Ohio University’s 7th Annual Music Industry Summit Set for March 2025
March 19, 2025, The Ohio University Music Industry Summit (MIS) is back for its seventh year, bringing together an impressive lineup of renowned artists and industry professionals. Scheduled for March 25-27, 2025, the event will be held on OHIO’s campus in Athens, Ohio, with a virtual option available for free to attendees worldwide.
As the Midwest’s premier music industry conference, the Music Industry Summit offers invaluable opportunities for students, professionals, and music enthusiasts alike. The event features keynote speakers, panels, workshops, networking sessions, and exclusive performances, making it a must-attend gathering for anyone passionate about the music business.
Headlining Artists & Performances
This year’s keynote artists include:
🎤 Julien Baker – Breakout solo artist and member of the three-time GRAMMY®-winning trio boygenius
🎧 DJ Premier – Legendary three-time GRAMMY®-winning hip-hop producer and DJ
📍 Opening Night Party: DJ Premier will perform at the Baker Center Ballroom on Wednesday, March 26. This event is free and open to Summit registrants and the public.
🎶 Closing Concert: Julien Baker and indie-rock artist TORRES will wrap up MIS 2025 with a special concert at Templeton-Blackburn Memorial Auditorium on Thursday, March 27 (separately ticketed).
🎸 Pre-Summit Keynote & Concert:
*Charles Wesley Godwin, rising country-folk artist, will participate in a special keynote conversation on Tuesday, March 25 (free & open to the public).
*His concert will follow (ticket required).
📷 Additional Events on March 25:
*Gallery Opening featuring photography by OHIO alumna Mia Barnes
*Happy Hour at Jackie O’s Brewpub
*In-store event at ROAR Records
“We are beyond excited to welcome Charles Wesley Godwin, Julien Baker, and TORRES to this year’s Music Industry Summit,” said Drew Holzapfel, Executive Director of OHIO Performing Arts and Concert Series. “Their artistic vision and unique voices will inspire both musicians and fans alike.”
Panel Discussions & Featured Industry Speakers
In addition to live performances, the Summit will host in-depth interviews, panel discussions, and breakout sessions featuring a diverse lineup of music industry experts. Topics will explore both creative and business aspects of the music world.
🎙 Featured Speakers Include:
(* denotes Ohio University alumni)
TORRES – Indie rock singer-songwriter
Mia Barnes* – Director & Photographer
Hunter Evans* – A&R Scout, RCA Records
Abbey Jo – A&R, Columbia Records
Xander Zellner* – Senior Charts & Data Analyst, Billboard
Marcus J. Moore – Music Journalist, Editor, Event Curator, & Author
Sean McNamara – Publishing Director, Musical Licensing Collective
Tommy Boone* – Associate Director, Universal Music Group
Semajah Parker* – Audience Development Coordinator, Sony Music
Drew de Leon – Co-Founder & Chief Community Officer, The Digilogue
Rob Harvilla* – Senior Staff Writer, The Ringer
Andrea Gleeson – Chief Executive Officer, Tunecore
Jill Mapes* – Founder, Editor & Writer, Hearing Things
James Cartwright* – Music Supervisor, Bad Sneakers Music Supervision
A Growing Industry Conference
“We’re expanding the Summit to three days this year, offering even more dynamic programming, including panels, interviews, workshops, and networking sessions,” said Josh Antonuccio, Director of the conference. “Attendees will have unique opportunities to engage with industry leaders and build valuable connections.”
Smaller breakout sessions and workshops featuring OHIO alumni and music industry professionals will return in 2025, providing a more intimate look into different aspects of the industry.
“Each year, the Music Industry Summit brings together the top minds in music and business,” said Paul Benedict, Director of Ohio University’s Center for Entrepreneurship. “This is a world-class networking and learning opportunity that remains free for students.”
Final Night Celebration & After Party
🎸 StewMac Happy Hour & Jam Session (March 27)
*Hosted by StewMac, an Athens-based luthier tool and guitar parts company
*Free event (separate registration required)
🎶 Closing Concert & Official After Party
*Julien Baker & TORRES will perform at Templeton-Blackburn Memorial Auditorium (ticket required).
*The official after party will take place at The Union Bar, hosted by Ohio University’s Women in the Music Industry.
Registration & Ticket Information
The OHIO Music Industry Summit has become the largest music industry conference in the Midwest, recognized as one of Soundfly’s “7 Essential Music Conferences” alongside SXSW and Canadian Music Week.
📊 Last year’s event drew nearly 2,500 attendees from 43 states and 23 countries.
2025 Registration Details
✅ Free for students & educators from any institution
✅ Free for Ohio University alumni
💲 New for 2025: General public attendees must pay a registration fee:
*Early Bird (until March 3): $50
*Standard (March 3-23): $75
*On-Site Registration: $100
🎟 Concerts at Memorial Auditorium require separate tickets
🔗 Register now at: www.ohio.edu/music-industry-summit
Summit Partners & Sponsors
The Music Industry Summit is produced by:
*Ohio University’s Scripps College of Communication
*School of Media Arts and Studies
*Chaddock + Morrow College of Fine Arts’ OHIO Performing Arts & Concert Series
*Center for Entrepreneurship
It is presented in partnership with:
*College of Business
*TechGrowth Ohio
*Voinovich School of Leadership & Public Service
🏆 Major sponsors include:
*Haden DeRoberts Foundation
*Revada Foundation
*Shure
*Discogs
*Ohio Arts Council
