BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Departure - ECPv6.15.18//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://departureto.com
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Departure
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/New_York
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20250309T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20251102T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20260308T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20261101T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20270314T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20271107T060000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260505T091500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260505T093000
DTSTAMP:20260408T114420
CREATED:20260407T232320Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260407T232320Z
UID:10000090-1777972500-1777973400@departureto.com
SUMMARY:Welcome Session / Opening Remarks
DESCRIPTION:Welcome to Departure Festival & Conference and Radiodays North America – two platforms united by a shared belief in the power of music\, media\, and storytelling to shape culture. \nThis week\, we bring together artists\, executives\, broadcasters\, creators\, and innovators from across the global music and audio landscape – not just to reflect on where our industries are\, but to actively define where they’re going. \nFrom the stages of Departure to the conversations driving Radiodays North America\, this is a space built for connection\, discovery\, and momentum. A place where ideas turn into partnerships\, and where the future of music\, radio\, and audio is not just discussed but created. \nWe’re proud to welcome you to Toronto\, and even prouder to build this moment together.
URL:https://departureto.com/event/welcome-session-opening-remarks/
LOCATION:Imperial Room (Fairmont Royal York)\, 100 Front St W\, Toronto\, Ontario\, M5J 1E3\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Conference,Departure,Radiodays North America
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://departureto.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Departure-SEO.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260505T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260505T104500
DTSTAMP:20260408T114420
CREATED:20260327T172740Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260407T170633Z
UID:10000001-1777975200-1777977900@departureto.com
SUMMARY:Music\, Radio & Regulation – An Open Discussion
DESCRIPTION:At last fall’s CRTC hearing on Canadian Content – The Path Forward\, broadcasters and music industry groups called for urgent updates to the regulatory framework. Issues included Cancon definitions and quotas\, regulation of online streamers\, declining local radio news\, revenue pressures\, funding for Canadian and Indigenous content\, and ownership limits. This panel revisits these issues in an open discussion as the industry awaits the CRTC’s forthcoming decision.
URL:https://departureto.com/event/music-radio-regulation-an-open-discussion/
LOCATION:Imperial Room (Fairmont Royal York)\, 100 Front St W\, Toronto\, Ontario\, M5J 1E3\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Conference,Departure,Radiodays North America
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://departureto.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/RDNA_Lockups-01.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260505T101500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260505T110000
DTSTAMP:20260408T114420
CREATED:20260407T142421Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260408T132636Z
UID:10000062-1777976100-1777978800@departureto.com
SUMMARY:The New Architecture of Influence: How Creators Are Reshaping Entertainment and Brands
DESCRIPTION:Leading social creators\, talent agents\, and talent development executives come together to unpack how the creator economy has evolved into a fully functioning entertainment and business ecosystem. Today’s creators are building multi-platform companies\, driving global cultural moments\, and shaping how audiences discover and engage with content. From major brand partnerships and appearances in established film and television IP to launching original franchises across social\, streaming\, and branded ecosystems\, creators are redefining how entertainment and advertising are built. This conversation explores how partnerships are becoming more strategic\, how new IP is emerging from creator-led models\, and how the rules of influence\, content\, and commerce are being rewritten in real time.
URL:https://departureto.com/event/the-new-architecture-of-influence-how-creators-are-reshaping-entertainment-and-brands/
LOCATION:Departure House\, 58 Berkeley St\, Toronto\, Ontario\, M5A 2W6\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Conference,Creator Summit,Departure
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://departureto.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Departure-SEO.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260505T111500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260505T120000
DTSTAMP:20260408T114420
CREATED:20260407T140708Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260407T170747Z
UID:10000060-1777979700-1777982400@departureto.com
SUMMARY:Tweets\, Tariffs\, and Tracks: The Canada-U.S. Relationship and What It Means for Music
DESCRIPTION:As headlines from Washington increasingly intersect with decisions in Canada’s music boardrooms and recording studios\, understanding that connection has never mattered more for our industry. In this fireside chat\, Mitch Glazier\, Chairman and CEO of RIAA\, joins Patrick Rogers\, CEO of Music Canada\, to unpack how U.S. trade priorities\, digital rules and debates are reshaping the policy and business environment for music on both sides of the border. Expect sharp insights on streaming policy\, the latest on AI policy developments\, and a discussion on the next wave of cross-border moves that will influence how artists and companies plan\, invest\, and build sustainable careers in music.
URL:https://departureto.com/event/tweets-tariffs-and-tracks-the-canada-u-s-relationship-and-what-it-means-for-music/
LOCATION:Imperial Room (Fairmont Royal York)\, 100 Front St W\, Toronto\, Ontario\, M5J 1E3\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Conference,Departure,Radiodays North America
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://departureto.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/RDNA_Lockups-01.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260505T111500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260505T120000
DTSTAMP:20260408T114420
CREATED:20260407T142545Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260407T232917Z
UID:10000063-1777979700-1777982400@departureto.com
SUMMARY:Built to Break Through: Hollywood Jade x Rêve
DESCRIPTION:Hollywood Jade—fresh off his win on The Traitors Canada—joins forces with breakout pop artist Rêve for a candid fireside conversation on what it really takes to break through in today’s culture. \nTogether\, they’ll unpack the discipline\, strategy\, and creative risk behind building a modern pop career—where performance\, choreography\, and identity must cut across stages\, screens\, and social platforms. From developing a distinct artistic voice to creating moments that resonate globally\, Jade and Rêve will share how collaboration and trust fuel work that stands out in an oversaturated landscape. \nDrawing from Jade’s unique perspective on competition\, adaptability\, and reading the room—both on set and on stage—the conversation will explore how creators and artists can think more strategically about their careers\, navigate pressure\, and stay one step ahead culturally. \nBlending real-world insight with behind-the-scenes storytelling\, Built to Break Through is a blueprint for creators looking to move with intention\, take control of their narrative\, and turn momentum into lasting impact.
URL:https://departureto.com/event/built-to-break-through-hollywood-jade-x-reve/
LOCATION:Departure House\, 58 Berkeley St\, Toronto\, Ontario\, M5A 2W6\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Conference,Creator Summit,Departure
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://departureto.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Departure-SEO.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260505T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260505T134500
DTSTAMP:20260408T114420
CREATED:20260330T155849Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260407T170942Z
UID:10000003-1777986000-1777988700@departureto.com
SUMMARY:BBC Radio 6 Music: Why Curated Music Radio Can Still Win
DESCRIPTION:BBC Radio 6 Music is one of the UK’s most distinctive music brands – a home for listeners who value discovery\, depth and genuine musical passion. Built on trust\, taste and cultural credibility\, it proves that curator-led music radio can still thrive at scale. In this session\, Samantha Moy\, Head of BBC Radio 6 Music\, shares how the station champions new artists\, celebrates music culture across genres\, and builds a strong connection with its passionate audience of music lovers. She’ll explore the thinking behind 6 Music’s editorial choices and why strong curation\, authenticity and point of view remain powerful differentiators in today’s music and radio landscape. Expect a thoughtful look at what happens when taste\, trust and strategy align and why “curated” doesn’t have to mean niche.
URL:https://departureto.com/event/bbc-radio-6-music-why-curated-music-radio-can-still-win/
LOCATION:Imperial Room (Fairmont Royal York)\, 100 Front St W\, Toronto\, Ontario\, M5J 1E3\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Conference,Departure,Radiodays North America
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://departureto.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/RDNA_Lockups-01.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260505T135500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260505T144000
DTSTAMP:20260408T114420
CREATED:20260330T175254Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260408T153240Z
UID:10000007-1777989300-1777992000@departureto.com
SUMMARY:If You Knew Better: From Label Executive to Podcast Powerhouse - An Executive Keynote Conversation with Amber Grimes
DESCRIPTION:Amber Grimes has built her career at the intersection of music\, strategy\, and culture. \nFrom leading Artist & Label Partnerships at Spotify to serving as EVP & GM of LVRN (Love Renaissance) – the Atlanta based label behind artists including 6LACK\, Summer Walker\, DVSN\, Sadboi and more\, Amber now oversees one of the most influential independent labels operating under the Capitol Music Group system. \nIn this keynote conversation\, co-presented by RDNA and Departure and moderated by iHeartRadio\, Amber will reflect on her journey from streaming executive to label leader – and how she’s expanding her influence beyond recorded music. With the launch of her new iHeartRadio podcast through The Black Effect network\, If You Knew Better\, alongside her growing book club and community platform\, Amber is building a brand that bridges music\, media\, and mentorship. \nThis conversation explores scaling independent culture within major systems\, developing artists in the streaming era\, and leveraging podcasting and audio to build lasting platforms beyond the label model.
URL:https://departureto.com/event/if-you-knew-better-from-label-executive-to-podcast-powerhouse-an-executive-keynote-conversation-with-amber-grimes/
LOCATION:Imperial Room (Fairmont Royal York)\, 100 Front St W\, Toronto\, Ontario\, M5J 1E3\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Conference,Departure,Radiodays North America
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://departureto.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/RDNA_Lockups-01.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260505T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260505T144500
DTSTAMP:20260408T114420
CREATED:20260407T171435Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260407T233007Z
UID:10000076-1777989600-1777992300@departureto.com
SUMMARY:The Indie Advantage: Scaling With Partners\, Not Compromises
DESCRIPTION:As independent music continues to expand globally\, artists and labels are redefining what growth requires. The most resilient indie models focus on partnership rather than control\, providing access to capital\, technology\, and infrastructure without sacrificing independence. This panel examines how these approaches are reshaping the indie landscape\, challenging traditional power structures\, and enabling long-term value creation. \nWith insights from Whipped Cream and leaders connected to Monstercat and Create Music Group\, the discussion explores what it looks like to be supported rather than managed. Topics include trust at scale\, artist experiences with partnership-led growth\, and the role of independent leadership in offering a compelling alternative to top-down label models.
URL:https://departureto.com/event/the-indie-advantage-scaling-with-partners-not-compromises/
LOCATION:Departure House\, 58 Berkeley St\, Toronto\, Ontario\, M5A 2W6\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Conference,Creator Summit,Departure
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://departureto.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Departure-SEO.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260505T161500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260505T170000
DTSTAMP:20260408T114420
CREATED:20260330T215038Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260407T171255Z
UID:10000009-1777997700-1778000400@departureto.com
SUMMARY:Trust Issues: Navigating a New Era of Populism
DESCRIPTION:In this age of all-caps opinions passing for political discourse\, we’ll hear from the frontlines… hosts who are successfully making programs that privilege facts and build audiences\, whether it’s on radio or in a podcast. You’ll hear how to choose the right topics and guests\, how to structure a debate versus a conversation\, making things dynamic but still civil…and whether it’s still possible to “disagree agreeably.” 
URL:https://departureto.com/event/trust-issues-navigating-a-new-era-of-populism/
LOCATION:Imperial Room (Fairmont Royal York)\, 100 Front St W\, Toronto\, Ontario\, M5J 1E3\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Conference,Departure,Radiodays North America
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://departureto.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/RDNA_Lockups-01.png
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR