The annual industry gathering for Sunshine Coast musicians, music industry workers, and music lovers to connect, celebrate, share knowledge and swap stories, Turn Up: Music Industry Conference returns later this month.
Now in its 12th edition, Turn Up is the brainchild of Hostile Entertainment's David Dean; an event geared towards promoting connection and networking with likeminded individuals in the music industry.
To be staged at The Presycnt in Nambour on Thursday 23 October, this year's speakers include industry legends Barry Bull OAM (who'll launch the conference) and Ian 'Dicko' Dickson, who'll be joined by Big Pineapple Music Festival's Mark Pico and Amanda Jackes (Managing Director and Co-Founder at Woodfordia Inc.).
Melissa O'Bryan (Solbar, SCMIC) and Brodie Popple (Oztix) will also attend as speakers with Andrea Smith (Applause Genie, Crew Care and Turn Up Event) and Eloise Brock (Turn Up Event) each facilitating one of the In Conversation panels.
2025 panels include Cultivating Success: Growing Your Music Career (Ian 'Dicko' Dickson and Melissa O'Bryan) and One Stage, Many Journeys: Festivals & Industry Impact (Mark Pico and Amanda Jackes).
Alongside the panels, there'll be roundtable networking where artists and industry professionals can connect directly, plus a live showcase performance by Elke Louie.
"Turn Up is an evening of celebration and education, gathering the Sunshine Coast music community together face-to-face with some of Australia's most inspiring industry leaders," Program Director Eloise Brock says.
"Turn Up is the place to connect, share stories, and celebrate the Sunshine Coast's vibrant music scene. This year, we're focusing on career sustainability and the role festivals play in shaping music culture.
"It's an intimate event where you can listen, learn and ask questions of music industry leaders, interact with likeminded people and walk away with new ideas and connections.
A Turn Up alumni (2019 keynote speaker), and deadset champion of Australian musicians and the local industry, Chugg Entertainment's Michael Chugg is a massive believer of the Turn Up concept. "The whole southern Queensland area has been a good nursery for young musicians and young industry people," Chugg says.
"Turn Up is held in an area that can always use an event like this – it's not in a capital city. It's a good thing and I'm sure there are a lot of people out there who are still finding out about it who will really enjoy it.
"I had a wonderful time at Turn Up [in 2019]. It was refreshing to be able to talk to and network with so many young and enthusiastic people about our music industry and I congratulate the organisers on a job well done."
Tickets are on sale.
2025 Turn Up Sunshine Coast Music Industry Conference takes place at The Presynct (Nambour) on 23 October (6-10pm).
Speakers & presenters
Barry Bull OAMIan 'Dicko' Dickson
Mark Pico (Big Pineapple Music Festival)
Amanda Jackes (Woodford Folk Festival)
Melissa O'Bryan (Solbar and SCMIC)
Brodie Popple (Oztix)
Andrea Smith (Applause Genie, Crew Care and Turn Up Event)
David Dean (Hostile Entertainment, David Dean Events and Turn Up Event)
Eloise Brock (Turn Up Event)
