The complete programme and list of speakers for the 12th European Jazz Conference is now available.

Taking place from 24-27 September 2026 in Cologne, Germany, the Conference is co-organised by the Europe Jazz Network (EJN) together with Stadtgarten Köln, Cologne Jazzweek and Monheim Triennale. Under the theme “Who We Are, What We Stand For”, this year's edition will bring together music professionals from across Europe and beyond to reflect on the role of jazz and improvised music in a rapidly changing political, social and economic landscape.

Hosted across some of Cologne's leading cultural spaces, including Stadtgarten, Sartory Hall, Volksbühne and the 25hours Hotel, the programme combines keynote speeches, panel debates, interactive discussion groups, networking opportunities and a showcase festival featuring outstanding German bands. On Sunday, participants can choose between two walking tours of Cologne, exploring its vibrant artistic scene and the city’s unique character, or enjoy a cinema screening of two recent jazz festivals’ documentaries.

Among the programme highlights are a keynote speech by acclaimed pianist and composer Alexander Hawkins, “The authoritarian’s trap, and the virtue of invisibility”,  a plenary debate on artistic freedom, democratic values and supporting creative music, an exclusive conversation with jazz legend Dee Dee Bridgewater, and a wide range of participatory sessions exploring topics such as fair practice, scene development, old and new media, digital technologies, mental health and wellbeing, artistic freedom in programming, diversity and sustainable organisational models. Please check the Conference webpage to check out the speakers of each session. The conference will also celebrate the EJN Awards 2026 and the inaugural Ukrainian Jazz Prize, followed by a performance from its Grand Prix winner, Hyphen Dash.

Registrations are now open through the Eventbrite platform. We encourage early registration to secure a place and join colleagues from across the international jazz and creative music community for four days of discussion, inspiration, networking and live music, as we come together to reflect on who we are, and what we stand for.

Check out the full programme and profile of the key speakers: https://www.europejazz.net/initiatives/european-jazz-conference 

Register now: https://ejc2026.eventbrite.de