A journalist for over 20 years, James has spent more than 12 years covering the live music industry.

James is IQ magazine’s Special Projects Editor, in charge of publications such as the European Festival Report, Global Promoters Report, International Ticketing Report and others.

He is the editor of the Barbican’s monthly Guide magazine, and writes on culture for a variety of publications. As a regular presenter James has appeared at conferences such as the ILMC, Canadian Music Week, MIDEM and The Great Escape, and appeared on the BBC, France 24, ITV and more.

He is former Managing Director of the UK and European Festival Awards.

Cindy has over 20 years of experience in the music industry as a manager, agent, and booker. She has played a pivotal role in shaping artists’ careers and has been instrumental in guiding the festival’s evolution and growth from the very beginning.

Joining WME as partner and co-head of the London office in 2023, Josh has been an international booking agent for over 20 years and represents and guides the careers of a diverse range of artists, including Coldplay, Eminem, Queens Of The Stone Age, Phoebe Bridgers, Modest Mouse and Snow Patrol.

With a roster ranging from new and emerging artists to stadium and festival headliners, Josh also works with artists such as Alice In Chains, Boygenius, Jimmy Eat World, Cigarettes After Sex, Belle & Sebastian, Afghan Whigs, Beth Orton, Foy Vance, The Charlatans, Kodaline, The Hold Steady, Echo & the Bunnymen, Jenny Lewis, Lightning Seeds, Nathaniel Rateliff, The Breeders, Refused, Touche Amore, City & Colour, Bright Eyes, Maximo Park, Alkaline Trio, The Amazons, Thrice and Taking Back Sunday.

Luís Soares is the Marketing Director of Rock in Rio, the world’s largest music and entertainment festival.

With a background in Tourism and a Master's in Events Marketing from London, he began his career leading one of the most profitable editions of Queima das Fitas.

He has worked at Sony Europe, China Business Network, and The Agency Group (now UTA), and today drives the strategic growth and international positioning of Rock in Rio.

Virag works as the head of international booking of Sziget Festival in Budapest, Hungary.

For the past thirteen years she has been a member of the organizing team responsible for the programs of Hungary's leading music festivals, and has contributed to the company’s success at the 2017 European Festival Awards and 2018 UK Festival Awards where SZIGET won awards for ‘Line-Up Of The Year’ and 'Best Overseas Festival'. 

In 2024, she took part in the planning and organization of over 200 music performances at the festivals. These include the first Hungarian appearances of Billie Eilish, Ed Sheeran, Lana Del Rey and Kendrick Lamar.