Convention

20 Years   27. + 28. April 2023    20 Years   27. + 28. April 2023    20 Years   27. + 28. April 2023    20 Years   27. + 28. April 2023    20 Years   27. + 28. April 2023    20 Years   27. + 28. April 2023    20 Years   27. + 28. April 2023    20 Years   27. + 28. April 2023    20 Years   27. + 28. April 2023    20 Years   27. + 28. April 2023

Make it better - a better music economy for all!

c/o pop is turning 20 - and that's why all the signs at the c/o pop Convention 2023 point to J for anniversary! On 27 and 28 April 2023, you can expect two full days of events in and around Herbrand's in Cologne-Ehrenfeld - from the music industry for the music industry! Especially for music business newbies, there will be plenty of input and tips from experienced professionals as part of the NEW TALENT programme on both days.

The c/o pop Convention 2023 in Cologne is the first industry get-together of the year for the music industry and cooperating sectors such as digital business and media. In keynotes, panels and workshops, we take a practical look at the future of the music world. We ask: What is coming, what is staying, what is changing and what is disappearing? Who and what are the drivers of developments? How can the players and companies of the music industry master the diverse challenges of our time? How can the industry become more resistant to future crises, and what needs to be done to achieve this? In short, how can we make the music industry a better place for all of us? Because exchange and collaboration are key to this, we are creating plenty of opportunities for networking. The conference for everyone who wants to start the season with new contacts, ideas and opportunities.

©Frank Schoepgens

Diverse sector, diverse programme!

Our programme is as diverse as the music industry and its challenges. We discuss current issues from pop culture, media and the digital world with national and international experts. Socially relevant topics such as diversity and sustainability also play an important role. In concrete terms, the panels and keynotes will deal with topics such as the music industry's contribution to the fight against climate change, festivals as platforms for social innovation, female empowerment, the future of physical recordings, the potential of newsletters, the art of fan loyalty through social media and merchandise, independent publishing, the KulturPass, fake news & beauty filters and the question of all questions: How do you manage to be successful with your music! Anyone looking for or offering a new job in the music industry can network easily at the Music People job festival. The youth conference TINCON is also back, with talks, Q&As and panels on two stages, with extra workshop areas and a Making Space with a gaming area.

©Frank Schoepgens

Let’s do it – together!

To make the music industry a better place for all of us: We can only do that together! And that's why we are once again working with many partners from all corners of the music world and beyond in 2023. Together we will put together a practical and inspiring programme for you.

The fourth edition of the Cologne VUT Indie Days will once again be about knowledge transfer, exchange and networking. The newsletter with accompanying magazine Low Budget High Spirit curates a stage for the first time: In top-class deep dive sessions under the title "BEST CASE! - Innovative Strategies & Ideas for Better Music Business", tangible, practical know-how will be openly shared. Our new cooperation with Music Declares Emergency puts commitment to sustainability in the spotlight. The long-standing partnership with WDR COSMO will be showcased for the first time on its own stage with four jointly designed programme items. The NEW TALENT programme for musicians and musicbiz newbies is being organised for the sixth time in cooperation with popNRW and VUT West. The Initiative Musik and the Forum Musikwirtschaft are also involved. And the youth conference TINCON is bigger than ever before!

©Frank Schoepgens

MUSIC PEOPLE - Europe's first job festival for the music industry

What began successfully as c/o work in 2022 will be continued by the c/o pop Convention on 27 April 2023 under the name MUSIC PEOPLE: at Europe's first job festival, companies and new talents can get to know each other at the bar, in the backstage area or at the food truck - after all, new recruiting measures are urgently needed, especially in the music business. At MUSIC PEOPLE, the get-to-know-you talks will take place in an authentic context according to the motto "personality before CV"!

Application as recruiter / company: If the application is successful, each company can buy a maximum of 2 tickets for MUSIC PEOPLE.

Application for employees: Young professionals and job seekers with experience in the music industry can apply to MUSIC PEOPLE now. Participation is free of charge.

©Frank Schoepgens

What's New?

Die Zukunft der Popförderung: Pop Summit 2023

Die Zukunft der Popförderung: Pop Summit 2023


Nach dem erfolgreichen Auftakt 2020 findet der zweite Pop Summit am Donnerstag, dem 27. April 2023 im Rahmen der c/o pop Convention statt. Er präsentiert die erfolgreiche Umsetzung der Ideen zur Förderung der Popkultur aus dem Jahr 2020 und stellt Weichen für die Zukunftsarbeit. Einen Fokus bildet das „Pop Stipendium“ des BV Pop, das während der Pandemie innerhalb eines Jahres 1.125 junge Künstlerinnen mit einem Fördervolumen von 7 Millionen Euro schnell und unkompliziert unterstützt hat. Das Panel „Vernetzt nach vorne“ zeigt, wie wichtig es ist, dass regionale Popförderung sich vernetzt – und fragt, wie es weitergeht. Die „Zukunftsmusik“ macht deutlich, wie neue Technologie und Marktlogiken die Branchen verändern und wie sich die Popförderung im „Music Ecosystem 4.0“ mitverändern muss. Daneben wird es verschiedene Formate zur Vernetzung geben. Außerdem könnt ihr zahlreiche Bands aus den Reihen der Stipendiatinnen auf der Bühne erleben!

Grimme Online Award 2023: Bekanntgabe der Nominierungen

Grimme Online Award 2023: Bekanntgabe der Nominierungen


Trendformat Podcast? Oder doch lieber TikTok? Mit dem Grimme Online Award kann jedes Online-Format ausgezeichnet werden – nur deutschsprachig und publizistisch. Seit 2001 wird dieser renommierteste Preis für Qualität im Netz verliehen. Die Nominierungen des Jahrgangs 2023 werden am 28. April im Rahmen der c/o pop Convention bekanntgegeben. Wenn die Projekte zwischen 12:30 und 14:30 Uhr vorgestellt werden, beantworten die Nominierten Fragen nach dem Wie und Warum. Beim Get-together im Anschluss könnt ihr mit den Nominierten ins Gespräch kommen.

TINCON time again!

TINCON time again!


The youth conference TINCON is joining forces with us again - and even bigger than last year! On Friday, 28th April, you can expect not only talks, Q&As and panels with great speakers on two stages, but also extra workshop areas and a making space with a gaming area. And best of all, participation is completely free for everyone from 13 to 25 years old. All visitors to TINCON can also take part in the whole program of c/o pop Convention on Friday. On Saturday, 29th April, TINCON will even contribute some program to the c/o pop festival - all of which can be experienced free of charge with your TINCON wristband!

Apply now to MUSIC PEOPLE!

Apply now to MUSIC PEOPLE!


Are you looking for your dream job in the music industry? Then apply now at MUSIC PEOPLE! In order to make recruiting measures more attractive and contemporary, we have designed the first job festival in Europe: At MUSIC PEOPLE, applicants and entrepreneurs get to know each other in an authentic context - at the bar, in the backstage area or at the food truck. Young professionals and job seekers with experience in the music industry can now apply to MUSIC PEOPLE. The job festival will take place on 27 April 2023 as part of c/o pop and is free of charge for talents.

More information about MUSIC PEOPLE!

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