Over the last few years the diaries of many music business professionals have included more and more annual entries blocking out days for travel to and attendance at an increasing number of trade events, the majority of which now include showcase 'performances' more increasingly referred to as 'festivals'. Originally some conventions staged a few acts, pretty much for delegate entertainment, now they are an increasingly important, some may say vital, source of A&R, talent sourcing and exchange. This panel asks some of the established international events to showcase and explain themselves; who are they, what are they aiming to achieve, what are their own selection processes, and what can the companies and acts who take part in their events hope to achieve.