EMMpower is EMMA’s flagship programme, supported by the Creative Europe Programme of the European Union (2023 to 2028). It builds the professional capacity of Europe’s music managers and empowers them to nurture European talent, strengthen cross-border collaboration, and drive a sustainable, innovative music ecosystem.
EMMpower supports music managers at every stage of their careers through a coordinated mix of networking, professional development, mentorship, and resource creation. The programme strengthens the European music management ecosystem by expanding cross-border collaboration, improving sector knowledge through research, and informing policy and advocacy efforts that promote fair, sustainable, and future-ready working conditions. Anchored in Creative Europe priorities, EMMpower helps managers build resilient careers, support diverse artistic talent, and contribute to a more innovative and competitive European music industry.
Networking is at the heart of EMMpower. The programme creates structured opportunities for music managers across Europe to connect, exchange knowledge, and build long-term professional relationships. A key pillar of this work is the series of Genre Thematic Meetups, which bring together managers from four core communities: Rock/Metal, Hip-Hop/R&B, Folk/Global, and Electronic/Dance. These dedicated spaces allow managers to discuss market trends, share challenges unique to their genres, and strengthen peer support in their specific scenes.
Building on the success of EMMpower 1.0’s Market Spotlights, EMMpower 2.0 introduces “Meet the Professionals” and festival guide sessions, connecting managers directly with industry experts, export offices, festival programmers, and key ecosystem partners. These sessions offer practical insights, strategic guidance, and new contacts that support international career development.
In addition, EMMpower facilitates in-person meetups and outreach events at major European showcase festivals and conferences, expanding the programme’s reach into emerging markets and creating valuable opportunities for cross-border collaboration. Together, these activities form a vibrant and inclusive network that helps managers widen their European footprint, access new opportunities, and contribute to a more connected and resilient music management ecosystem.
Education is a core pillar of EMMpower, ensuring that music managers at all career stages can develop the skills and confidence needed to thrive in a fast-changing European music landscape. The programme combines targeted mentorship, expert-led masterclasses, capacity-building modules, and a growing collection of best-practice resources.
Mid-level managers benefit from EMMpower’s 9-month Mentoring & Development Programme, which blends one-on-one guidance from experienced mentors with a structured five-module training curriculum aligned with industry needs and Creative Europe priorities. Emerging managers gain access to foundational management training, designed to introduce essential tools, knowledge, and professional standards.
Across both editions, EMMpower also offers specialised masterclasses on topics shaped by research, sector feedback, and the evolving challenges managers face – from sustainable career building to audience development, mental health, digital strategy, and environmental responsibility. Together, these activities equip managers with the strategic, operational, and leadership skills needed to support artists effectively and build sustainable, future-ready careers.
Advocacy within EMMpower ensures that music managers have a strong, unified voice at European level. The programme coordinates policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, and strategic advocacy actions that address the key issues affecting managers—from fair remuneration and streaming reform to mobility, taxation, diversity, and sustainable touring.
Through regular meetings with EU policymakers, collaborations with industry alliances, and joint advocacy efforts with member organisations, EMMA strengthens the visibility and influence of the management sector. Informed by research and the lived experience of managers across Europe, EMMpower develops clear policy positions, produces best-practice and standards guidance, and contributes to EU-level discussions shaping the cultural and creative industries.
By building an informed, connected, and representative advocacy ecosystem, EMMpower works to improve working conditions, protect manager and artist rights, and ensure a fair, innovative, and environmentally responsible European music industry.
Research is a core pillar of the EMMpower programme. Following the groundbreaking Music Management in Europe report (2023) published under EMMpower 1.0, EMMA continues its research work in EMMpower 2.0 (2025–2028) to track sector changes, deepen insights, and respond to evolving needs of European music managers.
Together, these studies form the most comprehensive evidence base on the music management profession in Europe, guiding EMMA’s advocacy, professional development, and sector-strengthening efforts.