Capital Music Week (CxMW) is Ottawa's premier music industry event, serving as a platform to amplify the city's musical talent and promote industry growth. From May 20th to 25th, 2025, the inaugural event hosted host concerts, workshops, an awards gala, and professional development activities, fostering collaboration between artists, entrepreneurs, and fans. Led by the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition (OMIC) in collaboration with dozens of partners, CxMW is dedicated to strengthening Ottawa's music ecosystem, boosting economic development, and enhancing the city's reputation as a dynamic music and nightlife destination.

As a collaborative partnering organization, MusicOntario was primarily present during the Sound x Summit Conference on May 24th. Sound x Summit Conference was a full day of professional development at Bayview Yards. The event offered creatives and music entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to sharpen their skills by attending more than 10 professional development activities including panel discussions, presentations, keynotes, roundtables, fireside chats and workshops. Additionally during the day MusicOntario was a vendor at the CxMW Exhibitor Trade Market which was open to the general public and attracted a vibrant mix of musicians, music artists, and industry professionals throughout the day. Our MusicOntario team was also available as an industry representative for CONNEXION PRO — a drop-in networking event where artists can sign up for one-on-one chats

Full agenda of Summit X Sound

10:00 AM - 11:00: A National Perspective on Music Industry Mental Health in Canada

Presenter: Catherine Harrison, Revelios [Mental Health Works]

Type: Keynote Presentation

Audience: Everyone

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM: Creating Deal Terms 101 - Agreement and Contract Tips from an Entertainment Lawyer

Presenter: Byron Pascoe (Edwards Creative Law)

Type: Presentation

Audience: Developing/101

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Foundry, 1st Floor) Finding Your Audience - Marketing in the Modern Music Industry

Moderator: Annalie Bonda

Speakers: Mick Janzen (Janzen Boys), Nathan "Thrilla" Gravel (CapitalCityHipHop), Chelsea June & Jaaji (Twin Flames)

Type: Panel

Audience: All

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM: Rencontre Francophone for the Franco-Curious

Speakers: Anne Gutnecht (MIFO), Sophie Moreau-Parent (APCM), Pierre B. Gourde (Métamusique), Natalie Bernardin (Amixie, Unique FM) José Bertrand (Festival Franco Ontarien, Groupe JKB), Davy Gallant (Réalisateur à Studio Le Pond), Anique Granger (Auteure-compositrice-réalistrice) & more!

Type: Roundtable

Audience: All

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Building Your Team: A Case Study

Moderator: Margaret McGuffin (CEO, Music Publishers Canada)

Speakers: Mia Kelly, Sarah Porter

Type: Fireside Chat

Audience: All

AFTERNOON - Various Sessions (15 mins): CONNEXION PRO

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Stories from the Studio - Setting Yourself Up for Publishing, Co-Writing, and Song Camps

Moderator: Margaret McGuffin (CEO, Music Publishers Canada)

Speakers: Steve Foley (Owner/Operator, Audio Valley), Vincent DeGiorgio (CEO, Cymba Music Publishing), Taraneh Krispil (Naduh)

Type: Panel

Audience: Emerging/Advanced

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM: Songwriting 101 - Double Experience vs AI: Who Will Win?

Presenter: Double Experience

Type: Workshop

Audience: Developing/101

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Metadata & Sync Workshop

Presenter: Michelle Allman-Esdaille (The HOOK Sync Group)

Type: Workshop

Audience: Emerging/Advanced

3:30 PM - 4:30 PM: Music Business Planning 101 - Make Your Own Music Business Plan

Presenters: Brock Tinsley and Ian Nichols

Type: Workshop

Audience: Developing/101

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Listen Up! What Immigrant Musicians Want You To Know

Keynote presenters: Matìas Recharte, Ivàn Escobar (Kune Music Hub)

Speakers: Clau Balladelli (Axé WorldFest), Edra Silva, Dumis9ne I

Type: Presentation and Fireside Chat

Audience: All

4:30 PM - 5:30 PM: Focus Group: Caregivers in the Music Industry

Moderator: Margaret McGuffin (CEO, Music Publishers Canada)

Type: Focus Group

Audience: Caregivers, parents, arts workers, leaders

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Networking Mixer with DJ Jay Function