The 2026 Music Sustainability Summit, slated for April 14 in Los Angeles, has officially released its complete program, signaling a decisive shift from dialogue to implementation within the music industry’s environmental efforts. Organized by the Music Sustainability Alliance, the day-long event will convene a diverse array of professionals from across the music ecosystem, including live music, artist management, record labels, and technology sectors. The summit’s central theme, as articulated by Music Sustainability Alliance CEO and co-founder Amy Morrison, is to "move from ideas to implementation." Morrison further emphasized the program’s design to showcase "practical solutions that organizations can adopt today while also exploring the innovations that will shape the future of sustainable music."
The summit will be hosted at Solotech Studios in Hollywood. Passes are available for $382 until March 31st via the Music Sustainability Alliance website. This event follows a growing global awareness of the environmental impact of various industries, with the music sector increasingly under scrutiny for its carbon footprint. The 2026 Summit aims to provide concrete strategies and foster collaboration to address these challenges head-on.
A Deep Dive into Sustainable Practices: The Program Unpacked
The day will commence with a welcome address featuring Artist and Activist Madame Gandhi and Amy Morrison, setting the stage for a day dedicated to environmental stewardship within the music industry.
Early sessions will provide critical insights into the current landscape and emerging trends. A "Lightning Talk" by Dan Goldenberg, Chief Sustainability Officer-in-Residence at Deloitte, will focus on "Key Takeaways for Sustainability Leaders" from Deloitte’s most recent Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) survey. This session is designed to offer an executive-level overview of prevailing themes and their implications for music sustainability professionals.
Another crucial "Lightning Talk" will explore "How to Think About AI and Sustainability," presented by Trent Wolbe, Creative Director at the Music Sustainability Alliance. As artificial intelligence rapidly integrates into every industry, this discussion will frame AI’s environmental implications and the choices that will determine whether it becomes a climate liability or an opportunity for the music sector.
Charting the Course for Live Music’s Environmental Future
A pivotal panel, "Taking Stock: The Road Ahead for Live," will bring together four prominent figures from the live music sector to assess its current sustainability standing. Speakers include Lindsay Arell (Chief Sustainability Officer, Legends Global), Lucy August-Perna (Senior Director, Global Sustainability, Live Nation), Erik Distler (SVP Sustainability, AEG), Kristen Fulmer (Global Head of Sustainability, OVG & GOAL), and Hanna Grahn (Head of Sustainability, Spotify). This discussion promises to cover current initiatives, emerging solutions, and the collective steps still required to significantly reduce the environmental footprint of touring, festivals, and concerts. Live music, with its extensive travel, energy consumption, and waste generation, presents a significant area for environmental improvement. For instance, major music festivals can generate thousands of tons of waste annually, and extensive artist and crew travel contributes substantially to carbon emissions.
Breakout Sessions: Targeted Solutions for Industry Challenges
The morning will feature a series of focused breakout sessions, each addressing a distinct facet of music sustainability:
Zero Waste & Circularity: Cleaner Shows & Smarter Systems
This session will delve into practical approaches for minimizing waste and enhancing circularity at live events. Panelists such as Travis Markowitz (Sustainability Leader for Technology, Media, Telecom, Deloitte), Mike Martin (Founder & CEO, r.World), Laura Rosenshine (Co-Founder and CEO, WATS), Carol Scott (Principal Sustainability & ESG, TAIT), and Morganne Sigismonti (Music Sustainability Alliance) will share operational lessons, enabling practices, and methods for tracking progress with clear accountability. The concept of a circular economy, where resources are reused and waste is minimized, is gaining traction across industries, and its application in live events is crucial for reducing landfill burden and resource depletion.
Fret Not: Guitars, Materials, and Nature
Instrument manufacturers face unique challenges, particularly concerning the sourcing of materials and supply chain sustainability. This panel, featuring Fanny Calder (Executive Director, Murmur), Adam Gardner (Co-Founder, REVERB; Musician, Guster), John McElroy (General Counsel, CF Martin Guitars), and Scott Paul (Director of Sustainability, Taylor Guitars), will explore how instrument makers are navigating regulatory requirements and their impacts on manufacturing. The session will highlight the critical need to protect forests while preserving the craftsmanship and sound that musicians rely on. The sourcing of tonewoods, for example, has significant implications for biodiversity and carbon sequestration.
Music Sustainability 101
Designed for those new to the complexities of environmental impact in music, this session will cover how to prioritize and address environmental challenges across various operations. Speakers Emily Bines (Hope Solutions), Lara Seaver (Director of Touring & Projects, REVERB), Dylan Siegler (SVP, Head of Sustainability, Universal Music Group), Kristina “Red” Tanner (Partner-Head of Ticketing, Commerce and Sustainability, Activist Artists Management), and Kurt Langer (Board Member, Music Sustainability Alliance) will discuss everything from touring emissions and venue energy use to manufacturing and fan travel. This foundational session aims to demystify sustainability for a broad audience within the music industry.
Measurement and Reporting: How and Why
Credible measurement and reporting are fundamental to effective sustainability initiatives. This panel will provide an overview of the tools and frameworks available to artists, venues, labels, and promoters for measuring emissions, tracking progress, and communicating environmental impact. Speakers include Kelly Brennan-Kleyn (Business Manager, KBK Management), Angie Gamber (Senior Manager, ESG Data & Reporting, Warner Music Group), Marawan Ibrahim (Planet First Initiatives Lead, Nimblist), Mike Wallace (Board Member, The Climate Trust), and Danielle Azoulay (Founder, The CSO Shop). Accurate data is essential for identifying hotspots and demonstrating the efficacy of sustainability efforts.
Afternoon Sessions: Tackling Complex Issues and Emerging Solutions
The afternoon will continue with a series of focused discussions, delving into more complex and forward-looking aspects of music sustainability:
Fan Travel: Getting There Is Half the Fumes
Fan travel often constitutes the largest portion of emissions associated with live music events. This session will concentrate on strategies for mitigating this impact, including partnerships for transportation, ticketing incentives, and communication campaigns that encourage lower-carbon travel choices. Speakers include Katie Bailey (Director of Sustainability, Intuit Dome), Aileen McManamon (Board Chair, Green Sports Alliance), Madeline Weir (Director of Impact, REVERB), and Jennifer Fraser (Planet Reimagined). Understanding fan behavior and providing viable alternatives are key to addressing this significant emission source.
The Untapped Opportunity of Decarbonized Productions
The logistics of live production, including transportation of equipment, crew travel, and operational energy, present a substantial challenge. This panel will explore emerging solutions for reducing emissions from production transport, such as electrification, alternative fuels, and optimized routing, emphasizing potential return on investment. Speakers Jamal Chalabi (Tour & Production Manager-Massive Attack, Backlash Productions), Mickey Curbishley (President, Live Productions, Solotech), Stuart Ross (Partner, THE Conference Live at Lititz), Neel Vasavada (Founder/CEO, Overdrive Energy Solutions), and Joel Makower (Chairman & Co-Founder, Trellis Group; Strategy Director, Music Sustainability Alliance) will share insights into creating more decarbonized productions.
Getting to Zero: Looking Beyond Offsets
While unavoidable emissions need to be addressed, the focus is shifting towards high-integrity climate investments that deliver tangible environmental benefits. This session will explore strategies for moving beyond traditional carbon offsets, with speakers Carly Holenick (CDO, Sound Future), Heather Schrock (Director of Environmental Partnerships, Bonneville Environmental Foundation), Anne Shudy Palmer (Director of Sustainability, Green Worldwide Shipping), and Cathy Runciman (Co-Executive Director, Earth Percent) discussing how to avoid common pitfalls and maximize impact. The integrity and additionality of offset projects are increasingly scrutinized, driving a demand for more direct and impactful climate solutions.
Small Venues, Big Solutions
Independent venues, despite operating on tight margins, hold significant cultural influence. This session will focus on practical sustainability actions for smaller venues, ranging from energy efficiency to waste reduction. It will also highlight how collaboration and shared resources can amplify their impact. Speakers Mary Conde (Senior Vice President, Another Planet Entertainment), Jake Hiersteiner (Sr. Director, Venue Development, AEG Presents), Cheryl Liguori (CEO, Z2 Entertainment), and Shaun Hoyte (Columbia University) will offer actionable strategies tailored to the unique constraints and opportunities of smaller spaces.
Mainstage Program: High-Level Insights and Cultural Impact
The mainstage afternoon program will feature broader discussions with significant implications for the industry:
Big-Stage Sustainability: Mega-Event Lessons for Music
This session will examine how infrastructure choices for live, global music, and entertainment events can foster greater sustainability. Panelists David Beame (Vice President, Global Events & Experiences, Global Citizen), Jake Raykhelson (Senior Manager, Environmental Sustainability, The Walt Disney Company), and Shay Eliaz (Sustainability Strategy Leader, Deloitte) will share transferable lessons and considerations applicable to venues, tours, and large-scale gatherings. The success of sustainability initiatives at mega-events like the Olympics or major sporting championships often provides blueprints for other industries.
Lightning Talk: Music Climate Pact and the Vinyl Alliance Sustainable Supplier Program
Ian Stanton (Head of Sustainability/Programme, Beggars Group/Murmur) will present on the Music Climate Pact and the Vinyl Alliance Sustainable Supplier Program, offering insights into industry-wide commitments and supply chain initiatives. These programs represent concerted efforts to establish standardized sustainability practices within specific segments of the music industry.
Thought for Food: Putting Sustainability on the Menu
Food service at events significantly impacts both the environmental footprint and the audience experience. This session will feature an in-depth discussion with Billie Eilish’s team about their innovative approach to food service, transforming it into a climate-positive experience through plant-forward menus, responsible sourcing, and waste reduction strategies. Speakers Maggie Baird (Founder, Support+Feed), Lesley Olenik (SVP of Global Touring, Live Nation), Stefanie Lynch (Corporate Engagement Director, Greener By Default), and Lara Seaver (Director of Touring & Projects, REVERB) will explore how to make sustainable food choices appealing and impactful. The shift towards plant-based diets is a well-documented strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and its application in large-scale catering is becoming increasingly vital.
Music’s Impact on Culture Is Its Climate Superpower
The closing session will reflect on how artists, storytelling, and fan communities can influence public perception and normalize climate awareness and action. Speakers Madame Gandhi (Artist), Rozzi (Artist), and Jo Little (Founder, Earth Calling) will explore music’s unique power to inspire change and foster a collective commitment to environmental stewardship. This session highlights the cultural influence of music as a potent tool for driving broader societal shifts towards sustainability.
The 2026 Music Sustainability Summit program reflects a maturing understanding of the environmental challenges facing the music industry. By focusing on actionable solutions, fostering cross-sector collaboration, and embracing innovation, the event aims to equip participants with the knowledge and tools necessary to build a more sustainable future for music. The inclusion of diverse perspectives, from major corporations to independent venues and artists, underscores a comprehensive approach to addressing the multifaceted nature of environmental responsibility in the music world.
