Manager Buddies

An AAM initiative in partnership with MMF UK, MMF Canada, EMMA - European Music Managers Alliance and MMF Aotearoa.

About

Manager Buddies is an initiative of the Association of Artist Managers, MMF UK, MMF Canada, EMMA (European Music Managers Alliance) and MMF Aotearoa that coincides with select major international music conferences around the world. For each edition of Manager Buddies, members who are attending the relevant conference are invited to submit an expression of interest if they wish to be part of the initiative.

Aimed at building professional connections between managers from different countries, Manager Buddies sees selected managers from these organisations paired up ahead of the conference to:

  • Learn more about each others' management work, artists and international territory

  • Connect and share their respective goals/aims for the conference they are attending

  • Share resources and ideas

    Managers are paired with a manager (or a small group of managers) from another territory based on their goals, interests and/or artist rosters.

    At the end of each conference, participants will be invited to complete a short survey to share feedback on their experience.

    Follow our socials for further information on current and upcoming rounds.

Please note places are not guaranteed, and will depend on the number of EOIs we receive and suitable matches available in each round.

Current and Previous Editions

Participant Quotes

"It was such an awesome and unique experience, it makes me feel really excited about working with overseas markets even further."
- Sara Tamim, Sara Tamim Management (AAM)

The program allowed me to meet a manager connected to a market I am looking to develop. Every relationship and opportunity starts somewhere, but having an introduction and insight that likely would’ve taken more time and resources to build was incredibly appreciated."
- Anonymous

"Coming from a company where we’d attend events together, I felt quite anxious about going to SXSW solo this year. Having a buddy was invaluable; it boosted my confidence and let me relax at the showcases and events. I feel like I’ll be friends with Claire for life—hearing about her company and artists was fantastic, and I’m even hoping to visit her in Canada one day! We’ve already talked about helping each other’s artists in our respective territories."
- Sarah McMillan, Boots Darling (AAM)

"The Manager Buddies program was a fantastic experience. It's such a valuable experience to connect with likeminded managers from all over the world. I look forward to keeping in touch with the connections I made!"
- Nik MacDonald, Jones & Co. (MMF Canada)

"I had such a great experience with the Manager Buddies programme - it's a great way of bringing together managers from different markets and to meet new contacts."
- Ailsa Harper, AMW Management (MMF UK)

"Being part of the Manager Buddies initiative at The Great Escape festival was an extremely valuable experience. It assisted me in connecting, learning, and collaborating on a global scale - something I would not have been able to accomplish to such an extent without this program. I'm very grateful to AAM and the other international management organisations for putting this together."
- Lou Sawilejskij, Nala Music (AAM)

"It was so wonderful to be connected to other managers on the ground in Australia, especially as it was my first time attending SXSW Sydney and I had a lot of questions - it was very reassuring. Such a great initiative!"
- Bonnie Allen, House of Bonnie (MMF Aotearoa)

"Manager Buddies through AAM and MMF Canada was a huge support to me while I was overseas in Australia for SXSW Sydney. It was so helpful having kind and generous other managers in the region tell me more about the scene and go as far as to take me out and introduce me to the artists they work with and other folks in the industry. One of the mentors even introduced me to an app that helps with jet lag so that was a plus lol."
- Anonymous

"The ADE Manager Buddy program was great to be a part of. Building connections with peers around the globe to share and exchange knowledge has been an invaluable experience."
- Anonymous

"It was a great experience for me to get to know international buddies and exchange experiences and work practices."
- Anonymous