FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS, USA

Event Music Cities Convention & Awards
Dates 16–18 September 2025
Hosted By Sound Diplomacy Events & Education & Experience Fayetteville

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CHALLENGE

In September 2025, the Music Cities Convention returned to the United States for its 14th edition, this time in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Set in a region known for its creative communities and rapidly evolving music scene, the event offered a platform to spotlight the role of music in economic development, tourism, health, and placemaking.

The timing aligned with growing national interest in local music ecosystems as tools for innovation, identity, and investment. Fayetteville was chosen for its inclusive music culture and vibrant regional networks, making it the ideal location to bring together global stakeholders in music, city planning, and creative policy.

“Rarely has a conference felt like family. This was my experience at the Music Cities Convention and Awards in Fayetteville, Arkansas, presented by Sound Diplomacy Events and Education. Despite global attendees, the audience was bonded by music, impact and opportunity”

— Daryl Raven CEO, QMF & Qld Music Trails (Australia)

The Event at a Glance

Over three days, the convention:

Held over 20 sessions, including 6 panels, 8 presentations, 2 fireside chats and 6 live music showcases
Gained 113+ pieces of digital press coverage, reaching an estimated 8.4M monthly readers
Generated $1,140 average spend per out-of-town delegate, contributing to local economic impact

Panel discussion at conference with five individuals on stage, seated in chairs, speaking and listening, with an audience watching in a large room.

Session topics spanned:

Music and social impact
Creative placemaking
Accessibility and inclusion
Nightlife governance
Climate action through culture
The future of AI in music policy
Regional ecosystem development in Arkansas

Highlights included:

Evening fringe events showcased Arkansas-based talent, reinforcing the local music scene’s breadth.
The Music Cities Awards honoured standout global projects, kicking off the week in the Fayetteville Public Library.
Key partnerships were forged through panels, mixers, and curated networking moments.

ECONOMIC IMPACT OF THE MUSIC CITIES CONVENTION

Legacy and Next Steps

The event boosted Fayetteville’s visibility as a hub for cultural leadership and live music. It demonstrated how music-led convening can generate long-term social, economic, and reputational benefits for cities.

As a legacy, the event built momentum for Northwest Arkansas’ regional music strategy and reinforced Fayetteville’s position as a cultural destination. It also set the stage for international collaboration, as the 2026 editions were handed over to Hull (UK) and Alberta (Canada).