The wait is over.
The East European Music Conference 2026 is here – bringing together a growing network of professionals from across the live music ecosystem.
From 20 to 24 May, Bucharest becomes a meeting point for industry leaders, artists, policymakers and innovators — for five days of panels, workshops, showcases and meaningful connections.
5 DAYS 10 ICONIC VENUES
ONE CITY ONE ECOSYSTEM
"In a divided world, we believe in the power of meeting in real life — LIVE — as a space for creativity, exploration, empathy and the practice of tolerance. We value human connection as a force for a more humane society, in a kinder world, on a safer and more sustainable planet."
The wait is over.
The East European Music Conference 2026 is here – bringing together a growing network of professionals from across the live music ecosystem.
From 20 to 24 May, Bucharest becomes a meeting point for industry leaders, artists, policymakers and innovators — for five days of panels, workshops, showcases and meaningful connections.
5 DAYS 10 ICONIC VENUES
ONE CITY ONE ECOSYSTEM
"In a divided world, we believe in the power of meeting in real life — LIVE — as a space for creativity, exploration, empathy and the practice of tolerance. We value human connection as a force for a more humane society, in a kinder world, on a safer and more sustainable planet."
Secure Your Spot Now
Values First — Why there is no conference without a compass
Powered by TAKE A STAND — The European music sector's awareness campaign for social commitment — YOUROPE
ARCUB – Main Stage
May 20 | 10:00 – 11:15
Before we discuss logistics, systems or growth, we begin with a more fundamental question:
What do we stand for?
This opening session sets the tone for the entire conference — bringing together voices who have consistently acted on their values, even under pressure.
Speakers:
Dan Perjovschi (RO)
Elena Calistru (RO)
Fruzsina Szép (DE | HU)
Michal Kaščák (SK)
Prof. Özgehan Şenyuva (TR)
Vlad Yaremchuk (UA)
What Are We Building? Festivals, Freedom and the Minds of a Generation.
ARCUB, Main Stage
May 21
When 100,000 young people gather at a festival, who is responsible for the world they step into - and the ideas they carry home?
Festivals are among the most powerful spaces of collective experience left in Europe. For millions of young people, a festival is not just entertainment - it is where values, identities, and worldviews are shaped in real time, at scale, in the company of peers. What festivals choose to amplify - and what they choose to tolerate - is not a question of artistic freedom alone. It is a question of cultural responsibility.
What are festivals building in the minds of a generation? Where is the line between artistic expression and the curatorial amplification of harm? And what does it mean to take a stand - when taking a stand can cost you everything?
Opening Night: Balkan Fusion Extravaganza
Club Control
May 20 | 20:00 – 22:00
We begin with music.
Balkan Taksim & Guests will open EEMC 2026 with a night shaped by energy, rhythm and experimentation.
Blending traditional influences with electronic sound, their performances move between heritage and contemporary expression, capturing the spirit of a region in transformation.
10 Venues. One City. Infinite Possibilities.
From historic courtyards to underground clubs, EEMC unfolds across Bucharest’s cultural landscape:
ARCUB – Main Stage
“Ion Luca Caragiale” National Theatre
ARCUB – The Studio
ARCUB - The Lab
Control Club
Hilton Garden Inn – Workshop Hub
Apollo 111
Expirat Club
Quantic Club
The National Museum of the Romanian Peasant
Each space adds a new layer to the experience, connecting conversations, performances and communities across the city.
See All Venues
The European Network That Made It Possible
EEMC is built together with some of the most relevant platforms in the European live music sector:
European Flagship Consortium
Eurosonic Noorderslag (NL)
Linecheck (IT)
MaMA Music & Convention (FR)
Reeperbahn Festival (DE)
Tallinn Music Week (EE)
Music Ecosystem Partners:
AROC – Romania’s key body for concert organisers
FoMC – Global network of music conferences
Live Europe – Platform supporting concert venues
Live DMA – Network of 3,000+ venues across Europe
YOUROPE – European Festival Association
Europe Jazz Network – Creative music ecosystem
Together, they shape a space for exchange, collaboration and long-term development.
Tickets and Access
Choose the pass that fits your journey — from full conference access to selected experiences:
Panels & keynotes
Workshops & labs
Networking sessions
Showcases & concerts
Music Industry Awards Gala
EEMC 2026 is a flagship international conference bringing together industry leaders, artists and innovators for panels, workshops, showcases, and meaningful industry connections.
If you know someone who should be part of this conversation, share this with them.
Let’s meet LIVE. May 20-24 2026. Bucharest, Romania.
