Global Promoters Report 2026 out now: 76 markets profiled

The 2026 edition of IQ‘s Global Promoters Report, the latest indispensable guide to the industry’s key promoters and international touring territories, is out now.

In this expanded fifth edition, IQ explores 76 countries, giving readers the most complete overview of conditions in all key markets for international artists, along with dedicated editorial on key trends and developments across the global live music business.

“For the past couple of years, the theme of a ‘two-speed’ market has been bubbling under, but this is the year it feels like it’s really set in,” says IQ editor James Drury. “At the top end, stadium and arena shows seem unstoppable as audiences flock to the hottest stars in droves. At the other end, the buzzy acts doing their first club shows are also doing well. But it’s the difficult middle where the struggle is hitting hard.”

The opening interview features AEG Presents’ Rich Schaefer, who describes artists “playing on top of each other” in some markets, on-sale patterns shifting, and ensuring affordability an increasingly complicated challenge.

Around the world, the breadth of genres continues to expand, including Latin and K-pop reaching mass appeal, while governments in the Caucasus, Central Asia, and the Gulf are investing in concerts as tourism drivers.

“What is apparent no matter which market you look at is that everyone offers the same advice: Don’t confuse awareness with demand. Build audiences over time. Partner with people who know the market. And as Schaefer reminds us, a long-term plan beats a quick payday,” Drury says.

“None of this makes the work easy. Venue availability, currency swings, complex permits, climate-related festival cancellations, and tightening sponsorship budgets came up again and again, while global conflicts mean some fans are being denied the chance to see live music as freely as those of us lucky enough not to be in such circumstances.”

“My thanks to every promoter who contributed their time and candour to this edition, and to everyone who supported the Global Promoters Report 2026. It’s been fascinating putting this together again, and I hope you find it valuable,” Drury concludes.

A selection of features will appear online in the coming weeks. To access the full range of reporting, analysis, and interviews, subscribe to IQ or explore the complete contents of the latest issue on the dedicated IQ page.

Get more stories like this in your inbox by signing up for IQ Index, IQ’s free email digest of essential live music industry news.