ECMA 2026 Wellness Program
The ECMA Wellness Program returns for 2026, presented by Avalon Employment, MentorAbility Atlantic and Autism@Work.
ECMA Wellness Centre presented by Avalon Employment, MentorAbility Atlantic and Autism@Work
A dedicated space designed to support the mental, physical, and emotional well-being of artists and music industry professionals throughout the conference weekend.
Located at B305, NSCC Sydney Waterfront Campus
Hours:
Thursday, May 21 - 9:00am - 5:00pm
Friday, May 22 - 9:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday, May 23 - 9:00am - 5:00pm
What's On
Massage Therapy — Island Career Academy
Treat yourself to a moment of relief. Professional massage treatments are available throughout the weekend on a drop-in basis, simply sign up on site. Standard 30-minute sessions are available, with 15-minute options for those looking for targeted, focused care.
Sound Bath — Rezound
Step away from the noise and sink into sound. Rezound offers immersive sound bath sessions combining live and recorded ambient music with soft lighting and aromatherapy to help you reset and recharge. Sessions run 60 minutes, Friday & Saturday at 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM
Neuro-Affirming & Neuro-Friendly Area
A calm, low-stimulation retreat within the wellness space, equipped with beanbags and headphones -- available throughout program hours for anyone who needs a quiet place to decompress.
One-on-One Wellness Sessions — Errin Williams, Clinical Therapist
Confidential one-on-one wellness sessions with Errin Williams, Clinical Therapist, offering a supportive space for artists and music industry professionals to explore mental health, career stress, and the unique pressures of life in music. Sessions available Thursday to Saturday, 9–5.
📧 Book your session: [email protected]
Wellness Programming at the ECMA Industry Conference
Available all conference:
Get It Done Space (Drop-In)
Location: Connector Lounge, B124 NSCC Sydney Waterfront Campus
Feeling stuck? Overwhelmed? Drop into the Get It Done Space in the Connector Lounge, facilitated by Autism @ Work. Bring your to-do list or just yourself and get support to work through procrastination, task paralysis, and mental clutter in a way that works for you. Stay for a few minutes or settle in longer, and leave with clearer direction and a few tasks already checked off. Find us in the Connector Lounge inside the pop-up office.
Friday, May 22, 2026
Panel - Networking for Neurodivergents: Navigating Music Industry Events
Location: B429 NSCC Sydney Waterfront Campus
Networking is a cornerstone of the music industry. For many neurodivergent artists and professionals, it can also be one of the most challenging aspects to navigate.
This panel brings together neurodivergent individuals and employment professionals who support neurodivergent talent. The discussion will explore the real barriers that can arise in industry settings, including crowded showcases, informal conversations, and high pressure introductions and follow ups.
The panel will share practical strategies for navigating these environments as someone seeking opportunities. This includes securing gigs, building a support team, finding co-writing partners, and expanding a professional network.
The session will also offer insights for venues, festivals, managers, and artists who want to create more inclusive and accessible spaces. The goal is to help organizations connect with and support the best talent for their stage, roster, or project.
Grounded in lived experience, this will be a solutions-focused conversation with time for audience Q&A.
Following the discussion, participants are invited to a neuro affirming networking event in the Connectors Lounge. This will provide an opportunity to apply what was discussed in a more supportive and inclusive setting.
Moderator & Panelists
Sherri Tucker (Avalon Employment- Employer Engagement Specialist), Moderator
Rob Casey (Business Lead, Autism @ Work)
Nikki Cater (Employment Facilitator, Autism @ Work)
Shelley Andrews (MentorAbility)
Neurodivergent Networking Session
Location: Connector Lounge, B124 NSCC Sydney Waterfront Campus
Looking for a different way to network?
Immediately following the Networking for Neurodivergents panel, attendees are invited to walk together to the Connector Lounge for a neuro-affirming networking session designed to help you build skills in real time without the usual pressure.
This session offers a supportive space to learn coping strategies, practice conversation starters, develop your elevator pitch, and explore strategies for making follow-up feel more manageable.
You will have the chance to connect with panelists, their colleagues, and members of the music community. There will also be a matching station with industry professionals who are ready to chat.
