Jazz Promotion Network Conference (UK)

Jazz Promotion Network 2023 CONFERENCE- ‘HERE TO STAY’- BIRMINGHAM OCT 31-NOV 2 – REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

This just in for any musicians or industry people who can’t wait another year for the next jazzahead conference and are looking for opportunities to discuss building a sustainable scene…

Registration opens for the UK/Ireland’s only jazz-specific conference and showcase event on July 31. 

With a conference title inspired by the 1962 album by trumpeter Freddie Hubbard – Here to Stay –  the Jazz Promotion Network (JPN) celebrates the resilience of jazz in all its forms.

A must-see event for anyone involved in the promotion of jazz in its widest sense, the conference will explore how jazz promoters, agents, educators, producers, labels, venues, and musicians can work to maintain and grow the artform across the UK, Ireland and beyond. 

For 2023 the event is co-hosted by two of the major cultural organisations in Birmingham– B:Music (aka Symphony Hall) and Birmingham City University (BCU) which also contains the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.

The conference starts at 1pm on Tuesday Oct 31 at B:Music with a keynote address by one of Birmingham’s best known jazz performers and commentators – Soweto Kinch, who will also perform in the evening.

Conference topics include Inclusivity in Action – how are we all doing at growing our diverse jazz community and Working Internationally – how are things working out post-Brexit with touring and international collaborations.

Focusing on Building the next generation, JPN  will be seeking feedback on their proposed  ‘Routes into Jazz’ promoter development project. This will be followed an evening showcase programme featuring some of the most exciting new artists from across the UK and Ireland.

On Wednesday Nov 1 the conference moves to Birmingham City University where conference hosts will present the varied jazz scene in the city, the work of the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and the university, and the riches of the National Jazz Archive. 

Conference sessions, some in the new STEAMhouse innovation centre at BCU, will focus on the future of jazz and how new technology may impact on our work as promoters and as artists. These will be followed by the second evening of showcases in the superb Bradshaw Hall at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. 

JPN Chair, Ros Rigby OBE, comments “We are absolutely delighted to bring our conference to Birmingham this year, and to be working with such collaborative and creative partners, who do a huge amount to promote jazz in the city, alongside many energetic independent promoters.“

Tony Dudley-Evans, Birmingham based jazz promoter (who we interviewed here) comments “It’s great news that the JPN Conference is coming to Birmingham- it is an important organisation that can do so much to increase the profile of British jazz.  I also welcome the opportunity to showcase some of the talent we have in the city.“

JPN Members are eligible for free access to the event. Conference tickets for non-members from £30-£150  Further information/booking details here.

The Jazz Promotion Network is a collaborative network that enables the UK & Irish jazz sector to thrive, innovate and inspire. JPN aims to advance and support professional development, information exchange and partnership opportunities for the UK & Irish jazz industry, artists and audiences.