WINCON 2024: Shaping the Future of Independent Music

04 September 2024 - Press release

 

• Two-day summit to take place in Belgrade as part of Runda Digital Day.

• Leaders from the independent music community to address industry challenges and drive innovation.

 

Worldwide Independent Network (WIN), the organization that brings together independent music trade associations from across the globe, is excited to announce the 2024 edition of WINCON, the annual flagship conference for the independent recording music industry.

Continuing its tradition of highlighting the diverse regions it supports, WINCON 2024 will take place on September 23-24 at Dom Omladine Beograda in Belgrade, Serbia. This year, the summit will be held in partnership with the Runda Digital Day conference, organized by the Regional Association of Independent Discographers (RUNDA).

Gathering leaders from over 30 territories worldwide, as well as the WIN’s board of directors, WINCON will serve as a crucial forum to tackle industry challenges, exchange perspectives, and foster collaboration to advance the global music ecosystem.

WIN members and Runda Digital Day attendees will have the opportunity to engage in a wide array of sessions, including keynotes, panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities. The conference will also host an in-person meeting of WIN’s board of directors on September 22.

The member-only part of the program will delve into critical issues such as streaming reform and performer remuneration in the digital age, positioning WINCON as a pivotal event for shaping the future of the independent music industry. Open sessions, available to all Runda Digital Day attendees, will include discussions on the ethical implications of generative artificial intelligence, streamlining data exchange through DDEX standards, and insights into the digital value chain in Latin America and Asian markets.

WINCON 2024 is set to be a unique platform for high-level discussions and industry-shaping initiatives. All industry professionals are welcome to join us in Belgrade. Tickets for the Runda Digital Day which give access to the open WINCON activities are available here.

Organized by WIN in cooperation with RUNDA, WINCON 2024 is supported by Serbia Creates and sponsored by Merlin, the independent’s digital music licensing partner.

Noemí Planas, WIN CEO, comments: “Since its first edition in 2013, WINCON has helped unite the WIN family, celebrate its diversity and be part of the global community. It is a vital platform for industry leaders to come together and hold important discussions to advance the independent agenda. The itinerant nature of the event has also made it a key event to engage with the host’s local music industry. We are looking forward to visiting Belgrade this year and connecting the Balkans with the world.”

Dario Draštata, President of RUNDA and WIN director, adds: “When we started RUNDA, one of the priorities was to connect the region with the world but also to bring the world to the region. Hosting WINCON at our own Runda Digital Day conference in Belgrade, we have not only reached that goal but also created a networking hub that opens possibilities for the global indie community.”

Jeremy Sirota, Merlin CEO, concludes: “Merlin is proud to support this year’s event in Belgrade, a city with a vibrant and dynamic music scene. Our mission is to ensure that independent music continues to thrive and grow around the world—participating in WINCON and Runda Digital Day helps to advance those objectives.”

 

Discover the full program of WINCON and Runda Digital Day here.