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ALBERTA MUSIC CITIES CONVENTION 2026
Sep 29 - Oct 1, 2026 · Calgary, Alberta
Welcome to the Future
of Music Cities in Canada
Music Cities Convention is where experts, policymakers, and advocates meet to network, address problems, and develop solutions across city planning, economic development, job creation, tourism, skills development, festivals
and events, real estate and community development.
WHAT TO EXPECT?
The Music Cities Convention Alberta 2026 will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, and creatives to explore the transformative power of music in driving jobs, wellbeing, sustainability, and inclusive economic growth, all set in the dynamic landscape of Alberta, Canada.
The programme spans three days, opening on 29 September with a private session for Canadian music cities delegates, before opening to the full conference on 30 September and 1 October. Topics covered include strategies for developing the talent pipeline, integrating music into public health and social prescribing initiatives, and building destination value through music tourism and cultural infrastructure.
Attendees will also delve into forward-looking themes such as the role of Indigenous cultures and music economies, building a circular music economy, and the future of music policy, covering issues like AI, climate action, land use, and community empowerment. The convention will conclude with interactive sessions focused on supporting artists, city-level policy advocacy, and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
300+ delegates from all around the world
30+ Executive Speakers
Receptions, after-parties and local hospitality
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2 full days of talks
around workforce development and the role of music as a job creator in cities, health and wellbeing, music tourism, Indigenous music economies, climate action, future-facing music policy
Live music events featuring Alberta's vibrant music ecosystem
Experience Calgary, Canada's fastest growing city.
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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29:
Private invite-only session for Canadian music cities
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 & THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1:
Open conference
TESTIMONIALS
"Thank you so much for such an amazing week in Hull! I’m quite overwhelmed by how many engaging people I met in such a short amount of time and how many new and real connections I come home with. What a fantastic arena to meet people who really care about what they are doing. I really, truly appreciate the opportunity to try and share what we are doing at Bergen Kjøtt and in Bergen with the world - thank you.
Thank you for all your care in planning and organising and communicating.
We were so many speakers and contributors, but you took such good care of all of us."
Eva Rowson, Managing Director of Bergen Kjøtt
“Music is the heartbeat of a city. It gives a city its voice – and teaches it how to listen. That's what made the Music City Convention in Hull so rare. Not another industry conference. A genuine gathering of people who believe music belongs at the heart of urban policy – not as decoration, but as infrastructure.”
Di Xiao, Founder & Director, China–UK Cultural Exchange Programme
“Today at the Hull Music Cities Convention, organised by Sound Diplomacy, felt like a real home for me!
So much of what I do as a researcher, and as a lawyer, and an events and music professional before that, sits between music, copyright, entertainment law and place research, and it’s very rare that all of these strands come together so clearly in one space.”
Dr Jenny Kanellopoulou, Reader in socio-legal studies, Manchester Law School
CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF MUSIC INNOVATION
“Ten years ago, National Music Centre opened Studio Bell with a bold vision to create a home for music in Canada and help build a stronger music ecosystem from our home base in Calgary. Welcoming the Music Cities Convention and leading voices in music policy from around the world is a meaningful next step in that journey. It gives Calgary an opportunity to share what we have built, learn from other cities and regions, and strengthen the ideas, relationships, and policies that will help music play an even greater role in our city’s cultural and economic future. As NMC enters its next decade, we see Studio Bell not only as a home for Canada’s music story, but also as an international gathering place where the future of music policy can be shaped.”
Andrew Mosker - President and CEO of the National Music Centre.
WHY CALGARY, ALBERTA?
"Celebrating a decade of Alberta’s music advocacy and shaping the next"
In the past 10 years, Alberta has been on a journey to become a leading emerging voice in the music cities movement in Western Canada and the world.
Home to renowned music festivals, artists, creators, producers, artist-friendly radio/platforms, Canada’s National Music Centre, Winspear Centre for Music, acclaimed music schools, music associations, live-music venues, and some of Canada’s most iconic music hall of famers, the province’s music legacy and ecosystem runs deep.
But Alberta is more than history and an existing vibrant music community—it’s a province and place in transformation. As Canada’s energy capital diversifies and continues to grow, music has become a signal of change, creativity, and cultural resilience.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Alberta Music Cities Convention is located on the traditional lands of the peoples of the Treaty 7 region, including the Blackfoot Confederacy (comprised of the Siksika, Piikani, and Kainai First Nations), the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda (including the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Goodstoney First Nations). The City of Calgary is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta, Districts 5 and 6.
Sound Diplomacy and the National Music Centre are committed to honouring the sovereignty and traditional territories of the First Peoples and acknowledging the treaties that have shaped this land. Guided by this commitment, NMC is dedicated to forging creative bridges of understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, recognizing and celebrating Indigenous voices from all regions of Canada, and inspiring positive change.
HOST PARTNERS
SUPPORTING PARTNERS
SPONSORS
PARTNERSHIPS
Do you have any other questions regarding the Alberta Music Cities Convention, or want to sponsor? Contact info@sounddiplomacy.com to learn everything related to the event's programme and activities.