• ‘One of the UK’s best festivals’

    Gigwise
  • CONFERENCE

    FOCUS Wales hosts an interactive music conference over the duration of the festival, featuring panels, seminars and discussions from experts from across the globe. Offering in depth music industry insight, expertise and real-world experiences from all music industry sectors.

    This year’s conference will have an overarching theme of A Healthier Future for Music, exploring the wellbeing of performers and industry, as well as the health of venues, revenue streams, and having a more equitable industry. Following on from 2024’s theme of shaping the future of the music industry, this year will be used to dive deeper into how best practices can be implemented for the music industry to have a positive impact on making the world a healthier place. 

    FOCUS WALES 2025 Conference.

    Buy Passes for FOCUS Wales 2025 HERE

    The FOCUS Wales conference can be accessed with all* festival wristbands. 

    Do you have an idea for a panel topic, workshop, or conference event? Submit your ideas here. 

    If you would like any further information, have access requirements, or feel there is a barrier to you being able to access the conference, please email sarah@focuswales.com to see how we can help.

    2025 DELEGATES

    View the delegates announced for FOCUS Wales 2025 so far..

    2025 Timetable

    Thursday 8th May

    10:00 am - 10:50 am

    Samaritans Present: Are We Listening?

    With help from The Ramones, Paul Simon and Johnny Cash, Samaritans Cymru explores the power of proper, deep listening in preventing suicides.

    Speakers

    11:00 am - 11:50 am

    PPL Presents: Data vs Record Sales

    What’s more important to labels, artists and their teams in 2025... Gathering data and improving metrics, or traditional fan and physical sales focussed campaigns?

    Speakers

    11:00 am - 12:00 pm

    Speed Meetings

    12:00 pm - 01:00 pm

    Networking Event with British Council Cymru

    01:00 pm - 01:50 pm

    LIVE Presents: Artists Journey to Headliner.

    What does that look like today and what are Festivals and Booking agencies doing to ensure the next generation of headliners are coming through.

    Speakers

    02:00 pm - 03:00 pm

    Speed Meetings

    03:00 pm - 04:00 pm

    MVT Workshop: Clear Values Make You Fundable

    This workshop will support attendees to confidently discuss and articulate their approach to ethical practice and social responsibility - identifying and showcasing their values and demonstrating their readiness for funding

    Speakers

    02:15 pm - 03:05 pm

    The Money Trench Podcast with Mark Sutherland

    03:15 pm - 04:15 pm

    Eisteddfod Genedlaethol and FOCUS Wales presents: Support networks for women making music in Wales, and internationally.

    03:15 pm - 04:15 pm

    Speed Meetings


    Friday 9th may

    10:00 am - 12:00 pm

    Sound Roots Connect Workshop

    Sound Roots Connect is new website and learning platform designed to support the independent UK music industry by fostering knowledge sharing, skill development and advertising career opportunities.

    This session will explore how artists and industry professionals at all stages of their careers can benefit from this essential resource, helping them navigate the sector and shape their own path to success.

    Speakers

    11:00 am - 11:50 am

    Marshall Presents: Is a level playing field for artists a reality?

    01:00 pm - 01:50 pm

    IQ Presents: Watershed Moment – The Next Generation of Music

    02:15 pm - 03:15 am

    PRS for Music Presents: Create Your own Destiny – Build a full time, portfolio career in music through multiple income streams

    11:00 am - 12:00 pm

    Speed Meetings

    12:00 pm - 01:00 pm

    Networking Event with Greater Manchester Music Commission

    02:00 pm - 03:00 pm

    Speed Meetings


    Saturday 10th May

    11:00 am - 11:50 am

    Cardiff University Presents: Reflections on Music and Language in Cymru and Aotearoa

    11:00 am - 12:00 pm

    Speed Meetings

    12:00 pm - 12:50 pm

    PRS Foundation in conversation with LEMFRECK

    01:00 pm - 02:00 pm

    Speed Meetings

    01:00 pm - 02:00 pm

    Networking Event with PRSF