A beginner’s guide to ESNS

12.01.23

Whether you’re just starting out or have been in the industry for decades, ESNS is a chance for professionals to expand your network, discover new opportunities and gain meaningful experiences. ESNS23 is just around the bend, taking place from Wednesday 18 to Saturday 21 January 2023. So how do you make the most of your time in Groningen? We’ve compiled some key tips to help you navigate the buzzing Festival and Conference programme and discover the northern city.

By the ESNS team

Photography by Nienke Maat

Expand your knowledge of industry-leading topics

Each January, ESNS attracts thousands of music industry professionals, including hundreds of international festivals. By day, the front-running ESNS Conference hosts over 150 panels, workshops, keynotes and more that take on urgent subjects and the need for social change in the music industry. Want to know more about social activism in music, how to create a successful campaign and the future of DIY music releases? Explore the panels on offer this edition here, log in and use the ‘heart’ to keep track of your favourites.

Pro tip: Be sure to also check out the ESNS Conference ‘Young’ panels selected for younger audiences, using the tag ‘Young’.

Photography by Jorn Baars

Discover emerging acts

At night, ESNS will showcase hundreds emerging European artists to an impressive 40,000 visitors. Eager to get familiar with the ESNS23 line-up? Check out the ESNS23 playlist and read our interviews with the Eurosonic and Noorderslag bookers. Ready to make a day plan? Log in to esns.nl and mark your favourites with a ‘heart’ in the ESNS timetable. Want all the latest info in your pocket? Download the ESNS app from the App Store or Google Play.

Photography by Bart Heemskerk

Expand your network

While ESNS attracts thousands of attendees from across Europe and the world, we try to make it easy to connect with relevant industry professionals. The daytime programme is a great place to meet someone or grab a coffee to chat. Curious to find out who is attending the ESNS Conference? Explore our Delegates Database. Want to set up a meeting? We know a number of great places to meet up one-on-one in Groningen.

Experience Groningen

The northern city is bustling with life during ESNS. To help you get to the heart of Groningen during your visit, we’ve put together a guide to all the best spots in Experience Groningen. Discover the best restaurants for dinner, cafés for great coffee, spots for traditional Dutch snacks, exhibitions to see some art and much more. If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out the ESNS Art programme – with outdoor artworks, the perfect exhibition for music lovers in Groninger Museum and screen-prints by Vera pop podium’s designer’s collective on show.

Photography by Ben Houdijk

Useful information

Got questions left unanswered? Take a look at our FAQ or contact us. Curious about key dates and accreditation? Check out the general press information page. Need a way to get around the city? Rent a OV-fiets, public transport bicycle, from Groningen Central Station. Want to share your experience? Use our hashtag #ESNS23 and find press materials here.

Stay up to speed

Want to get the latest ESNS news in your inbox? Sign up for our newsletter and be the first to know. Curious about programme announcements? Explore our recent press releases. Keep up with us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook and share your own #ESNS23 adventures.

See you out there!