From industry insights to late-night discoveries, here's what to know, who to see and how to make the most of Calgary's annual music industry gathering.
For three days this November, Calgary's music community will come together for a crash course in connection, collaboration and career development. Running November 12–14 at Platform Calgary and venues throughout the city, SoundOff Summit returns with a packed schedule of industry panels, workshops, networking opportunities and live performances spotlighting some of the city's most exciting emerging talent.
Presented by Music Calgary, the annual conference brings together artists, managers, festival programmers, publicists and other music industry professionals from across Canada. But unlike some of the industry's larger conferences, SoundOff takes a more intimate approach, emphasizing meaningful conversations and the relationships that can develop from simply showing up.
This year's theme, The Art of the Hang, feels particularly fitting. After all, some of the best opportunities in music don't begin with a formal pitch or a perfectly polished press kit. Sometimes they start over coffee, in the audience at a show or through an introduction from a mutual friend.
Whether you're an emerging musician looking to take the next step, an industry professional hoping to discover something new or simply a music fan looking for your next favourite artist, here's our guide to making the most of SoundOff Summit 2026.
Important Note: Don’t miss The Art of the Pitch: Your EPK & Artist Bio (10 a.m. on Friday 13 November). Featuring REVERIE Magazine's Shannon Johnston and CMI Management's Mark Russell, the workshop explores how to communicate your artistic identity and make a lasting first impression.
How to Make the Most of SoundOff Summit
Do your homework, but don't overthink it. Take a look at the conference's delegate list before arriving and identify a few people whose work genuinely interests you. Whether you're hoping to connect with a festival programmer, publicist, manager or potential collaborator, knowing a little about what they do can make starting a conversation much easier.
Have something to share. If you're an artist, make sure your music is easy to find. An updated EPK, a short artist bio and a readily accessible link to your latest release can go a long way. You don't need to launch into a full sales pitch every time you meet someone, but you should be prepared when somebody asks what you're working on.
Ask questions, not just for opportunities. Rather than immediately asking someone to book your band or listen to your record, take an interest in their work. Ask what kinds of artists excite them, what projects they're currently involved in or what advice they might have for someone at your stage of development. Genuine curiosity can lead to much more productive conversations.
Don't underestimate the people sitting beside you. It's easy to become fixated on connecting with the most established industry professionals in the room, but your fellow emerging artists, managers and creatives are equally valuable connections. The people you meet at SoundOff today might be the ones organizing festivals, running labels or booking tours a few years from now.
Go to the shows. Conferences can be exhausting, but the live showcases are just as important as the daytime programming. Beyond discovering new music, if you are looking for a way to support your peers, show up and connect with the wider community. Experience firsthand what makes Calgary's music scene worth paying attention to.
Follow up. Perhaps the most overlooked part of any music conference happens after everyone has gone home. If you've had a meaningful conversation, send a short email or message within the following week. Mention something specific you discussed, share a relevant link if appropriate and keep the conversation going. Not every introduction needs to result in an immediate opportunity. Sometimes the most valuable relationships are the ones that develop over time.
Five Artists We're Excited to See
Of course, SoundOff isn't just about the business side of music. Across the weekend, its live showcases highlight some of the exciting talent emerging from Calgary's diverse and ever-evolving music community. With performances spanning everything from alternative rock and country to surf rock, we've narrowed down five acts that remind us why we're so proud of our local scene.
Photo credit: Shannon Johnston (@me_onlylouder)
G.U.S.H.
Saturday, November 14 — BLOX Art Centre
One of our picks for the festival's closing night, G.U.S.H. is one of our favourite Calgary acts if you’re looking for a new on-the-rise grunge alt/rock out fit to add to your playlist.
Zaire Ink
Friday, November 13 — Heliopolis
Catch Zaire Ink as part of Friday's late-night hip-hop showcase at Heliopolis, an evening dedicated to bringing together performers, DJs and the city's hip-hop community alongside TeaFannie, Junia-T, Bijaan, and more.
SHY FRiEND
Saturday, November 14 — BLOX Art Centre
Art-rock indie outfit SHY FRiEND makes our shortlist for Saturday's closing showcase. Julie Olive will also appear on the afternoon's More Than Numbers panel, giving attendees an opportunity to hear from the artist both onstage and off.
Sea of Lettuce
Saturday, November 14 — BLOX Art Centre
Another reason to stick around for the final night, beachy garage rockers Sea of Lettuce joins the stacked Saturday lineup at BLOX Art Centre alongside local favourites Zoo!, Bad Bodies, Ella Jean, and more.
Tinywiings
Friday, November 13 — Heliopolis
Tinywiings rounds out our five picks with an appearance at Heliopolis on Friday night. We recommend you check out her single “BANDS” featuring 86LOVE if you’re looking for a pick-me-up anthem in the vein of Flo Milli, Latto, and City Girls.
Photo credit: Daman Singh
SoundOff Summit takes place November 12-14 2026 at Platform Calgary, with evening events at High Line Taproom, Ranchman’s, Heliopolis, and BLOX Art Centre. For the full schedule, delegate information and tickets, visit musiccalgary.ca.