Designing for the Live Experience Economy

Nikisha Bailey is a music executive and cultural strategist with more than 15 years of experience across A&R, label operations, marketing, and artist development. She has held senior leadership roles at Atlantic Records, Artist Partner Group (APG), Nvak Collective, and Universal Music Group, contributing to multi-platinum and Grammy-nominated releases for artists including Kehlani, Kevin Gates, Charlie Puth, and Bruno Mars. Recognized as a Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Power Player and Forbes Next 1000 honoree, she is known for bridging creative vision with operational strategy in today’s evolving music landscape.

Ramón Jones is a dynamic arts and nonprofit leader whose career spans the creative sector, higher education, and social impact. A classically trained musician and graduate of Xavier University of Louisiana, he has performed internationally across Europe, Asia, and North America, grounding his leadership in firsthand artistic experience. He previously served as Operations Administrator for the Rhythm & Blues Foundation, where he helped honor pioneering artists while administering grants supporting musicians facing financial and medical hardship. Ramón later deepened his expertise in arts management through studies in Arts Administration at Drexel University and leadership work at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, guiding students on global academic immersions focused on operations strategy and innovation. With over 20 years of experience in the music industry, he currently serves as Executive Director of the Recording Academy Philadelphia Chapter, where he leads initiatives that advocate for music creators and elevate the recording industry across Pennsylvania, Delaware, and South Jersey, while remaining deeply committed to mentorship, volunteer service, and global cultural exploration.