Toronto
May 6-11, 2025

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A LAUNCHPAD TO HELP ARTISTS BREAKOUT AND CREATIVE IDEAS BREAKTHROUGH

Music

Immerse yourself in the future of music at Departure Festival + Conference.

From electrifying live performances and showcases by rising stars and global icons to insightful industry discussions, you'll be at the forefront of the music industry. Connect with fellow musicians, producers, managers, and music business professionals to forge lasting relationships and collaborate on future projects.

Global musicians are invited to apply to showcase at Departure. Showcase your talent to a global audience of industry insiders and music fans alike.

Art

Art is at the core of Departure.

Immerse yourself in a world of creativity with thought-provoking installations, interactive public art exhibits, boutique food trucks, and inspiring keynotes on the artistic process.

Connect with a diverse community of artists, designers, musicians, technologists, and culinary innovators to experience the intersection of art, technology, and culture.

Tech

Dive into the future of technology at Departure.

Learn from tech industry leaders, network with innovators, and experience the latest trends powering the future of music and entertainment.

The Departure Conference will feature panels and sessions around AI, podcasting, DSPs, creator-user technology, and highlight the hottest startups disrupting the creative space.

Comedy

Experience the best in comedy at Departure.

From hilarious stand-up performances to insightful industry panels and live podcast recordings, there's something for every comedy lover. Connect with the comedy and audio entertainment community, network with comedians, writers, producers, and discover the next wave of groundbreaking comedic talent.

Toronto May 6-11, 2025

A NEW FESTIVAL
+
CONFERENCE EXPERIENCE

CMW Festival + Conference

Departure
Passes

Priority Pass

Elevate your Departure experience with premium access and perks.

$1,299
$1,099 + Fees & Tax
Early bird price shown.
Prices increase January 24
Learn More Register
Conference Pass

Learn and network with industry leaders in music, art, comedy, and tech.

$799
$599 + Fees & Tax
Early bird price shown.
Prices increase January 24
Learn More Register
Student Pass

Kick-start your career in music and entertainment at Departure with access to groundbreaking keynotes and panels, plus exclusive networking and mentorship opportunities.

Learn More
Group Pass

Unlock your team's potential by providing them with the opportunity to learn, grow, and network at Departure, with savings for groups of eight or more.

Apply
Artist Applications

The Stage IS Set

Take your music to the next level. Our curated showcases offer a unique opportunity to connect with the global music community and industry heavyweights.

Apply Today

About Departure Festival + Conference Frequently
Asked

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Toronto is where international creatives gather to find their voices, setting the stage for global stardom and impact. This is where the magic starts.

Departure is a dynamic and innovative launchpad featuring diverse talent, boundless energy, and committed artists. This kind of ambition and audacity draws talent from all across Canada and internationally, energizes creatives from all disciplines, and offers a fresh spark of inspiration that keeps passion alive. Here, you’ll discover new talent, groundbreaking work, and innovative ideas.

The reimagined Canadian Music Week is ready to embody and honour the extraordinary spirit that defines the Canadian and global creative community - a true celebration of artistry.
Departure is a reimagination of Canadian Music Week. Our audiences have grown alongside CMW for the past 42 years and have been integral to our success. By expanding our offerings, while staying true to our roots in music, Departure will create an inclusive and vibrant environment that will also attract international artists and the younger generation, allowing for a deeper, more diverse conversation and a better representation of the cultural hub that is Toronto. Departure honours where we’ve come from, and celebrates where we are going.
The Departure Conference will take place at Toronto’s Hotel X, with Departure Festival events taking place at venues across the city, from May 6–11, 2025. Stay tuned for programming updates in 2025.
Early bird Departure Priority and Conference Passes are on sale now. Additional pass levels and ticketing information will be announced in the coming months.
Radiodays North America 2025 will take place May 7–8, 2025 at Hotel X. Early bird registration opens December 6, 2024. For more information, visit radiodaysnorthamerica.com.
Media accreditation will open in 2025. For media inquiries contact press@touchwoodpr.com.
For sponsorship inquiries reach out to sponsorship@departureto.com.

Have a question we didn’t answer? Reach out at hello@departureto.com.

Get Involved

Be a part of
#Departure2025

Apply to be a Volunteer

Join the crew. We’re recruiting hundreds of volunteers to help us welcome the world to Toronto.

Apply to be a Vendor

Showcase your business or product to a culturally-curious and connected global audience.

Radiodays North America is the meeting point for the world of radio, podcasting, and audio entertainment.