21/11/2025
The WIN board and secretariat traveled to Toronto from November 3-5 to hold an in-person meeting and take part in a series of activities hosted around Make It Music and the celebration of CIMA’s 50th anniversary. Through meetings, panels, and networking events, the trip reinforced the strong ties between WIN and the Canadian independent music community, while highlighting shared priorities across music markets.
The activities opened with CIMA’s Label Summit connecting the WIN board with Canadian independent labels. The day explored key topics shaping the industry, including consolidation in the music ecosystem, the role of trade associations, and new opportunities for cross-border collaboration. WIN and CIMA co-hosted a networking event connecting local and international music professionals.
The WIN board met in the evening at the offices of FACTOR, the public/private partnership that supports the production of sound recordings by Canadian musicians. The board reflected on the progress of WIN’s global network and the development of new trade associations and discussed key takeaways from the annual conference WINCON which was held in Sofia, Bulgaria just a few weeks before.
The WIN secretariat and board members participated in the Make It Music conference, bringing international perspectives to discussions on the evolution of the independent music business.
The day opened with a keynote by Jason Peterson (Go Digital), who explored how the independent music sector is moving beyond streaming and embracing new models for revenue, growth, and sustainability. His presentation examined the impact of major players and private equity, the opportunities and challenges brought by AI, and the emergence of innovative business models shaping a post-streaming era.
WIN delegates took part in key panels including “Reinventing the Label: The Indie Music Company of Today,” focused on how labels are adapting in a changing landscape, and “AI vs. Artistry: Protecting Creativity in the Age of Machines,” which addressed the balance between technological advancement and safeguarding artistic expression.
Andrew Cash, President of CIMA, announced the fresh news of the Canadian’s federal government allocation of $48 million over three years to the Canada Music Fund, beginning in 2026-27. After this much anticipated news, attendees participated in the the Cocktail Mixer presented by PANORAMA, the collective management organization for independent labels and sound recording rights owners, offering an opportunity for further exchange between Canadian and international industry peers.
On the second day of Make It Music, WIN delegates continued to participate in key conversations about the future of the independent sector, joining panels that examined how creativity, technology, and market expansion are reshaping global opportunities.
Sessions included “Bridging the Gap: Where Music Meets Tech Innovation,” which explored the intersection of music and emerging technologies, and “Breaking Into APAC: Unlocking Opportunities in Asia-Pacific’s Hottest Music Markets,” reflecting the growing interest in the region’s fast-evolving landscape.
The conference concluded with a milestone celebration of the 50th anniversary of CIMA, honoring five decades of work supporting Canadian independent music while looking ahead to new challenges and collaborations. WIN’s presence underscored its support for CIMA’s mission and the importance of international cooperation.
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