Join the music industry's greatest minds for three days of connection, creativity, and opportunity in the heart of Music City. June 12-14, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee.
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In an industry evolving at the speed of sound, our mission is to empower the next generation of hitmakers with the tools, knowledge, and community to win.
Meet The Team
Makeba Woods
Co-Lead
Grammy-winning songwriter, vocal producer, and entrepreneur best known for penning hits for Beyoncé, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, and many more. With two decades of success shaping the sound of global superstars, she has cemented herself as one of the most influential voices in contemporary music.
Mickey Shiloh
Co-Lead
Multi-platinum songwriter, artist, and entrepreneur named to Forbes 30 Under 30. Credits include Janet Jackson, Pitbull, Britney Spears, and more. As founder of HRDRV, a global artist development company, she empowers thousands of creators to build sustainable careers by merging music, business, and community.
Adina Korn
Event Operations
USC Thornton alumna (B.S. Music Industry, ’19) from Brooklyn, Adina Korn blends her songwriting, production, and industry expertise to lead artist development and creative projects with companies like Breaking Sound and HRDRV. For SmashFest, she will ensure seamless execution and deliver unforgettable experiences for both artists and audiences.
And a special thank you to Anthony Edwards (VP of Operations, HRDRV), Aidann Gruwell (Creative Operations, HRDRV), and to everyone working behind the scenes to make this a smashing success.
what is Smashfest?
The SmashFest Summit is a three-day music conference uniting artists, executives, and entrepreneurs for panels, studio sessions, and artist showcases in the heart of Nashville. It’s where the industry comes together to talk sync licensing, A&R, AI in music, songwriting at the highest level, and the realities of building fans and securing funding as a DIY musician. Beyond conversations, SmashFest creates hands-on opportunities to collaborate and connect with those shaping today and tomorrow's music landscape.
Why this, why now?
The music industry is shifting at lightning speed—new revenue models, new creative tools, and new challenges for artists, songwriters, and producers. SmashFest exists to bridge the gap, bringing industry veterans and rising talent together to share strategies, open doors, and prepare the next generation to thrive in this evolving ecosystem.
Event Schedule
Please note: Event titles and times are subject to updates.
Friday, June 12 — Opening Night
  • 2-4PM - SmashFest Artist Mixer | All-Access, VIP Pass, Artist Mixer ticket holders
  • 5-8PM - VIP Mixer + Special Guest Performance at BMI | VIP Pass and Invite-Only
Saturday, June 13 — VIP SESSION + Panels + SHOWCASE
  • 11:30AM-1:30PM - VIP Listening + Q&A Session | VIP Pass Only
  • 2:00PM - The Hitmakers Roundtable | grammy-winners on how hits are made | All-Access + VIP Pass
  • 3:00PM - From Pitch to Placement | top music supervisors on how to land syncs | All-Access + VIP Pass
  • 4:00PM - Music, Tech & The Future | how the business is changing + what to do | All-Access + VIP Pass
  • 5:00PM - Money Moves: Mastering Your Business | funding, royalties & publishing | All-Access + VIP Pass
  • 6:00-7:30PM - Dinner Break on Broadway / Vendor Highlights
  • 7:45-9:45PM - SmashFest LIVE Artist Showcase | All-Access + VIP Pass, Showcase ticket holders
  • 10:00-11:30PM - Drop The Mic (After Party) | All Ticket Types
Sunday, June 14 — Industry Brunch + CLOSING
  • 11AM-2PM - Industry "Homecoming" Brunch + Closing Performance | honoring major executives | VIP Pass Only
MONDAY, June 15 — VIP SESSION
  • 11AM-5PM - | Secret Studio Session with Makeba Woods & Mickey Shiloh | Select VIP Passes Only (Application-based)
Premier Venues Across Music City
We’re partnering with Nashville’s most iconic spaces to set the stage for industry innovation. Our carefully curated weekend-long events capture the energy and soul of Music City while offering the perfect backdrop for genuine connection.
private industry mixers
We’ll kick off the weekend with two exclusive mixers on Friday — one at one of the city’s trendiest venues and another hosted by BMI.
ShowcaseS
Experience the magic of a Nashville summer evening at our Saturday showcases, where rising talent, major artists, and industry veterans share the space for an unforgettable night of music.
VIP PanelS & BRUNCH
An intimate environment designed for maximum engagement throughout our Saturday and Sunday experiences — hosted at a popular new venue on Broadway, the city’s hottest strip.
Industry-Leading Talent & Speakers
SmashFest is where music’s game-changers converge. From Grammy-winning songwriters and visionary A&Rs to trailblazing artists and cutting-edge tech innovators, our stage is packed with the people redefining the future of music.
Full speaker lineup dropping soon—get ready.
Past Speakers include Metta World Peace, Tommy Brown (Ariana Grande, The Weeknd), J.Que Smith (Usher, Beyoncé), Shawn "Source" Jarrett (Meg Thee Stallion, French Montana), Adriana Arce (prev. manager Miley Cyrus and Lil Nas X), Drew Thurlow (prev. SVP of A&R at Sony), Elley Duhé (Grammy-winning artist), and many more.
Ticket Options & Pricing
Early bird is available until December 26, 2025.
ALL-ACCESS PASS
FRIDAY, JUNE 12 – SUNDAY, JUNE 14
Gain entry to a full weekend of expert panels, exclusive mixers, and major showcases.
(Studio session not included — must purchase VIP Pass to qualify)
(Early Bird: $500 / Reg. price: $625)

For Early Bird, Use Code: AAEARLYBIRD
CODE EXPIRES: December 26, 2025 at 11:59 UTC
vip PASS
(Limited Availability)
FRIDAY, JUNE 12 – MONDAY. JUNE 15
Exclusive entry to VIP-only experiences led by Grammy-winning mentors, an invitation-only mixer, and full weekend entry to panels and showcases with priority seating.
Only VIP Pass holders are eligible to apply for our secret studio session.
(Early Bird: $2,000 / Reg. price: $3,000)

For Early Bird, Use Code: VIPEARLYBIRD
CODE EXPIRES: December 26, 2025 at 11:59 UTC
SEE ALL VIP PASS Perks
Elevate your SmashFest experience with unparalleled access and exclusive opportunities designed for the serious music industry professional.
$2,000 early bird (reg. price: $3,000)
Use Code "VIPEARLYBIRD" for $1,000 off until December 26, 2025.
Exclusive VIP Experiences
Gain entry to unique, VIP-only events, including intimate workshops and Q&A sessions led by Grammy-winning mentors, offering invaluable insights and direct interaction.
Invitation-Only Mixer
Network at our exclusive, invitation-only mixer hosted by BMI, connecting with industry leaders, A&Rs, and fellow VIPs in a relaxed, high-value setting.
Secret Studio Session Eligibility
As a VIP Pass holder, you are exclusively eligible to apply for our highly sought-after secret studio session, a rare chance to collaborate and learn from leading hitmakers.
Priority Access & Seating
Enjoy full weekend access to all panels and showcases, complete with priority seating, ensuring you have the best view and optimal engagement with our top-tier speakers and artists.
SINGLE EVENT TICKET PURCHASES
If you’ll only be in town for a day or plan to attend just a couple of events, grab tickets here. For a more inclusive experience with access to all weekend events, consider upgrading to an All-Access or VIP Pass.
Please note: there is no “Panels-Only” ticket — panel access is available exclusively with the All-Access and VIP passes.
SMASHFEST ARTIST MIXER
Friday, June 12 @ 2:00PM - 4:00PM
An exclusive rooftop mixer uniting Nashville’s artists, songwriters, DJs, and producers with global talent attending SmashFest. Join us at one of the city’s premier hotels for an afternoon of music, meaningful conversation, and connection.
$35
SMASHFEST SHOWCASE
Saturday, June 13 @ 7:30PM - 9:30PM
Artist Showcase featuring rising stars and special performances from A-list artists. An incredible networking opportunity bringing together music industry leaders and creatives.
Free drink ticket included!
$75
STUDIO PASS (Application-based)
Monday, June 15 @ 11:00AM - 5:00PM
Apply now for the rare opportunity to write with and be mentored by today’s leading hitmakers.
Must have a VIP Pass to qualify.
Apply to perform at Smashfest
Light up our 700-capacity showcase stage — where industry tastemakers, music lovers, and fellow creatives come together to experience the next wave of talent.
The only requirement to apply is purchasing a Mixer ticket ($35) — or any event ticket — HERE.
past events
Our hosts have organized events in Los Angeles, Houston, Miami, San Francisco, and New York City — from intimate 10-person studio sessions to 50-guest creator camps and 300-attendee award shows.
SmashFest is set to be our most unforgettable experience yet.
SmashFest Ticket Comparison
Find the perfect pass for your SmashFest experience!