Navigating Virtual Networking in the Music Industry

Here at Tempo, we apologize for sounding like a broken record. It’s hard not to appreciate the occasional silver linings that come with the dark days faced over the last year. Specifically speaking - the industry’s quick shift to staying afloat virtually. From songwriters tackling their craft via zoom, to performers and stagehands perfecting the art of a live streamed show, the quick fixes made will stick around, even in a post-COVID world. One underappreciated innovation has been the industry’s ability to embrace virtual networking. From local to international, companies such as ASCAP, The International Music Education Summit, and Modern Music, have all acted quickly to put on virtual conferences, featuring top of the line professionals. 

When the industry is on hold and travel is unfeasible, the idea of speaking in front of thousands of professionals gets a whole lot less daunting. At their 2020 “Home Edition'' Experience, ASCAP was able to place appearances from Finneas, T.I., and even legendary composer Hans Zimmer. Obviously ASCAP pulling in big names isn't necessarily a shock, but it sets the tone for smaller operations. Companies and communities are now using the Clubhouse app to allow even easier access to panels and conferences. There will be a point when we can pack an arena again to hear Hans Zimmer speak, but the option to attend virtually is now every bit, if not more, valuable than the trouble of getting there in the first place. 

When that time comes, we here at Tempo want to save you time in the way ASCAP and so many others have in their efforts. Until then, stay safe, be smart, and keep your head up!