The ESNS26 Conference programme covers the most important developments in the Dutch music sector through panels and sessions, such as:

• Code Red & Development Debate discusses the financial pressure on pop venues and the consequences for talent development and cultural infrastructure. Speakers include Laura Vogelsang (Melkweg), Berend Schans (VNPF) and data specialist Arne Dee (VNPF).

• Who is actually responsible for talent development? examines the role of venues, labels, media, education and policy in supporting young musical talent. With contributions from Pien Feith (Friendly Fire), Rob Kramer (ArtEZ), Randall Spann (NPO FunX), Kristel Baele (Council for Culture) and Joey Ruchtie (ESNS), among others.

• The rise of Dutch-language folk pop explores the rapid growth of the genre, its fans and the opportunities for artists and the sector. Speakers include artists Samuel Welten and Sieneke Peeters, alongside representatives from Agents After All and Vonk Music & Bronks Music.

On Saturday 17 January, the focus will be on the Dutch music landscape. Topics will include the success of tribute bands, Gen Z and fan relations, crisis management for artist managers, immersive audio, mental health, parenting, talent development and more.

Speakers from the Dutch music sector will be present during this day, such as Winne (Dutch hip-hop artist, writer and creative entrepreneur Couture 33), Arjo Klingens (Mojo Concerts), Koos Zwaan (Inholland University of Applied Sciences), Maria Sanchez Garcia (PAARD / ITGWO), Froukje Bouma (MOTEL Artist Management), Bas van Wageningen (DI-RECT), Laura Vogelsang (Melkweg) and néomí (artist).

During ESNS26, the award show “The Great Noah's Ark Demo Review Spectacle” will also take place, in which demos will be reviewed by the Noah's Ark team. The panel consists of Vincent Patty (CEO Top Notch & Noah's Ark), Bibi Manancourt (Top Notch & Noah's Ark), Yung Felix (hit producer) and GP uit G, who is making his debut at Noorderslag this year.

Studio RE:VIVE will host a pop-up studio at the Prins Claus Conservatorium from 13–16 January, where artists Lyckle de Jong, Kim David Bots and Mitchel van Dinther (Jameszoo) will experiment using exclusively Dutch instruments and studio equipment. Visitors can observe the creative process on 15 and 16 January. The results of these experiments will be presented on 17 January during the panel 'Bad Gear // Great Records.'

The project is a collaboration between Beeld & Geluid and ESNS, made possible with support from SENA, and invites artists to step outside their usual working methods and explore new creative directions.