About the Production Music Conference
The PMA’s Production Music Conference is the international gathering place for the production music community, and is scheduled for October 6-8, 2026 at the Hilton in Universal City, Los Angeles, CA.
This is an in-person event, with panel programming streamed live both within the virtual conference platform and within the conference app. Attendees represent 80+ countries, ranging from publishers to composers, technology partners and financial partners, and everything in between. The PMC provides networking and educational opportunities to further advance the value of production music and the industry's community.
Tickets are available now through Friday, October 2 at 6 PM PDT.
Late registration rates are now in effect.
2026 PMC Schedule
Click to view on Accelevents
The PMA will host a publisher-only breakfast during PMC 2026, open to PMA publisher and IPMG publisher members. This breakfast will take place on Tuesday, October 6th from 9:30am - 11:00am PT in the Sierra Courtyard, and will be a closed, listed entry. RSVP form will be available soon.
If you are not a member and wish to join either organization, please email info@pmamusic.com for information.
Business Keynote with Rich Robinson
A conversation about the business of sync, what makes partnerships work, and where opportunities are heading.
What does the sync business look like from inside one of the world’s largest music publishers? Warner Chappell Music’s Executive Vice President of Global Sync and Media Original Music, Rich Robinson, joins PMA Treasurer Marcia Kautz for a conversation exploring how music gets discovered, pitched, licensed, and ultimately placed.
They’ll talk about what clients are asking for, how the role of publishers and sync teams is changing, what makes a great creative and business partner, and where Rich sees the biggest opportunities ahead.
Expect a practical look at the relationships, decisions, and instincts behind a successful career in sync, along with some perspective on where the business is going next.
SPEAKERS:
Guest Speaker: Rich Robinson - EVP, Global Sync and Media Original Music, Warner Chappell Music
Interviewed by: Marcia Kautz - Sr. Director of Operations & Strategic Partnerships, Warner Chappell Production Music
COMPOSER TRACK
Get your music library-ready and avoid errors that could cost time, money and opportunity. This timely conversation highlights some of the most common mistakes composers and songwriters make when submitting or contributing to music libraries. While nothing takes the place of experience, these useful tips will help you avoid missteps that could keep you out of consideration.
Panelists:
Jeff Rona - Owner, Liquid Cinema
Katerina Tolkishevskaya - Music Editor, Music Producer, Project Manager, Liquid Cinema
Italy’s Music & Sync Market: Licensing, Trends & International Opportunities
Italy is one of Europe's most vibrant music markets and one of its most exciting sync frontiers. In 2025, the Italian recorded music industry surpassed €500 million in revenue for the first time, marking its eighth consecutive year of growth and cementing its position as the third largest market in the EU.
This panel brings together senior sync and licensing executives from Italy's major and independent record labels to offer an insider's perspective on how synchronization opportunities are developed in Italy, and how U.S. and Italian companies can build stronger creative and business partnerships.
Panelists will discuss current licensing trends across film, television, advertising and gaming, the growing international potential of Italian repertoire, and the practical pathways to integrating Italian music into American productions. Whether you are a music supervisor, publisher, production music executive, composer or content creator, this session offers direct access to the key decision-makers shaping one of Europe's most dynamic and increasingly international music markets.
PANELISTS:
Roberto Genovese – Director, Sync & Brand Partnerships, Warner Music Italy
Lorenzo Martelli – Senior Director, Sync Licensing, BMG Rights Management Italy
Alessandro Casaula – Head of Sync Sony Music Italy
Elena Bressan - Influencer Marketing and Social Media Coordinator, Universal Music Italy
Leonardo Gambassi – Business & Digital Strategy Manager, Carosello Records
Moderator: Carlo Cavagna - Page Craft, Partner
PUBLISHER TRACK
The Royalty Black Box: Tracking Production Music in a Streaming World
This panel looks to address the problem of missing cue sheets when programs are sold to the streamers and global partners. We will bring together some of the solution providers to identify how the production music industry can best track those all important performance royalties.
PANELISTS:
Juliette Metz - Head of International & Copyright, BAM/IPMG
Pilar Callau - VP, Monitoring & Audiovisuals, BMAT
Josh Mancuso - VP, Distribution & Admin Services, Product Owner, BMI
Jack O'Neil - Business Development, Soundmouse
Moderator: Paul Moore - Senior Manager Music Rights, BBC
Global sounds are playing an increasingly prominent role across advertising, trailers, sports, and premium media. This panel explores what authenticity means in a global marketplace, how brands and agencies are using culturally rooted music to shape identity and storytelling, and how composers and music companies can blend heritage traditions with contemporary electronic production to create music that is modern, authentic, and built for sync.
Panelists:
Femi Olasehinde - Director, Just Another Label Ltd.
Casey Brown - Music, Partnerships & Legal, 72andSunny
Evan Wood - Producer, Universal Production Music
Jean Scofield - Executive Creative Producer, Mophonics
Moderator: Ashwin Subramanian (Aks) - Composer, Producer & UCLA Extension Faculty, Eclipse Nirvana / UCLA Extension
How To Practice Safe AI: Tools For Composers And Producers
AI regularly shows up in commercial music, but not all of it is safe to touch in production music. This panel will show you some of the AI tools that are safe for your production music. We'll demo real applications, flag some red flags, and share practical ways to bring AI into your workflow without compromising your sound.
PANELISTS:
Tony Humecke - Owner & Operator, Beta Rhythm Farm
Jack D. Elliot - Film, TV & Video Games Composer/Record Producer, JDE Music LLC
Moderator: Joel Goodman - Composer & Catalog Owner, Hi-Fi Productions
An examination of the industry specific expectations and approaches to creating custom composition for entertainment marketing and the branded / product advertising industry. Our discussion will feature top level composers, music supervisors, and producers sharing their insights on process, expectations, navigating client requests, and understanding the creative brief, and highlighting notable placements. We’ll touch on the different production workflows of trailers versus advertising and the differing creative expectations in both arenas.
Panelists:
Michael Maas - Trailer Composer, Owner, Audio of Attack Trailer Music, Founder of Magnetic Music
Ken Lewis - Founder, Magnetic Music
Jason Payne - Advertising and Trailer Composer, Remixer, Exciter Music
Lana Bui - Founder, Music Supervisor & Creative Strategist, Happy Goose Productions
Maura Duval Griffin - Music Supervisor, Eternal Music Group
Moderator: James Panepinto - Head of Sync, Phantom Power Music
Composers and songwriters: Attend PMC 2026 for a chance to have your track reviewed during this live feedback and pitch session!
The PMA Composer Advisory Committee will pre-screen all eligible submissions and select tracks to advance to the panel.
PANELISTS:
Catherine Joy - Composer, Joy Music House
Martin Haene - Publisher: Nuvotone (BMG), Vox Trax (BMG), Mosaic (APM), Golden Rule Music
Daniel Berk - Co-Founder & CEO, MusicBox Labs
Manuele Carli Ballola - Composer, Co-Founder & Creative Director, MusicBox Labs
Julian Drucker - Music Supervisor
Moderator: Devyn Rush - Singer & Top Liner, Devyn Rush Music
A special thank you to MusicBox Labs for presenting this year's Demo Derby
and supporting PMC 2026!
Submissions Are Now Open Exclusively to Registered PMC 2026 Attendees
Ready to submit? Complete the Demo Derby submission form below and upload proof of your PMC 2026 ticket with your entry.
Not registered yet? Secure your PMC pass first, then come back and submit your track.
IPMG Presents: Table for Two - Societies, Publishers, and the AI Question
Across Europe, publishers operate within a fragmented landscape of collecting societies, each evolving at its own pace and taking different approaches to emerging industry challenges.
This raises an important question: are publishers and collecting societies aligned in shaping the future of music rights, or are their interests beginning to diverge?
Bringing together speakers from several European territories, this panel will explore what's happening on the ground, highlighting real examples of collaboration and dialogue between publishers and collecting societies, as well as the challenges that remain.
Through current cases from across Europe, we'll examine how these relationships are evolving and what they may mean for the future of the industry.
The discussion will touch on IPMG's work over the past year, including AI licensing and the ongoing conversations with the newly established CMOs in the UAE.
PANELISTS:
Pietro Giola - Founder, Machiavelli Music
Martin Nedved - Co-Owner, Studio Fontana
Hannah Merrington - Managing Director, No Sheet Music Ltd
Moderator: Juliette Metz - Head of International & Copyright, BAM/IPMG
What happens between a finished master and a fully published production music release? This session explores the often-overlooked technical workflow that connects audio, metadata, artwork, validation, formatting, and distribution. Attendees will learn practical approaches to metadata preparation, data structure, quality control, asset management, and delivery workflows that help reduce errors, improve efficiency, and keep catalogs ready for distribution across multiple platforms and partners.
Panelists:
Ryan Rapsys - Founder, Total Metadata
Camryn Colella - Metadata Supervisor, Total Metadata
Noah Mirtes - Full Stack Developer, Total Metadata
In the age of AI, one of production music catalogs' biggest strengths is that they are a trusted source of human-made music. Beyond the general feeling among music supervisors, creators, studios and networks that supporting human creativity is simply the right thing to do, there are also clear business and legal risks associated with AI-generated music. As a result, production music catalogs' ability to provide verified human-made music will become an increasingly important selling point and source of value.
Our historical catalogs are overwhelmingly human-made, but how do we ensure that continues moving forward? As we add new music to our catalogs, what are the best ways to prevent AI-generated material from creeping in? In this cutting-edge panel, we'll discuss how catalogs can help ensure the human provenance of their music through strong relationships with composers, thoughtful submission policies, delivery processes, and the prudent use of AI detection tools. We'll also explore the perspective of composers and the responsibilities these evolving standards place upon them.
Panelists:
Alex Black - CEO, Sonoton Music GmbH & Co. KG
Eric Sunray - VP, Legal & Business Affairs, National Music Publishers' Association
CK Barlow - Composer & Producer / Label Employee, CK Barlow Music & Sound
Amadea Choplin - Executive Vice President - Head of Music Business, Vobile
Moderator: Alan Lazar - PMA Vice Chair, Luminary Scores, Lazar Focused, TrackTrove
The Placement Pipeline: Composer, Library, and Network Perspectives
A case study of one or more cues from inception to airing.
This panel brings together a network executive, music library representative, and composer to examine the full lifecycle of a library music theme / cue—from initial brief, to composition, through final placement in a network/streaming program.
Rundown and takeaways:
Selected theme(s) / cue(s) may be played both as standalone tracks and in their final on-screen context, allowing panelists to unpack how creative, editorial, and production decisions shape the final placements. The session will also provide insight into how networks partner with libraries and how libraries work with composers to build music that works both creatively and editorially within film/television/streaming storytelling.
PANELISTS:
Alec Puro - Gramoscope Music Library
Jennifer Insogna - Head of Music, A+E
Moderator: Louie Stephens - Creative Director, Film/TV/Visual Media,BMI (Broadcast Music Inc)
Latin music has become one of the most influential musical forces in the world. Yet in film, television, and advertising, it is often misunderstood, stereotyped, or used superficially. As global audiences continue to diversify and the demand for authentic Latin soundtracks reaches an all time high, understanding how Latin music can be authentically integrated into visual storytelling is becoming essential for the sync industry.
From streaming series and global films to major brand campaigns, music supervisors are increasingly searching for music that reflects the cultural diversity and sonic richness of Latin America. But sourcing authentic Latin music is not as simple as typing “Latin vibe” into a search engine. This panel explores how authentic Latin music is actually discovered, licensed, and integrated into film, television, and commercial storytelling.
Panelists will discuss:
- How music supervisors search for authentic Latin sounds
- The difference between “Latin-flavored” stock music and culturally authentic recordings
- Why real bands and regional styles matter for storytelling
- The growing demand for Latin genres across global content platforms
- How Latin catalogs and composers can position themselves for sync opportunities
- Common mistakes productions make when sourcing Latin music
- The creative collaboration between music supervisors, producers, and Latin music specialists in crafting soundtracks that feel culturally real rather than generic.
Panelists:
Daniel Indart - Owner & CEO, Latin Music Specialists
Michelle Silverman — Music Supervisor
Harold Guerrero - Founder & CEO, SyncLat
Manuel Carvajal - Senior Producer, Davis Elen Advertising
Gimena Barcenas - Latin Sync Manager, Universal Music Publishing Group
Moderator: Heidy Vaquerano - Partner and Co-Chair, Entertainment & Sports Law Department, Fox Rothschild LLP
Composer Keynote with Christopher Lennertz Interviewed by Andrew Gross
Inside the mind of one of Hollywood's most versatile composers — tough choices, creative breakthroughs, and the career moves that changed everything." Few composers have moved as fluidly between worlds as Christopher Lennertz — from tentpole films and prestige television to some of the biggest video game franchises on the planet. In this rare, unfiltered keynote conversation with PMA Secretary Andrew Gross, Christopher pulls back the curtain on 30 years of creative decision-making: the projects that defined him, the risks that paid off, and the lessons that no film school teaches. The kind of choices he's made — and why he made them — might just reframe how you think about your own path. If you've ever wondered what it really takes to build a career at the highest levels of screen composition, this is the session you can't miss.
Guest Speaker: Christopher Lennertz - Composer
Moderator: Andrew Gross, PMA Secretary and Partner at Konsonant Music + Post, Bulletproof Bear
allVerified Presents
Forget the AI Hype: The Agents Are Already Running Your Catalog
Why the next music economy will run on autonomous AI, and what it means for production music. Fireside Chat presented by allVerified.
The AI debate is about generation and copyright. That is not where the money leaks. It leaks in the back office, in the work nobody likes, nobody has time for, and nobody can hire enough people to do. Agents now validate registrations, resolve metadata conflicts and match unpaid royalties around the clock, with a person setting the limits and making every call that matters.
Faster payments, cleaner catalogs, cues that never get lost. The goal is not a faster spreadsheet. It is no spreadsheet. Join us for a straight look at what agents can do for your catalog today, and what comes next.
PANELISTS:
Moderator: Nick Toolan - SVP Business Development, allVerified
Edward Ginis - CEO, OpenPlay
Megan Samuelian - SVP Royalty Administration, Windfall
Motherhood and the Music Industry: Navigating a Career in Production Music as a Mom
Production music is a demanding, competitive, and often invisible industry — and for mothers working within it, the challenges are compounded. This panel brings together working mothers at different stages and vantage points in the production music world to explore what it actually takes to build and sustain a career in this space while raising a family. From managing creative output around childcare and school schedules, to maintaining relationships with libraries and supervisors, to the psychological weight of feeling “off-radar” during maternity leave — this session goes beyond inspiration and into practical realities. Panelists will address how motherhood has shaped their creative identity, what systems and strategies have made their careers sustainable, and what the industry needs to do differently to retain and elevate mothers in production music.
Panelists:
Amy Ward — Songwriter, Vocalist and Producer for Film, TV
Mirette Seireg — Owner, President, MPath Music
Natalie Jacobs — Founder, CEO, Equalizer Consulting
Jenny Plant - Artist, Composer
Amanda Jones — Emmy-Winning Composer
Moderator: Tiff Randol — Composer, Songwriter, Producer & Co-Founder, Mamas in Music
PMA and GMS Present: What Do Music Supervisors Want in 2027?
How music supervisors use production music today and how catalogs can evolve for the future. Music supervisors are navigating tighter budgets, faster turnarounds, and an oversaturated marketplace. This panel brings together leading supervisors and industry voices to unpack what actually cuts through in 2027, from creative instincts and catalog needs to metadata, relationships, and emerging deal structures. Attendees will hear directly from the pros how to position their music and themselves for real opportunities in today’s synch ecosystem.
PANELISTS:
Jordan Young - Music Supervisor, Fort Clearington
Jonathan Leahy - Film & TV Music Supervisor, President of the Guild of Music Supervisors, Aperture Music
Vanessa Jorge Perry - Head of Music, Buddha Jones
Mandisa Henry - Sr. Music Coordinator, The Raedio
Moderator: Hunter George - Music Supervisor / Executive Music Producer, Phantoms Creative
Click to view on Accelevents
*Schedule subject to change.
PMC 2026 Presenting Sponsor
Breakfast & Lunch Sponsor
Special Thanks To
Bronze Sponsors
Exhibiting Sponsors
Cocktail Reception Sponsors
Mark Awards Sponsors
Supporting Sponsors
Conference FAQ
Where can I buy tickets to the Production Music Conference?
Please visit https://www.accelevents.com/e/pmc-2026
I'm new to the PMA - how do I attend the conference?
Our “Non-member” ticket is a perfect option if you are checking out the PMC for the first time. We also invite you to join the PMA by visiting https://pmamusic.com/join/ to learn about our membership levels. PMA Members receive discounted conference tickets, access to exclusive events and content, and perks throughout the year!
How can my company buy multiple tickets?
Please reach out to sponsorship@pmamusic.com for opportunities to support the PMA by becoming a conference sponsor!
Where do I park?
On-Site Hotel Parking: Self-parking and valet options are available at the Hilton Universal City, though daily rates apply and can add up over the three-day event.
Advance Booked Parking: Discounted rates, surrounding garages, and local parking can be booked in advance using the SpotHero Parking Finder or the ParkWhiz Los Angeles Parking to compare nearby lots.
Public Transit: The Universal City/Studio City B-Line (Red) Station is within walking distance, just down the hill from the hotel parking lot.
When and where is conference check-in?
Please check back for check-in details. Be sure to leave ample time for parking and registration before your first panel or event!
Can I wait until the last minute to buy a ticket?
All ticket sales and registration close on Friday, October 2nd at 6PM PDT.
Can I get a refund or transfer my ticket?
Sorry, tickets are non-refundable and non-transferrable.
STUDENT DISCOUNT
Are you a full time student interested in attending the Production Music Conference? Upload your Student ID as proof of eligibility. Upon verification, you will be given access to a special student conference rate.
We also offer a discounted $50 annual student membership and volunteer opportunities to full time students! Fill out the student form (linked below) and contact info@pmamusic.com for more information.
PMC 2026 Hotel Information
We’re returning to the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City for PMC 2026!
Our exclusive PMC hotel room block at the Hilton is completely booked and the hotel is currently sold out for the nights of October 7 and 8. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
While PMA does not have additional room blocks at nearby hotels, here are several options close to the Hilton that may still have availability:
Sheraton Universal Hotel
333 Universal Hollywood Drive, Universal City
Located next to the Hilton and within walking distance of the conference venue. This is the closest alternate option.
www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/bursi-sheraton-universal-hotel
The Garland
4222 Vineland Avenue, North Hollywood
~1.5 miles from Universal Studios. The hotel offers a complimentary trolley to Universal Studios/Universal City, which can also drop guests at the Universal City Metro station.
BLVD Hotel & Studios
10730 Ventura Boulevard, Studio City
Located about half a mile from Universal Studios, with easy access to the Universal City area.
Nite Inn at Universal City
10612 Ventura Boulevard, Studio City
A more budget-friendly option near the Universal City Metro station and the Universal Studios shuttle pickup.
You may also want to search hotels in Studio City, North Hollywood, Hollywood, or Burbank, all of which are a relatively short rideshare from the Hilton.
Because October is a busy time in the Universal City area, we recommend booking as soon as possible. Rates and availability at these hotels are not managed by PMA and may change.