From September 10 to 13, Šibenik will once again become a meeting point for artists, music professionals and representatives of the international music industry. SHIP, the showcase festival and music conference organised by the Croatian Music Export Office / We Move Music Croatia, returns with 50 live acts and 100 speakers, alongside a conference programme addressing some of the key topics and challenges shaping today’s music sector.

Now in its fourth edition, SHIP has quickly established itself on the European showcase circuit, giving the Croatian music scene greater visibility within the wider industry. That position was further recognised this year when SHIP joined the Federation of Music Conferences, a network connecting leading music conferences across Europe.

The SHIP 2026 lineup follows a record-breaking open call that received 1,487 applications from 76 countries, bringing artists from Croatia, across Europe and beyond to stages throughout Šibenik.

The conference remains an equally important part of SHIP, bringing together speakers from across the international industry, including representatives of Netflix, BBC Radio, KEXP, Billboard UK, WME, UTA, Beggars Group, NME, ESNS, The Great Escape and many more. This year’s discussions explore artificial intelligence, fairer contractual relationships, new revenue models, the changing role of tastemakers, artist-audience relationships and professional burnout, among others. Panels and conversations are complemented by workshops, listening sessions and dedicated networking formats.

SHIP will also mark the debut of Croatia on the Move, a double vinyl release by We Move Music Croatia, bringing together 23 contemporary Croatian artists selected by longtime KEXP programming director Kevin Cole, who will present the release in Šibenik.

For We Move Music Croatia, SHIP extends well beyond its four festival days. As one of the Office’s key projects, it creates opportunities for Croatian artists and music professionals to connect directly with the international market, while positioning Croatia as an active participant in the wider European music industry.