WIN Board to celebrate CIMA’s 50 anniversary at Make It Music in Toronto

WIN will travel to Toronto to celebrate the 50^th anniversary of the Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA) by convening its board during the annual MAKE IT MUSIC (MIM) conference. This special reunion will strengthen the connections between Canada’s independent music sector and the global independent community, fostering international business relationships, promoting knowledge exchange, and elevating Canada’s profile on the world stage.

The WIN board meeting, which will take place on November 3, will be preceded by a special participation in a new edition of CIMA’s Label Summit. Building on the momentum of WIN’s annual conference WINCON, the gathering will continue vital conversations around the future of independent music.

It will feature a panel discussion on consolidation in the music ecosystem and roundtables focused on connecting local and international companies and creating opportunities for international collaboration. After the summit, WIN and CIMA will host an exclusive networking event designed to continue the day’s conversations, bringing together both organizations’ board members to engage with Canadian independent labels and music professionals.

On November 4 and 5, several WIN board members will participate in MAKE IT MUSIC panels, bringing a global perspective to this year’s discussions on trends, technologies, and ideas shaping the future of the music industry. Topics will include the evolving role of independent labels, protecting creativity in the age of AI, tech-driven innovation in music, and emerging opportunities in Asia-Pacific markets.

Now in its third year, MAKE IT MUSIC brings together Canada’s independent music community to connect, exchange ideas, and gain practical insights to stay ahead in today’s ever-evolving music industry. The full program is available here.

The WIN Trade Mission to Toronto is supported by CIMA’s mission sponsors, the Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings (FACTOR), the Government of Canada (through the Canada Music Fund), Ontario Creates and by a contribution from Global Affairs Canada’s CanExport Associations program.

Program

November 3

09:30 | CIMA Label Summit

13:30 | WIN x CIMA Networking

15:00 | WIN Board Meeting

November 4– Make It Music Conference

12:15 | Panel: Reinventing the Label – The Indie Music Company of Today, featuring Andrew Cash (CIMA), Mark Kitcatt (Everlasting Records),Tony Kiewel (Sub Pop)

15:45 | Panel: AI vs. Artistry – Protecting Creativity in the Age of Machines, featuring Gord Dimitrieff (Aporia Records), Gee Davy (AIM), Noemí Planas (WIN), Tak Yamazaki (IMCJ)

November 5– Make It Music Conference

11:00 | Panel: Bridging the Gap – Where Music Meets Tech Innovation, featuring Jason Peterson (GoDigital Media Group)

15:00 | Panel: Breaking Into APAC – Unlocking Opportunities in Asia-Pacific’s Hottest Music Markets, featuring Nerea Serrano (WIN), Maria Amato (AIR), Marty Ro (Sound Republica), Tak Yamazaki (IMCJ)

16:45 | CIMA’s 50th Anniversary Celebration