“Fresh voices” from Sony, Warner, Spotify, Remote Control, Perth Stadium, added to inaugural FastForward Sydney

FastForward, the UK/European conference aimed at the “hungry people” – who know that interchange of ideas is the best way to shape the future landscape of the music industry –  has this morning unveiled its second round of speakers for its inaugural event in Sydney.

It takes place on Thursday, April 12 and Friday 13, and is the event’s first foray into the buoyant Asia Pacific music markets.

The Music Network is a presenting partner of FastForward, which has taken Europe and the UK by storm over the past two years with its format of tapping emerging execs who’re still at the stage of their careers when new ideas and new pathways are key.

Its founder Chris Carey previously told TMN that the diversity of speakers and the camaraderie are behind its take-off.

“People remarked on hearing things they haven’t heard before, and I put it down to two reasons – fresh voices and an inclusive atmosphere which allows people to raise their opinions.”

There are three other reasons why FastForward struck a major chord with music, tech and live execs.

Firstly, it is kept small, to 180, so they can focus and interact better with the ideas being presented.

It quickly and visibly created a close-knit community.

Secondly, it lives up to its name and has its vision purely on the future rather than what used to be.

Thirdly, the highly specialized ‘FastFifteen’ sessions allow speakers to explore complex topics, ensuring that experts can learn from their peers in a more intimate setting.

The 15 new speakers confirmed to join in Sydney are:

– Adam Bury, head of commercial, Perth Stadium – VenuesLive

– Adrian McGruther, solicitor, Brett Oaten Solicitors/artist manager, su:ku:ya

– Alan Sherry, creative director, Sherry Design Studios Sydney

– Ash London, radio host, Ash London LIVE (HIT Radio Network)

– David O’Rourke, CEO, Nightlife Music

– Gemma Bastiani, campaign advisor, Pozible

– Hannah Celnikier, publicist, Posi1ve Feedback

– Hannah Kirkpatrick, licensing manager, Sony Music

– Jay Mogis, doctoral researcher, Queensland University of Technology

– Phil Morgan, chief information officer, Jaxsta

– Set Mo, DJ/producer duo

– Simon Cahill, head of digital and business development, Warner Music Australia

– Susan Cotchin, director, International Royalties Rescue (IRR)

– Sweetie Zamora, head of labels and promotions, Remote Control Records

– Tom Mee, label relations manager, Australia & New Zealand, Spo1fy

They join sessions including the Future of Copyright & Artist IP; Building Artist Audiences; Future of Releasing Music; Lessons from Sport; Meta-data, Transparency and Music; The Art of Selling Tickets; and Future of Search & Discovery.

Keynote addresses are from augmented and virtual reality pioneer David Francis (Zappar Technologies), and new CEO of Live Nation Australasia, Roger Field.

To get better acquainted with the basic philosophies of the event, FastForward, The Music Network and Comes With Fries have launched the FastFifteen’ podcast series.

It interviews members of the FastForward community including past and present speakers in the music, media, and technology industries from across the globe.

It interviews members of the FastForward community including past and present speakers in the music, media, and technology industries from across the globe.

The first episode, featuring Takayuki Suzuki (ParadeALL, Japan), is available now.

Tickets are available via Ticketmaster’s Universe platform here.

Early Bird Delegate Passes are on sale now at $220+GST expiring on March 8.

These rise to $265+GST for the Regular pass until April 2, then finally $325+GST for the last minute rate.

FastForward: Sydney struck an accommodation partnership with Novotel Sydney – Darling Square, located in the heart of Darling Harbour just a 10-minute walk from the conference.

Delegates have access to a 10% discount on the ‘Best Available Rate’, available by emailing or calling the hotel direct and quoting “FastForward”.

Want to know what to expect? Check out FastForward: Amsterdam, which staged on Thursday, February 15 and Friday 16.

You can follow the conversation on Twitter via @fastforward_xyz, and watch back all the sessions as they’re added to the FastForward YouTube Channel here.