Waves Vienna

The CEIFA is back for a second round. 🌊

☝️ We're proudly presenting the Central European Independent Festivals Award again — our way of celebrating the spirit of the small, independent festivals that shape music across the region from the ground up. 🙌

Nominations are open to independent music festivals from Austria, Slovenia, Hungary, Slovakia and Czechia — fewer than 3,000 people, independently run, with an open and diverse vision, taking place in 2025 or 2026.

The winner takes home €1,500 plus €7,000 worth of ad space in The Gap. And the top 5 are invited to the award ceremony in Vienna — hotel night and festival pass on us. 😔

🙌 Nominate your festival, or one you love, until July 10. Public voting runs until August 20, and we'll celebrate the winners on October 3 at Waves Vienna.

Visit our Website for more information 😔

The first 15 speakers for Waves Vienna Conference 2026 are here! ✨

From music export, festivals and radio to cultural policy, artist development, sync, diversity and the future of the European music ecosystem, this year’s conference brings together inspiring voices from across the international music industry.

Swipe through to meet the first confirmed speakers and stay tuned. More names and programme highlights will follow soon.

📍 Waves Vienna Conference
🗓 1–3 October 2026
🌊 Vienna