Music industry experts have been sharing guidance with BBC News NI regarding the process of securing a stage at a festival.
Bookers, agents and festival bosses handed out advice at a music conference held in Belfast on Thursday.
Ewan McElhinney and Alex Talbot are bandmates who attended the event.
The session focused on practical strategies for musicians wishing to get their act seen by organisers.
Participants discussed the specific requirements needed to move from an amateur group to a booked act.
Attendees were encouraged to prepare clear proposals that demonstrate their potential value to the festival line-up.
Networking opportunities provided during the conference allowed direct contact with decision-makers in the sector.
The advice covered everything from portfolio preparation to understanding festival selection criteria.