The 2021 edition of la Feria Internacional de Música para Profesionales (FIMPRO) takes place October 13-15 in Guadalajara, the heart of the Mexican music industry. With only a few hours before the kickoff, attendees have marked up their schedules to take advantage of all the workshops, showcases, meetings, and other activities during the three-day hybrid event.
FIMPRO, which is considered the most important meeting for music industry professionals in Mexico and Latin America, will happen in person at the Santander Ensemble of Performing Arts and online at the FIMPRO website. During the event, managers, artists, promoters, and others will share their thoughts on the state of the music industry. They will also discuss doing business between local creators and national and international event programmers.
Here’s a quick preview of five things at this year’s FIMPRO that are sure to make it an event to remember.
The Social Change
This year, FIMPRO will recognize initiatives that use music to make changes in society. For his work on reforestation and the cleaning of the Querétaro River, Mexican singer Caloncho will be honored at the conference. The community can learn more about his work in battling climate change at his website.
The Female Empowerment
In collaboration with Spotify and community organization Now Girls Rule!, FIMPRO is revealing more about the new Mexican chapter of the EQUAL program. The objective of the program is to support women in the music industry. During the conference, the panel “Mexican Woman at Full Volume” will be a conversation between Latinas who are working together to seek equality.
The In-Person Interaction
FIMPRO isn’t a complete in-person event, but the hybrid setup is sure to be welcomed by those who are ready to move from virtual meetups to meeting face to face (though not too close) with other attendees. Maybe people can start shaking hands again (bring your bottle of sanitizer). The mix of online and in-person activities is something many have been waiting for.
The Standout Acts
What’s a music conference without a little music? In the lineup this year includes ANAN, Yorka, Monstruos de la Mañana, and others. Maybe Chilean sisters Yorka and Daniela Pastenes will perform a few tracks from their first album, Songs in Pajamas.
The Local Artists
The music scene in Guadalajara will also get its time in the spotlight at FIMPRO this year. On the slate will be local favorites like Sabino, Porter, Caloncho, Technicolor Fabrics, Cuca, Azul Violeta, and, of course, Maná. Here’s a playlist with some more bands from Guadalajara to get you ready for the big celebration.