Plaia

Founder, Artist Services Specialist, Hot Rats Entertainment

Dr. Ulf Oesterle

Director of Marketing; Professor, After Dark Presents; Murray State University

BLASKO

Management, Branding, Mentoring, Consulting

Laura Catana

Director of Content & Social Media Strategy, Symphonic

Monika Julien

Education, Drexel University

Friday April 24, 2026 3:20pm - 4:00pm EDT
CommonWealth Ballroom 3

Conference

5:15pm EDT

Calliope Wren

Friday April 24, 2026 5:15pm - 5:45pm EDT

Penn Square - York College Stage

Artists

Calliope Wren

Friday April 24, 2026 5:15pm - 5:45pm EDT
Penn Square - York College Stage 25 S Queen St, Lancaster, PA 17603

Festival

5:45pm EDT

MARILYN HUCEK

Friday April 24, 2026 5:45pm - 6:15pm EDT

Commonwealth Ballroom 1 - Lancaster County Convention Center

Artists

Marilyn Hucek

Friday April 24, 2026 5:45pm - 6:15pm EDT
Commonwealth Ballroom 1 - Lancaster County Convention Center 25 S Queen St, Lancaster, PA 17603, USA

Festival

about <br>

6:00pm EDT

Alex Julia

Friday April 24, 2026 6:00pm - 6:30pm EDT

Rural City Taproom

Friday April 24, 2026 6:30pm - 7:00pm EDT
Commonwealth Ballroom 1 - Lancaster County Convention Center 25 S Queen St, Lancaster, PA 17603, USA

Festival

about <br>

CommonWealth Ballroom 3

Tickets

90's v. 2000s Party
Important Event Info:
+18 Event | Doors at 9pm
Age Restriction18 & Over
Event Info: Get ready to dive into a blast from the past at the 90s v. 2000s Party with Screaming Infidelities Emo Night!

Join us for: an unforgettable evening from 9 PM to MIDNIGHT! Whether youre rocking out to the sounds of the 90s or reliving the 2000s, this is the perfect place to celebrate the music that shaped a generation.

Best of all, entry is FREE with ANY LAUNCH Badge!

Dont miss out on the chance to relive the nostalgia and energy of these iconic decades. Get your friends together and lets make some memories! We cant wait to see you there! More Info LinkLAUNCH Music Conference & Festival (https://www.launchmusicconference.com/)

Friday April 24, 2026 10:30pm - 11:00pm EDT
Plough 25 S Queen St, Lancaster, PA 17603

Festival