Audio Collaborative 2023 to tackle the big issues as the event’s key topics are revealed

Futuresource Consulting has revealed the topics of focus for Audio Collaborative 2023, the tenth official gathering of the firm’s annual event. Taking place on the 9th of November at London Soho’s Ham Yard Hotel, Audio Collaborative will unite the far reaches of the audio industry to discuss the issues and opportunities gripping the landscape.  

The jam-packed list includes themes spanning the widely discussed innovation roadblock to audio’s burgeoning role in virtual spaces. The firm will revisit past discussions such as the ongoing issue of sustainability as well as consider emerging opportunities like audio in the car.  

The topics will be split between panel discussions and presentations, with the full speaker and sponsorship line-up yet to be revealed. Information on the event’s themes is listed below. 

Key themes for Audio Collaborative 2023 

Overcoming the innovation roadblock 

The term 'innovation roadblock' has been permeating the industry. Consumers are happy with current technologies, so what will be the next ‘must-have’ for consumers? Should brands focus on leveraging their strengths in the personal and home eco-system? Or is it about educating consumers on what better-quality audio sounds like? Can software and service play help differentiate brands? Where do consumers’ priorities lie? 

Embracing sustainable sound 

Without fully implementing net-zero pledges, society will not hit our climate goals. The industry must step up to reduce the environmental impact of audio hardware and software alike. In this session, we will explore how we can collectively clean up audio and overcome the hurdles along the way. 

Audio in the car: opening the door to the third room 

The car is fast becoming the next frontier of entertainment, being almost custom-built for high-quality audio experiences. Brands are being presented with an exciting opportunity, so how can they best approach this lucrative avenue? Can we maximise audio while keeping comfort and safety at the forefront? What’s in store for automotive audio technologies? 

The vinyl revival…continues! 

This legacy format is resurging, with 2022 vinyl sales rising yet again. What's the cause of this nostalgia trip and is it set to last? 

Audio beyond the music 

Exploring the innovations, challenges and opportunities across the wider audio eco-system, including home cinema, gaming, radio, and enterprise. 

Servicing the consumer through personalisation 

Music is already personal, but curating the individual listening experience can propel audio to new heights. We explore how personalisation, from development through to the consumer, can elevate audio. 

The role of audio in the virtual space 

Audio's role in the metaverse is indisputable. Immersion can only be achieved with high-quality, spatial sound, and Apple’s recent launch brings us closer to wider adoption. How is the audio industry approaching this pervasive but largely unchartered platform, and what is the opportunity in light of recent developments? 

Approaching AI in audio 

The proliferation of artificial intelligence has been one of 2023’s biggest news stories. AI will undoubtedly impact audio, so brands must ride the wave or risk being sucked under. We’ll discuss how to use AI to your advantage and approach it as an opportunity, rather than a threat. 

Tickets for the event are now on sale and can be purchased here. If you are interested in speaker or sponsorship opportunities, please reach out to vicki.hayward@futuresource-hq.com.  

About the author

Olivia Lowden

Olivia Lowden is responsible for the long-form content, press, and partnerships at Futuresource. Prior to her career at Futuresource, she completed an MA in Creative Writing at the University of East Anglia, demonstrative of her lifelong love of words.