Madrid, 11th September 2025

The Worldwide Independent Network (WIN) has announced the program and speakers for its annual global conference WINCON, taking place October 15–16 in Sofia, Bulgaria, organized in partnership with ANMIP-BG (the Association of Independent Music Publishers & Producers – Bulgaria) and hosted by SoAlive Music Conference. Marking its 10^th anniversary, WINCON 2025 will bring together leaders from over 40 countries to shape the future of the independent music sector.

As an essential cultural and industry hub connecting professionals across Southeastern Europe (SEE), Sofia and SoAlive Music Conference provide a perfect setting for WINCON’s milestone edition. Hosting the event in Bulgaria underlines WIN’s commitment to supporting dynamic markets and creating bridges between regional and international players. ANMIP-BG will contribute local coordination and sector expertise, helping connect the SEE independent ecosystem with global partners. The 2025 edition will also be enriched by deeper cultural exchange and the sharing by WIN of best practices from the European music sector, championed by IMPALA.

This year’s program will address some of the most pressing issues for the independent music industry. Sessions will explore streaming challenges, licensing AI, fair competition in the music marketplace, and funding strategies for trade associations. The program also features workshops to build capacity for WIN members as well as meetings of some of its working groups.

The gathering will reflect the full spectrum of what independence means today, including influential labels, trade associations, and representatives and members of Merlin and ORCA. Speakers announced include Ruth Barlow (Beggars Group), Ian Harrison (Hopeless Records), Zena White (Partisan Records), Marty Ro (Sound Republica), or Tony Kiewel (Sub Pop) among others.

See full WINCON 2025 program here.

WINCON participants will also take part in the wider SoAlive Music Conference program, contributing to discussions on digital distribution, the future of vinyl, regional market spotlights, and the evolving role of policy in Europe’s music ecosystem.

Nerea Serrano, WIN Community & Projects Manager: “WINCON has always been about bringing the global independent community together to drive the independent agenda forward, share knowledge and resources, and celebrate being a part of a diverse multicultural and multilingual community. We couldn’t think of a better partner than ANMIP and a better place than the SoAlive Music Conference to celebrate these 10 years of WINCON.” 

Ruth Koleva, ANMIP President and SoAlive Music Conference Director: “SoAlive was founded to showcase the creativity and potential of Southeastern Europe. Bringing WINCON 2025 to Sofia isn’t just putting the city on the global map—it opens a real pipeline between SEE talent and the world. As President of ANMIP-BG (the Association of Independent Music Publishers & Producers – Bulgaria), I’m proud that our independent community is stepping up to host, connect, and amplify voices from across the region so we can help shape a fairer, more connected future for music.” 

Dario Drastata, IMPALA and Runda President: “Last year, Runda was proud to welcome WINCON to Belgrade and show the power of collaboration in South East Europe. Seeing Sofia take the stage in 2025 continues this momentum, reinforcing that our region has a central role to play in the future of independent music worldwide.”

Jeremy Sirota, Merlin CEO: “Merlin is proud to support WINCON on its 10th anniversary. Sofia has always built cultural bridges and represents exactly what we love about independent music. WINCON brings our global community together to discuss challenges in streaming, AI, and fair competition. Addressing these challenges ensures that independents can create, innovate, and thrive anywhere in the world. That’s what independence means.”

Karla Rogožar, IMPALA Network Development, Sustainability and Project Manager: “Working with WINCON is a key part of IMPALA’s EU network programme of activities. It is a great tool for members to connect and expand internationally and hosting it in the CEE region is a key reflection of the importance of these music markets not only in Europe but globally.”

Organised by WIN in cooperation with ANMIP-BG and hosted by the SoAlive Music Conference, WINCON 2025 is supported by Merlin and Prophon and co-funded by the EU through IMPALA.

About WIN
WIN is the international network that brings together the global independent music community. We connect and develop trade associations representing thousands of independent music businesses around the world, promoting a fair, transparent, and diverse music ecosystem with full market access and opportunities for all. winformusic.org 

About IMPALA
IMPALA was established in 2000 and now represents over 6000 independent music companies in Europe. 99% of Europe’s music companies are small, micro and medium businesses and self-releasing artists. Known as the independents, they are world leaders in terms of innovation and discovering new music and artists – they produce more than 80% of all new releases and account for 80% of the sector’s jobs. IMPALA’s mission is to grow the independent music sector sustainably, return more value to artists, promote diversity and entrepreneurship, improve political access, inspire change, and increase access to finance. IMPALA works on a range of key issues for its members and started a new co-funded work programme as an EU cultural network in 2025. IMPALA runs various award schemes and has a programme aimed at businesses who want to develop a strategic relationship with the European independent sector – Friends of IMPALA