Written by Mark Playle

We were pleased to be headed back to Brighton for our second helping of the Brighton Music Conference, a fairly new event on the annual electronic music calendar. Brighton is a fantastic location for any musical moment and as we headed into town on the A23 with the tunes pumping a whiff of nostalgia filled the air as the sun shone through the clouds and the downs rolled by, it all felt a bit Quadrophenia.

Taking place for a fourth year at Brighton Dome and various venues on 27th and 28th April 2017, the conference focused on music trends and technologies, split between Panel Debates, Q&A’s, Tech Showcases and their Exhibition Floor. There were industry-leading delegates and speakers at over 50 talks, seminars and workshops, alongside networking events throughout the conference duration. All of the venues were a short walk from the Brighton Pier and the Pavilion.

We done our homework on accommodation, we were staying at the West Beach hotel for under £50 a night and there was 24 hour parking within a short walk of the hotel at £13 and a pound an hour there after. At the bottom of the road opposite the British Airways 360 (a must for anyone visiting Brighton!) is an amazing little cafe doing all things breakfast for under a fiver.

On arrival at the venue we were greeted with open arms and a smile from from the lovely ladies dealing with registration and were quickly and efficiently processed.

There is a great cafe bar serving food, coffee or a beer and music was filling the air as we explored and found the well equipped press area above the main bar and seating room all pleasantly light from the large glass roof lights.

Once settled and sorted stashing all the promo literature about our persons (we were well impressed with the magazines, flyers and freebies falling from the hands and tables of the enthusiastic event sponsors and associates) we perused the list of lectures, talks and trade stands which were well presented and laid out whilst we went about our business of working out what we wanted to do, see, listen to and speak about.

The Music Conference had a number of sub plots running through it with laid on entertainment including drinks in the early evening in a local bar, followed by a fab party at the end of the Pier in the old pub which Wunderground had put on. Making our way along the Pier when it was dark and shut to the public, wandering among the closed fair ground rides was a great experience (a real Scooby Doo moment) and the Wunderground party was not to disappoint with great music and dancing.

https://twitter.com/uneekibiza/status/857708586704752640

For the real party party there was a 4 am finish with a great DJ line up thrown in including Patrick Topping (we stayed sensible and didn’t attend as we wanted to be up, sane and sober to attend the conference on the Friday).

So to recap, the Brighton Music Conference was another hit and goes from strength to strength with something for everyone. A fabulous venue, informative speakers and panels, great trade shows and music partner support and a  really good location and vibe (oh and don’t forget the fish n chips!!)

Related Posts