Blog · PartyLine Collective
Industry Insiiide: The Industry Link Event… Networking, Knowledge, and the 7-Year Music Cycle
Michael Caird has been deeply embedded in the music scene for over 10 years, spanning multiple careers and locations before basing his operations in Perth.…
Founder Michael Caird is on a mission to unite the Perth electronic scene, proving that education and community building are just as vital as the party itself.
Michael Caird has been deeply embedded in the music scene for over 10 years, spanning multiple careers and locations before basing his operations in Perth. Driven by a desire to share knowledge and foster growth within the electronic music community, he launched The Industry Link Event.
The brand’s name is entirely literal by design. He wanted a name people could look at and instantly understand: the “Industry” represents the field we all work in and love, the “Link” is about connecting creatives together, and the “Event” signals that it is built for community building in a “business yet casual way”.
We sat down with Michael to discuss the importance of patience between events, refusing to blame the Instagram algorithm, and why he believes bass music is making a massive return.
🧠 The Educational Hustle
Unlike traditional promoters packing the calendar every weekend, The Industry Link Event operates on a strict quarterly schedule, aiming for just four events per year.
This deliberate pacing is central to their philosophy. “This is so enough time can be allowed for punters to apply what they learn from a past Industry Link Event and come back to the next one to learn more knowledge and insight,” Michael explains.
His ultimate goal for the brand is to scale these educational opportunities by flying over national and international artists to feature on panel talks, conduct workshops, and connect directly with the local crowd. While budget is the main factor to consider, the consistent growth of the event has them firmly on track to hit this goal.
📱 Accountability and the Algorithm
When it comes to digital strategy, Michael prioritises educational and authentic content, utilising raw, minimally edited reels alongside high-quality interviews with industry professionals.
And while many promoters cite social media as their biggest hurdle, Michael offers a refreshing perspective on the Instagram algorithm. “I personally don’t think the algorithm controls the marketing of the event,” he states. “The person who runs the event is in full control of this and it’s how the person executes the marketing”.
That sense of accountability extends to his operational workflow as well. By heavily planning and thinking of every possible outcome before it happens, he actively prevents major operational challenges from derailing his shows.
🔄 The 7-Year Cycle & The “Click” Moment
Michael knew exactly how vital this networking space was to Perth during their very first event. “Everyone showed up within the first [hour] and a half making the venue fill out,” he recalls. “That moment for me was a ‘click’ moment as it showed that Perth wants and needs this event and it made me so much more focused and motivated”.
Looking ahead, he sees the local underground scene evolving and reaching new heights. Pointing to the cyclical nature of the industry, he notes, “Music genres have a 7-year cycle no matter where you are in the world and we are seeing bass music have a return back in Perth so I think we will be seeing more of this in the next 12 months”.
⚡ Michael Caird Quickfire
| Category | Answer |
|---|---|
| Favourite Venue (Perth) | The Vault. |
| Ideal Event in One Word | ”Community.” |
| Dream Collab / Concept | ”Industry Link Event Australia Tour (it will happen 👀)”. |
| Favourite Artist to Book | Too many to pick, but a special mention to Bodie: “I have never seen him without a smile on his face!”. |
| Analog vs. Digital | Digital mixing. “I love the concept of Analog mixing but in the advanced digital and technology age we are in, digital mixing!”. |
| Biggest Vibe Killer | No proper flow leading upwards from the DJs, and aggressive behaviour from punters. |
| Most Memorable Crowd | Selling out their 3rd event. As an artist, selling out a headline show at Geisha. |
🔌 Pass the Aux
We ask every feature guest to answer a question left by the previous interviewee.
Incoming Question from Impulse:
“What is the biggest operational lesson you’ve learned from an event that didn’t go to plan?”
Michael:
“In my years of experience, I have learnt a lot and to think of every possible outcome before it even happens which helps with planning the operational side of things.”
Outgoing Question for the Next Promoter:
“Why did you get into running events?”
Follow The Industry Link Event: [Instagram Link]