Livestreaming existed before the pandemic, but the technology has quickly become a key tool for touring artists to augment their income and stay connected to fans. In just a few months, livestreaming has gone from a touring alternative to a new revenue category for musicians.

Beginning on Aug. 20 at 9AM PT, the Billboard Pro Spotlight Series features video Q&As between industry thought leaders and Billboard editors that explore the boundaries of the new paradigm and discussions on where the industry goes from here. The panels will live here -- and if you're a Billboard Pro member, you already have access. If you're not a member, see Pro options below and sign up today.

See the list of panels below:

Creators In The COVID-19 Era: A Path Forward

Mike Huppe, CEO, SoundExchange

Now That We’re Live, How Do We Monetize: A Case Study With Underoath
Billboard’s Taylor Mims sits down with the team behind Underoath’s online Observatory livestream series presented in partnership with Bandsintown.

Joel Cook, partner/chief creative officer, Tension Division
Randy Nichols, owner, Force Media Management
Taylor Mims, staff writer, Billboard
Tim McTague, guitarist, Underoath

Livestreaming Data Deep Dive
Three of the best-known brands in music data and analytics come together to discuss the trends and tracking of livestreaming’s explosive growth.

Eric Frankenberg, chart manager (Boxscore/touring), Billboard
Fabrice Sergent, co-founder and managing partner, Bandsintown
Vita Molis, director of research and insights, MRC Data

Music Industry Redefined: Shifting From Venues To Virtual
The coronavirus has indefinitely sidelined the live-music business, forcing the $25 billion industry to rethink how fans and artists stay connected. This panel will discuss how key stakeholders make that transition and adapt and thrive in the new online paradigm.

Cisco Adler, founder, No Cap
Dave Brooks, senior director (touring/live entertainment), Billboard
Lee Rolontz, senior vp events and broadcast, Global Citizen
Micah Pueschel, lead singer/guitarist, Iration

Pivoting In A Pandemic: Amplifying Diverse Voices In A Time Of Crisis
The global quarantine represented a radical shift for the longtime concert promoter, who reacted in real time to events unfolding around the country by curating a series of performances and discussions that kept fans engaged and empowered.

Gail Mitchell, executive director (R&B/hip-hop), Billboard
Brandon Pankey, vp business development and operations, Live Nation Urban
Marcus Allen, co-founder and partner, Broccoli City

Unreal Environment: 12th Planet At The Stadio Virtual Venue
Billboard goes behind the scenes of 12th Planet’s virtual concert experience. This panel will dissect the performance shot at Los Angeles’ Stadio studio with the help of video game engineers and narrative storylines, exploring the boundaries of video and crowd dynamic technology and the future of real-time concert experiences.

12th Planet/John Dadzie
Drew Best, creative director, Immanent
Gopi Sangha, co-founder, Stadio
Tatiana Cirisano, reporter, Billboard

Special Award Presentation: Heroes Of The Pandemic
Billboard is honoring Richard and Demi Weitz with the Heroes of the Pandemic Award, created during the quarantine and presented exclusively to the creators of the Quarantunes series, which has raised over $7 million for charity and brought hope, connection and friendship to the music and arts community.

Recipients:
Richard Weitz, managing partner, WME, co-creator, RWQuarantunes
Demi Weitz, rising senior, Campbell Hall, co-creator, RWQuarantunes