Music Commission News

Going Global Music Summit returns to Tāmaki Makaurau this August with an opening speaker lineup of genuine international weight. Presented by Independent Music New Zealand (IMNZ) in partnership with the New Zealand Music Commission, the 2026 summit takes place on Thursday 27 and Friday 28 August at Q Theatre, and today marks the first of several announcements confirming this year’s programme of international representatives, panels, and artist showcases.

For two days, Going Global brings together some of the world’s most influential figures in A&R, booking, festival programming, label management, and artist development, and places them in the same room as Aotearoa’s artists and industry. Doors open in both directions.

“The calibre of this first announcement reflects exactly what Going Global is for. These are people who hold influence over the careers of artists they believe in, and they are coming to Auckland because they want to find them. For Aotearoa artists ready to step into the world, there is no better room to be in.”
DYLAN PELLETT, GENERAL MANAGER, INDEPENDENT MUSIC NEW ZEALAND

The first four confirmed speakers represent some of the most respected voices in global touring, booking, label management, and festival programming.

2026 SPEAKERS — FIRST ANNOUNCEMENT

Tom Windish
Booking Agent / EVP of A&R and Business Development, THE·TEAM (USA) — KEYNOTE
Tom Windish joins Going Global 2026 as this year’s keynote speaker. As Executive Vice President at THE·TEAM, Windish leads A&R and Business Development while continuing to work as a booking agent for one of the most decorated rosters in the world: Lorde, Billie Eilish, alt-J, The xx, M83, King Krule, Tove Lo, and Viagra Boys, among others.

A three-time Pollstar Agent of the Year nominee, Windish is recognised for his sharp ear, his long-game approach to artist development, and his record of growing international touring careers from the ground up. His presence at Going Global represents a rare and direct line into the upper reaches of global live music.

Steph Salas
Label Manager, Carpark Records & Carpark Publishing (USA)
Steph Salas brings 14 years at Carpark Records and more than two decades of music industry experience to the summit. As Label Manager for Carpark Records and Carpark Publishing, she oversees A&R, distribution, marketing strategy, and global campaigns across a roster that includes Toro Y Moi and Beach House. Excitingly, the label already has a keen ear for Aotearoa music, including representation for The Beths, Hans Pucket, Chelsea Jade and most recent signing, Phoebe Rings.

Salas began her career in college radio and radio promotion, later serving as Co-Label Manager at FatCat Records’ North American office. Her perspective on building global independent label campaigns is both practical and far-reaching.

Andy Jones
Co-Founder & Head of Music, FOCUS Wales (Wales)
FOCUS Wales is one of the UK’s most vital international showcase festivals, welcoming over 25,000 attendees and more than 250 artists across 20 stages in Wrexham each May. Andy Jones co-founded the festival and brings over 20 years in the industry as an artist, label MD, manager, and promoter.

He leads FOCUS Wales’s international export programme, which has placed Welsh artists on stages at SXSW, Eurosonic, M for Montreal, Reeperbahn, and Zandari Festa. At Going Global 2026, Jones will lead two sessions: one on the current UK festivals and international showcasing landscape, and one on the role of language revitalisation in music identity and cultural export, a conversation with particular resonance here in Aotearoa.

Andy Jones travels to Aotearoa New Zealand, courtesy of the British Council Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific.

Kyle Kernohan
Festivals Booker, TBA Agency (USA)
Kyle Kernohan joined TBA Agency in 2024 as its first dedicated Festivals Agent, overseeing strategy and negotiations across more than 600 festival properties annually. Before TBA, Kernohan spent a decade at ICM Partners leading its Festivals Department, working with artists including Little Simz, Tobe Nwigwe, Montell Fish, and Duckwrth.

He subsequently joined Spotify‘s live events division as Talent Relations Lead, helping launch Fresh Finds Live and R&B First Nights, and previously curated talent for the Hollywood Bowl and other LA Philharmonic venues. His understanding of the global festival market is extraordinary in its breadth.

WHAT GOING GLOBAL OPENS UP

The connections made across the Going Global two days have led directly to international bookings, festival slots, label signings, and management deals for Aotearoa artists.

In 2024, Phoebe Rings showcased at Going Global and connected with Max Thomas of Reason Why Management / Secretly Group (Australia), who attended as a delegate and witnessed their performance. Thomas subsequently signed Phoebe Rings to his management roster and has overseen their international career development since.

“Everyone at Going Global is there because they want to discover the best new artists before the rest of the industry does. It’s an incredible chance to get a leg-up on the global stage. If you’re a local artist and haven’t played Going Global yet — 1000% apply!”
MAX THOMAS, REASON WHY MANAGEMENT / SECRETLY GROUP (AUSTRALIA)

TICKETS & SHOWCASE APPLICATIONS

Earlybird tickets for Going Global 2026 are on sale now via Q Theatre, with earlybird pricing available until 4 August 2026. Tickets cover both conference days and entrance to the showcase nights.

Artist Showcase applications are open now. Selected artists perform live in front of all local and international delegates and the public, across three stages. Applications close 10 July 2026.

Further speaker announcements, the full programme, and the 2026 Showcasing Artist selection will be released in the weeks ahead. Stay close.

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Going Global Music Summit is Aotearoa New Zealand’s premier international music industry event, presented annually by Independent Music New Zealand (IMNZ) in partnership with the New Zealand Music Commission. The summit connects leading international figures in A&R, booking, licensing, management, marketing, promotion, and publishing with New Zealand artists and industry.

Independent Music New Zealand (IMNZ) serves as the primary representative organisation for the independent music sector in Aotearoa, representing the interests of independent artists, labels, publishers, and music businesses. IMNZ advocates for a healthy, sustainable independent music ecosystem and delivers events, education, and initiatives that support the growth and global reach of New Zealand music.