Why attend the Electric City Music Conference?
Free Music Industry Conference, Panels & Mentoring at ECMC
Learn how to build a stronger music career from people who actually work in the industry. The Electric City Music Conference brings practical panels, workshops, speakers, mentoring and networking to Scranton as part of ECMC weekend.
What is the Electric City Music Conference’s educational conference?
The educational side of the Electric City Music Conference (ECMC) is a free music-industry conference in Scranton, Pennsylvania for musicians, DJs, producers, creators and aspiring music professionals. Sessions focus on practical career skills, music business knowledge, professional development and building real relationships within the industry.
What can you learn at ECMC?
ECMC is built around the questions working artists actually have. The exact lineup changes each year, but sessions are designed to help musicians understand the business, build an audience, create better opportunities and make smarter career decisions.
Booking, Touring & Live Shows
Understand what talent buyers look for, how to approach venues, how to create stronger events and how to make live opportunities count.
Artist Branding & Marketing
Learn how to present your music, promote shows, create demand, grow an audience and turn casual listeners into people who care about your work.
Music Business & Career Growth
Get a clearer picture of the decisions, relationships, habits and professional skills that help artists build sustainable careers.
Recording, Production & Live Sound
Hear from experienced professionals about recording, production, stage sound and how artists can communicate more effectively with technical teams.
DJs, Producers & Creators
Explore the business and creative side of DJing, production, performance, promotion and building a recognizable identity behind the decks or in the studio.
Technology & New Tools
Learn how emerging tools can reduce busywork, improve workflows and help independent artists spend more time creating, performing and connecting.
Media, Publicity & Storytelling
Better understand how press, content, interviews and artist storytelling can help people discover your work and understand why it matters.
Networking & Relationships
Meet other artists and professionals, ask questions and create relationships that can continue long after conference weekend ends.
Building a Better Music Community
Talk openly about the culture of local music scenes, creating better spaces and making music communities stronger for artists and fans.
More than sitting in a room listening to speakers
ECMC uses different formats so attendees can learn, ask questions and actually talk with the people sharing their experience.
Panels & Discussions
Hear multiple perspectives from professionals working in different parts of the industry and get candid answers about how things really work.
Workshops & Sessions
Go deeper into specific skills and practical topics that artists, DJs, producers and other music professionals can apply to their own work.
Mentoring & Networking
Small-group mentoring and informal networking create opportunities to ask direct questions, get perspective and build genuine professional relationships.
Built for working musicians, not industry jargon.
The goal of ECMC’s educational programming is simple: give artists access to useful information without putting another financial barrier in the way.
Ask the question you have been afraid to ask. Talk to someone who has done the job. Meet another artist dealing with the same problem. Take one idea home that makes your next release, tour, show or business decision better.
You don’t need a conference ticket to learn.
ECMC’s panels, workshops and educational sessions are offered free. Weekend tickets and hopper passes are available separately for ticketed performances and events.
Learn from people with real music-industry experience
ECMC has welcomed artists, agents, managers, venue professionals, media professionals, producers, promoters, entrepreneurs and other working professionals who understand the opportunities and challenges independent artists face.
Past speakers and panelists have included Eva Alexiou-Reo of Fata Booking Agency, Christian Wagner of Good Fight Entertainment, Lou Plaia, co-founder of ReverbNation, Josh Balz, Aaron Fink, John Phillips, Dave McWane, Bret Alexander, Rich Howells, Matt Kester, Will Beekman, Frank Polumbo, Mike Lello, Tori Thomas, Sean Mott, Kris Jones and many more.
Electric City Music Conference FAQ
Quick answers about the panels, workshops, mentoring and educational side of ECMC.
Is the Electric City Music Conference free?
ECMC’s panels, workshops and educational programming are free to attend. Tickets or hopper passes may be required for certain live performances and other ticketed events during the broader ECMC weekend.
When is the 2026 ECMC educational conference?
The educational conference programming takes place September 11–12, 2026, as part of the 13th Annual Electric City Music Conference & Steamtown Music Awards in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
Who should attend ECMC panels and workshops?
The sessions are designed for musicians, bands, DJs, producers, songwriters, creators, aspiring music professionals and anyone interested in learning more about the music business.
What topics does the Electric City Music Conference cover?
Topics vary each year and can include booking, touring, artist marketing, branding, music business, production, live sound, media, technology, DJ careers, networking, event promotion and professional development.
Does ECMC offer mentoring?
Yes. ECMC offers mentoring opportunities in addition to panels and workshops. Mentoring may be offered in small-group formats, and space can be limited when reservations are required.
Where is the Electric City Music Conference held?
The Electric City Music Conference takes place in Scranton, Pennsylvania. The broader conference weekend uses multiple venues and spaces throughout the city.
Can I attend even if I am not performing at ECMC?
Yes. You do not need to be a performing artist to attend the educational sessions. The programming is intended to help musicians and others interested in the music industry learn and connect.
How can I become an ECMC panelist, speaker or mentor?
ECMC works with experienced music-industry professionals who want to share practical knowledge with artists. Visit the panelist application page for current opportunities and contact information.
Watch past Electric City Music Conference panels
Get a feel for the conversations and practical advice ECMC brings to musicians each year.
Show up with questions. Leave with ideas.
Join musicians, creators and music-industry professionals in Scranton for free panels, workshops, mentoring and networking during the 2026 Electric City Music Conference.