WAMFest is so quickly approaching that it kicks off tomorrow night for the annual WAM Awards party, followed by a few days of some serious parties at the Friday Showcases, Saturday Spectacular and Sunday Best, and of course WAMCon, two inspiring days of speaker panels featuring some of the world's brightest music industry minds. We've got a little planner to help you try and navigate the f'in huge Saturday Spectacular lineup in the works, but here's a few speaker highlights you'd do yourselve a favour going to see.

WAMCon passes are still available via the WAMFest WEBSITE, and they include access to the 70+ speakers, entry to all Friday showcases or Sunday Best shows, radio pitching and networking opportunities and more (more info HERE).

You can also find a full breakdown of what's happening over the full WAMFest by checking out WAMFest WEBSITE or download the full booklet:

And below, here's WAMCon Director Claire Hodgson's hot tips for speakers to see, along with a few additions of our own:

John Chavez:

U.S. Of (Y)ay Panel: 12:10-1pm, Studio Underground (Nov 4)

Vice President of US indie booking agency, Ground Control Touring, Chavez shares his insights regarding everything you ever wanted to know about touring the US.

Paula Guerra:

Tribal Call: Why Do Subcultures Exist? - 1:35-2:30pm, Rehearsal Room 2 (Nov 4)

Hailing from Porto in Portugal, Paula has an actual PhD in punk and DIY culture. She coordinates a music conference for academics on the subject and has a ton of insights about how DIY culture is good for us all.

Nick Yates:

Fan Flirting: Growing Your Fanbase Panel - 1:35-2:30pm, Studio Underground (Nov 4)

Managing some of Australia’s highest profile artists as part of his role at UNIFIED, the bands and events of which they're in charge of we regularly chat about on Pilerats, Nick’s going to be sharing his wisdom regarding all things audience development.

Rebecca Young:

Highway To The Dangerzone - Tales From The Road Panel: 3-3:50pm, Studio Underground (Nov 5)

Recently described as one of the sharpest minds in the Australian music biz today, Rebecca has recently started her own booking agency Collective Artists, which is set to make a big splash over the next few years. Catch her as she shares her stories from touring bands over the years.

Craig Porteils:

The Masters of the Pop Universe Panel - 11am-12pm, Studio Underground (Nov 5)

The producer behind shit-load of chart-topping hits including Cher's Turn Back Time, the dude knows pop music inside and out.

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Pilerats' bonus selections:

Zac Abroms:

Promo Punching - Make Your Own Publicity Plan Panel - 3.40-4.30pm, Studio Underground (Nov 4)

Take this one from someone who chats to Zac a lot, dude knows publicity, and is someone you want to pay attention to when it comes to nailing a PR plan for yourself [Editor].

Alex Paioff:

Paperless Post - Music Journalism In The Digi Age Panel - 11:25am-12:20pm, Studio Underground (Nov 4)

There's some far more illustrious people on this panel, including from TheMusic.com.au and Tone Deaf, but our boss is gonna be there so why not get down and heckle him.

Heath Bradby

Music Biz Think Tank Panel - 11am-12pm, Rehearsal Room 2 (Nov 5)

Heath Bradby is the head of A&R at Warner Music Australia and manages acts like Karnivool and Thelma Plum under his Fidelity Corporation Agency. He also keeps us on our toes when it comes to Pilerats Records, and ain't afraid to tell it like it is.

Tom Mee

Making It Rain Via Syncing & Streaming Panel - 12:10-1pm, Rehearsal Room 2 (Nov 5)

Tom Mee is the Label Relations Manager for Spotify Australia/New Zealand, and quite simply if you're an artist with an eye on streaming income, you'd be a fool not to get along and find out more about what has become the go-to streaming service around the world.

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Extra extra bonus section, a brief but important guide on tackling the whole of #WAMFest: