On the Road: Delivering the Union Message on the Conference Circuit

March 1, 2026

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The AFM is dedicated to strengthening organizing and collective power through its “Stronger Together” campaign. This initiative combines educational events with direct outreach to musicians to raise awareness of the union among musicians and future members.

In December, at the Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchestra Conference in Chicago, the AFM partnered with Local 10-208 (Chicago, IL) to engage with educators, students, and professional attendees. The AFM booth team, which included Director of Freelance Services Wages Argott and Director of Communications Antoinette Follett, worked alongside Local 10-208 President BJ Levy, Dean Rolando, and Megan Elk, to emphasize how union protections and professional standards serve as vital safety nets for musicians.

Continuing in early January at the Jazz Education Network (JEN) Conference in New Orleans, many students, educators, and jazz luminaries visited the Federation’s booth to discuss the unique needs of the jazz community and the value of collective strength and unity.

In mid-January, the focus moved to the NAMM Show in Anaheim, California, where a new booth location shared with the MPTF attracted a steady stream of members and attendees. The AFM hosted a workshop, “Power in Numbers: Fair Pay for Indie Musicians,” moderated by Director Follett. Panelists AFM Assistant Organizing Director Ed Gutierrez, Local 7 (Orange County, CA) President Edmund Velasco, and Local 76-493 (Seattle, WA) President Nate Omdal addressed the inherent challenges of the gig economy, which often pits artists against one another. Together, they provided a roadmap for independent musicians to build collective power by educating them on the importance of establishing unified standards for pay and treatment.

The AFM returned to New Orleans for the Folk Alliance International Conference, where the AFM hosted the session “Organizing for Power Among Indie Musicians.” Director Argott moderated a panel including Canadian Office Executive Director Liana White, Licensing and Canadian New Use Manager Anna Ruddick, and Local 1000 (Nongeographic) representatives President Aaron Fowler and John O’Connor. Together, they engaged in a lively discussion on collectively raising industry standards and advocating for rights as both workers and artists. Federation representatives also engaged with the many musicians, venue and festival operators, and booking and talent agents in attendance, via both an exhibit booth and through the CFM cosponsored green room during the private showcase performances.

The winter circuit also included a first-time appearance in San Antonio at the Texas Music
Educators Association (TMEA) Convention, the nation’s largest gathering of music educators. Directors Argott and Follett, along with Local 23 (San Antonio, TX) President Aurelia Rocha and AFM International Representative Aaron Lack, ensured the “Stronger Together” message reached the next generation of performers before they play their first professional notes.

The Federation offers many resources and support for similar events across the US and Canada. If you know of conference and trade show event opportunities in your region, please reach out to Director of Communications Antoinette Follett at afollett@afm.org.

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