For three days and three nights, our community of music stakeholders will gather in Denver, Colorado, to strategize, network, learn, and pursue our common goal of catalyzing music ecosystems.
Music Policy Forum is a national nonprofit network dedicated to strengthening music ecosystems through research, collaboration, advocacy, and cross-sector engagement. Since 2017, we have convened artists, policymakers, researchers, educators, foundations, public agencies, and industry leaders to advance sustainable local and national music economies.
In November 2026, Music Policy Forum will convene in Denver, Colorado, bringing together local, national, and international voices at a pivotal moment for music communities everywhere. Colorado's independent spirit, collaborative culture, and growing leadership in creative economy initiatives make it an ideal setting for forward-looking conversation and cross-sector collaboration.
This year's events are presented in collaboration with Colorado Creative Industries, with support from Denver Arts & Venues and a broadcast partnership with Rocky Mountain Public Media.
In 2026 we are reimagining the traditional conference format. MPF 2026 is designed as a professionally produced live streaming broadcast, created in partnership with Rocky Mountain Public Media and carried from their studios in downtown Denver to presenters and audiences around the world.
Sessions spotlight proven policies, scalable models, innovative partnerships, and measurable outcomes that communities can adapt and replicate. Every conversation is designed around one guiding principle: what is already working, and how can others put it into practice?
The music showcases and the MPF 2026 live stream will be available to the general public. Tickets and registration information will be made available in September.
Programming will explore emerging policies, investment models, and collaborative strategies shaping the future of music ecosystems. Featured discussion areas may include:
New approaches to ticketing, venue-led reinvestment, shared revenue models, and lessons from international music markets.
Leveraging music venues, stadium developments, and public investment to deliver long-term community value.
Building stronger pathways between colleges, artists, employers, and local music economies.
The evolving role of public broadcasting and public radio in artist discovery, cultural storytelling, and local music ecosystems.
Effective local, state, federal, and international funding strategies that measurably strengthen music ecosystems.
Expanding the role of Certified B Corporations, social enterprises, cooperatives, and other purpose-driven approaches within the music industry.
Data, research, and valuation tools that help communities understand impact, guide investment, and support informed policymaking.
Innovative public-private financing models, blended capital, and investment strategies supporting artists, venues, and music infrastructure.
Our flagship program, produced with Rocky Mountain Public Media and streamed to audiences around the world. Delegates join the studio audience in downtown Denver.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN PUBLIC MEDIA STUDIOS, DOWNTOWN DENVER
A day-long, invitation-only, off-the-record convening of leading music advocates and stakeholders. Because of the design of this program, registrations are very limited.
INVITATION ONLY · INQUIRE BELOW
An afternoon convening, 1:00 to 5:00 pm at Metropolitan State University of Denver's Kalamath Building, exploring how local music ecosystems and higher education can be mutually reinforcing.
MSU DENVER · KALAMATH BUILDING · 1:00 TO 5:00 PM MT
Evening showcases curated and produced by Mishawaka Presents and the Colorado Music Industry Alliance celebrate the best of the Colorado music scene at three independent venues in downtown Denver. Registrants have free access to these performances, and select events will be open to the public.
Registration for the full delegation is invitation-only and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested in joining the Music Policy Forum Intensive or MPF On Campus? Inquiry forms will open here soon.
Questions in the meantime? Reach us through the Music Policy Forum contact page.
MPF 2026 is presented in collaboration with Colorado Creative Industries, with support from Denver Arts & Venues and a broadcast partnership with Rocky Mountain Public Media. MPF On Campus is hosted at Metropolitan State University of Denver, and the evening showcases are curated and produced by Mishawaka Presents and the Colorado Music Industry Alliance.
CATALYZING MUSIC ECOSYSTEMS