Since its creation, MaMA Music & Convention has always placed international at the heart of its priorities. Aware of the importance of understanding the dynamics of music markets on a global scale, MaMA has launched numerous initiatives in recent years.
MaMA Music & Convention is a member of Yourope and the European Talent Exchange Programme, supported by Eurosonic Noorderslag (ESNS).
The "Focus" sections have highlighted various countries, providing a platform to explore the specific characteristics of their music markets. As part of these Focus events, MaMA has organised numerous debates and conferences, bringing together international experts to discuss the realities of music markets in countries as diverse as China, Ukraine, Japan, Canada, South Africa, Colombia, etc. These enriching exchanges have not only broadened our understanding of global issues but have also fostered potential collaborations between industry players, both French and international.
In addition, in Paris and also in Manchester in collaboration with UnConvention, MaMA organised meetings dedicated to analysing the consequences of Brexit on the British and European music industry. These discussions have been crucial in understanding the challenges and opportunities that arise in this constantly evolving context.
Created by MaMA in 2014 and dedicated to the export and promotion of new French artists, the "Avant-Garde" operation was developed in collaboration with the European festival network Yourope, the Centre National de la Musique (CNM), Sacem, and the Institut Français. This program aims to provide a platform for emerging talents, allowing them to gain recognition on the international stage.
For its 12th edition, the Les Trois Baudets venue will host this operation and present a selection of new French talents, chosen from within the program and before their concerts.
Each day, 4 artists will perform mini-shows of 15 minutes each, in the presence of their entourage and before an audience composed mainly of international professionals.
From its first edition, "Avant-Garde" has presented numerous artists who have since developed an international career: Théa or Maya Kamaty (2024), Ysé or Charlotte Fever (2023), Kalika or Uzi Freyja (2022), November Ultra or DeLaurentis (2021), Mauvais Œil or La Chica (2019), Nash or MNNQNS (2018), Clara Luciani (2017), La Fine Équipe or DBFC (2016), Jain or Inna Modja (2015), etc.
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 are privileged spaces for meeting, socialising and exchanging ideas, where industry professionals, artists and enthusiasts can interact. They offer an essential platform for the entire music sector and its players.
The creation of the FoMC is the result of a shared vision and a common commitment to fundamental values such as diversity, collaboration and support for artists. Since its creation, other music conventions, both European and international, have joined the Federation or have expressed their interest in doing so. This demonstrates the growing importance of this initiative and its potential to create a strong and dynamic network within the music industry, fostering enriching exchanges and opportunities for collaboration on a global scale.
The FoMC aspires to become a key player in the promotion of music and artists, while supporting innovation and sustainability in the sector.
Keychange is a pioneering international initiative that transforms the future of music by encouraging festivals and organisations in the sector to adopt gender-balanced programming.
Its goal is to accelerate change and build a more inclusive music industry for present and future generations.
Between 2021 and 2023, MaMA hosted a selection of artists and innovators from Europe and Canada (women, transgender and non-binary people) by integrating them into its Music & Convention program. A track named Creative Labs was also reserved for them with dedicated activities.
In 2025, MaMA is renewing its commitment and will be a stakeholder in the Keychange 4.0 project.
