Learn how AI tools and vibe coding can help anyone build and test new ideas quickly
Work with other Music Biz 2026 attendees to tackle real industry problems
Access powerful APIs from OpenPlay’s system and leading tech partners
Get guidance from industry and technology experts
Compete for prizes for the most exciting ideas
“There must be a better way to do this.”
“Why isn’t there a tool that fixes this?”
“Someone should build something to fix this problem.”
Break The Silos. Build The Future. OpenPlay CoLab @ Music Biz 2026
Tuesday, May 12 • 10 AM – 5 PM ET
What if the biggest challenge in your day-to-day work could be solved in a single afternoon?
The OpenPlay CoLab is a hands-on innovation day at Music Biz 2026 where anyone in the industry – not just developers – can turn ideas into real working solutions.
Whether it’s messy metadata, disconnected tools, fan engagement challenges, or new revenue opportunities, this is your chance to bring a problem from your business and explore how new technology can help solve it.
Using AI tools and “vibe coding” – a new, accessible way to build prototypes simply by describing what you want – participants will learn how to turn ideas into working concepts.
No technical background required. Just curiosity and ideas.
Why Join?
The music industry is full of smart people who know what needs fixing – but they rarely get the chance to experiment with the technology that could fix it.
The OpenPlay CoLab changes that.
For one day, artists, managers, labels, publishers, tech companies, students, entrepreneurs and investors will come together to explore how better tools, better data and better collaboration can move the industry forward.
At the heart of the day is a simple idea: when music technology works together, the whole industry moves faster. OpenPlay is building that more connected ecosystem – and CoLab is your chance to experience it in action.
Bring a challenge from your work. Find collaborators. Build something new.
You might even create the next big idea for the music business.
What You'll Experience
Who Should Come?
Anyone working in music who has ever thought:
The CoLab is designed to be accessible to anyone with ideas and challenges to explore. No coding experience required.
Let’s build the future of music.
Join us at The OpenPlay CoLab and see what happens when the industry comes together to experiment, collaborate, and create.
Seats for the hackathon are limited — prior sign-ups are required.
Full conference badge is not necessary to participate in the hackathon. If you would like to take part in the other startup programming taking place during the conference, check out the schedule here.
If you would like to register, you can do so here. Contact Sonya Askew, Music Biz's membership director, to see if you are eligible for a special startup discount.
Seats for the hackathon are limited. Applications will be reviewed as they are received and you will be notified shortly.