The 2026 Music Sustainability Summit has finalized its comprehensive program for the April 14 event in Los Angeles, signaling a significant industry push toward actionable environmental strategies. This year’s summit, presented by the Music Sustainability Alliance, will convene a diverse array of professionals from across the music ecosystem, including live event organizers, management teams, record labels, and technology providers. The focus is squarely on transitioning from theoretical discussions to tangible implementation of sustainable practices.
Amy Morrison, CEO and co-founder of the Music Sustainability Alliance, emphasized the summit’s core objective: "This year’s summit is focused on moving from ideas to implementation," she stated. "We’ve designed the program to highlight practical solutions that organizations can adopt today while also exploring the innovations that will shape the future of sustainable music." The event aims to equip attendees with immediate tools and forward-looking insights to address the industry’s environmental impact.
The day-long summit will be held at Solotech Studios in Hollywood, offering a dedicated space for collaboration and knowledge sharing. Early bird passes are available for $382 until March 31, with registration accessible through the Music Sustainability Alliance website. The gathering is poised to be a pivotal moment for the music industry as it confronts the growing urgency of climate action.
Summit Kicks Off with Visionary Voices
The summit will commence with a welcome address featuring prominent figures in the sustainability and music space. Artist and activist Madame Gandhi, alongside Amy Morrison, will set the tone for the day, underscoring the dual role of creativity and strategic planning in achieving environmental goals. Their opening remarks will likely frame the critical need for the music industry to embrace sustainability not just as a responsibility, but as an opportunity for innovation and cultural leadership.
Data-Driven Insights and Emerging Technologies
Following the opening, the summit will delve into crucial data and technological advancements shaping sustainability efforts. A lightning talk by Dan Goldenberg, Chief Sustainability Officer-in-Residence at Deloitte, will present key takeaways from Deloitte’s latest Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) survey. This session is designed to offer executives a concise overview of current trends and implications for sustainability leadership within the music sector.
The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence will also be a focal point, with Trent Wolbe, Creative Director at the Music Sustainability Alliance, delivering a talk on "How to Think About AI and Sustainability." This session will explore the environmental implications of AI in the music industry, providing a framework for understanding whether this transformative technology will become a climate liability or a significant opportunity. The integration of AI in areas like music production, distribution, and fan engagement presents both challenges and potential solutions for reducing environmental footprints.
Addressing the Live Music Sector’s Footprint
A significant portion of the summit will be dedicated to the live music sector, a major contributor to the industry’s environmental impact. The panel "Taking Stock: The Road Ahead for Live" will feature leading voices from major live music organizations. Speakers include Lindsay Arell (Chief Sustainability Officer, Legends Global), Lucy August-Perna (Senior Director, Global Sustainability, Live Nation), Erik Distler (SVP Sustainability, AEG), Kristen Fulmer (Global Head of Sustainability, OVG & GOAL), and Hanna Grahn (Head of Sustainability, Spotify). This discussion will assess the current state of sustainability initiatives in live music, highlight emerging solutions, and identify the collective steps still required to significantly reduce the environmental footprint of touring, festivals, and concerts. The complexity of managing emissions from transportation, energy consumption, and waste at large-scale events makes this session particularly critical.
Morning Breakout Sessions: Deep Dives into Practical Solutions
The summit will then transition into a series of morning breakout sessions, offering targeted discussions on specific areas of sustainability:
Zero Waste & Circularity: Cleaner Shows & Smarter Systems
This session will focus on practical strategies for waste reduction and the implementation of circular economy principles at live events. Panelists, including Travis Markowitz (Sustainability Leader for Technology, Media, Telecom, Deloitte), Mike Martin (Founder & CEO, r.World), Laura Rosenshine (Co-Founder and CEO, WATS), Carol Scott (Principal Sustainability & ESG, TAIT), and Morganne Sigismonti (Music Sustainability Alliance), will share operational lessons, enabling practices, and methods for tracking progress and ensuring accountability in waste management. The transition from linear "take-make-dispose" models to circular systems is a key challenge for event organizers.
Fret Not: Guitars, Materials, and Nature
The environmental impact of instrument manufacturing will be explored in "Fret Not: Guitars, Materials, and Nature." This panel will address how instrument makers are navigating regulatory requirements and their effects on supply chains and manufacturing processes. Speakers such as Fanny Calder (Executive Director, Murmur), Adam Gardner (Co-Founder, REVERB; Musician, Guster), John McElroy (General Counsel, CF Martin Guitars), and Scott Paul (Director of Sustainability, Taylor Guitars) will discuss the critical balance between protecting forests, maintaining craftsmanship, and ensuring the sound quality musicians depend on. This highlights the often-overlooked upstream impacts of the music industry.
Music Sustainability 101
Designed for those seeking foundational knowledge, "Music Sustainability 101" will provide a comprehensive overview of environmental challenges across the music industry. Panelists Emily Bines (Hope Solutions), Lara Seaver (Director of Touring & Projects, REVERB), Dylan Siegler (SVP, Head of Sustainability, Universal Music Group), Kristina “Red” Tanner (Partner-Head of Ticketing, Commerce and Sustainability, Activist Artists Management), and Kurt Langer (Board Member, Music Sustainability Alliance) will cover a range of topics from touring emissions and food and beverage practices to venue energy usage, manufacturing, and fan travel. This session aims to empower organizations to prioritize and address their specific environmental concerns.
Measurement and Reporting: How and Why
Accurate measurement and transparent reporting are crucial for demonstrating progress and building credibility. The "Measurement and Reporting: How and Why" session will feature experts like Kelly Brennan-Kleyn (Business Manager, KBK Management), Angie Gamber (Senior Manager, ESG Data & Reporting, Warner Music Group), Marawan Ibrahim (Planet First Initiatives Lead, Nimblist), Mike Wallace (Board Member, The Climate Trust), and Danielle Azoulay (Founder, The CSO Shop). They will discuss tools and frameworks that enable artists, venues, labels, and promoters to measure emissions, track progress, and communicate their environmental impact effectively. This addresses the growing demand for verifiable sustainability claims.
Afternoon Breakout Sessions: Tackling Complex Challenges
The afternoon will feature another set of focused breakout sessions, delving into more complex and pressing issues:
Fan Travel: Getting There Is Half the Fumes
Fan travel constitutes a significant portion of the carbon footprint associated with live music. The "Fan Travel: Getting There Is Half the Fumes" session will explore strategies for mitigating this impact. Speakers Katie Bailey (Director of Sustainability, Intuit Dome), Aileen McManamon (Board Chair, Green Sports Alliance), Madeline Weir (Director of Impact, REVERB), and Jennifer Fraser (Planet Reimagined) will discuss transportation partnerships, ticketing incentives, and communication strategies to encourage fans to adopt lower-carbon travel options. This acknowledges the shared responsibility between artists, venues, and audiences.
The Untapped Opportunity of Decarbonized Productions
The intricate logistics of music production, including transportation of equipment, trucks, and crew, present a substantial area for emissions reduction. "The Untapped Opportunity of Decarbonized Productions" will examine emerging solutions for reducing transport emissions, such as electrification, alternative fuels, and optimized routing, with a focus on delivering return on investment. The panel includes Jamal Chalabi (Tour & Production Manager-Massive Attack, Backlash Productions), Mickey Curbishley (President, Live Productions, Solotech), Stuart Ross (Partner, THE Conference Live at Lititz), Neel Vasavada (Founder/CEO, Overdrive Energy Solutions), and Joel Makower (Chairman & Co-Founder, Trellis Group; Strategy Director, Music Sustainability Alliance).
Getting to Zero: Looking Beyond Offsets
While offsets can play a role, the summit will also explore strategies for emissions reduction that go beyond them. "Getting to Zero: Looking Beyond Offsets" will focus on identifying high-integrity climate investments that deliver real environmental benefits and avoiding common pitfalls that can undermine impact. Speakers Carly Holenick (CDO, Sound Future), Heather Schrock (Director of Environmental Partnerships, Bonneville Environmental Foundation), Anne Shudy Palmer (Director of Sustainability, Green Worldwide Shipping), and Cathy Runciman (Co-Executive Director, Earth Percent) will offer insights into effective strategies for achieving net-zero goals.
Small Venues, Big Solutions
Independent venues, despite operating on tight margins, hold significant cultural influence. The "Small Venues, Big Solutions" session will address practical sustainability actions for these spaces, covering energy efficiency, waste reduction, and the power of collaboration and shared resources to scale impact. Panelists Mary Conde (Senior Vice President, Another Planet Entertainment), Jake Hiersteiner (Sr. Director, Venue Development, AEG Presents), Cheryl Liguori (CEO, Z2 Entertainment), and Shaun Hoyte (Columbia University) will highlight innovative approaches tailored to the unique challenges faced by smaller establishments.
Mainstage Afternoon Program: Broader Impact and Cultural Influence
The summit will conclude with a series of impactful mainstage sessions:
Big-Stage Sustainability: Mega-Event Lessons for Music
Drawing parallels with other large-scale events, "Big-Stage Sustainability: Mega-Event Lessons for Music" will explore how infrastructure choices can support more sustainable live, global music, and entertainment events. David Beame (Vice President, Global Events & Experiences, Global Citizen), Jake Raykhelson (Senior Manager, Environmental Sustainability, The Walt Disney Company), and Shay Eliaz (Sustainability Strategy Leader, Deloitte) will share transferable lessons and considerations applicable to music organizations across various scales.
Music Climate Pact and the Vinyl Alliance Sustainable Supplier Program
A lightning talk by Ian Stanton (Head of Sustainability/Programme, Beggars Group/Murmur) will provide an update on the Music Climate Pact and the Vinyl Alliance Sustainable Supplier Program, highlighting concrete industry-wide initiatives and standards.
Thought for Food: Putting Sustainability on the Menu
Food service at events has a considerable environmental impact. The "Thought for Food: Putting Sustainability on the Menu" session will feature an in-depth look at how Billie Eilish’s team transformed food service into a climate-positive experience. Speakers Maggie Baird (Founder, Support+Feed), Lesley Olenik (SVP of Global Touring, Live Nation), Stefanie Lynch (Corporate Engagement Director, Greener By Default), and Lara Seaver (Director of Touring & Projects, REVERB) will discuss plant-forward menus, responsible sourcing, and food waste reduction strategies.
Music’s Impact on Culture Is Its Climate Superpower
The summit will conclude with a reflection on music’s unique ability to influence culture and drive climate action. "Music’s Impact on Culture Is Its Climate Superpower" will feature artist Madame Gandhi, artist Rozzi, and Jo Little (Founder, Earth Calling). They will discuss how artists, storytelling, and fan communities can shape public perception and normalize climate awareness and action, extending the impact of sustainability efforts far beyond the music industry itself. This closing session underscores the profound cultural leverage the music industry possesses in addressing the climate crisis.
