The Iceland Airwaves conference returns to Reykjavík this November with a future-facing programme of panels, performances and keynotes, featuring newly announced speakers.

Iceland Airwaves has announced new speakers and panels for its 2025 music industry conference, returning to the heart of Downtown Reykjavík across two days this November. Taking place alongside the festival’s globally acclaimed music showcase from 6–8 November, the conference promises future-focused conversation, cross-border collaboration, and cutting-edge cultural insight.

 

Among the newly revealed speakers is our very own Nicholas Douglas, Creative Director and Co-Director of NOTION. Known for his work spotlighting emerging music and culture, he will join a panel of global tastemakers set to examine trends in artist development, digital curation, and fan engagement.

Also on this year’s lineup are Isla McRobbie of The Great Escape Festival, AI policy expert Virginie Berger of MusicX, and Jeremy Silver, entrepreneur, author, and director of Mediaclarity Consultancy. They’ll be joined by Live Nation Spain’s César Andión, as well as key Icelandic voices including festival manager Ísleifur Thorhallsson, veteran producer Árni Þór Árnason, and music supervisor Inga Magnes Weisshappel.

Panels announced for Thursday’s program include The Big Skip: Does Anyone Listen to Music Anymore?, a deep dive into attention spans in the streaming era, and Global, But Make It Weird, which explores the power of specificity in an increasingly globalised industry. Sköpunargleðin: The Storm-Soaked Joy of Making Things will see Icelandic artists reflect on how the island’s extremes fuel creative expression.

 

Outside the conference, Airwaves has confirmed an exclusive post-festival performance by múm on 9 November, and launched The Tiny Tower Sessions: a new video series capturing intimate sets from rising Icelandic acts. The debut episode, featuring pop-dance duo KUSK & Óviti, is streaming now.