Manchester's Beyond The Music conference has revealed the first speakers confirmed for its 2026 event, due to take place at the MediaCity UK complex in Salford from 7 to 9 October. The announcement matters because the conference, now in its fourth year, has become a significant fixture in the UK music industry calendar, drawing executives and artists from across the sector for panels, keynotes and workshops.

Among the names confirmed are Stacey Tang, co-president of RCA Records UK, who led the committee behind moving the 2026 BRIT Awards outside London for the first time, to Manchester's Co-op Live. Also appearing are Greater Manchester Mayor Bev Craig, who succeeded Andy Burnham after he became UK prime minister in July; Yungblud's manager Tommas Arnby; BPI chief executive Dr Jo Twist; Ivors Academy chair Tom Gray; Kneecap manager Dan Lambert; and artists including Nina Nesbitt. The event will also host an All Content AI summit convened by Burnham, who helped establish the conference during his time as mayor, with founding partners including the BPI, Factory International, Co-op Live and Manchester City Council.