Tuesday 10 February 2026 will see acclaimed music conference FFWD (FastForward) take over Hackney Church for its largest meetup to date, bringing together more than 200 leaders from across the music industry for a unique knowledge sharing and networking experience.

The upcoming event will focus on the big conversations that will transform the next 3 years of the music industry; fixing artist discovery, safeguarding artist development, curating and nurturing a local live scene, and more. 

Announced today, the keynote conversation will see Karen Emanuel OBE (Founder, Key Production) in conversation with her long term friend Julie Weir (Director, Music for Nations, Sony Music) discussing entrepreneurship, music's glass ceilings and the future of the music industry. 

Attendees will leave with an up to the minute understanding of trends, and a network of professionals who can help them succeed. The anniversary lineup includes event alumni and new speakers: 

  • Ivor Novello, BRIT & Grammy award-winning songwriter Kamille

  • Music Venue Trust CEO Mark Davyd

  • TikTok / Sound On A&R James Lightfoot 

  • Spotify’s Songwriter Partnerships Lead Lara Baker

  • Partisan Record's Artist Development Manager Connie Rose

  • Deviate Digital's Founder/CEO Sammy Andrews

  • Royal Albert Hall CEO James Ainscough OBE

  • Dirty Hit's Head of Streaming Partnerships Perdi Higgs

  • Motive Unknown Founder/CEO Darren Hemmings

  • Artist managers Sophie Kennard (Chase & Status),  Pol Mitchell (Annie Mac), Thando Zulu (JERUB), Rowan Brand (Bear's Den), Charlie Murdoch (The Staves) and Jack Saunders (Muki)

…and many, many more.

FFWD Founder Chris Carey said of the anniversary event:"It feels like 10 years has flown by! Looking back, I’m very proud of the people and ideas we have platformed and the long lasting connections we have facilitated. While locations, durations and the team have evolved over time I'm pleased three fundamental pillars remain at its heart: an unrelenting focus on content, community, and creators. We've seen artists find managers, labels find staff, startups find co-founders, companies find investors, friendships formed and artists playing at the Rugby World Cup on the back of connections made at FastForward." 

Founded in 2016, Chris set up FFWD to drive a more inclusive and diverse gathering.  The conference has developed an international reputation for its approach to programming. Carey spotlights some of the event’s achievements over the last decade:

“We put a real focus on actionable insights and strategies that our delegates can take away and implement in their work. We also take pride in bringing a varied line up of speakers, getting beyond the usual suspects and bringing new voices to the table." 

The event offers a platform for industry to learn from creators, and for creatives to voice their challenges, concerns, hopes and demands for better conditions. Past speakers have included Nile Rodgers (CHIC), MNEK, Gus Unger-Hamilton of Alt-J, Gabriella Cilmi, Everything Everything bassist Jeremy Pritchard, and Newton Faulkner to name a few. 

Carey added, "So many people work individually or in very small teams, it's a chance to come together, share learnings, problem solve and build community."

Thando Zulu, Founder of Zulu Music and Experiences Director at Hackney Church added, "FastForward is always a highlight for me. The knowledge in the room is first class, but more than that the network of good people that Chris has brought together leaves me feeling inspired every year! To be hosting FastForward at Hackney Church is special for me and no doubt will be a great time for everyone who comes this Feb!" 

Tickets are available for FFWD:LDN 26 via Ticketmaster’s Universe platform here, with prices are £125 now and go up to £145 on 1 Feb 2026.