The 34th annual Cutting Edge Conference and Entertainment Law Seminar will return to New Orleans August 26–29 at the InterContinental Hotel, bringing together musicians, attorneys, managers, producers and industry professionals for four days of discussions on the future of the entertainment business.

This year’s theme, “Your Music Business Guide: AI Is Not Enough,” explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping music creation, marketing, touring, publishing and entertainment law while emphasizing the continued importance of human creativity and decision-making. Organizers describe the conference’s approach as one that encourages artists and industry professionals to understand emerging technologies without becoming dependent on them.

Music business sessions will cover topics including AI tools for creators, songwriting and metadata, sync licensing, touring economics, artist development, radio and podcast promotion, fan engagement and the growing “superfan” economy. Other panels will examine where AI can be useful for artists and where it falls short as a career-building tool.

The conference’s Entertainment Law Seminar will focus on legal issues surrounding artificial intelligence, including copyright, publishing, deepfakes, publicity rights, music contracts and AI-generated content. Featured speakers include entertainment attorneys and industry executives from organizations such as EMPIRE Publishing, ASCAP and The Mechanical Licensing Collective.

Founded in 1993, Cutting Edge is one of the country’s longest-running entertainment law and music business conferences. In addition to its educational programming, the event will include songwriting activities, artist showcases, networking opportunities and performances.

Registration is now open. More information is available at cuttingedgenola.com.