Everyone's got followers and likes, but who's actually showing up when you drop that new track or announce a show? This panel is about building the kind of fanbase that doesn't just double-tap—they buy tickets, they bring friends, they defend you in the comments.

Whether you're a bedroom producer or headlining festivals, this is what you need to do if you want to build a fan base that's gonna ride with you. We'll break down the real strategies behind turning casual listeners into devoted supporters who become part of your story.

Key Topics:

• Making people feel like they're part of something special and exclusive

• Converting online followers into real-world supporters who consistently show up

• Monetizing your community in ways that feel mutually beneficial, not exploitative

• Communication strategies that build actual relationships with your fans

• Scaling your community without losing the intimacy that made it special

Everyone wants to "break" in LA, NYC, and Miami — but those are the most expensive, most competitive, and most saturated markets on the planet.

This panel is about how smart agents and managers build artists by owning the middle first: Indy, Columbus, Milwaukee, Detroit, Cleveland, Kansas City, Sacramento, Phoenix, Denver, etc.

These are the cities where fans still show up (less competition and things to do), tickets are affordable, artists can experiment, and communities actually form. We'll break down how modern agents think about routing, why mid-tier markets are career accelerators, and how artists can position themselves to grow faster by playing smarter — not just louder.

Key Topics:

• Why mid-tier markets drive faster fan growth than oversaturated major cities

• The risks of chasing LA, NYC, and Miami too early in an artist's career

• How agents evaluate markets using ticket sales, repeat attendance, and city-level data

• Using secondary markets to build leverage with promoters, venues, and festivals

• Turning tour stops into long-term fan communities through local relationships

• The role of regional promoters and collectives in breaking developing artists

• How smarter routing in the middle leads to more profitable, sustainable touring

Back by popular demand! This was the most talked-about panel at Chicago Music Nexus 2025, and we're bringing it back with an all-new lineup of creators to share even more insider insights and strategies.

How do you build a real following that actually supports your career? This panel cuts through the noise of viral trends and vanity metrics to reveal how successful creators grow authentic fanbases that actually show up - both online and at shows.

Key Topics:

• Creating content that turns followers into superfans

• Building a sustainable content strategy that preserves your mental health

• Storytelling techniques that keep fans invested in your journey

• Converting social engagement into ticket sales and real revenue

• Identifying the metrics that truly indicate career growth

• Leveraging fan content to build community organically

• Platform-specific tactics for maximizing reach and engagement

• Monetizing your influence without compromising authenticity