Why MUSEXPO Still Matters After 26 Years
Here’s the thing about longevity in the music business: very few conferences stay relevant for more than a decade, let alone a quarter century. MUSEXPO has done exactly that. Returning to Burbank, California from March 22 to 26, 2026, the influential music industry gathering enters its 26th edition with an expanded global focus, a sharpened awards program, and a lineup that reflects where power, creativity, and culture intersect today.
Often described as “The United Nations of Music,” MUSEXPO has built its reputation by bringing together decision-makers across A&R, publishing, sync, live, streaming, technology, AI, and artist development. Next year’s edition doubles down on that mission, while placing a clear spotlight on India, one of the world’s fastest-growing music markets.
A Conference Built Around the Business of Music
MUSEXPO 2026 will once again span the full ecosystem of the modern music business. Panels and keynotes will explore A&R strategy, global publishing, live touring, music supervision and sync for film, TV, gaming, advertising and trailers, alongside streaming economics, digital distribution, and the growing role of AI and technology.
Anchoring the program are the Global Sync Summit and the A&R Summit, both of which have become fixtures for executives navigating an increasingly cross-platform industry. Artist showcases and curated networking sessions round out the agenda, reinforcing MUSEXPO’s reputation as a deal-making environment rather than a talking shop.
International Music Industry Awards Return to Burbank
A cornerstone of the event is the International Music Industry Awards, presented in association with A&R Worldwide, Visit Burbank, and the City of Burbank. Hosted during an invitation-only VIP Gala, the awards recognize executives and creatives whose influence extends well beyond commercial success.
The 2026 honorees reflect that philosophy.
Kirk M. Sommer Named International Music Person of the Year
The International Music Person of the Year honor will be presented to Kirk M. Sommer, senior partner and global co-head of music at WME. Sommer will become the first booking agent to receive the award, a milestone that reflects the growing influence of agents in shaping global careers.
Sommer’s nearly 25-year tenure at WME began in the mailroom in 2000. Since then, he has guided the careers of artists including Adele, Billie Eilish, The Killers, Arctic Monkeys, Sam Smith, Nine Inch Nails, Pet Shop Boys, Rage Against the Machine, Steve Aoki, Weezer, and the late Amy Winehouse, among many others.
Sat Bisla, founder and president of A&R Worldwide and MUSEXPO, framed the honor clearly:
“Kirk M. Sommer has not only shaped the careers of some of the world’s greatest musical voices but has also helped redefine what it means to be a leader in today’s ever-evolving music industry.”
Sommer’s recognition follows recent accolades from Pollstar, Billboard, Variety, and Paper Magazine, underscoring his standing across both the creative and commercial sides of the business. The gala will also benefit MusiCares and Backline, aligning the celebration with industry philanthropy.
Kim Frankiewicz and Reynold D’Silva Honored for A&R and Lifetime Achievement
The Seymour Stein Global A&R Award will be presented to Kim Frankiewicz, executive vice president of worldwide A&R at Concord Music Publishing. Widely respected for her instincts and leadership, Frankiewicz’s work reflects the enduring importance of A&R in an era increasingly driven by data and algorithms.
Meanwhile, the Lifetime Achievement Award will honor Reynold D’Silva, founder and CEO of Silva Screen Group. Indian-born and British-raised, D’Silva marks 50 years of contribution to the global music business, spanning film, television, and recorded music. His recognition also reinforces MUSEXPO’s broader commitment to international perspectives.
Justin Tranter to Receive Global Songwriter Award
One of the most closely watched honors of MUSEXPO 2026 will be the Global Songwriter Award, presented to Justin Tranter. The award recognizes songwriters whose influence transcends borders, genres, and formats.
Tranter’s career numbers are striking by any standard: more than 75 million singles sold, over 100 billion streams across Spotify and YouTube, three Diamond-certified songs, and a long list of accolades including multiple Grammy and Golden Globe nominations, 16 BMI Pop Awards, and the 2023 SONA Warrior Award. In 2025, Tranter won International Song of the Year at the BRIT Awards for Chappell Roan’s Good Luck, Babe!
Their creative reach spans collaborations with artists such as Britney Spears, Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, Dua Lipa, Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, Cardi B, Sam Smith, and Måneskin, while also extending into film and television, including executive producing the forthcoming A Very Jonas Christmas Movie.
Beyond the charts, Tranter’s work with Facet House and past board roles at GLAAD and the ACLU of Southern California position them as one of the industry’s most visible advocates for equity and inclusion.
“Justin Tranter represents the very essence of what MUSEXPO stands for,” said Bisla. “A visionary with global creativity, authenticity, and purpose.”
A Speaker Lineup Shaping the Industry’s Next Chapter
The 2026 roster brings together executives and creatives shaping the future of music across sectors. Confirmed participants include Amy Dunning of Netflix, Mandar Thakur of Times Music Group, Kabiru Bello of Warner Recorded Music, Gary Spivack of Eventim Live Global, Laura Katz of Supe Troop, Clive Dickens of The Meliora Company, Dave Jordan of Format Entertainment, Nora Felder of Picture Music Company, and Paul Rennie OBE, British Consul General in Los Angeles.
Additional speakers span organizations such as Fox Sports Music, Live Nation, A+E Global, and emerging technology and sync platforms, with further announcements expected in the coming weeks.
Why the Industry Is Watching MUSEXPO 2026
What this edition makes clear is that MUSEXPO is no longer just reflecting the music business, it’s actively mapping where it’s headed. From India’s rising influence to the growing cultural power of songwriters, agents, and sync, the event mirrors a global industry in transition.
As the lines between music, media, technology, and activism continue to blur, MUSEXPO’s role as a convening space feels more relevant than ever. The conversations that happen in Burbank next March are likely to ripple far beyond the conference rooms.
For an industry constantly searching for its next chapter, MUSEXPO 2026 offers a rare chance to step back, compare notes, and decide what comes next.
More details and updates are available via the official MUSEXPO site.
