Radio Interactive gets underway at Canadian Music Week on Thursday with many of this year’s conference panels exploring the digital future of radio.

Thursday highlights includethe opening keynote by radio futurologist James Cridland on Canadian radio’s evolving digital strategy, the presentation of Infinite Dial Canada research by Edison SVP Tom Webster, and a Programming 2020 Masterclass discussing how stations can prepare themselves for Numeris’ incoming shift to continuous measurement for all radio markets.

Thursday evening, this year’s Music & Broadcast Industry Awards will be handed out at a sold-out gala at Rebel Entertainment Complex, including this year’s Hall of Fame inductees Brother Jake Edwards, Gerry Forbes and Guy Brouillard. 

Friday’s conference agenda opens with a panel of women visionaries on the evolution of the business of music and radio. The morning’s keynote interview features 2019 CMW Lifetime Achievement Award honouree Robbie Robertson in conversation with broadcast veteran Denise Donlon. That’s followed by a panel on Elevating Young and Diverse Voices featuring CHUM morning co-host Jamar McNeil, KiSS 104.9’s Kevin Lim, and Peter Kash of Flow 93.5, and Virgin Radio Toronto’s Jax Irwin, among others. Matt Cundill of the Sound Off Podcast also moderates Broadcasting in the Age of Podcasting with panelists Steve Pratt, Pacific Content; Leslie Merklinger, CBC Radio; and Jordan Heath Rawlings of Rogers.

Both days of the conference also feature imaging panels – Thursday’s on Creating a Strong Audio Brand with panelists including Reelworld Productions’ Ron Tarrant and Chris Nicholl, creative director IMGR UK. Friday’s Frame Your Station: It’s a Work of Art is focused on the ever-changing audio landscape, and includes panelists Matt Anderson, director of custom imaging at Benztown and imaging voice talent Lisa Keys, among others.