Friday 16th May 2025 – A full day of talks, discussions, case studies and insights presented by NTIA
THE COLLABORATOR
Night Time Industries Association
Night Time Industries Association is a membership organisation representing over 100 nightclubs, live music venues from around the country and are the voice of the night time community. They lobby the government, authorities and other key departments to change policy and regulations.
THE MAIN THEMES OF THE DAY
Collaborative Dialogues – the Future of Music, Identity, and Community
– Decentralising Music: How Local Scenes Empower Global Change
– Intersectional Activism: Music as a Vehicle for Social Change
– Diversity on Stage and Behind the Scenes
THE SESSIONS
CONFERENCE ROOM 1…
10:00 Breaking Down Barriers: Do Young People Still Go Out?
Are young people still going out, or has socialising moved online? This panel explores the changing habits of younger generations, examining the impact of social media, streaming, and rising living costs on nightlife and in-person gatherings. Experts, industry leaders, and young voices will discuss whether traditional venues remain relevant, what barriers prevent young people from going out, and how events and spaces can evolve to stay engaging. From virtual connections to real-world experiences, the conversation will uncover the future of socialising and what it means for nightlife, entertainment, and community spaces in an increasingly digital world.
Carly Heath – NTE Advisor Bristol
Alex Morrison – Founder, Obsurvant
Sam Spencer – Head of Operations, Broadwick Live
Jenni Cochrane – Booker, Exit Festival
Moderator: Duncan King – Head of Festivals and Partnerships, Skiddle”
11:15 In Conversation: Skin (Skunk Anansie) with Roisin O’Connor, The Independent
12:15 Diversity on Stage and Behind the Scenes
The music industry is working toward inclusivity, but true diversity requires representation on stage, in the boardroom, and behind the scenes. This panel explores actionable strategies for ensuring that marginalised voices have a say in how music is created, distributed, and celebrated. Panelists will discuss existing barriers to inclusivity and initiatives designed to create a more inclusive environment for artists, managers, and executives across all identities and orientations.
Moderator – Jonathan Dillon (Stonewall)
Mica Sefia (Project Coordinator – Black Lives in Music)
Eunice Obianagha – (Head of Diversity – UK Music)
Ammo Talwar – (Punch Records)
Nazlı Yırtar – (Warner Music Group’s Emerging Markets Regional Marketing Director)
13:15 Decentralising Music: How Local Scenes Empower Global Change
The UK’s local music scenes have been driving forces behind global musical trends. This panel examines how grassroots music communities can wield real influence, with a focus on advocating for fairer policies, nurturing creative communities, and creating sustainable futures for local artists. Panelists will share case studies from cities across the UK to illustrate the power of regional voices in global music culture.
Nadeem Din-Gabisi (Storyteller, Poet & Filmmaker)
Kit Muir Rogers (GigPig)
Sally Oakenfold (Music Venue Alliance Brighton)
Mick Ross (CEO, Generator)
Cathy Runciman (Earth Percent)
Moderator: Lutz Leichsenring (Founder, VibeLab)
14:15 Targeted Action Works – 25 years of PRS Foundation
15:15 Intersectional Activism: Music as a Vehicle for Social Change
Music has always been a medium for challenging societal norms and inspiring change. This panel will discuss the intersection of music and activism, exploring how artists and organisations can leverage their platforms to promote social justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and racial equality. Panelists will examine the ethical and practical aspects of activism within the music industry and its influence on audiences.
Tom Kiehl (CEO, UK Music)
Jonathan Dillon (Global Project Manager, Stonewall)
Sybil Bell (Founder, Independent Venue Week)
Lewis G Burton (Artist, Promoter – Inferno)
Moderator – Michael Kill CEO NTIA
16:15 Understanding Gen Z: The Future of Music Discovery and Consumption
As the music industry rapidly evolves, so do the ways audiences find and interact with music. This panel will unveil fresh insights from an in-depth nationwide study of young listeners conducted by the BPI, Gen Z specialists lemontank and marketing strategy experts Blackstar Agency. We explore the latest trends shaping music discovery, consumption and fan engagement among 18-25 year olds.
Jacob Rickard – Founder & Director, Lemontank
Robyn Elton – Head of Audience, Blackstar Agency
Breyner Baptista – Innovation & Culture Director, Blackstar Agency
Isabella Shakil-Woodford – Student and Gen Z Representative
Moderator : Franklin Boateng – King of Trainers
THE LOGISTICS
Night Time Industries Association will be at The Great Escape Conference on Friday 16th May 2025 at the Leonardo Royal Waterfront Hotel in Brighton and is open to anyone with a TGE delegate or conference pass.