Connecting the live music industry
UK Grassroots Networking Day Returns in October
August27
Grassroots Networking Day will return to London in October 2026, bringing together booking agents, promoters, festival programmers and venue bookers from across the UK independent live music sector.
The one-day event is organised by Music Venue Trust (MVT), the Association of Independent Promoters (AIP), the Association of Independent Festivals (AIF) and The Entertainment Agents’ Association (TEAA).
Following its pilot edition in October 2025, the event will take place at 229 London on 13 October 2026, with around 300 industry professionals expected to attend.
Focus on industry connections
Grassroots Networking Day is designed to strengthen working relationships between agents, promoters, venues and independent festivals, with a focus on creating new opportunities for artists and developing more effective collaboration across the grassroots live music sector.
The format builds on the agent and booker meetings previously held as part of MVT’s annual Venues Day, which have now been developed into a standalone event.
Running from 10am to 6pm, the programme will include facilitated networking, pre-bookable one-to-one meetings with agents, speed networking and informal meeting opportunities.
Attendees are expected to include members of the Music Venues Alliance, AIF and AIP, as well as booking agents representing artists working across a wide range of genres relevant to grassroots venues and independent festivals.
Strong response to first edition
MVT COO Beverley Whitrick said, “We are excited to build on the success of the pilot event. 98% of last year’s attendees said they would like to do this again, so we knew we could hone the programme to offer even more opportunities for creating great shows. We are grateful for the support of Gigantic Tickets and Arts Council England for helping us realise this ambition.”
Erica Crompton, President of The Entertainment Agents’ Association added, “Grassroots agents are an essential part of the live music ecosystem, developing artists, creating opportunities and building the relationships that connect talent with venues, promoters, festivals and audiences. We want to ensure that grassroots and independent agents have a strong place within TEAA and a meaningful voice in shaping the future of the sector. By working alongside MVT, AIF, AIP and the wider grassroots community, we can help build a stronger, more sustainable and better-supported future for grassroots music.”
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