TALKFEST – 2nd wave of programming announced; IBERIAN FESTIVAL AWARDS – jury revealed and 3rd phase of applications now open
- 3 days ago
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TALKFEST - MUSIC FEST SUMMIT 2026
Second wave of speakers and artists announced for the next edition of Talkfest
The second lineup of confirmed speakers and artists for the 14th edition of Talkfest – Music Fest Summit has been announced!The event returns to Lisboa on March 20, 2026.
Ana Teresa Ventura (M de Música) will moderate several conference sessions. This section will also feature:
Mind da Gap (band) – in an interview celebrating their career
Alexandre Santos (FIME – Festival Internacional de Música de Espinho, Programming Director)
Kelly Tonaco (Festival Pé na Terra, Director)
Raúl da Costa (FIMPV – Festival Internacional de Música da Póvoa de Varzim, Artistic Director)
In the Pitchstage area, Alberto Fernandes (TotalMobility, Head of Partnerships & Major Events) and Nobre (musician) also join the program. The Talkfest Showcases welcome Mão Cabeça, an emerging name in Portuguese music, joining the already confirmed artists Janeiro and Libra.
Talkfest – Music Fest Summit is the leading Iberian meeting point for the festival, music, and events industry, bringing together every year professionals, artists, brands, researchers, and decision-makers in a unique space for sharing, learning, innovation, and recognition.
Its program includes a wide range of complementary areas — from conferences and forums to project presentations, training sessions, networking opportunities, artistic showcases (documentaries, live acts), and the Iberian Festival Awards ceremony — making Talkfest an essential event for everyone who lives and shapes the world of festivals and live music.
In 2026, the event will once again feature simultaneous translation (Portuguese–English and English–Portuguese) in all conferences and seven parallel programming rooms, with many new announcements to come. Be part of it!
TALKFEST ACADEMY
Backstage Production in Festivals and Events
Integrated into the Talkfest – Music Fest Summit program since 2024, this area offers an immersive experience of technical learning and knowledge sharing with industry specialists.
In 2026, the ACADEMY will be led by Ingrid Berger (Rock in Rio, Lollapalooza, Olympic Games), who brings over 25 years of experience in event and festival production, with a hands-on focus on backstage management, dressing rooms, catering, press, and VIP areas.
Limited to 30 participants. Academy Ticket holders receive VIP access to the full Talkfest – Music Fest Summit 2026 program.
IBERIAN FESTIVAL AWARDS 2026
We are now in the 3rd and final phase for submissions to the Iberian Festival Awards 2026.
On March 14th, 2026, the Coliseu Micaelense, located in the city of Ponta Delgada (Azores), will host the 10th edition of the Iberian Festival Awards.
This event will celebrate the most remarkable achievements of 2025 across 25 categories + 2 Excellence Awards, while promoting cooperation between Portugal and Spain, highlighting excellence and unity within the festival universe.
In addition to the awards gala, there will be parallel networking initiatives, such as podcast recordings and the Iberian Futsal Cup.
Submission limit: 350 applications (with 55% of this limit already validated).
IBERIAN FESTIVAL AWARDS JURY The jury panel for the Iberian Festival Awards 2026 has begun to be revealed!
The first 50 names, among a total of 200 leading figures from the festival and music industry, represent the very best of Portugal, Spain, and the international scene.
These respected professionals will be responsible for evaluating and deciding 11 of the 27 categories of the 10th edition of the Iberian Festival Awards.
Their experience and commitment to the sector ensure a rigorous and independent evaluation, recognizing the projects and events that stood out the most in 2025.
Get to know them better and discover the winners at the grand gala on March 14th at the Coliseu Micaelense, in Ponta Delgada.
Are you a professional with more than 5 years of experience? You can join the jury!
This event, the only one in the Iberian Peninsula dedicated to the festival sector, is organized by APORFEST - Portuguese Association of Music Festivals and guarantees free access/applications to the Iberian Festival Awards, as well as VIP access to Talkfest for its members with valid membership on the date of the event. Access and registration for non-members are available and can be done through the official website.
Be a part of it!
Contacts: talkfest@talkfest.eu | (+351) 219 666 016
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