Cranium Conference & Showcase 2026: Friday events

Cranium Arts Project is excited to announce the Cranium Conference and Showcase 2026.

The music event will connect active industry professionals with musicians, artists and people making moves in the arts and entertainment business. The weekend will feature networking sessions, information panels with music professionals, masterclasses, and a showcase featuring some great emerging talent.

Schedule: Friday, May 8, 2026

5:15 – 6:25 pm: Artist Branding and Identity

Atelier Shenkman Smith – FREE, registration required This workshop explores artist branding and identity. Emerging artists will have the opportunity to dive into topics such as world building, content creation and optimization, project rollouts and campaign strategy, and more! The workshop aims to equip artists with the necessary tools and resources to build their personal brand.

6:00 – 8:00 pm: Face the Music

Fourth Stage – FREE, registration required During this facilitated networking session, music industry professionals from Ottawa, across Canada, and internationally will showcase their work and share insights into their services and programs. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect directly with key industry professionals, building meaningful relationships to help elevate their music careers. Space is limited. Attendees will be admitted on a first-come, first-served basis.

8:00 – 10:00 pm: Music Masterlab

Fourth Stage – FREE, registration required This session begins with an introduction and a brief talk between the moderator and the panellists. The session then moves to having emerging beatmakers and producers play a selection of their songs for on-the-spot feedback from our expert panel. This session ends with an open Q&A.

Come hear what emerging beatmakers are cooking up and understand what professionals are listening for! Space is limited. Attendees will be admitted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Facilitator: City Fidelia Experts: Aron A., Junia T, Ricardo Chung