Two of the largest media companies in the global live entertainment business, the International Live Music Conference (ILMC) and Pollstar, are to launch a conference in Abu Dhabi in December 2026.
The Live Summit Middle East will take place on December 7 and 8, 2026, hosted by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and produced by Ethara, the company behind the Formula 1® Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, as well as concerts and sporting and cultural events across the region..
Organisers describe it as a platform for knowledge-sharing, dialogue, collaboration and partnership building.
Live Summit Middle East: 500 industry leaders to gather in Abu Dhabi in 2026
The event will bring together 500 senior leaders and decision-makers from across the live entertainment sector, including promoters, venue operators, agents, festival organisers, technology innovators and policymakers.
The programme will include keynotes, panel discussions, roundtables and networking sessions.
The summit will also offer skills development and mentorship for emerging professionals, alongside the newly created Live Summit Awards, which will recognise excellence across all aspects of live entertainment in the region.
“With the explosion of shows, venues and interest in the Middle East over recent years, the industry needs an annual moment to reflect, exchange and celebrate. And with ILMC and Pollstar joining forces to build this major new global music business platform, it will help drive the business forward from a truly global perspective,” ILMC head Greg Parmley said in a statement.
The inaugural edition of the summit has been timed to follow the Formula 1® Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which takes place on 6 December.
Organisers say the timing places the event at a moment when leaders from live entertainment, sport, media, hospitality and brand partnerships are already in the region. All delegates will receive access to both the race and concerts.
Following the two-day conference, a cultural immersion day has been arranged for December 9. Curated by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, the day is designed to showcase the emirate’s heritage, landmarks and contemporary development.
“The Middle East is one of the most dynamic growth markets in live entertainment today. With world-class touring, rapid venue expansion, and a thriving festival and cultural landscape, Abu Dhabi represents the perfect stage to bring the live industry’s global leaders together to shape the future of the business,” Andy Gensler, Editor in Chief, Pollstar added.
Pollstar is the organisation behind Pollstar Live!, described as the premier gathering of international live entertainment professionals in North America. Past speakers and performers at its annual Pollstar Awards have included Jelly Roll, Jon Bon Jovi, Elton John, Garth Brooks, Stevie Nicks, Missy Elliott, John Mayer and Eddie Vedder.
ILMC has operated for nearly four decades as a meeting point for the international live music industry, welcoming 3,000 professionals from over 60 countries each year. It also publishes trade publication IQ and produces International Festival Forum, a gathering of international agents and festival bookers held each September. The Live Summit follows a focused programme called Middle East Live, which has run at ILMC for the past three years.
