MusicOntario @ Capital Music Week

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