Billboard Latin Music Week opened Monday, Oct. 19, at Faena Forum in Miami Beach, bringing Latin music stars, industry executives and fans together for four days of panel discussions, performances and networking events.

The event runs through Thursday, Oct. 22, with its main programming at Faena Forum, 3300 Collins Ave., in the Faena District. This year's gathering follows a shorter format than the five-day event held at The Fillmore Miami Beach in 2025, as MiamiWire reported.

Billboard organized the 2026 program around the theme "Global Consolidation," examining how Latin music can sustain its international growth.

Sessions address artificial intelligence, stadium touring, independent record labels and strategies for turning viral success into lasting fan bases.

The official schedule includes daytime conferences, evening showcases and late-night performances at venues across Miami Beach and Miami.

Opening night features rising stars

Monday's programming included an opening-night showcase at Furia Disco Rooftop Miami featuring Ela Taubert, Erick Brian, Brray, Kidd Voodoo, Kristina, Lorna and other emerging performers.

At Faena Theater, Santos Bravos, the Latin pop group formed through HYBE Latin America's talent development project, was scheduled for a conversation about its first year together, followed by a performance.

The opening day's industry discussions included a session featuring Tommy Mottola, founder and chairman of Mottola Media Group and former chairman and CEO of Sony Music Entertainment, alongside Alex Gallardo, president of Sony Music U.S. Latin.

Billboard co-chief content officer Leila Cobo moderated the discussion about Latin music's global expansion.

"The door is open for Latin artists," Gallardo said during the session, according to Billboard.

Gallardo also emphasized the importance of originality as Latin artists compete for international audiences.

Pitbull, Fuerza Regida lead upcoming sessions

The remaining schedule features appearances by Pitbull, Fuerza Regida, Rubén Blades, Maluma and Becky G.

Fuerza Regida is scheduled for a Superstar Q&A on Tuesday, Oct. 20, followed by a late-night performance at Faena Theater.

The group, based in San Bernardino, California, will also receive the Billboard Vanguard Award at Thursday's Billboard Latin Music Awards, according to a Billboard announcement.

Tuesday's programming also includes the Global Rising panel featuring Ana Mena, Aria Vega, Greeicy, Lali, Lola Indigo and RaiNao.

Wednesday's lineup includes an Icon Q&A with Rubén Blades, a Superstar Q&A with Pitbull and discussions featuring Maluma, Becky G and music industry executives.

The event also includes conversations about Latin pop, artist management and the international touring market.

Billboard Latin Music Awards close the week

The four-day celebration concludes Thursday, Oct. 22, with the Billboard Latin Music Awards at the James L. Knight Center in downtown Miami.

Peso Pluma leads this year's finalists with 17 mentions, followed by Tito Double P with 15 and Fuerza Regida with 12. Karol G has nine, Prince Royce has eight and Bad Bunny has seven, according to Telemundo's official announcement.

The ceremony begins at 8 p.m. Eastern and will air live on Telemundo and Peacock. Blue-carpet coverage begins at 7 p.m.

The awards recognize artists, albums and songs based on their performance on Billboard's music charts.