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Industry
ESNS adds new industry-focused opening programme for 2027
ESNS has announced a new Wednesday programme for music industry professionals at its 2027 edition.
The Dutch showcase festival is expanding its opening day with agency networking, delegate-only showcases and a new programme aimed at younger music professionals.
The programme will take place on Wednesday, 13 January at De Oosterpoort and will be open primarily to ESNS Delegate Pass holders.
One of the main additions is Meet the Agencies, an invitation-only networking event bringing together European booking agencies and festival representatives. The event is being organised by ESNS in cooperation with the European Talent Exchange, YOUROPE and the European Festival Awards.
Agencies already confirmed include Allo Floride, Cabin Artists, Doomstar Bookings, EBB Music, Echo Live, Emerged Agency, International Talent Booking, Karsten Jahnke Konzertdirektion, MOTHER ARTISTS, One Fiinix Live, Pitch & Smith, poj poj, Powerline Agency, Primary Talent International, Pure, SIGNAL & WAVE, THE TEAM and United Talent Agency.
The opening day will also include the official ESNS27 Opening Ceremony from 17:30 to 18:30. The event will feature live performances from emerging artists and highlight Irish music, which is the festival`s focus country programme for 2027.
Delegate-only artist showcases
Another addition will see recently signed artists represented by European booking agencies perform exclusive showcases for delegates at De Oosterpoort between 18:00 and 21:00.
The participating artists will subsequently perform another public showcase during Eurosonic in Groningen later in the week, giving industry professionals an earlier opportunity to see the acts.
Eurosonic`s city programme will begin on Wednesday evening, with performances scheduled from 20:50 until 01:40.
New NEXT GEN programme
ESNS is also introducing NEXT GEN, a conference programme designed to connect younger music professionals with more experienced industry figures.
A NEXT GEN Kick Off will take place on Wednesday from 16:30 to 17:15, providing first-time delegates with an introduction to the conference, festival venues and networking opportunities.
The NEXT GEN theme will continue throughout ESNS27 through selected conference sessions, meetings and networking events. Relevant sessions will be identified with a NEXT GEN label in the event programme.
ESNS 2027 takes place in Groningen, the Netherlands, with Eurosonic presenting emerging European artists, Noorderslag focusing on Dutch talent and the ESNS Conference bringing together professionals from across the European music sector.
ESNS also operates the European Talent Exchange and is involved in initiatives including the Music Moves Europe Awards, European Festival Awards and Dutch Popprijs.