About the Electric City Music Conference
The Electric City Music Conference (ECMC) is an annual music conference, festival and awards celebration in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Each September, musicians, music-industry professionals and fans come together for live performances, free educational programming, networking and the Steamtown Music Awards.
What is the Electric City Music Conference?
The Electric City Music Conference is a three-day annual music event in Scranton, PA that combines a multi-venue live music festival, the Steamtown Music Awards, music-industry panels, workshops, networking and artist development. ECMC brings together local, regional and touring musicians with music professionals and fans in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Three parts. One music weekend.
ECMC is designed to bring the performance side and the business side of music together in one citywide experience.
Steamtown Music Awards
ECMC opens with the Steamtown Music Awards, an annual celebration of musicians, bands, venues, producers, photographers, media personalities and other music-industry professionals from Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Explore the 2026 awards →Multi-Venue Music Festival
On Friday and Saturday, Scranton venues host live performances spanning rock, punk, hip-hop, electronic music, country, indie, acoustic music and more. Local artists share bills with regional and touring performers.
See the 2026 schedule →Music Industry Conference
Free panels, workshops and networking sessions connect musicians with experienced professionals who can offer practical guidance on booking, promotion, branding, production, touring, technology and building a sustainable career in music.
See conference programming →Who is ECMC for?
You do not need to be an industry insider to belong here. ECMC is built for the people who make a music scene work.
Perform, meet other artists, learn from industry professionals and build relationships beyond your own local scene.
See established local favorites, discover new artists and experience multiple Scranton venues over one weekend.
Connect with artists, promoters, producers, venue operators, media, photographers and others working throughout the music ecosystem.
Learn through practical panels and conversations created for people who want to better understand how the music business actually works.
Why Scranton?
The Electric City Music Conference was created in Scranton because the city and the surrounding Northeastern Pennsylvania region have a deep, active music community. ECMC uses multiple independent venues and gathering spaces to turn the city into a shared destination for artists and fans.
Instead of putting every performance under one roof, the festival encourages people to move through Scranton, discover different rooms, meet different crowds and experience the region’s music culture firsthand.
2026: Lucky Year 13
The 13th Annual Electric City Music Conference & Steamtown Music Awards returns to Scranton September 10–12, 2026.
Our Story: From Scranton showcase to annual music conference
ECMC grew out of years of experience supporting original music in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
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2005–2012
The roots of ECMC
The story begins with work alongside John Phillips and the Steamtown Original Music Showcase, which operated from 2005 through 2012 and helped build experience around presenting and supporting original music in the Scranton area.
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2011
The Steamtown Music Awards idea takes shape
Joe Caviston and John Phillips began discussing the idea of creating an awards event that could recognize the musicians and professionals who make up the regional music community.
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2013–2014
The Electric City Music Conference is created
With Phillips’ support, Joe Caviston and Ken Norton developed a new event for downtown Scranton. ECMC launched in 2014 with an awards show, Friday performances and a Saturday festival. The first conference took place in October.
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2020–2021
Adapting during the pandemic
ECMC moved to a virtual format in 2020 because of COVID-19. In 2021, the event shifted to November as health concerns continued.
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Today
A Scranton music tradition
ECMC now brings together the Steamtown Music Awards, a multi-venue festival and music-industry education. Over its history, thousands of musicians have participated, including artists from 25 states and three countries.
Electric City Music Conference FAQ
Quick answers to the questions people most often ask about ECMC.
When is the 2026 Electric City Music Conference?
The 13th Annual Electric City Music Conference & Steamtown Music Awards takes place September 10–12, 2026.
Where is the Electric City Music Conference held?
ECMC is held in Scranton, Pennsylvania, with live performances and events taking place at multiple participating venues throughout the city.
What happens at the Electric City Music Conference?
ECMC combines the Steamtown Music Awards, a multi-venue live music festival, music-industry panels and workshops, networking opportunities and artist-focused educational programming.
What are the Steamtown Music Awards?
The Steamtown Music Awards are ECMC’s annual awards celebration recognizing musicians and music-industry professionals from Northeastern Pennsylvania. The event includes more than 35 award categories, live performances, a red carpet, photography and interviews.
Is the educational conference free?
Yes. ECMC’s music-industry panels, workshops and educational programming are offered free to musicians and attendees.
What kinds of music are featured at ECMC?
ECMC features artists across many genres, including rock, indie, punk, metal, hip-hop, R&B, electronic music, country, acoustic music, folk, reggae and more.
Can artists perform at the Electric City Music Conference?
ECMC accepts artist submissions during its annual booking period. Local, regional, national and international performers have taken part in the conference throughout its history. Visit the performance application page for current submission information.
How can businesses or organizations get involved?
Businesses and organizations can support ECMC through sponsorships, partnerships and other event opportunities. Sponsorship information is available on the ECMC website.
See what ECMC feels like
Watch the conference overview and past official aftermovies for a look at the artists, venues and people that make the weekend what it is.
Be part of the Electric City Music Conference.
Join musicians, music professionals and fans in Scranton for the 13th Annual Electric City Music Conference & Steamtown Music Awards, September 10–12, 2026.