MPF 2026: The Live Broadcast, from the Rocky Mountain Public Media studios in downtown Denver. Sessions are listed in the order they will run.
Welcome from Music Policy Forum, Colorado Creative Industries, Denver Arts and Venues, and Rocky Mountain Public Media
Michael Bracy, Music Policy Forum
The 2026 Music Policy Forum conference is built around the theme of “Let’s See Action.” We aren’t focusing on feelings and vibechecks; instead we are highlighting visionary thinkers, showcasing government in action, and exploring the kinds of strategies and solutions that can lead to stronger music ecosystems in this uniquely complicated era.
Building a Music Mindset
Sunil Iyengar, National Endowment for the Arts, Washington, DC
Aaron Myers, DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, Washington, DC
Allison Harnden, Pittsburgh Nighttime Economy Manager; Chair, NITECAP
Sean Keithly, Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council, Bend, OR
Peter Rogoff, former Federal Transit Administrator, Seattle, WA
Inside, Outside, and In Between: How Music Policy Actually Gets Made
Julia Heath, Association of Music Offices
How the Texas Music Office Supports Venues and Communities
Graham Weber, Texas Music Office
The Grassroots Levy: Progress Across the World
Bev Whitrick, Music Venue Trust
The Talent Development Pipeline for Artists in Ireland and How It’s Resourced
Angela Dorgan, First Music Contact
Connecting International Cultural Policy To Local Culture
Matthew Covey, Tamizdat
Jack(ie) of All Trades, Master of Some
Jami Duffy, Youth on Record
American Colleges and the Future of Music
Andre Perry, University of Iowa
In Conversation: Kate Becker and Ian MacKaye
It’s Time to Think Differently About Music Venues
Dr. Michael Seman, Colorado State University
Turning Data into Action: How NIVA’s State of Live Report is Inspiring Ticketing and PRO Reform
Sean Watterson, Happy Dog, Cleveland, OH
Audrey Fix Schaefer, I.M.P., Washington, DC
Tobi Parks, xBk Live, Des Moines, IA
Beyond the Stage: How Artists and Venues Can Shape the Future of Sustainable Live Music
Lindsay Arell, Legends Global
From Treefort to Twelve Months: The Evolving Scene in Boise
Eric Gilbert, Treefort Music Fest
Tilley Bubb, City of Boise Department of Arts & History
Nicole Molumby, Boise State University
Moderated by Storm Gloor, University of Colorado Denver
ICE, Music Venues, and the Right to Gather
Chris Orrick, Western States Center
In Conversation: Erin Potts and Hakim Bellamy
Connected Networks, Collective Power: Building Across Creative Sectors
Jax Deluca, Future Film Coalition
Josh Shepperd, University of Colorado Boulder
Preserving Minnesota Music: From Acetates to Algorithms
Mitch Thompson, Minnesota Music Archive
From Local Artists to Local Heroes: How Civic-minded Institutions Connect Artists + Audiences
David Safar, The Current, Minneapolis, MN
Ayana Contreras, KUVO, Denver, CO
DNA Picasso, Colorado Music Industry Alliance
Gillian Pasley, Blucifer’s First Rodeo, Denver, CO
Closing music performance
Thursday’s program is produced in a working broadcast studio, not a traditional theater or conference space. There are no breaks during the show for in-room networking, so please take conversations outside the studio. Studio audience seating is first come, first served.
Colleagues who can’t be in Denver can watch the November 12 live broadcast online. Please share the virtual ticket link with your networks.
This program is a draft and subject to change, and additional special conversations will be incorporated throughout the day. Doors open at 8am and the program begins at 9am.