LaunchPad Music

LaunchPad Music creates and shares life-changing career opportunities in concert production, touring, management, and more for underserved young adults. In partnership with the Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater, Jim Koplik, and a growing coalition we are reimagining access to one of the world’s most exciting industries.

Welcome to LaunchPad Music Summit 2026!

The LaunchPad Music Summit 2026 marks the debut of the LaunchPad Music Program, presented by Jim Koplik. This first-of-its-kind event is designed to help young adults explore real career pathways across the music industry.

June 5th, 2026
9:30AM-5:30PM
Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater
500 Broad St, Bridgeport, CT 06604

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FEATURED SPEAKERS

  • Jim Koplik

    President
    LiveNation CT & Upstate NY

  • Gary Dell'Abate

    Executive Producer
    SiriusXM

  • Makeda Mays Green

    SVP
    Paramount
    LaunchPad Co-Chair

  • Dave DiCianni

    Manager
    Eleven11

WHAT TO EXPECT

World Class Insights

Hear from trailblazing speakers and industry pioneers.

Career Workshops

Get hands-on with resume building, headshot sessions, and one-on-one career coaching.

Networking

Connect with peers, mentors, and sponsors who are shaping the future.

Industry Knowledge

Discover the latest trends and best practices across entertainment, sports, and media.

The LaunchPad Music Summit welcomes young adults (ages 18-24) participating in the LaunchPad program through our network of partner schools, agencies, and nonprofits. A list of partners is available below.

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Agenda

Doors open at 8:30AM for a light breakfast and networking mingle. Throughout the Summit and each session will be the themes of how to get in, early career success, and the factors and forces shaping hiring and talent development.

Main Stage

9:30AM - 10:00AM
Morning Keynote

10:00AM - 10:30AM
Sports Industry Overview

10:30AM - 11:00AM
Entertainment Industry Overview

11:00AM - NOON
Music Panel & Big Announcement

1:00PM - 3:00PM
Breakouts & Workshops

  • Sports

  • Entertainment

  • Leadership

  • Music

  • Creatorship

  • Money

DMCT Awards

3:30AM - 5:00PM
Join us in honoring top emerging talent in our red carpet style event and reception.

Showcase Center

NOON-1PM
Senior Portfolio Showcasing

3:00PM - 4:00PM
Senior Portfolio Showcasing

Career Accelerator

8:30AM - 9:30AM

12:00PM - 3:00PM
Headshots
Resume Review
Portfolio Review
Speed Mock Interviews
DMCT Badge Registration
Speed Coaching

Glam Bar

Makeup
Style
Edge Up

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sponsorship

At LaunchPad, we believe that tomorrow’s leaders already possess the talent, passion, creativity, and skill to transform our world. But what they need is access and opportunity—a powerful platform to connect, learn, and grow. As a sponsor, you become an essential part of a movement that uplifts emerging talent and shapes an industry and community you can truly be proud of.

By joining us, you position your brand as the employer of choice for next-generation leaders. The 250+ in attendance and the thousands more that see and engage with LaunchPad each year. This isn’t just about visibility—it’s about making meaningful, two-way connections. At LaunchPad Summit, access works both ways: emerging talent gains direct access to your company, executives, and career opportunities, while you tap into a vibrant pool of future innovators and impact players.

Inquire

FAQ

  • LaunchPad currently serves Digital Media CT, UConn, CT State Colleges and Universities, REACH Prep, Waterside School, LiveGirl, and Future5. Faculty, staff, students, and clients of these organizations are encouraged and welcome to attend.

  • Yes, attendance is free for partners and their participants. Breakfast, lunch, and soft drinks are available at select times during the event. Water and coffee available throughout.

  • Unfortunately, due to the size of the summit, we cannot accommodate dietary preferences nor food allergies. Plentiful GrubHub and Uber Eats options are available and pickup station will be setup at the venue’s entrance.

  • Sessions are roughly allocated from oldest to youngest in attendance. We will do our best to accommodate everyone. And you might just have to come back for next year’s LaunchPad Summit ;)

  • Please still register. We will fill the event via a waitlist if it doesn’t reach capacity through current partners. Encourage your school or any organization you’re associated with to explore LaunchPad partnership.

  • We recommend a business casual attire. If you cannot decide, lean towards the business side :)

  • There are two dedicated surface lots and plentiful street parking nearby. Higher education partners are planning to provide buses and please inquire within your organization for regional transportation. The Stamford Metro North Station is walking distance from the CoCREATE facility as well.