DF Concerts, Scotland’s leading event organiser, has launched The DF Academy, a new initiative designed to connect the live music and events industry with further and higher education, helping to inspire and support the next generation of industry professionals. 

Recognising its position at the heart of Scotland’s live events sector, DF Concerts created The DF Academy to shape industry-relevant syllabus, facilitate real-life work experiences, mentor future professionals, and open clear career pathways for students looking to build a future in the industry, to help students transition seamlessly from education into employment. 

The programme began in October with interactive sessions at Glasgow Caledonian University, University of the West of Scotland (UWS), Robert Gordon University, and City of Glasgow College. During these sessions, experts from DF Concerts explored how live shows are brought together, discussing the creative, technical, and operational elements that underpin the industry, and highlighting the wide range of career opportunities available to graduates. 

Following the launch, The DF Academy has already expanded its work. New College Lanarkshire and Perth UHI joined the programme, and 150 students from 6 colleges and universities recently took part in behind-the-scenes tours of King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, SWG3, and the OVO Hydro. These visits provided students with exclusive insight into three of Glasgow’s busiest and most influential venues. At the OVO Hydro, students had the opportunity to see an arena-level show being built in real time, observing the scale of production and operations required to deliver major events. At SWG3, they explored the venue’s diverse event spaces and learned about its sustainability initiatives and community-focused projects. Meanwhile, the visit to King Tut’s offered a close look at one of Scotland’s most iconic grassroots music venues, where students learned about the venue’s heritage and saw the sound and lighting desks in action. 

During the tours, students were also given the opportunity to ask questions and hear directly from a range of industry professionals. Speakers included the Head of Concert Operations at DF Concerts, tour and production managers, the Operations Director at SWG3, the General Manager of King Tut’s, and gig representatives responsible for ensuring live events run smoothly on the day. This direct access to those working at the forefront of the industry provided invaluable insight into the realities of live event delivery. 

December 2025 seen the first large-scale, real-world training day for students at the Scottish Exhibition Centre in Glasgow (SEC). A tabletop session brought together almost 200 students from universities and colleges across Scotland, as well as lecturers and industry experts from DF Concerts, for a unique learning experience that focussed on live event safety, communications and decision-making. 

Students from Perth UHI, University of the West of Scotland (UWS), City of Glasgow College, New College Lanarkshire, Robert Gordon University and Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) took part in the all-day tabletop session designed to test their understanding of event management through a series of realistic scenarios drawn from both indoor and outdoor live events. Working in groups, the students navigated the complex situations involving crowd safety, severe weather, protest activity, artist management issues and emergency response decision-making. The exercises encouraged students to collaborate effectively, think critically and communicate clearly with each other – key skills needed in the live events industry. 

Facilitators from DF Concerts and Police Scotland supported the students, helping to guide discussions and offering insight into how these situations are dealt with at real events across the country. 

By giving students the chance to hear from live event professionals and understand operational processes, the Academy is helping to build the confidence of the students and provide them with exposure to the industry they are passionate about. 

A student from Perth UHI said: “It’s been great to get an insight into what the events industry has to offer and what’s involved in different careers through The DF Academy sessions. Both the venue tours and tabletop session have really given me confidence and inspired me to look for work experience in the different fields in the events sector.” 

Another student from City of Glasgow college said: “The tabletop was really insightful, and I enjoyed collaborating with others who want to go into the same industry as me.” 

These early activities represent just the beginning of The DF Academy’s ambitions. Edinburgh Napier University has since joined the initiative, and The Academy will continue to grow with further site visits, guest lectures and student-led tabletop scenarios. 

Dr Séan R. McLaughlin, Programme Leader for BA (Hons) Popular Music at Perth UHI said: “The DF Academy offers our students an exceptional opportunity to learn directly from professionals at Scotland’s leading live music promoter. This partnership represents an exciting step in providing our students with real-world industry experience, meaningful professional connections, and insights into the biggest live events happening across Scotland. I’m delighted to be working with DF Concerts on this initiative and look forward to supporting our students as they develop the skills, confidence, and vision needed to become the next generation of leaders in the music industries.” 

Andy Dunlop, Head of Concert Operations at DF Concerts said: “Scotland’s live events industry is full of passionate, dedicated people, and it’s important that we create clear routes for the next generation to join us. The DF Academy is our commitment to opening doors, sharing our expertise, and giving students genuine insight into how this industry works.” 

The DF Academy reflects DF Concerts’ ongoing investment in Scotland’s cultural and creative sectors and its commitment to supporting a strong, sustainable future for the country’s live music and events industry.