More International Speakers Confirmed for Going Global 2026

More international speakers have been confirmed for New Zealand's Going Global 2026.

Independent Music New Zealand (IMNZ), in partnership with the New Zealand Music Commission, today announced more overseas speakers bound for Going Global Music Summit 2026. 

Leading the announcement is Dev Sherlock, Director of SXSW Music, the world's premier music showcasing event. Sherlock will be in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland next month to see local artists perform on home soil. 

The other speakers in today's announcement are David Melick Telfer, owner of DMT Law Firm (US), one of the premier music immigration boutiques in the US; Jordan Acker, A&R at GYRO.Group (Australia), one of Australia's leading independent distributors; Lucy Atkinson, a booking agent at ROAM Artists (UK), whose roster includes international recognised artists such as Erika de Casier, Ecco2k, and Saint Ludo; and Niriko McLure, co-programmer at BIGSOUND and Third Person Management (Australia). 

They join several previously announced international speakers, including Carpark Records' Steph Salas, FOCUS Wales co-founder Andy Jones, and keynote speaker Tom Windish.

Going Global, which launched in 2011, has welcomed over 260 international delegates from Asia, Europe, and beyond to New Zealand, providing a platform for 238 showcasing artists to perform directly in front of key industry figures from festivals, labels, agencies, and more. 

"Very real and outcome-driven pathways were forged... I have a very long list of new acts I look forward to staying in touch with for future bookings," said Hayley Percy, Head of Music at RISING (Australia), who attended the summit last year. 

"We welcome this latest cohort into New Zealand to engage and connect with our wonderful and vibrant music community," says IMNZ General Manager Dylan Pellett. 

According to a press release, more speakers, as well as this year's showcasing artists, will be announced soon. 

Going Global 2026 will be held on Thursday, August 27th-Friday, August 28th at Q Theatre in Auckland. 

Earlybird tickets are on sale now here.