2026 Schedule

Draft 2026 Music Industry Summit Schedule

Below you will find a draft schedule for the 2026 Music Industry Summit. Timing, order, and programming are subject to change until the schedule is finalized and released early March. 

This draft schedule is posted to help attendees understand the layout of the conference schedule and facilitate planning travel and work schedules. 

All day programming will take place in person in the Baker University Center's Ballroom unless otherwise noted. Some sessions will take place in other rooms within Baker University Center. Evening events will be held in various locations on campus or in Athens. Only Main Stage Sessions on April 15-16 will be available on livestream.

To attend all daytime programming, attendees must be registered for the Summit. Some programming may be open to the public and will be indicated on the schedule below. All concerts at Memorial Auditorium are open to anyone and do require a ticket purchase. 

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Tuesday, April 14

1:00-2:30 p.m. • ROAR Records In-Store Performance

ROAR - 30 E State St, Athens, OH 45701

This event is free and open to both Summit attendees and the general public.

2:30-3:30 p.m. • Programming

Baker University Center Theater

4:00-5:15 p.m. • The Crane Wives Artist Keynote

Baker University Center Theater

The members of The Crane Wives will sit down for a special artist keynote conversation discussing their career in the evolving landscape of indie folk. This session is not available for livestreaming but will be available for on-demand viewing.

5:30-6:30 p.m. • Official Gallery Opening

VisCom Focus - Schoonover

This event is free and open to both Summit attendees and the general public.

6:30-7:30 p.m. • MIS Happy Hour, Sponsored by Jackie O's

Jackie O's Brewpub

Join the Music Industry Summit team for a Happy Hour. at Jackie O's. More details to be announced. This event is free and open to both Summit attendees and the general public. No registration required. 

8:00-10:00 p.m. • The Crane Wives Concert

Memorial Auditorium

The Crane Wives will perform a concert at Memorial Auditorium featuring opening act Lilith Max. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and show starts at 8:00 p.m. Tickets go on sale Friday, January 30 at 10 a.m. EST. All attendees are required to purchase a ticket if they wish to attend this concert. You do not have to be registered for the Summit in order to attend the concert.

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10:30 p.m.-12:00 a.m. • Possible Programming
 

Thursday, April 16

9:00 a.m. • Doors Open to the Baker Center Ballroom
 

9:20-9:50 a.m. • Opening Performance
 

10:00-10:50 a.m. • Main Stage Session
 

11:05 a.m.-11:55 a.m. • Main Stage Session
 

12:05-12:40 p.m. • Mentoring Roundtable Sessions

Various Locations in Baker University Center

RSVP required; more details announced soon. 

12:05-12:45 p.m. • Programming
 

1:00-1:55 p.m. • Main Stage Session
 

2:10-3:05 p.m. • Main Stage Session
 

3:20-4:35 p.m. • Artist Keynote
 

4:55-6:10 p.m. • Breakout Sessions

Various Locations in Baker University Center

All breakout sessions will have limited capacity and will be available on a first come, first served basis.

6:15-7:45 p.m. • MIS Happy Hour + Jam Session, Presented by StewMac

StewMac - 21 N Shafer, Athens

StewMac will open the doors to their historical building for a special Happy Hour + Jam Session for Summit attendees before the Closing Night Concert. Speciality drinks and light apps will be available. 

8:00-10:30 p.m. • Closing Night Concert

Memorial Auditorium

All attendees are required to purchase a ticket if they wish to attend this concert. 

9:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. • Official After Party, Presented by WIMI

The Union

Hosted by WIMI, the Official MIS After Party will feature a lineup of local artists.