Submissions open for Conference Session Proposals

Deadline: 09-Oct-2026

Classical:NEXT is inviting proposals from music professionals and practitioners worldwide for interactive conference sessions addressing key issues, emerging trends, and future developments in the art music sector. The annual Classical:NEXT conference provides a global platform for professionals to exchange ideas, explore new perspectives, and discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of art music. The programme brings together an international community through presentations, group discussions, interactive sessions, mentoring opportunities, and professional meet-ups. Proposals are encouraged to use participatory formats that actively involve delegates rather than relying on traditional panel discussions.

About the Classical:NEXT Conference Programme

The Classical:NEXT annual conference programme brings together professionals from across the international art music sector to share knowledge, discuss emerging developments, and explore new approaches to the future of the field. The conference encourages dialogue between professionals with different experiences and perspectives. Sessions may use a range of formats, including: - Presentations. - Group discussions. - Interactive sessions. - Mentoring sessions. - One-to-one mentoring. - Roundtable mentoring. - Regional meet-ups. - Sector-specific meet-ups. The programme is designed to encourage active participation and meaningful professional exchange.

What Are Classical: NEXT Session Proposals?

The session proposal opportunity allows professionals and practitioners to suggest topics and formats for inclusion in the Classical:NEXT conference programme. Proposed sessions should address an important issue, challenge, opportunity, or future development within the art music sector.

Applicants should clearly explain:

- The issue or topic they want to explore. - Why the issue is important. - Why it is relevant to the future of the art music sector. - How delegates will participate. - What outcomes the session is expected to achieve. The jury will consider proposals based on their relevance to the conference’s future-oriented focus and their ability to encourage meaningful interaction. Guiding Themes for Session Proposals

Classical: NEXT welcomes proposals addressing a broad range of subjects connected to the future of the art music sector.

Suggested themes include:

New Markets and Funding Models Proposals can explore emerging markets, alternative approaches to funding, and new models that could influence the development and sustainability of the art music sector. Audience Engagement Sessions may examine new ways of connecting with audiences, encouraging participation, developing relationships, and responding to changing audience expectations. Innovative Artistic Approaches Applicants can propose discussions about new artistic practices, creative approaches, and ways artists and organisations are developing the art music field. Music for Positive Change Proposals may explore the role of music in creating positive social, cultural, or community outcomes and examine how the sector can contribute to wider change. Technology and Startups Sessions can address the impact of technology, digital developments, and startups on the creation, presentation, distribution, management, and experience of music. Business and Management Strategies Proposals may focus on business development, organisational management, professional strategies, and approaches that can help music organisations and practitioners respond to changing sector conditions. Future of Journalism, PR and Communication Applicants can explore how journalism, public relations, media, and communication are changing within the music sector and what these developments may mean for the future. Interactive and Participatory Formats

Classical: NEXT encourages proposals that actively involve conference delegates.

Rather than traditional panel discussions, applicants are encouraged to consider formats that allow participants to contribute ideas, ask questions, exchange experiences, and engage directly with the subject being explored.

Interactive approaches may include:

- Group discussions. - Participatory workshops. - Structured audience activities. - Mentoring formats. - Roundtable discussions. - Other formats that encourage active delegate participation. The proposal should explain how the chosen format will help achieve the intended outcomes of the session. How Long Are Conference Sessions?

Classical: NEXT sessions typically last 60 minutes.

Applicants should therefore develop a session structure that can explore the proposed issue within the available time while providing sufficient opportunity for delegate participation. Additional professional exchange opportunities may also be available through one-to-one or roundtable mentoring, regional meet-ups, and sector-specific meet-ups. Mentoring Opportunities The conference programme includes opportunities for professionals to participate in mentoring formats.

These can include:

- One-to-one mentoring. - Roundtable mentoring. - Discussions focused on specific professional or sector-related topics. These formats provide additional opportunities for knowledge sharing and professional exchange beyond the main conference sessions. Regional and Sector-Specific Meet-Ups

Classical: NEXT also provides opportunities for regional and sector-specific meet-ups.

These gatherings can bring together professionals with shared geographical or sector interests and create additional spaces for discussion and networking. Applicants may consider how their expertise or proposed topic could contribute to these forms of professional exchange. International and Diverse Perspectives

Classical: NEXT values diversity among speakers and seeks geographical representation within its conference programme.

Proposals from professionals in different countries and with varied experiences are welcomed. The programme also encourages contributions from outside the