AIM Ireland presents AIM Connects: A Fresh Take on the Future of Music and the Night-Time Economy at the National Concert Hall on Thursday May 8th.
AIM Connects brings together Ireland’s independent music sector and night-time economy for an international summit at the National Concert Hall, Dublin, on Thursday, 8th May.
This one-day event will feature leading voices from the independent music sector and night-time economy, discussing the evolving challenges and opportunities within these industries.
Through a dynamic series of panels and discussions, both domestic and international industry leaders will share insights, innovative ideas, and practical solutions designed to help shape the future of the sector discussing a wide range of topics from Managing an Artist to Chart Success and Building A Career in the Night-time Economy to Exploring 25 years of change in the sector across Europe.
AIM Connects will also feature guest presentations on Mapping Dublin’s Music Venues: Past, Present and Future by Dr. Caroline Ann O’Sullivan (TU Dublin) and the Future of Music IP in the Age of AI from Chris Cooke (Co-founder of Unlimited Media & journalist with Complete Music Update) plus writer and journalist Tony Clayton-Lea will take an insightful deep dive into the music industry with two esteemed authors, Damian Corless (Tax, Drugs and Rock N Roll) and Eamonn Forde (The Final Days Of EMI: Selling The Pig).
Confirmed speakers include:
- Damian Corless (Journalist & Author, Tax, Drugs and Rock N Roll)
- Eamonn Forde (Journalist & Author, The Final Days Of EMI: Selling The Pig)
- Chris Cooke (Co-founder of Unlimited Media & journalist with Complete Music Update)
- Dr. Caroline Ann O’Sullivan (Head of School of Media in TU Dublin)
- Lutz Leichsenring (Vibe Lab Berlin)
- Merlijn Poolman (Spokesperson & Founder of the Dutch Nighttime Alliance)
- Mike Grieve (Sub Club, Glasgow)
- Robbie G (Belters Only)
- Kate Howard (Night time Economy Advisor for Galway)
- Ray O’Donoghue (Night-Time Economy Advisor for Dublin City)
- Lisa Connell (Co-founder, Mother)
- District X
- Caroline Henry (Band Management Associate, Hozier, Lyra)
- Joe Clarke (CWB Management)
- Ken Allen (Faction Records)
- Jim Lawless (Manager, The Coronas)
- Willie Ryan (Lawyer and Music Manager)
Tickets are on sale now from the National Concert Hall Box Office or at nch.ie priced €30. AIM members can avail of special members discounted tickets by contacting [email protected]
This event is supported by IRMA, Merlin, and Dublin City.
Speaking ahead of the event, AIM Chairperson Joe Clarke said “Ireland’s independent music sector has seen huge growth in the last few years and AIM Connects will be a milestone event as we look forward.“
Ray O’Donoghue, Night-Time Economy Advisor, Dublin City added “Dublin is at the heart of a vibrant, evolving night-time economy. Events like AIM Connects showcase the city’s commitment to fostering innovation, creativity, and collaboration within the music industry, all while ensuring that the city’s nightlife remains safe, sustainable, and inclusive for everyone.”

Niall Byrne is the founder of the most-influential Irish music site Nialler9, where he has been writing about music since 2005 . He is the co-host of the Nialler9 Podcast and has written for the Irish Times, Irish Independent, Cara Magazine, Sunday Times, Totally Dublin, Red Bull and more. Niall is a DJ, founder of Lumo Club, club promoter, event curator and producer of gigs, listening parties & events in Dublin.