As 2025 winds into its final days, we’ve caught a glimpse of some of the excitement to come in the New Year — including some taking place around our original stomping grounds.

Our friends at ArtsQuest have announced the return of the Musikfest Music Industry Conference, taking place August 2-4, 2026 inside of the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks in our original hometown of Bethlehem, PA. The conference — which will take place in the middle of Musikfest, the nation’s largest free, non-gated music festival — promises to offer “interactive sessions, cutting-edge technology demos, inspiring keynotes, and real-world insights designed to bridge the worlds of music education and today’s evolving industry,” according to ArtsQuest’s official website.

Full lineup details are forthcoming, but key presenters and supporting organizations have been announced, including:

• Keynote Speaker: Dr. David Cutler, acclaimed author of The Savvy Musician and The Savvy Music Teacher.
• The Museum of Music Technology Powered by EMEAPP: Discover how electronic instruments, live production, and classroom integration are transforming the sound of tomorrow.
• Underground Music Collective (that’s us!): Learn how to Build Your Authentic Artist Brand and stand out in today’s music landscape.

In addition, ArtsQuest has announced several key program additions, expanding from the inaugural edition of the conference in 2024. These include:

• Band Showcase Program: Selected youth and emerging bands (ages 10–adult) will receive coaching, perform on an official Musikfest stage and receive live feedback from talent buyers, agents and producers. Submissions will open in October.
• The Green Room Mentorship Lounge: One-on-one and small group mentorship with industry veterans, modeled after NAMM’s “Networking with the Pros”.
• Museum Collaboration: A pop-up exhibit in partnership with the Museum of Music Technology highlighting the history of sonic innovation.

Conferences passes are on sale now for the Early Bird rate of $150 until March 1. After that, the price of a regular badge will increase to $175. Students, ArtsQuest members, and 2026 Musikfest performers receive discounted badges for just $100. For more information, visit the conference webpage.