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ESNS 2026 conference: first speakers confirmed

15 October 2025

In January 2026, Groningen will once again become the beating heart of the European music industry. ESNS (Eurosonic Noorderslag) returns with not only the festival itself, but also a conference program filled with ambition, connection, and power. For its 40th edition, ESNS has chosen not to focus on one country, but on the unifying theme of Europe Calling. With this in mind, the organisers announced the first speakers.

High-profile names and an impressive program

Among the confirmed speakers are leading music industry organisations, including Bella Union, EXIT Festival, FKP Scorpio, K2 Agency, Nettwerk Music Group, Pohoda Festival, and WME. They bring a wealth of experience, knowledge, and inspiration from various corners of the industry. For example, Ben Homewood of Music Week, who will be conducting an in-depth interview with Helen Smith (Executive Chair of IMPALA).

Some other confirmed names are:

Joost van Abeelen (MOJO Concerts)
Marija Astromskaitė (Music manager of Plié Music)
Ronald de Bas (8Ball Music)
Leifur Björnsson (Iceland Music)
Esmee Bouwmeister (DGTL)
Tineke Codron (Square 1 Support)
Jaël Gradenwitz (Truus Agency)
Brian Hetherman (NXNE Music Conference and Festival)
Daan Holthuis (013)
Stefanie Joosten (singer, performer and voice actor)
Arjo Klingens (MOJO Concerts)
Stanislav Malkikov (Geisha Ninja Samurai & Believe)
Lisanne Middag (Crystal Stone Management)
Ismail Myrseli (SPICY_SNAIL)
Satria Ramadhan (AXEAN Festival)
Roger Rutten (The Tribute Agency)
Mandy Salem-Aubry (MSA Music Services)
Lilian Severin (Pot Music NGO)
Noah Smits (Smidswater)

Check out all speakers on ESNS.nl.

Europe Calling

As part of Europe Calling, ESNS is introducing the House of Europe innovation platform, where European music export offices come together to showcase their regions. In this setting, organisations share their vision and connect with colleagues from other countries. This is precisely the goal of the Europe Calling theme.

ESNS26 Delegate Passes

Immerse your musical passion and your music career in inspiration and knowledge from January 14th to 17th, 2026, in Groningen. Delegate Passes are still available for late-ticket prices via ESNS.nl.

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