Rike van Kleef
© Sophia Emmerich

Let’s Get to the Heart of Ree­per­bahn Fes­ti­val Con­fe­rence 2025!

Reeperbahn Festival Conference 2025 is gearing up to once again unite some of the most forward-thinking voices across the global music and creative industries. With a special focus on equality, sustainability, leadership, and the power of shared spaces, this year’s edition promises meaningful conversations and impactful ideas. 

 

We’re thrilled to welcome a stellar lineup of new speakers who are actively shaping tomorrow’s cultural landscape: 

Pascal Bittard – President, IDOL 
A pioneer in independent digital distribution, Pascal supports influential indie artists and labels around the world. His work on the boards of Merlin and UPFI reflects a commitment to fairness and independence in the music ecosystem. 

Rike van KleefAuthor & Cultural Researcher 
Known for her sharp analysis of gender, power, and pop culture, Rike's award-winning work and her upcoming book "Billige Plätze" examine the deep-rooted inequalities within the music industry. 

Karsten Elbrecht – CCO, CTS Eventim AG & Co. KGaA 
With two decades in ticketing, Karsten brings both experience and enthusiasm for live culture. His focus? Sustainable growth and unforgettable fan experiences. 

Marion Schöne – CEO, Olympiapark München 
As a strategic leader and member of the IOC Sustainability Commission, Marion advocates for responsible, future-facing event management that unites sports and culture. 

Also joining the conversation: 
Mia Heresch (Freelance | Host, Journalist & Curator), 
Len Brown (The Recording Academy | Senior Manager Awards), 
Salomea (Artist), 
Ray Lozano (Artist), 
Dirk Dreyer (Uber Eats Music Hall | General Manager), 
Helen Smith (IMPALA | Executive Chair), 
Ruth Barlow (Beggars Group & AIM | Director of Live Licensing).