Music Connection Recaps AIMP’s Global Music Publishing Summit
Inside AIMP 2026: Glen Ballard and U.S. Copyright Office Leaders Debate A.I., Ownership, and the Future of Music Publishing
Glen Ballard and Tom DeSavia
The future of music publishing is rarely discussed quietly, but at the 2026 AIMP Global Music Publishing Summit in New York City, it was especially loud—in the most intellectual, policy-heavy, and occasionally philosophical sense of the word.
Hosted by the Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP), the June 9 gathering at Fordham University’s McNally Amphitheatre brought together a cross-section of the global publishing ecosystem: songwriters, attorneys, rights organizations, tech companies, sync executives, and creative leaders all circling the same set of urgent questions—what happens to music rights, ownership, and creativity in an era increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence and rapidly shifting technology?
The 2026 AIMP Global Music Publishing Summit lineup keeps growing. New panels and speakers confirmed for June 9 at Fordham University Lincoln Center in New York City.
Songwriter Keynote: An Intimate Conversation with Glen Ballard
Moderated by Tom DeSavia, Concord One of music’s most celebrated songwriters and producers in conversation about creativity, the craft, and the business.
Five panels. One keynote. The room is filling up
State of the Industry: Music Publishing, Legislation & What’s Coming Next
Moderated by Michael Simon, HFA Chris Barkley, NMPA · Linda Bloss-Baum, SONA · Graham Davies, DIMA · Morna Willens, RIAA The essential annual conversation on where music publishing stands — policy, legislation, and what publishers need to know heading into the rest of 2026.
Inside the Indie World
Moderated by Amber Charania, YouTube Danny Abowd, The Royalty Network · Delphine Dalquie-Dickson, 22D Music Group · Heather Johnson, Sub Pop Records · Jennifer Newman-Sharpe, Exceleration Music What does it really take to run an independent publishing operation today? Candid perspectives from the people doing it.
Global Power Centers: Publishing Beyond Borders
Moderated by Adam Parness, Adam Parness Music Consulting Thando Makhunga, Downtown Music Publishing Africa · Spek, PopArabia · Jashima Wadehra, ODE Consulting Latin, MENA, Africa, and South Asia are no longer waiting their turn. A candid conversation about the markets, deals, and opportunities reshaping global publishing.
State of Sync: Ask Us Anything(New)
Moderated by Brooke Primont, Concord Music Publishing Mamie Coleman, Fox Entertainment · Kara Foley, PULSE Music Group · Melissa Somosky, Independent Music Consultant An interactive panel driven entirely by audience questions. An open and honest conversation between music supervisors and the people pitching to them.
AI for Good(New)
Moderated by Chris McMurtry Ali Lieberman, Symphonic Distribution · Larry Mills, Vobile · Liz Moody, Granderson Des Rochers Artificial intelligence is already reshaping how music publishers work. A practical, grounded conversation about how AI is being put to work in publishing today, from fraud detection to licensing frameworks
Agenda Coming Soon. Stay tuned.
Early Bird Ticket & Hotel Group Rates End Today — Prices Increase May 10
Early Bird and hotel group rates expire today (May 9).
Planning to stay in New York? We have secured group rates at two hotels near Fordham University Lincoln Center. These discounted rates are available through May 9.
Interested in volunteering?Sign up to volunteer! Sponsorship opportunities: Unlock additional visibility for your business and services by sponsoring the Summit. For details, contact Melanie Santa Rosa at melanie@aimp.org.
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
June 8, 2026
Kickoff Mixer — Summit Welcome Event
📍 High Bar NYC 346 W 40th Street, New York, NY 10018 ⏰ 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Hosted by the AIMP NY Chapter’s YPC in partnership with Music Publishers Canada’s NXTGEN Sponsored by YouTube
Kick off Summit Week right. Reconnect with colleagues, meet new faces, and set the tone for an inspiring day ahead.
June 9, 2026
AIMP Global Music Publishing Summit
📍 McNally Amphitheatre at Fordham University, Lincoln Center 140 W 62nd St, New York, NY 10023 ⏰ 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
A full day of bold conversations on the issues, innovations, and opportunities shaping the future of music publishing. Built for the people who care most about where this industry is headed.
Meet Our Confirmed Speakers
The voices driving the conversation on policy, rights, global deal-making, independent innovation, and the future of music publishing.
Songwriter Keynote
We are honored to welcome legendary songwriter and producer Glen Ballard for our 2026 Songwriter Keynote, in conversation with Tom DeSavia of Concord. Glen’s extraordinary body of work spans decades and genres, and his perspective on songwriting, creativity, and the music business is not to be missed.
Songwriter Keynote: An Intimate Conversation with Glen Ballard
Moderated by Tom DeSavia, Concord Music Publishing Glen Ballard
Confirmed Panels
State of the Industry: Music Publishing, Legislation & What’s Coming Next Moderated by Michael Simon, HFA Chris Barkley, NMPA · Linda Bloss-Baum, SONA · Graham Davies, DIMA · Morna Willens, RIAA
Inside the Indie World Moderated by Amber Charania, YouTube Danny Abowd, The Royalty Network · Delphine Dalquie-Dickson, 22D Music Group · Heather Johnson, Sub Pop Records · Jennifer Newman-Sharpe, Exceleration Music
Global Power Centers: Publishing Beyond Borders Moderated by Adam Parness, Adam Parness Music Consulting Thando Makhunga, Downtown Music Publishing Africa · Spek, PopArabia · Jashima Wadehra, Ode Consulting
Full Agenda Coming Soon…
Register Now — Early Bird Pricing Extended Through May 9
Early bird pricing has been extended through May 9. Prices increase May 10.
Bonus for Non-Members: Register for the Summit and receive one year of AIMP National membership included with your ticket.
Your Ticket Includes:
– Access to the June 8 Kick-Off Mixer – Breakfast, lunch, and refreshments on June 9 – A full day of expert panels and industry insights
Sponsorship opportunities: Unlock additional visibility for your business and services by sponsoring the Summit. For details, contact Melanie Santa Rosa at melanie@aimp.org. Group rate inquiries: Contact nyadmin@aimp.org.
Hotel Discounts — Book Before May 9
We have secured group rates at two hotels near Fordham University’s Lincoln Center campus. Rates are available June 7-12, 2026. We strongly recommend booking before the May 9 deadline.
Please note: New York City is a 2026 FIFA World Cup host city with matches beginning June 13. Hotel availability and pricing across the city will be significantly higher than usual during this period.
