MDLBEAST Launches XP Conference to Accelerate Region’s Music Industry

The MDLBEAST team are going for maximum impact this year with XP – a new music conference preceding the Soundstorm mega fest. XP will bring together industry heavyweights to fuel the region’s music scene. Running from 13– 15 December in Riyadh, the conference features workshops, panel discussions, roundtables and networking opportunities by day. After dark, music activations around the city will showcase the region’s budding nightlife scene.

Organised in conjunction with Saudi Music Commission, XP aims to generate opportunities for music industry professionals of all backgrounds. Artists, entrepreneurs, creatives and policymakers will come together to shape “the future for the region’s music industry”.

“Through XP, we aim to join the global conversation,” said MDLBEAST CEO Ramadan Alharatani. “By hosting such an event we will continue to build and accelerate the music infrastructure across the region.” Alharatani hopes the conference will open up opportunities for local and international guests.

Key Pillars

XP has four key pillars at its core – talent development, building a strong and sustainable music ecosystem, creating opportunities within the scene and social purpose. “Through these conversations, we want to inspire future generations to consider a career in the industry and promote music as a vehicle for job creation and innovation,” said XP Programme Director Nada Alhelabi. “A big focus for us is promoting diversity, wellbeing and fair working conditions to empower females and give a voice to minority groups within the industry.”

The full XP programme is still under wraps for now. Dozens of the world’s biggest DJs will play at MDLBEAST Soundstorm later the same week. So you don’t need to be a genius to figure out XP will feature key industry players. The four-day Soundstorm festival kicks off on 16 December.

The UK has the Brighton Music Conference; The Netherlands has Amsterdam Dance Event and Ibiza boasts the International Music Summit. Now Saudi has XP as the MDLBEAST team draw yet more attention to the Middle East.

Also read: Saudi Festival MDLBEAST Soundstorm Reveals Mighty DJ Line-Up