Toronto
May 04-10

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NextGen

Launching the next generation of creative leaders

Launch your Future

The Departure NextGen program is our firm commitment to fostering the next generation of creative leaders in the industry.

We believe in building accessible pathways and offering accelerated learning for ambitious students and recent graduates. NextGen participants are given the tools to participate in Departure meaningfully, gaining access to our leading industry conference, along with unique insider opportunities like curated mentorship, facilitated networking connections, and much more to launch their careers.

Apply for NextGen

Kind Words

The event was extremely well organized and provided access to a diverse group of professionals in different areas of the industry. Being able to hear about marketing plan development, artistic choices, bringing personal values and identity into the work, adversity, challenges, successes, and realities was a fabulous opportunity for students to track their progress and aspirations, reflect on their approaches, and explore their own pathways.”

Lakehead University

Toronto, Ontario

Mentors Lounge

Departure’s Mentors Lounge provides one-on-one mentorship opportunities for attendees to connect with industry leaders and innovators across a variety of fields including music, comedy, art, culinary, technology, and more.

This program aims to encourage meaningful engagement, knowledge sharing, and foster growth and collaboration. NextGen passholders can access exclusive advance booking windows in the Mentors Lounge.

Apply for NextGen

Open house

Propel your career with industry access, mentorship and networking.

Previous participating companies include Bell Media, CBC, Oak View Group Canada, Rogers Sports & Media, Sony Music Entertainment Canada, Toronto Star, Universal Music Canada, and Warner Music Canada.

Apply for NextGen

Nextgen

Propel your career with industry access, mentorship and networking for students and new grads.

$199.99

+ Fees & Taxes

APPLY FOR NEXTGEN

What you get

  • Departure Conference Keynotes & Panels
  • Access to 1:1 mentorship in the Mentors Lounge with industry leaders
  • Festival Pass for access to Music Showcases, Songwriter Series, Film Screenings, and After-Hours DJ Sets
  • Open House Experience with on-site tour and facilitated mentorship, access, and learning at partner organizations

Academic Partners

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Frequently Asked

Who is eligible for the NextGen program at Departure?

Current students and young professionals less than two years post-graduation are eligible to participate in the Departure NextGen program.