IMSTA FESTA New York will return to Manhattan on Saturday, September 26, 2026, offering aspiring and established music creators a free day of master classes, technology demonstrations, networking, and direct access to leading industry professionals.
Presented by the International Music Software Trade Association, the event will run from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at SAE Institute New York, 218 W. 18th Street. Producers, songwriters, engineers, artists, beatmakers, DJs, and students are invited to attend for free with registration.
The program will feature GRAMMY-winning producers and engineers discussing the creative and business realities of today’s music industry.
Acclaimed mixing engineer and producer Fabrice “Fab” Dupont will deliver the noon keynote, examining changes across the industry and the skills modern artists and producers need to succeed. Dupont’s credits include Bad Bunny, Shakira, Jennifer Lopez and André 3000.
At 2 p.m., three-time GRAMMY winner Marc Urselli will lead a Modern Vocal Production master class covering recording, microphone selection, editing, mixing, and final delivery. His extensive credits include U2, Elton John, Foo Fighters, and Sting.
The afternoon schedule also includes a 3 p.m. open forum on artificial intelligence in music production, addressing copyright, ownership, authenticity, and ethical AI training. At the same time, platinum-selling songwriter and producer Sarah Nagourney will present “The Evolution of Songwriting,” exploring how streaming, technology, and AI are reshaping songwriting and artist development.
Producer and mix engineer Brent Kolatalo, whose credits include Kendrick Lamar, Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars and Lana Del Rey, will host a 4 p.m. “Behind the Track” session. GRAMMY-winning engineer and producer Cooper Anderson will close the program at 5 p.m. with a look at his mixing process and career.
Beyond the sessions, attendees can explore exhibits, product demonstrations, panels, and giveaways. Free song reviews will be offered from 2 to 4:45 p.m., with selected songwriters eligible for a Wild Card entry into IMSTA’s Songwriting Competition.
The first 100 attendees will receive free breakfast beginning at 10:30 a.m. Admission is free with registration, while master classes require separate reservations.
