LaunchPad Music will open with a welcome and overview of the day’s program, including the official announcement of LaunchPad Music and its partnership with LaunchPad, The Hartford Healthcare Amphitheatre, Jim Koplik, and key partners.

Makeda Mays Green and Jon Winkel will share stories, insights, and success playbooks from the LaunchPad program to inspire attendees and set the tone for the day. The session may also highlight current gigs, internships, jobs, and upcoming opportunities available to young adults in the program.

This panel gives attendees a behind-the-scenes look at how artists get booked for venues, festivals, and tours. Speakers will break down negotiations, routing, relationships, and deal structures, while sharing how agents, talent buyers, managers, promoters, and production teams work together to bring live shows to life.

This panel explores how concerts, tours, and live events are promoted in today’s digital-first world. Speakers will cover campaign strategy, branding, social media, paid ads, influencer marketing, and how teams measure success while sharing pathways into entry-level marketing roles in live entertainment.

This panel explores how brand partnerships help fund and elevate concerts, festivals, and tours. Speakers will break down sponsorship strategy, sales pitching, fan activations, VIP experiences, and on-site branding while highlighting career paths in entertainment partnerships and sponsorship sales.

Enjoy lunch while exploring the venue on a guided tour hosted by Howard Saffan. Attendees will get an inside look at the space while continuing to network and connect with peers and industry professionals.

Participants will rotate through hands-on breakout sessions focused on venue operations and live event production, gaining a behind-the-scenes look at how concerts and events are planned, staffed, produced, and executed from start to finish.

Continue the day with open networking, speed interviews, and professional headshots. Connect directly with industry professionals, explore potential opportunities, and capture a polished headshot for your portfolio.

A special keynote conversation featuring Darryl McDaniels, offering insights from his iconic career and perspective on the industry. Moderated by Makeda Mays Green, this session will explore legacy, creativity, and the future of music, followed by closing remarks.