ABOUT
Music Nova Scotia (MNS) is thrilled to announce the Wavemakers: Music Futures Conference & Showcase, taking place in Halifax/Kjipuktuk from March 19-20, 2026. A cross-sector gathering exploring how music can drive economic growth, tourism, and city-building in Halifax and across Nova Scotia, Wavemakers: Music Futures invites the broader live events and business community from across the province to gather and reflect on the future of the music industry and its role in shaping Halifax, and Nova Scotia, over the coming years. Attendees will leave with shared language, practical ideas, and new collaborators following engaging case studies and networking breaks.
This conference and showcase was created under the Wavemakers Legacy programming banner; funding provided by the Province of Nova Scotia following the 2024 JUNO Awards in Halifax. Music Nova Scotia would additionally like to thank Discover Halifax, Support4Culture, Events East, Garrison Brewing, and Durty Nelly’s for their support in making this exciting new event possible.
“The Music Futures Conference & Showcase represents exactly what the Wavemakers program was designed to do; bring people together around shared, city-wide impact,” says MNS Executive Director Allegra Swanson. “By uniting partners across music, tourism, and economic development, we’re reinforcing music as a driving force for growth and positioning Halifax as a city that leads with creativity, and collaboration.”
“Wavemakers belongs to the legacy of the 2024 JUNO Awards in Halifax by building capacity in the music industry and supporting emerging talent across the region. Events East is proud to host the Wavemakers: Music Futures Conference & Showcase at the Halifax Convention Centre and continue our support of local music, arts and culture." Suzanne Fougere, Executive Vice-President, Events East.
Wavemakers: Music Futures Conference & Showcase will include dynamic conference programming with a strong focus on time set aside for networking with breakfast, lunch, and coffee breaks, and a VIP networking reception at Durty Nelly’s in partnership with Support4Culture leading into a showcase of the next generation of Wavemakers artists.
TICKETS
Future Builder Pass -
Access Includes:
Full access to all Music Futures Conference sessions
Panels, workshops, and networking
Includes:
Breakfast March 19 & 20
Networking Breaks
Lunch
VIP access to the Wavemakers Showcase (March 19)
Priority seating at Showcase
Includes Light Hospitality
Rules & Conditions"
Early bird pricing is limited and time-bound
Transferable once via Tixr
No Refunds
Next Wave Pass – MNS Member/Student Rate
Access Includes:
Full Music Futures Conference access
Panels, workshops, and networking
Includes:
Breakfast March 19 & 20
Networking Breaks
General Admission access to the Wavemakers Showcase (March 19)
Rules & Conditions:
Valid student ID required at check-in
Transferable once via Tixr
Intended for students and MNS Members
No Refunds
SCHEDULE
Full Schedule can be found here
FAQ's
What is Music Futures?
Music Futures is a two-day conference focused on how music can drive economic growth, cultural vitality, and city-building in HRM and across the province. It brings together artists, industry, tourism, business, and civic leaders to think bigger and more collaboratively about the role music plays in our region’s future.
Who is this conference for?
Music Futures is designed for:
- Artists and artist managers
- Music industry professionals
- Tourism, events, and cultural workers
- Business, brand, and destination partners
- Funders, and policymakers
If you're invested in where the music is headed, and how it shows up in our economy and communities, you’re in the right place.
Is this an artist conference or an industry conference?
Both! Music Futures creates space for artists and the broader industry to be part of the same conversations, while acknowledging that they show up with different needs and perspectives.
How is Music Futures different from Nova Scotia Music Week?
Music Futures is a complementary, purpose-built gathering that looks at the bigger picture and how music plays a role; it focuses on strategy, collaboration, and long-term impact. Think: no parallel panels, more space for conversations, and a stronger emphasis on cross-sector thinking.
Will there be showcases?
Yes! Music Futures will host one showcase at the end of the first day (March 19) at Durty Nelly's which features artists who have recently participated in the Industry Builder's Camp run by Music Nova Scotia in January 2026.
Is this event only for people based in Halifax?
No - while Music Futures is rooted in Halifax, it’s designed with broader perspectives in mind. The conference will be about positioning our local ecosystem within a broader context, and learning from what’s working among partners across the province and beyond.
Why is Music Nova Scotia leading this?
Music Nova Scotia sits at the intersection of artists, industry, government, and community, making us uniquely positioned to convene these conversations. Music Futures builds on the Wavemakers legacy from the Halifax JUNOS 2024 and reflects a long-term commitment to advocacy, experimentation, and shared growth.
Will there be food available?
Yes! The cost of your ticket includes:
March 19
- breakfast
- lunch
- morning and afternoon light snacks and coffee breaks
- light hospitality at the showcase
March 20
- breakfast
- morning coffee breaks
How do tickets work, and are discounts available?
Ticket options, pricing, and any available member rates are outlined on the ticket page here. We’re committed to accessibility and are balancing that with the true event delivery cost. If you are facing barriers and want to ask about additional support to attend, please let us know: info@musicnovascotia.ca.
I’m still not sure if this is for me — what should I do?
Please feel free to reach out to Music Nova Scotia to ask any questions you don't see reflected here: info@musicnovascotia.ca.