The future of the music industry starts here.
FastForward returns to London in February 2026 for FFWD:LDN 26 - a music conference celebrating our community in a special 10th anniversary edition at a brand new location.
Taking over Hackney Church for the first time on Tuesday 10 February 2026, we host our largest meet-up to date, bringing together more than 300 leaders from across recorded and live music for a unique knowledge sharing and networking experience.
Previous attendees include
Hosts and Speakers
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![Chris Carey - Founder, FFWD Music Conference]()
Chris Carey (Host)
Founder, FFWD
-
![Sammy Andrews - CEO, Deviate Digital]()
Sammy Andrews (Host)
CEO, Deviate Digital
-
![Thando Zulu - Zulu Music, Artist Manager & Music Venue Programmer (Hackney Church)]()
Thando Zulu (Host)
Artist Manager & Programmer, Zulu Music
-
![Pol Mitchell]()
Pol Mitchell
Artist Manager, Annie Mac
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![Jamie Tagg Mighty Hoopla]()
Jamie Tagg
Festival Director, Mighty Hoopla
-
![Charlie Deakin Davies (Charlieeeee), Artist, Writer & Producer]()
Charlieeeee (Host)
Artist, Writer & Producer
-
![Mark Davyd - Founder, Music Venues Trust]()
Mark Davyd (Host)
Founder, Music Venues Trust
-
![]()
Amy Oldham (Host)
CCO, Togather
-
![Rowan Brand Artist Manager Tribe Bear's Den Amber Run Ciaran Lavery]()
Rowan Brand (Host)
Artist Manager, Tribe
-
![James Fleury - Founder, WYTS - Marketing Strategist]()
James Fleury (Host)
Founder, WYTS
-
![Joe Vesayaporn]()
Joe Vesayaporn
Sales Director, Music Glue
-
![Darren Hemmings Motive Unknown]()
Darren Hemmings
Managing Director, Motive Unknown
Secure your pass now
Available until 31 Dec
Early Bird Rate
110 GBP (+VAT)
Includes entry and lunch
Standard Rate
125 GBP (+VAT)
Includes entry and lunch
from 1 Jan 2026
Last Minute
145 GBP (+VAT)
Includes entry and lunch
from 1 Feb 2026
Conference Schedule
(Sessions announced as confirmed, full schedule published in January)
Welcome and Introduction
09:30
INTRODUCTION
The State of Play:
Today's Key Music Trends
09:40 - 10:00
Chris Carey (Host)
FAST 15
Lessons From Annie Mac's
Before Midnight
10:00 - 10:15
Pol Mitchell
PANEL
10:15 - 11:00
Marketing: A Return To Old Rules
James Fleury (Host), Darren Hemmings, Sammy Andrews
11:00
Coffee
Is The Future Of Live Music Playing Fewer Shows For More Money?
Or Can We Reverse The Trend?
PANEL
11:25 - 12:10
Chris Carey (Host), Mark Davyd
FAST 15
12:10 - 12:25
Managing Writers And Producers In A Streaming World
Rowan Brand (Host), Vaz Pilikian
KEYNOTE
12:25 - 13:10
Session TBA
Speakers TBA
13:10
Lunch
Including performance from JERUB
KEYNOTE
Fact Check: Two Economists Dissect Industry Trends
14:10 - 14:45
Will Page (Host), Chris Carey (Host)
PANEL
Who Is Developing Talent Today? And How Can We Support Them?
14:45 - 15:30
Amy Oldham (Host)
FAST 15
Session TBA
15:30 - 15:45
Speakers TBA
15:45
Coffee
16:05 - 16:20
Joe Vesayaporn
FAST 15
Master Of Puppets: Insight From Metallica's Fan Strategy
PANEL
Discovery Feels Broken Right Now. How Can We Save It?
16:20 - 17:05
Thando Zulu (Host), Jamie Tagg
PANEL
Final Artist Panel: So - What's Next?
17:05 - 18:00
Chris Carey (Host), Charlieeeee (Host)
18:00
Networking & Drinks
Chris Carey
Sammy Andrews
Mark Davyd
Amy Oldham
Thando Zulu
Charlieeeee
Rowan Brand
James Fleury
Chris Carey Sammy Andrews Mark Davyd Amy Oldham Thando Zulu Charlieeeee Rowan Brand James Fleury
Hackney Church
Hackney Church is an 1800 capacity music venue equipped with state-of-the-art d&b audio system, and in recent years has hosted performances by major artists such as Ed Sheeran, Sampha, Biffy Clyro and Joy Crookes, solidifying its reputation as a premier music venue.
As an affiliate of the Music Venue Trust and Independent Venue Week, the church is committed to supporting local talent while attracting world-renowned creators to the impressive Grade II listed building. Beyond its role as a cultural hub, Hackney Church is supporting a vibrant and thriving church community, with a mission to bring hope to the people of East London. All profits from venue hire contribute directly to programs that make a positive impact on the lives of East London residents.
Address
Hackney Church
Lower Clapton Road
London
E5 0PD
By Public Transport
Hackney Central (5 min walk)
Hackney Downs (7 mins)
