5th wave of speakers, conference topics, and new programming area for Talkfest 2025

The Talkfest - Music Fest Summit returns on March 21 in Lisbon, and today we reveal six more speakers who will share experiences, trends, and innovative ideas about the future of festivals and events in general.

The new speakers will participate in three programming areas – Conferences (featuring debates and interviews), Pitchstage (showcasing original or innovative projects for the industry), and Research (presenting scientific studies).

André Sardet (PT) - Festival O Sol da Caparica + Mar Me Quer // Director
José Pina (PT) - Teatro Aveirense // Director
Vera Vasconcelos (PT) - LISB-ON // Producer
Dimi Vieira (PT) - Yes Artist Agency // Founder & Agent
Nuno Lacerda (PT) - DOMO CAMP Portugal // Co-founder
Maria Marcial Fernandes (PT) - UMinho // Student

These 6 professionals join the already confirmed names:

Ana Lua Caiano (PT) Music artist
Ana Teresa Ventura (PT) M de Música // Founder & Journalist
Bruno Reis (PT) - WIP - Brand Activation // Ceo & Founder
Carlos Manaça (PT) DJ/ Producer
Daniel Redondo (PT) Licor Beirão // CEO
Dimitri Hegemann (GER) Kraftwerk Berlin – BerlinWorkx Network Association // Founder
Elisa Almeida (PT) Cineteatro Louletano // Cultural Mediator
Gary Smith (UK) Amsterdam Dance Event, Paris Music Week // Conference Curator
Hugo Encarnação (PT) Lx Fábricas // General Manager
José Dias Lopes (PT) ISEG // phD Teacher
Joaquín Costa (ES) Casfid // Co-Founder & CEO
Manuel García-Ruiz (ES) ISCTE-IUL // Researcher
Mallu Magalhães (BR) Music Artist
Maria Ferreira (PT) RTP // Deputy Director of Music and Performing Arts
Maria Sara Costa (PT) Rock in Rio // Head of Digital
Mariana Candeias (PT) ISTécnico // Student
Margarida Mata (PT) Iminente // Cultural Affairs, Vhils Studio // Curator
Paulo Santos (PT) IPDJ // Vice-President
Pedro Cepeda (PT) Transmute // Director
Rui Goulart (PT) BrandP // Founder
Susana Castanheira (PT) Fundação da Juventude // Executive President
Sérgio Silva (PT) Palko.ai // Artist Relations Officer
Tiago Nacarato (PT) Music Artist
Vanessa Damásio (PT) Psinove // Clinical Psychologist

CONFERENCE TOPICS FOR TALKFEST 2025

The conference area at Talkfest 2025 is the meeting point for transformative debates and deep reflections on the present and future of festivals and events. This year, the topics promise to inspire and provoke: from the best strategies to connect brands with festivals to sustainability in major European events, and an analysis of how changes in nightlife are impacting the festival scene.

Highlights include discussions on the following topics:

• New markets and new competition for headliners (bands and DJs) – where are the big revenues? The impact of festivals in Asia and the drop in ticket sales at Western festivals. [Roundtable]

• New talents in the festival industry: brainstorming and ideas for the near future. [Roundtable]

• “Are we losing the youth at the front of the stage?” – What is the audience profile we will have at festive events in terms of age, economic class, interaction with artists, and the type of security to offer? [Roundtable]

• Cultural Mediation and Innovation: Transforming Venues, Events, and Festivals into Platforms for Social and Creative Impact. [Roundtable]

• Brand Activation vs. Brand Awareness: who wins when connecting with festivals? [Roundtable]

• Are we witnessing the end of nightclubs? What does this mean for the festival industry? [International Keynote Speaker]

• Sustainability in major European events. [International Keynote Speaker]

These sessions are a unique opportunity to gain valuable insights from experts and industry leaders. You can even interact and ask questions, as all conferences include dedicated time for audience engagement.

MORE INFO

NEW

(AT LUNCH) A DJ SAVED MY LIFE

Talkfest 2025 brings a new feature to make your lunch break even more special!

During lunch at the official Talkfest restaurant, located at the Meliã Aeroporto Hotel, three DJs will liven up the space with incredible sets, creating the perfect soundtrack for a relaxed moment of networking and great food. Join us for a unique experience that combines music and socializing, elevating the rhythm of your day.

You can purchase lunch directly on the event day or secure your spot at a special price through the advance ticket sales.

Save your spot!

Don't miss the opportunity to participate in Talkfest 2025 and secure your place for intense days of knowledge sharing, experiences, and staying up to date with the present while keeping a keen eye on the future of the events, culture, and festivals industry.

Available options:

Ticket – Access to the Main Event + Night Event
VIP Ticket – Access to the Main Event + Night Event + Coffee Station & Bar
Hotel and Restaurant – Take advantage of exclusive and limited offers for accommodation, lunch and dinner at Hotel Meliá Lisboa Aeroporto, available only to Talkfest participants (discounted prices)!
Iberian Festival Awards - Gala (15 march, Almancil) - red carpet, open bar, tasting, welcome and afterparty

TICKETS

Best moments - TALKFEST 2024

IBERIAN FESTIVAL AWARDS

HISTORIC RECORD - 20 000 VOTES

The Iberian Festival Awards 2025 have reached a historic milestone with over 20,000 votes registered in the public voting! We thank everyone who participated and helped highlight the best in the festival industry across the Iberian Peninsula!

The finalists (Shortlists) in the categories determined by the public and the jury will be announced on January 29. Stay tuned to discover who will be in the running for the festival industry awards in Portugal and Spain.

This event, the only one in the Iberian Peninsula focused on the festival sector, is organized by APORFEST – Portuguese Association of Music Festivals, and offers free access/applications to the Iberian Festival Awards and VIP access to Talkfest for its members with valid membership on the event date. Access and registration for non-members are available at a reduced price until January 31st (Phase 3) and can be made through the official website. Be a part of it!