First Speakers Announced for Hull Music Cities Convention 2026
First speakers announced for Music Cities Convention Hull 2026
The first wave of speakers has been announced for the Music Cities Convention, taking place in Kingston upon Hull from 9–11 June 2026.
Bringing together policymakers, placemakers, cultural leaders and music industry professionals, the Convention will welcome a global network of experts working at the intersection of music, cities and economic development.
This initial group of speakers reflects the international scope of the event, with voices from cities including New Orleans, Kigali, Bergen, Liverpool and Hull. Each brings experience in shaping how music contributes to urban life, from cultural policy and placemaking to education and ecosystem development.
Confirmed speakers include:
Phil Benson, Founder, Phil Benson Consulting
Angharad Cooper, Director of Operations, Centre for Music Ecosystems
Alice Glenn, Executive Vice President, New Orleans & Company
Dave Haslam, DJ, Writer and Broadcaster
Ben Lewis, CEO, Young Voices
Jessica Marsh, Director of Events & Strategic Engagement, Bird Creatives
Yaw Owusu, Creative Consultant, Nothin But The Music
Eva Rowson, Managing Director, Bergen Kjøtt
Raoul Rugamba, Founder, Africa in Colors
A programme focused on real-world impact
The 2026 programme will explore how music can support sustainable urban development, with sessions focused on:
Measuring the economic and social impact of music
Cultural infrastructure and placemaking
Music education and access
International collaboration and ecosystem development
Across two days of panels, workshops, roundtables and networking, the Convention is designed as a working forum, moving beyond discussion to practical solutions.
Alongside the conference programme, delegates will experience Hull of a Night, a citywide music showcase across grassroots venues, as well as the Music Cities Awards, celebrating global innovation in music-led development.
A global conversation, hosted in Hull
Returning to the UK, Music Cities Convention 2026 positions Hull as a city actively exploring the role of music in shaping identity, growth and opportunity.
With over 300 delegates expected, the event provides a platform for cities to exchange knowledge, share best practice and build long-term partnerships across sectors.
Additional speakers and full session details will be announced in the coming weeks.
Join the Convention
Music Cities Convention Hull 2026 takes place from 9–11 June in Kingston upon Hull.
Early ticket pricing is currently available for a limited time.