International
Since its inception, MaMA Music & Convention has made international outreach one of its core pillars. With a strong global focus, the event is launching a growing number of initiatives to analyze the dynamics of music markets worldwide and support their evolution.
Over the years, MaMA has stepped up its efforts to promote international exchange and provide industry professionals with a better understanding of music ecosystems around the world.
MaMA Music & Convention is a member of Yourope and the European Talent Exchange program, led by Eurosonic Noorderslag (ESNS).
Focus
The “Focus” sessions shed light on numerous countries, providing a valuable platform for exploring the diversity of their music markets. Through these highlights, MaMA organized a series of panel discussions and conferences bringing together international experts to discuss the realities of regions as diverse as China, Ukraine, Japan, Canada, South Africa, and Colombia. These rich and stimulating exchanges not only broadened understanding of global issues but also paved the way for new opportunities for collaboration between French and international players in the music industry.
In addition, for example, in both Paris and Manchester, in partnership with UnConvention, MaMA has also organized events focused on the impact of Brexit on the British and European music industries. These discussions are essential for analyzing the changes currently underway and better understanding the challenges—as well as the opportunities—of a constantly evolving landscape.
Avant-garde
Created by MaMA in 2014 and dedicated to promoting and showcasing the new French music scene abroad, the “Avant-Garde” initiative was developed in collaboration with the European festival network Yourope, the Centre National de la Musique (CNM), Sacem, and the Institut Français. Designed as a true springboard, this program offers emerging artists a strategic platform to gain visibility on the international scene.
For its 13th edition, the event is taking over the Salle des Trois Baudets and showcasing a selection of up-and-coming French artists, discovered through the festival’s lineup and ahead of their concerts.
Each day, four artists take the stage one after another for short, impactful 15-minute performances, presented to their friends and family and an audience composed mainly of international professionals.
Since its first edition, “Avant-Garde” has introduced many artists who have gone on to build successful international careers: Théa or Maya Kamaty (2024), Ysé or Charlotte Fever (2023), Kalika or Uzi Freyja (2022), November Ultra and DeLaurentis (2021), Mauvais Œil and La Chica (2019), Nash and MNNQNS (2018), Clara Luciani (2017), La Fine Équipe and DBFC (2016), Jain and Inna Modja (2015), etc.
© MaMA 2025
Federation of Music Conferences (FOMC)
Co-founded by six European music conventions, including MaMA Music & Convention (Paris), Eurosonic (Groningen, Netherlands), and the Reeperbahn Festival (Hamburg, Germany), the brand-new Federation of Music Conferences (FoMC) was announced in January 2023. This initiative, supported by the European Commission, aims to strengthen collaboration within the European music ecosystem.
Conferences and showcase festivals play a central role in the dynamics of the international music community. These events serve as ideal venues for meeting, socializing, and exchanging ideas, where industry professionals, artists, and music enthusiasts can interact. They provide an essential platform for the entire music industry and its stakeholders.
The creation of the FoMC is the result of a shared vision and a common commitment to core values such as diversity, collaboration, and support for artists. Since its inception, other music conventions, both European and international, have joined the Federation or expressed interest in doing so. This reflects the growing importance of this initiative and its potential to create a strong and dynamic network within the music industry, thereby fostering enriching exchanges and opportunities for collaboration on a global scale.
FoMC aims to become a key player in promoting music and artists, while supporting innovation and sustainability in the industry.
KEYCHANGE
Keychange is a pioneering international initiative that is transforming the future of music by encouraging festivals and organizations in the industry to adopt gender-balanced lineups.
Its goal is to accelerate change and build a more inclusive music industry for current and future generations.
Between 2021 and 2023, MaMA welcomed a selection of artists and innovators from Europe and Canada (women, transgender, and non-binary individuals) by including them in its Music & Convention program. A special track called Creative Labs was also set up for them, featuring dedicated activities.
In 2025, MaMA will renew its commitment and play an active role in the Keychange 4.0 project.