Festivals are not only places of entertainment, but also platforms that can drive significant change. In this panel, we will discuss how festivals can play a key role in promoting a more sustainable future. Together with Danish and international partners, Roskilde Festival Group has launched the project Music & Music Festivals as Change Drivers, which aims to use music festivals as catalysts for issues such as sustainability, social inclusion and mental health. This project will take place over the next two years in Denmark, Germany, the UK and the USA. At the Future of Festivals 2024, we will share insights into Roskilde Festival’s successful partnerships, such as the collaboration with Danish energy company Andel to drive the transition from fossil fuels to electricity. The discussion will be moderated by Emma Sjørvad (Roskilde Festival), who will share the challenges and successes of implementing sustainable energy practices. Henriette Weber (Andel Holding) will give her perspective on the importance of partnerships for the green transformation, while Mathias Irminger Sonne (Danish Embassy Berlin) will put the conversation into a broader societal context. Afterwards, Greener Power Solutions will present their battery solutions that are already in use at Roskilde Festival.

Moderation: Emma Sjørvad (Roskilde Festival)

Mathias Sonne (Danish Embassy, Berlin)

Henriette Weber (Andel)

Dennis Dingelhoff (Greener Power Solutions)

This panel will dive into diversity in the workplace in our industry and the attitude we have towards it. We will ask ourselves what diversity means and especially what challenges it will bring to employers and co-workers. Are there blind spots like cultural differences which may lead to misunderstandings? What can we do to foster understanding? Are there differences between the way the UK deals with this topic in comparison to Germany? The panelists come from diverse backgrounds and were facing their own challenges which they will share with the audience.

Moderation: Falco Zanini (Falco Zanini Event Safety)

Akpofure Agboje (EVENTHORIZON GmbH / Stabil GmbH)

Steve Theivendrarajah (Event Production Show and Access All Areas)

Sara Bertie (ES Global Ltd)

In diesem Panel dreht sich alles um die Frage, wie künstliche Intelligenz das Monitoring von Musik auf Festivals revolutionieren kann. Es werden verschiedene Technologien zur automatischen Erkennung und Erfassung von Musik vorgestellt, die zeigen, wie KI-gestützte Systeme in Echtzeit Setlists erstellen können und welche Auswirkungen das auf Veranstalter hat. Erfahrt mehr über die Zukunft des Musik-Monitorings und welche Rolle KI dabei spielt, die Arbeit in der Festivalbranche zu optimieren. Seid dabei, wenn wir Einblicke in die spannendsten Tools und Lösungen geben, die für elektronische Musik, DJ-Performances und Live-Musik gleichermaßen wegweisend sind.

Moderation: Claudia Schwarz (MusicTech Germany)

Dr. Martin Zschornak (WeR1)

Albert Gruber (seeqnc, Riverside Studios)

Imposter Syndrome – what is this – WILM has now for the 2nd time in five years concluded that more than 80 % women in the industry in Europe suffer from Imposter Syndrome to a degree where they are often considering leaving the industry. Many men suffer from Imposter syndrome as well. But what is Imposter syndrome about?

Moderation: Malle Kaas (Women in Live Music)

Karoline Schäfer (FOG fireworks + sfx GmbH)

The Balkans have emerged as a vibrant hub for music and arts festivals, attracting international attention and redefining the region’s image. Known for their rich cultural heritage and exciting festival scene, Balkan countries now host some of Europe’s most celebrated events, where tradition meets innovation. This panel will bring together cultural leaders, festival organizers, and global partners to discuss the dynamic festival landscape across the Balkans and its potential as a blooming market for the festival industry. With a growing number of events and increasing international interest, the region offers significant opportunities for collaboration, investment, and growth. Join us to explore the Balkan festival scene—a thriving cultural movement that highlights the region’s safety, diversity, and forward-looking potential. Discover how Balkan festivals are enriching the European cultural calendar and shaping a bright future for global audiences and industry stakeholders alike.

Moderation: Ruth Koleva (Sofia Live Festival)

Jaksa Boric (KUPOLE)

Codruța Vulcu (ARTmania Events SRL)

Ivan Petrovic (EXIT Festival)