VMDO Links: Mastering Merch

What comes to mind when you think of music merchandise? In the modern day, we've come a long way from the trusty black t-shirt (and yet it remains a staple). Merchandise has traditionally sat hand in hand with touring and has since evolved to involve sophisticated e-commerce, digital marketing strategy and virtual goods. 

Now that touring has returned, how can the artist (and their team) balance traditional sale opportunities while serving a market well beyond the merch desk? Join us for a panel discussion with Jack Dowling McDonald (Sound Merch), Paige X. Cho (Bolster) and Ashleigh Hills (UNIFIED) as we examine how the market has changed, crunch the numbers and discuss the opportunities for merch in 2022. 

On the day, doors will open at 3.45pm and the panel will start at 4.00pm sharp. The panel event will run for approximately an hour, we'll then open up the room to networking, drinks and nibbles.

Speakers: Jack Dowling McDonald (Sound Merch), Paige X.Cho (Bolster) and Ashleigh Hills (UNIFIED)

Presented by: Victorian Music Development Office (VMDO) and Association of Artist Managers (AAM)

In Person Attendees: Please ensure you register in order to secure your spot. Please note, due to current COVIDSafe settings, check in and proof of vaccination or a valid medical exemption are required for entry. Registrants will be notified of final directives for attending the event a few days out. If you can no longer make the event for any reason, we'd appreciate if you could cancel your ticket within Humanitix so we have an accurate indication of numbers.

Online Attendees: You will be provided with a live streaming link a few days out from the event. We encourage you to actively take part in the conversation by submitting your questions for the panel live in the chat function.

VMDO Links is a monthly networking event, connecting the Victorian music industry to key topics locally and globally. These events intend to strengthen conversations linked to growth drivers, business innovation, new technology and alternative revenue streams.

VMDO Links offers the music industry a chance to connect with the presenters, as well as with their peers, aiming to develop and sustain key relationships. This event will be delivered in a hybrid format, in person at Music Market and streaming live online.

Demographics & Identity questions: For more information about our demographics and identity questions in the registration process, please head to: musicvictoria.com.au/demographics-and-identity

Access: If you have any access requirements, please email info@vmdo.com.au


VMDO acknowledge the Traditional Owners, the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation, on whose unceded land we come together for conversation, collaboration and creation. We pay our deep respects to Elders past and present as well as to all First Peoples of this land.

The Victorian Music Development Office is an initiative of the Victorian Government delivered by Music Victoria.