The Going Global Music Summit 2026 is taking place in central Tāmaki Makaurau with conference presentations over Thursday 27 and Friday 28 August at Q Theatre, along with the Going Global Artist Showcase in which 23 acts perform brief live sets across both nights, at Whammy! on K’Rd.

Since 2011, Going Global has created a pathway between Aotearoa artists and the international music industry – bringing artists at pivotal stages of their careers into the same room as festival programmers, labels, agents, publishers and media from around the world. Connections made across the Going Global conference have led directly to international bookings, festival slots, label signings, and management deals for Kiwi artists.

Presented by Independent Music New Zealand (IMNZ), the annual Going Global Music Summit returns to central Auckland in August with an extensive speaker lineup of genuine international weight. For two days, Going Global brings together some of the world’s most influential figures in A&R, booking, festival programming, label management, and artist development, and places them in the same room as Aotearoa’s artists and industry. 

The latest programme additions open up conversations around where music careers can go next – from international festival stages and the rapidly developing Indian music market to global distribution, live promotion and the growing world of game audio.

Showcase performances will be held across Whammy! and Double Whammy! on Karangahape Rd. Each of the 23 invited artists will deliver a focused 20-minute set, introducing their music directly to international delegates, local industry professionals and public audiences. Going Global conference tickets include the conference sessions and all showcase activities. Artist Showcase tickets are also available separately.