From October 1 to 3, 2026, the 16th edition of the Waves Vienna festival will take place, along with the conference organized in collaboration with mica – music austria and Austrian Music Export, where national and international music and media experts, pioneers, and activists, label owners, bookers, and, of course, musicians will come together for lectures, discussions, and networking events. The featured country for 2026 is the United Kingdom, and the conference will focus on sync, AI, and networking.
UK as Guest of Honour at Waves Vienna 2026
We are very pleased to announce that the United Kingdom will be the Guest of Honour at Waves Vienna 2026.
With this focus, we are turning our attention to one of Europe’s most influential, dynamic and globally impactful music scenes. For decades, the UK has stood for innovation, cultural diversity and artistic excellence, shaping the development of pop, indie, electronic music and club culture like few others.
Together with our partners from the UK, we are currently developing a comprehensive programme that brings together artistic exchange, in-depth dialogue and meaningful networking opportunities. Our aim is to build new bridges between the UK and European music ecosystems while strengthening existing relationships.
The focus will include:
• a curated showcase programme featuring emerging and established UK acts
• panels and talks with leading voices from the UK music industry
• networking formats and targeted exchange opportunities for international delegates
• thematic discussions around current developments in EU–UK collaboration
Beyond the festival itself, the UK focus will also extend into our UK residency format and longer-term collaborations.
With the United Kingdom as Guest of Honour, Waves Vienna 2026 sends a strong signal for international cooperation, cultural dialogue and the importance of open networks within a constantly evolving European music landscape.
Further programme details will be announced at a later stage.
First Insights into the Waves Vienna Conference 2026
Alongside our Guest of Honour, the UK, this year’s conference places a special spotlight on sync, with a particular focus on both film and gaming. As these sectors continue to grow and evolve, we aim to explore the creative, technological, and economic opportunities they offer for artists, rightsholders, and industry professionals. Panels and discussions will dive into music supervision, licensing strategies, and cross-sector collaboration, while also highlighting success stories and practical pathways into the sync world.
Another key topic of this year’s programme is the intersection of AI and copyright. With artificial intelligence increasingly shaping creative processes and business models, we will host conversations around authorship, ownership, ethical considerations, and the future of rights management. These sessions aim to provide clarity, encourage dialogue, and offer guidance in a rapidly shifting landscape.
We will also continue our commitment to showcasing emerging talent from Central and Eastern Europe through our “Next Gen” presentations. These sessions offer a platform for selected artists and projects to introduce themselves to an international audience of industry professionals, fostering new connections and export opportunities.
A major highlight of the 2026 edition is the launch of our new Young Professionals Programme. Designed specifically for newcomers to the music industry, this strand will feature workshops, talks, and mentoring formats that address the practical needs of early-career participants. Topics will include career development, navigating the live and recorded music sectors, building networks, and understanding the fundamentals of the industry. The aim is to create an accessible and supportive environment for the next generation of music professionals.
In addition, feedback listening sessions will once again play an important role within the conference. These formats give artists the opportunity to present their music directly to experienced industry experts and receive constructive feedback in a focused setting. Alongside this, curated networking events will provide space for meaningful exchange, collaboration, and relationship-building across borders and disciplines.
Further topics, formats, and speakers will be announced in the coming months, as we continue to shape a dynamic and forward-thinking conference programme that reflects the needs and challenges of today’s music industry.