The Association of Independent Music (AIM) has announced its largest ever conference, AIM Connected. The flagship, three-day event will take place from 1-3 April at Studio Spaces, London, combining AIM's Indie-Con, Music Connected and Women in Music events into one all-new landmark conference. 

AIM connected will combine the themes of business, tech and people, offering unrivalled insight into the future of music in the digital world. The schedule across the three days will include a jam-packed programme of leading international figures providing expert insight through three keynotes, over 30 panels and three days of roundtables and one-on-ones.

Keynote speakers will include cultural critic, filmmaker and director of the documentary 'Surviving R Kelly' dream hampton, as well as American composer, sound artist and Music-AI specialist Holly Herndon.

Panel discussions already confirmed to take place over the three days will include the following, with many more to come:

• How to Break the Top 5 as an Underdog: IDLES
• Alternative Strategies for Breaking an Artist
• Empowering Communities Through Musical Movements
• Scaling Up: Business Development for Independent Labels

Panellists confirmed include: Amy Lamé (London Night Czar), Chris Goss (Hospital Records), Huw Stephens (BBC Introducing & BBC Radio 6 Music), Jeff Bell (Partisan Records), Matt Black (Coldcut / Ninja Tune), Kate Hutchinson (Freelance Journalist), Stuart Braithwaite (Mogwai) and Tim Dellow (Transgressive).

Paul Pacifico, CEO of AIM said: "AIM Connected marks new territory for AIM as we look to break new ground in our 20^th anniversary year. Our first ever three-day conference will combine several of our previous events into one landmark event for the UK music industry, covering a broad range of content across the themes of business, tech and people. With the vast spectrum of speakers and topics on offer, AIM Connected has something for everyone looking to take their knowledge to the next level or keep up-to-date with the latest trends and developments on the cutting edge of the industry."

AIM has committed to offering 20 three-day AIM Connected bursary places to people within the industry facing obstacles or barriers to attend the event. Six bursary places (plus up to £100 to help cover the cost of travel and accommodation) will go to AIM members based outside London. The remaining allocation will be offered to professional development organisations including Urban Development and The Midi Music Company, which support young, talented individuals trying to break into the music industry.

AIM Connected partner shesaid.so are opening submissions for their annual Alternative Power 100 Music List today. The Alt 100 list aims to challenge the traditional definition of power and give it a new, alternative meaning which acts as a positive contribution to the diversity conversation. A shesaid.so cocktail party will be hosted on the evening of 2 April to celebrate the announcement of the 2019 list.

Andreea Magdalina, Founder of shesaid.so said: "The #AltList set out to redefine what power means in the music business, celebrating people of all genders, ages, career levels and earning figures. We firmly believe that creating more visibility for these individuals and initiatives will ultimately lead to a more diverse, inclusive and financially positive music economy. Working with AIM felt like the most natural partnership, as both organisations strive to empower the industry's independents. We are excited to honour this year's nominees with an awards event for the first time at AIM Connected in London this April."

Both one-day and three-day tickets for this event are now available fromwww.aimconnected.com. The event is open to both AIM members and non-members.

Subsidised member tickets start from £65+VAT and non-member tickets start from £120+VAT. Lunch, refreshments and networking drinks are included in the ticket price. Discounts are available for members of affiliate organisations.

The full list of panellists confirmed so far:

Aly Gillani, Bandcamp

Amy Lamé, London Night Czar

Andreea Magdalina, shesaid.so

Chris Goss, Hospital Records

Cliff Fluet, Lewis Silkin

Freddy Greenish, Centtrip

Helen Smith, IMPALA

Huw Stephens, BBC

Jeff Bell, Partisan Records

Jeffrey Courtney, Mute

Jeremy Silver, Digital Catapult 

Joe Lyske, MXX

Josh Jackson, Jaxsta

Kate Hutchinson, Freelance Journalist 

Matt Black, Coldcut / Ninja Tune

Rhian Jones, Music Business Worldwide

Rich Orchard, CD Baby

Rob Nancollas, Motive Unknown 

Russel Coultart, MUSO

Sandra Croft, Redeye

Shain Shapiro, Music Cities

Siofra McComb, !K7

Stuart Braithwaite, Mogwai

Tim Dellow, Transgressive

Tufayel Ahmed, Pink News