2026 Regional and Remote Music Summit Announces First 25 Speakers

The first speakers attending this year's Regional and Remote Music Summit have been announced.

Taking over Berrin/Mount Gambier in South Australia from Wednesday 28 to Friday 30 October, the summit aims to champion regional creativity, strengthen touring networks and amplify the voices of artists and music workers living and creating outside metropolitan centres.

25 speakers have been revealed today, with some of the guests attending including Emily Tulloch from Australian Music Industry Network, Creative Australia's Dr Christen Cornell, Maddy Smith from UNIFIED, Jeremy Conlon of MusicNT, Daan Steffens from Gutwrench Records and Adelaide's own Gareth Lewis from General Admission Entertainment. Check out the full list of speakers below.

Day one of the Regional and Remote Music Summit will open with the South Australian Regional Music Roundtable, bringing together the state's regional music communities to identify shared priorities and inform future action.

The following day will see artists, industry representatives and cultural thinkers discussing leadership and the role music plays in shaping communities with a view to the future.

The final day is all about action, with talks exploring the infrastructure, investment and collaboration needed for regional music to thrive. Sessions will examine touring networks, venues and festivals, workforce development, First Nations social and emotional wellbeing, emerging business models and new national research.

Tickets are on sale now via regionalmusicsummit.com.

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"We’re delighted to share the first release of program highlights and guest panellists for this year’s Regional and Remote Music Summit," says MusicSA CEO Christine Schloithe.

"From the SA Roundtable on Day One through to the final session, every element of this program centres the lived experience of regional artists and industry workers and the conversations we have in Berrin/ Mount Gambier will shape how industry connects, supports and sustains regional music for the future."

South Australian Deputy Premier and Minister for Arts, Kyam Maher MLC adds, "The Malinauskas Labor Government is proud to support the 2026 Regional & Remote Music Summit in Berrin/Mount Gambier and welcome music industry leaders from across Australia to South Australia's Limestone Coast, and I’m personally pleased to see this event come to my hometown of Mount Gambier.

"Regional communities have always played a vital role in Australia's music story, producing exceptional artists, building strong local scenes and enriching our cultural life.

"This Summit provides an important opportunity for regional artists, venues and industry professionals to connect, share ideas and strengthen the future of regional and remote music.

"Hosting this national event in regional South Australia reflects our commitment to creating opportunities for artists and music workers while ensuring regional voices help shape Australia's music industry."

The 2026 national Summit is managed and delivered by MusicSA, in partnership with the Australian Government through Music Australia and the Government of South Australia through the Music Development Office, and will continue its mission to champion regional creativity, strengthen touring networks and amplify the voices of artists and music workers living and creating outside metropolitan centres.

Further speakers and the full Summit program will be announced in the coming weeks. For more information, program updates and tickets, visit regionalmusicsummit.com.