The Electric City Music Conference
12th Annual Electric city Music Conference: September 10-12, 2026
The Electric City Music Conference has become a Scranton, PA tradition. Each year, over three autumn days, the city comes alive with music, creativity, and connection. Musicians and music industry professionals gather for a one of a kind experience that blends live performance with education and networking.
The event features an award ceremony, panel discussions, seminars, meet and greets, and a citywide music festival. ECMC kicks off with Scranton’s premier night of music, The Steamtown Music Awards. This special evening honors and celebrates the region’s top artists for their achievements over the past year.
On Friday and Saturday, the energy builds with a two day, multi venue music festival. Local artists and performers from across the United States take over bars and venues throughout the city, bringing a wide range of sounds and styles to downtown Scranton.
Saturday also features the educational conference. Musicians connect with experienced industry professionals through panels, seminars, and networking sessions designed to inform, inspire, and open doors.
Over the past 13 years, artists from every genre have taken the stage at ECMC. More than 150 acts from over 20 states have shared their music in Scranton. Many performers who have appeared here have gone on to achieve major success. This is your chance to discover new music and maybe catch the next big name before everyone else does.
Our Story
The Electric City Music Conference traces its roots back to 2005. During that time, organizers worked alongside John Phillips and gained valuable experience through the Steamtown Original Music Showcase, which ran from 2005 to 2012.
In 2011, Joe Caviston and Phillips first discussed the idea for the Steamtown Music Awards. While the idea took time to develop, it finally became a reality in 2014.
By 2013, there was no major music conference or festival in downtown Scranton, and the absence was clear. With Phillips’ support, Joe Caviston and Ken Norton created a plan to bring live music back in a big way. The Electric City Music Conference launched in 2014 as a smaller, trial run event. It included a modest awards show, a handful of performances on Friday, and a small festival on Saturday. That first year took place in October.
After learning what worked and what could improve, the event quickly grew into its current form. One major change was moving the conference to September, where it now takes place each year. In 2020, the event shifted to a virtual format due to COVID-19. In 2021, it moved to November because of ongoing health concerns. Since then, ECMC has continued to grow stronger each year.
Today, the Steamtown Music Awards are a central part of the experience, and the two day festival has become a highlight for artists and fans alike.
Now, we are proud to present the 13th Annual Electric City Music Conference and Steamtown Music Awards, returning to Northeast Pennsylvania on September 10–12, 2026.
Join us in Scranton and be part of the music.