Discussions about audience development, sustainability and new formats for classical music are concentrated in Katowice this April. Classical:NEXT 2026 brings together conference sessions, showcases and an expo designed for professionals in programming, production and artist management.
Dates and venue for Classical:NEXT 2026 in Katowice
Classical:NEXT 2026 runs from 8 to 11 April 2026 at the Katowice International Conference and Congress Centre. The four-day layout mixes panels, artist showcases and an exhibition area where services and production solutions are presented.
Key figures and event format
The event includes an expo with 50 exhibitors and a packed programme across four days. The 2025 edition gathered more than 1,500 professionals from 54 countries, which frames the international scope that the 2026 edition continues to serve.
Programme elements at Classical:NEXT 2026
The format combines a conference stream focused on management and audience outreach, showcases of artists, film showcases, project pitches, fellowships and mentoring. Initiatives such as the Innovation Award highlight projects aiming to change how classical music is produced and consumed.
Who you will meet and what they offer
Participants include orchestra managers, festival programmers, record labels, distribution platforms, audiovisual production houses and tech providers for live events. The expo concentrates suppliers for staging and technical services alongside representatives from cultural institutions and booking agents.
Practical tips to prepare B2B prospecting in Katowice
- Set day-by-day goals. Prioritise contacts by buyer type: programmers, coproduction partners and technical suppliers.
- Bring concise assets. Use one-page project summaries and digital links rather than bulky brochures.
- Schedule short meetings in advance and keep slots for follow-ups that arise during the event.
- Prepare short technical demos if you sell AV or staging solutions; they must run in limited spaces at the venue.
These measures turn short encounters into actionable leads without relying on one-size-fits-all approaches.
Closing note and official link
Classical:NEXT 2026 puts programming, management and production questions at the centre of professional debate in Katowice. Arrive with a clear agenda and ready-to-share materials if your objective is commercial follow-up or partnership building. Consult practical information on registration, stand booking and the detailed programme at the official site https://classicalnext.com.
