FastForward – the future-focused international music business conference – is launching a new event. Taking place on Friday 15 September at the British Library in London’s Kings Cross, FastForward: London marks the beginning of a new, satellite conference series expansion for the company.

The one-day conference will offer a combination of keynote speeches, interactive panel discussions, and FastForward’s FastFifteen rapid-fire solo presentations, all of which will complement the annual flagship FastForward event in Amsterdam. 

FastForward: London is being supported by Ticketmaster, the market leader in online ticketing in the UK, and world leading, all-premium video and entertainment platform Vevo. International creative agency Sherry Design have joined as Global Event Partners, driving the rebrand and supporting all FastForward activities around the world, while Media Insight Consulting will continue to curate the events.

FastForward Founder, Chris Carey, said, “I am very excited to announce FastForward: London. The flagship event in Amsterdam has been incredibly well received and we are excited to expand, creating further opportunities for bright young people to come together, meet each other, support each other and start to shape their future of their industry.”

Andrew Parsons, MD Ticketmaster UK, commented, “Nurturing the next generation of professionals is a key driver for us, today’s Assistant will be tomorrow’s Director, and it’s important we get them where they need to be. Partnering with FastForward is another great way we can invest in young talent, not only here at Ticketmaster, but in the wider industry.”

Jon Gisby, Head of Europe, Vevo added, “Vevo is delighted to be an event partner for FastForward: London, helping to support and inspire the next generation working in the music industry. Supporting the brightest and best emerging talent is part of the fabric of Vevo so it seemed a natural fit for us to come on board.”

A highlight of the new London event will be a keynote interview with industry veteran and legendary artist manager Merck Mercuriadis (Iron Maiden, Elton John, Morrissey), sharing his insights on the future of the music industry and how relationships between bands, managers, labels, and fans will change.  

Other speakers confirmed include: Farhana Aboo (AEI Media), Charlie Andrew (BRIT Award-winning producer / Square Leg Records), Kelly Bennaton (DHP Family), Chris Carey (Media Insight Consulting), Stu Dredge (Music Ally), Chloé Julien (Bandsquare & Fimalac, France), Sulinna Ong (Deezer) and Rebecca Stewart (The Drum).

Tickets are available via Ticketmaster’s Universe platform here, with prices starting at the Early Bird rate of £95 available until 31 July, rising to £115 until 31 August, and finally £140 for the last minute rate.  Similar to Amsterdam, tickets for the event will be limited to 150 to allow for more meaningful networking & discussion.

More information on this new one-day conference can be found on the FastForward website here.