Why Attend
Take your career to new heights
Your front row to visionary speakers
Get unparalleled access to the biggest movers and shakers in the creative field.
Departure annually invites over 200 visionary speakers to the conference, featuring global music icons, industry powerhouses, and cultural thought leaders on the cusp of innovation.
Leading Industry Content
Our carefully curated content bridges creative industries to deliver exceptional value for all artists, creative entrepreneurs, and industry professionals. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, vital continuing education, or practical takeaways, our content tracks and session formats ensure there is something to fit your exact needs at Departure.
Keynotes
The biggest names on the biggest stage.
Dialogues
Thought-provoking conversations between two industry heavyweights.
Spotlights
Panels co-curated and presented with leading industry and community partners.
Microsessions
Industry-specific sessions filled with content to accelerate your career.
Workshops
Hand-ons sessions with tangible takeaways with industry experts. Workshops offer a variety of hands-on learning activities and specific takeaways for professional growth.
Summits
Elevated sessions and networking opportunities curated around specific topics.
Partner Activations
Interact with some of Departure’s forward-thinking partners.
High Impact Connections
Departure is where business gets done.
A recent Enigma Research study revealed that Departure 2025 generated $138M in industry transactions. Attracting key creative decision-makers from all over the world, our carefully curated networking events—including receptions, mixers, and the Mentors Lounge—provide intentional ways to seek inspiration, make vital connections, and find immediate collaboration opportunities across the global creative economy.
Festival Access
Unlock it all.
Your conference badge doubles as a Festival Pass, unlocking our city-wide footprint all week long. Enjoy curated music showcases highlighting export-ready talent, special film screenings, intimate songwriter events, and late-night DJ sets. Departure keeps the connections and inspiration flowing late into the night.
