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Emma Banks, Ramones producer Craig Leon and Sziget’s Tamás Kádár speaking at ESNS Conference

ESNS (Eurosonic Noorderslag) announces a new wave of conference highlights for its 40th edition, taking place from January 14 to 17, 2026, in Groningen. Music agent Emma Banks, producer Craig Leon, Sziget festival director Tamás Kádár and the Director-general of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), Noel Curran, are attending Europe’s largest music conference.

Journalist Lisa Henderson invites music agent and Co-Head of Global Touring at Creative Artists Agency (CAA), Emma Banks, to the stage for an in-depth keynote conversation about her career, the music industry and the future of live music. Banks is one of the most influential figures in the global live music business. From her early days in London’s agency scene to leading one of the world’s most powerful touring divisions, she is shaping the touring landscape for artists like Red Hot Chili Peppers, Katy Perry, Paramore and Florence & The Machine.

Producer, composer, and arranger Craig Leon comes to ESNS to reflect on his work as a producer for acts like the Ramones. Leon played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of artists such as Talking Heads, Blondie, Richard Hell, and Suicide. Fifty years ago, he produced the self-titled debut of the Ramones. He will share insights into the making of that album, interwoven with behind-the-scenes stories and anecdotes.

Tamás Kádár, Director of Sziget Festival, will be attending the ESNS Conference to talk about the growing influence of large ownership structures across the festival scene. Private equity firms, corporate takeovers and big investment groups are increasingly shaping the future of live music. “We are fighting for a new chapter of Sziget returning to its independent roots”, he states.

Activism in music has taken center stage over the past year and it’s a key theme at the conference in 2026. As an expert on polarisation, Bart Brandsma (Inside Polarisation), will explore the correlation between activism and “us versus them” thinking. Understanding these dynamics and the role that activism plays in today’s cultural landscape can lead to more thoughtful conversations and choices about how actively you want to engage.

Noel Curran, Director-general of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), is attending the ESNS Conference to explore the future of public service media and cross-border collaboration in Europe. With a career spanning leadership roles at Ireland’s national broadcaster RTE and an award-winning background in investigative journalism, Curran brings a unique perspective on how media can serve the public good in a rapidly changing landscape.

House of Europe, located at the heart of the ESNS Conference, is a place where different cultures meet and collaborate. European music export offices will bring flavour to the programming, showcasing the best from their regions - from local talent to culinary delights and cultural traditions. European Music Exporters Exchange (EMEE) hosts a session about building bridges through music export and exchange (invitation only).

German Music Export by Initiative Musik invites ESNS delegates to test their knowledge of music “made in Germany”. The German artists performing at ESNS 2026 can be met in short live spotlight sessions, interviews, and quiz rounds.

Don Pasta’s Food Sound System - Vinyl and Cuisine will be presented by Italian Trade Agency, Puglia Sounds, Emilia-Romagna Music Export, Assomusica, Sicily Music Conference and Italian World Music Network. Conference attendees can also discover the new Catalan music scene while sipping on a 30’ Cocktail and enjoying Iberian ham, hosted by Catalan Arts and iCat.

Bulgarian Music Association, EU NextGeneration and Recovery and Resiliance Plan Bulgaria will bring together artists, managers, festivals, and industry representatives to connect, exchange ideas, and explore opportunities.

Other featured speakers taking the stage at ESNS 2026 include: Bas Dokter (Agents After All), Barbara Vos (Barbara Vos), Bas van Wageningen (bassist Di-rect), Ben Wynter (Unstoppable Music, Power Up), Brij Gosai (Pollstar), Canan Yurdakul (EBB Music), Claire O’Neill (A Greener Future), Dorian Perron (Groover), Dr Charisse Beaumont (Black Lives in Music), Dylan Heneck (SubmitHub), Eric Skunck (YouTube), Ernst-Jan Pfauth (journalist), Froukje (artist), Kevin Cole (KEXP), Koos Zwaan (Inholland University of Applied Sciences), Lesley Grieten (Concert at SEA), Ognjen Tomasevic (Exit Festival), Paulina Parvanov (Austrian Music Export), Peter Verkennis (Stichting Bospop), Roisin O’Connor (The Independent), Ruth Barlow (Beggars Group), Saskhia Menendez (Sassy Records), Tim van der Zalm (Labeltje Labeltje), Tirsa Creusen (Pinkpop), and Vasil Gjuroski (Tromsø World).

Delegate Passes for ESNS26 are now available at a Late rate at www.esns.nl.

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