Make it better - a better music economy for all!

c/o pop is turning 20 - and that's why all the signs at the c/o pop Convention 2023 point to J for anniversary! On 27 and 28 April 2023, you can expect two full days of events in and around Herbrand's in Cologne-Ehrenfeld - from the music industry for the music industry! Especially for music business newbies, there will be plenty of input and tips from experienced professionals as part of the NEW TALENT programme on both days.

The c/o pop Convention 2023 in Cologne is the first industry get-together of the year for the music industry and cooperating sectors such as digital business and media. In keynotes, panels and workshops, we take a practical look at the future of the music world. We ask: What is coming, what is staying, what is changing and what is disappearing? Who and what are the drivers of developments? How can the players and companies of the music industry master the diverse challenges of our time? How can the industry become more resistant to future crises, and what needs to be done to achieve this? In short, how can we make the music industry a better place for all of us? Because exchange and collaboration are key to this, we are creating plenty of opportunities for networking. The conference for everyone who wants to start the season with new contacts, ideas and opportunities.

Diverse sector, diverse programme!

Our programme is as diverse as the music industry and its challenges. We discuss current issues from pop culture, media and the digital world with national and international experts. Socially relevant topics such as diversity and sustainability also play an important role. In concrete terms, the panels and keynotes will be about #socialwashing, female empowerment, the future of physical recordings, the potential of newsletters, the art of fan loyalty, the convergence of radio, podcasts and streaming, independent publishing and the question of all questions: How do you manage to be successful with your music!

Let’s do it – together!

To make the music industry a better place for all of us: We can only do that together! And that's why we are once again working with many partners from all corners of the music world and beyond in 2023. Together we will put together a practical and inspiring programme for you.

The fourth edition of the Cologne VUT Indie Days will once again be about knowledge transfer, exchange and networking. The newsletter with its accompanying magazine Low Budget High Spirit will curate a stage for the first time: In three top-class Deep Dive Sessions under the title "BEST CASE! - Innovative Strategies & Ideas for Better Music Business", tangible, practical and applicable know-how will be openly shared. c/o pop and WDR COSMO are linked by a long-standing partnership, which will be visible for the first time in the anniversary edition in 2023 on a dedicated stage with four jointly designed programme items. The NEW TALENT programme for musicians and musicbiz newbies will be curated for the sixth time in cooperation with popNRW and VUT West. And the Initiative Musik is also taking part again!

MUSIC PEOPLE - Europe's first job festival for the music industry

What began successfully as c/o work in 2022 will be continued by the c/o pop Convention on 27 April 2023 under the name MUSIC PEOPLE: at Europe's first job festival, companies and new talents can get to know each other at the bar, in the backstage area or at the food truck - after all, new recruiting measures are urgently needed, especially in the music business. At MUSIC PEOPLE, the get-to-know-you talks will take place in an authentic context according to the motto "personality before CV"!

Application as recruiter / company: If the application is successful, each company can buy a maximum of 2 tickets for MUSIC PEOPLE.

Application for employees: Young professionals and job seekers with experience in the music industry can apply to MUSIC PEOPLE now. Participation is free of charge.