Making Vinyl & Abbey Road Institute Present: Hey Next Generation Hey You!

The future of vinyl depends on more than great music and modern technology – it depends on the people who will shape the industry in the years ahead. As demand for records continues to grow, pressing plants and manufacturers are looking for a new generation of skilled, curious and passionate professionals to bring fresh ideas and expertise to the field.

Making Vinyl teams up with the Abbey Road Institute to kick off a programme for opening the industry to the next generation.

The goal is simple: many young people have little awareness of the diverse career opportunities behind every record. From engineering and production to quality control, automation, logistics and sustainability, vinyl manufacturing offers careers that combine technical skills, creativity and a connection to music culture.

The workshop is structured as a set of seminars bringing together leaders from manufacturing, mastering, cutting and the wider music ecosystem to engage with students and people looking to set foot in the industry.

Mastering Matters: The Art of Modern Mastering

14:00–14:30 — Kleine Zaal

What does it take to prepare a record for vinyl, and why can't you master it the same way you would for streaming or CD? Leading mastering engineers reveal the techniques, challenges and creative decisions behind delivering music across today's formats.

Speakers
Maria Triana — STMPD Studios, ARI Amsterdam, Maria Triana Mastering
Frédéric Alstadt — Mont Analogue Masters
Frederic Stader — Music Matters Mastering
Jason Bitner — Traffic Entertainment Group

Making the Groove: From Master to Pressed Record

14:30–15:00 — Kleine Zaal

Ever wondered how a freshly cut lacquer becomes thousands of records? Industry experts guide you through the journey of electroplating and vinyl pressing, revealing the precision, craftsmanship and technology behind every record that reaches a turntable.

Speakers
Elsie Chadwick — Stamper Discs
Steven Chouet — My Shank

Closing Session with Piper Payne

15:00–15:15 — Kleine Zaal

Piper Payne, founder of Physical Music Products, closes Hey Next Generation Hey You! with final reflections on the conversations, ideas and connections shared throughout the event – and a look at what comes next for the vinyl industry.

Meet the Makers – Career Fair

15:15–16:00 — Boven Foyer

This interactive networking session brings together students, emerging talent and industry leaders.

Meet experts from every stage of the vinyl production chain – from mastering and electroplating to pressing and manufacturing. Join small-group discussions, have one-to-one conversations, ask questions, explore career paths and gain first-hand insight into the industry.

For students, this is an opportunity to build a network, discover career possibilities and make valuable connections with potential employers.

The programme is open to everyone and does not require a Making Vinyl conference ticket. Please register in advance via Eventbrite.