Speaking and events

I speak regularly at conferences, universities, festivals and industry events on equality, diversity and inclusion in music, drawing on 25+ years’ leadership in the music industry and my PhD research on women’s careers. I have spoken in Parliament and at events across the UK, Europe, North America and the Middle East. I have also spoken at more than 50 conferences, festivals and universities.
In 2023, I won an award from the Public Speakers Academy.

At Beautiful Days festival in 2025, I joined Hannah Moule and Reavennan Husbandes of the (incredible band) Moulettes for a frank panel discussion about women’s experiences in the music industry and, importantly, what is being done about it. Chaired by journalist Kathryn Donnelly.

Beautiful Days festival, Devon, 2025. Captions are available in the video player.

Speaking topics

  • The music business: copyright, royalties, contracts and how the industry works
  • Women’s careers in music: what my research shows about the barriers women face, and what organisations can do about them
  • Counting the music industry: what the data tells us about gender and diversity in UK music
  • Building inclusive music workplaces: practical steps for policy, culture and fairer decision-making including for small and independent businesses
  • Misogyny and harassment in music: the evidence and how organisations can respond
Vick Bain @ The F-List conference ICMP 2025
Welcoming address @ The F-List conference ICMP 2025

Highlights

Vick Bain being presented with her Companion of LIPA honour by Sir Paul McCartney
Being presented with the Companion of LIPA honour by Sir Paul McCartney, following a speech to the audience
  • Award winner, Public Speakers Academy (2023) 
  • Presentation for the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Music, with UK Music, in Parliament
  • Speech at Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts, graduation day with Sir Paul McCartney @ M&S Bank Arena
  • Panel speaker @ Canadian Music Week, Toronto
  • Panel speaker @ Women in Film Music, ECSA European Film Music Day, Cannes
  • Panel speaker @ Equality in Music, XP Conference, Riyadh
  • Panel speaker @ Women in Creative Industries, WOW Festival @ British Council, Istanbul
  • Co-organiser and speaker @ BBC Radio 3 Diversity in Composition conference, Royal Northern College of Music
  • Panel speaker @ The Great Escape conference, Brighton

How I can contribute

I speak to audiences across the music industry, education and policy, and can tailor a session to your event

  • Keynote speeches
  • Panel discussions and panel chairing
  • Hosting and compering events
  • Academic guest lectures and masterclasses
  • Research briefings that present findings for boards, leadership teams and funders
  • Evidence sessions and roundtables for policymakers
  • Interactive workshops (see my EDI training)
  • Awards judging
  • Advisory roles on conference programmes and steering groups
Vick Bain on stage at the Women of the World festival in Istanbul, Turkey. Vick is a white middle-aged woman with silver/blonde shoulder length hair wearing all black, with a bright pink background on the stage behind her.
On stage at the Women of the World festival in Istanbul, Turkey, 2023.
Vick Bain discussing diversity and inclusion in the music industry
Industry Takeover All Dayer with GirlsIRate founder Grammy-winning songwriter Carla Marie Williams MBE
Discussing diversity and inclusion in the music industry at a GirlsIRate panel @ UD Takeover

Work with me

If you would like me to speak at your event, conference or institution, I would be glad to hear from you.

Get in touch

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