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Four days of music industry education, networking, live performances, workshops and opportunity arrive in Atlanta November 12–15 under the theme “Old School Rule with New School Tools: Your Power Is Limitless”
ATLANTA, GA — Writing Sessions America (WSA) is set to bring artists, songwriters, producers, publishers, executives and music entrepreneurs together in Atlanta for the 13th Annual Unplugged Music Experience & Conference (UME), taking place November 12–15, 2026, and featuring the 2026 Icon Awards.
This year’s theme, “Old School Rule with New School Tools: Your Power Is Limitless,” speaks directly to a music industry where technology continues to change how creators make music, reach audiences and build businesses, while the fundamentals behind sustainable careers remain as important as ever.
The four-day experience is designed for songwriters, artists, producers, publishers, music executives, sync professionals, students, independent music entrepreneurs and creative visionaries seeking greater knowledge, stronger relationships and access to opportunities throughout the business.
Writing Sessions America is bringing together the principles that have long shaped successful music careers—authentic relationships, discipline, craftsmanship, preparation, ownership and respect for the culture—with the modern tools transforming how today’s creators build audiences, protect their work, generate income and reach the world.
The message behind UME 2026 is clear: creators may be powerful individually, but we are better together.
Four Days of Music, Business and Opportunity
UME 2026 begins Thursday, November 12, with the official UME Kickoff Party/Mixer at Atlantucky Brewing, 170 Northside Drive SW, Suite 96, Atlanta, GA 30313, beginning at 6:00 p.m.
The opening evening will feature a Welcome Address hosted by Writing Sessions America Founder/CEO Kevin Shine, followed by a keynote presentation from platinum producer Darrell “Delite” Allamby.
The evening continues with a Live Radio: Quality Control Listening Session, moderated by Timothy “Fontainn” Gayles, giving music creators an opportunity to participate in an environment centered around listening, feedback and industry discovery.
The night concludes with the Live Radio Kickoff Performance Showcase, featuring 10 selected songs from the Playlist Challenge.
Friday: Understanding the Business Behind the Music
Conference programming moves to Rolling Out Magazine, 770 English Avenue NW, Atlanta, GA 30318, on Friday, November 13, for a full day of education focused on ownership, business structure, film and television opportunities and music rights.
Programming begins with The Music Indipreneur Workshop, exploring the question, “What’s a Loan Out Corporation in Music Business?”
The afternoon continues with the “Panel and Pitch” Film & Television Workshop & Music Listening Session, creating a space for participants to gain greater insight into music opportunities across visual media.
Attendees will also explore one of the most important issues facing today’s creators during “Content vs. Copyright: Making Money & Protecting Ownership Rights.”
The day’s educational programming concludes with The MLC Workshop: “Baby, I Got Your Money,” featuring Dae Bogan, Head of Third-Party Partnerships, with a focus on helping music professionals better understand the systems surrounding royalties, rights and getting paid.
The 2026 Icon Awards at Morehouse College
Friday evening shifts from education to recognition as UME presents the 13th Annual Icon Awards at the Ray Charles Performing Arts Center at Morehouse College, 900 West End Avenue SW, Atlanta, GA 30310.
The formal evening begins with a Red Carpet and Pre-Awards Ceremony from 7:00–8:00 p.m., followed by the 13th Annual Icon Awards Ceremony from 8:00–10:30 p.m.
The Icon Awards serve as a centerpiece of the UME weekend, recognizing individuals whose work, influence and contributions have helped move music and culture forward.
Saturday: Old School Rules Meet New School Tools
Programming returns to Rolling Out Magazine on Saturday, November 14, with another full day devoted to music, technology, entrepreneurship and professional development.
The morning begins with the New Technology Workshop in Music & Business: “Old School Rules with New School Tools.”
The session reflects the central theme of UME 2026: understanding how to use today’s technology without abandoning the professional values and industry fundamentals that have created lasting careers for generations.
A second Live Radio: Quality Control Listening Session, moderated by Timothy “Fontainn” Gayles, follows before the afternoon moves into the SheEO vs. CEO Workshop with AmeilaisMore.
Later, attendees will have an opportunity to experience a WSA Fireside Chat with Lila Haralson, followed by Hitmaker’s Academy: Successful Music Indipreneur & Hitmakers.
The Hitmaker’s Academy is designed to put the creative and entrepreneurial sides of the music business into the same conversation, with a focus on successful music entrepreneurs and hitmakers. Programming references industry names including Focus…, DJ Toomp, Dallas Austin, Tricky Stewart and Danja Handz.
UME Closeout Celebration
Saturday evening returns to Atlantucky Brewing for the official UME Closeout Party/Mixer, running from 7:00 p.m. until 1:00 a.m.
Programming includes a Film & Television Music “Panel and Pitch” Listening Session, followed by another Live Radio Quality Control Listening Session, moderated by Timothy “Fontainn” Gayles.
The evening culminates with the Live Radio Closeout Performance Showcase, featuring another 10 selected songs from the Playlist Challenge.
For artists and songwriters, the listening sessions and showcases reinforce one of the defining elements of the Unplugged Music Experience: creating opportunities for music to be heard while putting creators in rooms where relationships can develop.
Sunday: Closing the Experience With Knowledge and Connection
The final day of UME 2026 takes place Sunday, November 15, from noon until 3:00 p.m., with the venue to be announced.
Sunday’s programming will feature Raheem “Kilo” Pugh for a session centered on the Making of The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill Documentary.
Founder and CEO Kevin Shine will then bring the four-day experience to a close with the UME 2026 Closing Mixer, giving attendees another opportunity to connect, exchange information and turn relationships developed during the conference into potential collaborations.
Your Power Is Limitless
At its foundation, Writing Sessions America’s Unplugged Music Experience is built around more than attending panels or exchanging business cards.
It is about helping creatives understand that their next opportunity could begin with one conversation, one connection, one piece of knowledge or one moment of courage.
For creators navigating today’s rapidly evolving industry, knowing how to make great music is only part of the equation. Understanding ownership, copyright, royalties, technology, branding, business structures, sync opportunities and professional relationships can be equally important when building a sustainable career.
UME 2026 creates a space where those conversations can happen.
Whether attendees are launching a career, developing their artistry, expanding their professional network or strengthening the business foundation behind an existing career, Writing Sessions America is encouraging participants to arrive prepared to learn, connect and take action.
Bring your creativity. Bring your questions. Bring your goals. Bring your vision.
Because while creators can accomplish great things individually, Writing Sessions America is building its 13th annual experience around an equally powerful principle:
We are better together.
Event Information
13th Annual Unplugged Music Experience & Conference
Featuring the 2026 Icon Awards
November 12–15, 2026
Atlanta, Georgia
For registration and additional information, contact Wsaume2026biz@gmail.com or visit the Writing Sessions America UME 2026 Registration website.
Programming takes place across multiple Atlanta locations, including Atlantucky Brewing, Rolling Out Magazine, and the Ray Charles Performing Arts Center at Morehouse College.
All programming, speakers, venues and times are subject to change.
About Writing Sessions America
Writing Sessions America creates educational, networking and professional-development opportunities designed to connect songwriters, artists, producers and music-business professionals with the knowledge, relationships and resources needed to navigate the evolving entertainment industry.
Through the Unplugged Music Experience & Conference, WSA brings together the creative and business sides of music while emphasizing collaboration, education, ownership, entrepreneurship and the continued development of the next generation of music professionals.
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