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Conventions & Awards

The 2026 ASCAP Experience in Photos

The annual meeting of songwriters, composers, producers and industry leaders took place on Feb. 12 at LA's Skirball Cultural Center, and included panels, workshops, performances and community-building moments.

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On February 12, ASCAP, The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, hosted the 2026 iteration of their annual ASCAP Experience at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles. Each year, songwriters, composers, producers, and industry leaders alike convene for a daylong itinerary of panels, workshops, performances and community-building moments. 

This year, the prestigious ASCAP Founders Award was awarded to singer-songwriter, comedian, and actor Adam Sandler, who has been an ASCAP member for 33 years with approximately 450 registered works. Prior recipients of this same award have included Sir Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, Patti Smith, Dr. Dre, and Carly Simon.

So much more happened throughout the day. Here's a photo recap of the event. All photos credited to Lester Cohen for ASCAP.

Adam Sandler accepts the ASCAP Founders Award.
ASCAP CEO Beth Matthews, Adam Sandler, & ASCAP Chairman of the Board and President Paul Williams.
ASCAP EVP & Head of Creative Membership Nicole George-Middleton.
Cautious Clay performs at the ASCAP Membership Meeting.
Hitmakers panelists Nova Wav’s Chi, James Fauntleroy, & Nova Wav’s Blu June.
Nova Wav’s Blu June, Mark Sonnenblick, & Justin Tranter during Hitmakers.
Darrell Brown & Simply Rich during Get Heard: Live Song Feedback.
Darrell Brown, Hasson, & Neff-U during Get Heard: Live Song Feedback.
Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis in conversation.
Andreas Carlsson performs at The Writers’ Jam.
Annika Bennett & Steph Jones perform at The Writers’ Jam.

The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) is a membership association of more than 1.1 million songwriters, composers and music publishers, and represents some of the world’s most talented music creators. Founded and governed by songwriters, composers and publishers, it returns nearly 90 cents of every dollar collected to its members as royalties and has the lowest overhead rate of any U.S. PRO.

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