2026 DIMA Summer Meeting

On Tuesday June 9, DIMA hosted its third annual Summer Members Meeting and Industry Gathering, bringing together leaders from across the digital music industry for an afternoon of insight, discussion, and live performance.

Fast becoming a highlight of the music industry summer New York calendar, this year’s event was hosted by YouTube at their Pier 57 offices.

DIMA President and CEO Graham Davies welcomed members, as well as TIDAL and Qobuz, who have enrolled under DIMA’s new affiliates program. He provided the latest updates on the association’s work together – which sees further expansion of advocacy in new territories, and results from the 2026 consumer research contained in the 2026 Annual Report. This research finds a clear picture of remarkably high levels of satisfaction and engagement among music fans, with 94% of U.S. streamers saying they like or love their service and half listening every single day.

Industry Discussions: What’s Next for Streaming?

The afternoon continued with a fascinating session from Sy Damle and Alli Stillman, Partners at Latham & Watkins, who unpacked the complex legislative and judicial developments shaping the future of music, with a focus on artificial intelligence.

A panel followed, exploring the music streaming consumer perspective. Speakers included DIMA’s EVP & General Counsel Colin Rushing, Bob Bruderman (Chief Digital Officer, Kobalt Music); Danielle Aguirre (Chief Legal Officer and Chief Operating Officer, National Music Publishers Association); Erin McAnally (Executive Director, Songwriters of North America); James Duffett-Smith (Global Head of Music Publishing, Amazon Music); Marques Johnson (Head of Music Publishing Business Development Americas, YouTube) and Larry Miller (Clinical Professor and Executive Director of the Sony Audio Institute).

Reflecting on David Bowie’s prediction that “music itself is going to become like running water or electricity,” the panel explored what comes next for music streaming as it becomes an increasingly essential and habitual part of everyday life.

The panel also touched on emerging challenges, including streaming fraud/manipulation and the need to maintain trust, preserve authenticity, and avoid consumer ‘subscription fatigue’ as the market continues to mature.

Fireside Chat with Laurent Hubert

The fireside chat between Graham Davies and Laurent Hubert, CEO of Kobalt Music Group, rounded off the main program, focusing on his vision for the importance of the independent sector and future industry success based on trust, transparency, and innovation.

Live performance

A highlight of the day was a very special live performance by the P.S. 103 Ensemble Stars from Hector Fontanez School, a group of young singers led by their educator, Antoine Dolberry.

Introduced by Dr. Janice Weinman Shorenstein, CEO of Education Through Music, the performance displayed the organization’s commitment to expanding access to quality music education across New York and creating new opportunities for young people.

With research consistently showing that music education can enhance concentration, build confidence, and improve attendance, the charity’s work stands as a reminder of the transformative power of music and its ability to unlock opportunities for the next generation.