Billboard Managers to Watch is officially returning to Canada for its second edition. The celebration will take place at this year's NXNE Festival at SOUNDSTAGE at the W Toronto on June 11, 2026.
Following a landmark inaugural year, the list will once again recognize the unsung architects of the music industry.
The initiative recognizes the tireless work of those who navigate the business to turn emerging talent into generation-defining artists, creating community for these crucial industry members who usually operate behind the scenes.
Nominations can be made through the official Billboard Canada submissions portal here until May 8, 2026.
Last year’s debut Canadian edition of Managers to Watch honoured a diverse group of artist managers, including Manager of the Year Laurie Lee Boutet, who was introduced by her clients Alex Porat and breakout rock stars The Beaches.
“It's an honour to be in front of all these people that I constantly text for advice," she said, recognizing the community of managers in the room.
The Beaches and Alex Porat at Billboard Canada Managers to Watch 2025.Door 24
Diljit Dosanjh's manager, Sonali Singh, accepted the International Manager Award for helping guide the Punjabi star’s record-breaking global stadium breakthrough, and she marked the honour’s significance for her career. "This award, to me, means that I'm doing something," she said.
Breanna Price was presented with the Manager on the Rise award by her husband and client, viral rapper Connor Price, who credited her for helping him kickstart his music career in a real way. “I'm genuinely so honoured to be here today,” she said.
The event set a high bar for the industry, highlighting 20 influential managers from across the industry representing some of the most exciting artists from all genres of Canadian music.
Nominations for the 2026 Billboard Canada Managers to Watch are now open. Billboard Canada is looking for managers at all career stages — from those on the rise to established veterans — who have shown exceptional dedication and strategic innovation over the past year.
The 2026 edition will culminate in another high-profile celebration during the June NXNE festival in Toronto in partnership with Music Managers Forum Canada, which will also present its Honour Roll recipient at the event.
Stay tuned for further details regarding the 2026 event lineup and the announcement of this year’s honourees.
Buy tickets for the celebration here.
