Caldecott Music Group's Meng Ru Kuok & More Join ARIA Innovator 2026 Speaker Lineup

The first speakers joining ARIA Innovator in 2026, ARIA's conference addressing the forces shaping the future of the music industry, have been revealed.

Returning for its second iteration on March 24th at NSW State Library, ARIA Innovator will touch on AI, new technologies, culture and community building, leadership, entrepreneurship, and more.

“From the start, Innovator has been about looking outward to invite the thinkers, builders and cultural leaders who can challenge how we see Australian music and what’s possible within it," said Annabelle Herd, ARIA CEO.

"We’re incredibly fortunate to have such a breadth of perspectives contributing to these conversations for a second year running, and we all can’t wait to explore the new ways of thinking they’re sure to spark in our community."

The conference is in partnership with the NSW Government's Sound NSW, whom Herd thanked for "helping to make this possible".

Among the first speakers announced is Meng Ru Kuok, CEO and founder of Caldecott Music Group, which includes NME and BandLab Technologies.

Meng Ru Kuok said: “The music industry is in an incredible place, and yet we’re still in the early innings. That’s true of everything right now, including AI. The tools will keep evolving, but great artists and great work will always matter. If anything, this moment reminds us how important creativity and musicianship are, and that’s what excites me most.”

Joining him are Jon Dworkin, Executive Vice President of Digital Strategy at Universal Music Group; Cathy Hackl, a tech and gaming executive; Dom Price, a work futurist; and The Betoota Advocate’s Errol Parker and Clancy Overell.

Award-winning broadcast journalist Narelda Jacobs will interview and steer the conversations.

Tickets to ARIA Innovator are on sale now - ARIA members receive $5 off with a member code. See here for details.