News March 17, 2020

Music biz conference FastForward Sydney won’t proceed this year

Former Executive Editor

Music business conference FastForward Sydney is officially on hiatus.

Organisers have joined other must-attend industry events, including South by South West in Austin and MUSEXPO in Los Angeles – amid the ongoing spread of the coronavirus.

Previous years have proved that FastForward Sydney is an opportunity for ambitious music executives to develop new skills and knowledge from thought-leaders and fresh faces.

Earlybird tickets for FastForward only went on sale two weeks ago, which was set to call Studios 301 its new residence between April 30 and May 1.

“Following large scale event cancellations across Australia, and around the world, we’re sad to say that FastForward will not be taking place in Sydney in April,” said organiser Chris Carey in a statement on the conference Facebook page.

Carey told TMN that he is already working on a plan to bring FastForward back to Sydney later in the calendar year, “and will update you as soon as possible”.

“A few people have asked whether this is a postponement or a cancellation. It’s hard to say at this stage. For me, it’s a cancellation, with a promise that we’ll come back as soon as we can.”

FastForward Sydney confirmed that full refunds will be issued to all ticketholders.

“Many thanks also to Studios 301 for their understanding, and to our sponsors for their support,” added Carey. Sending our very best to everyone affected by this global situation, especially after an already disrupted festival season.”

Attendees from the previous two years included staffers from Live Nation, Universal Music, Sony ATV, Ticketmaster, EMI, Warner, Spotify, YouTube, Chugg Music, Havas Media and Twitter.

“I have a lot of time for the Australian music industry,” Carey told TMN. “I find it dynamic, vibrant and resilient and I’m confident it will respond well to this latest challenge.

“Whatever the next couple of months bring, I’m looking forward to coming back to Aus with a full FastForward event before too long.”

Global music industry summit MUSEXPO also won’t proceed this month.

In a statement sent to TMN last Thursday (March 12), organiser Sat Bisla said the shift to pandemic status by the World Health Organisation had put the LA-based event in limbo.

“It is with much sadness … that we must announce that MUSEXPO Creative Summit 2020 is being postponed until a later date,” said Bisla.

About 1,000 Australian delegates, including 43 local acts, were scheduled to be at SXSW this week, but the event was shut down by local authorities, leaving many without refunds.