GRAND RAPIDS — As the only music business conference in the region “aimed at independent musicians,” April’s Music Econ Summit in Grand Rapids will bring experts together in one place for professional advice and face-to-face connections with Michigan’s working artists.

“The conference is organized by musicians for musicians that are actually working in the modern music industry. If you want to work in the music industry in any way you should attend,” said Nicholas James Thomasma, executive director of the nonprofit Michigan Music Alliance, the official presenter of the second annual Music Econ Summit taking place April 11-13 at the Grand Rapids Center for Community Transformation, 1530 Madison Ave. SE.

“The Music Econ Summit brings together industry experts, local media, journalists, photographers, booking agents, A&R reps, venues, music industry vendors and musicians of all varieties and ages.”

Summit founder Matthew “Monk Matthaeus” Duncan calls it “a one-stop shop” for independent artists.

“It is filled with quality information from folks who have the knowledge. Instead of watching endless amateur YouTube channels for information that may not even be accurate, you can learn from and build relationships with real people who have the knowledge and connections you seek,” he said. 

“Real people. Real relationships. Real connection. That is always special.”

Kicking off on Friday with a social hour, networking and music showcases hosted by Push the City Cypher, Lady Ace Boogie and Ruben Martinez, Saturday’s workshops and panel discussions include “Working with Booking Agents,” “Venues and the Future of Live Music,” “Working with a Label,” “Unlocking Artist Funding,” “Understanding Royalties” and “Success in the Modern Music Industry.” Sunday is “vendor day,” with a variety of businesses and organizations offering their wares and information.

Speakers and panelists range from those managing concerts at The Intersection, Bell’s Brewery Eccentric Café, The Pyramid Scheme, St. Cecilia Music Center and Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park to Duke Charelle of The AMG Corp., northern Michigan’s Cindy McSurely of the Michigan Music Alliance, booking agent Katie Kirchner, artist manager Carita Miller and Paul Kwant, head of Ferris State University’s Music and Entertainment Business program.

Expanding the summit to three days in its second year, Matthaeus said the event “has so much more to offer independent artists” from across the state.

The conference can accommodate 300-350 registered attendees, with registration and general admission tickets, $100, available at michiganmusicalliance.org.

Musicians can get a 50 percent discount on summit registration by signing up for a year-long membership in the Michigan Music Alliance ($75 for a solo artist; $150 for a band). The membership provides discounted admission to MMA events, member/band listings and members-only resources on the MMA website, a coupon for MMA merch and an appreciation sticker bundle.

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MMA — which continues to expand its reach in educating and providing professional development opportunities for career Michigan musicians – will provide information and answer questions about its new membership program during the weekend summit.

“Let’s hope for that packed house. This opportunity has so much value,” Matthaeus said of the 2025 Music Econ Summit. “This is going to be fun and impactful.”

Get the conference schedule and more information online at michiganmusicalliance.org.

— Find more Michigan music news and concert listings at LocalSpins.com. Email John Sinkevics at john@localspins.com.