35 Years of Billboard Latin Music Week in Photos: Shakira, Rauw Alejandro & More

Billboard Latin Music Week — the single most important, and biggest, gathering of Latin artists and industry executives in the world — is celebrating its 35th anniversary, taking place Oct. 14-18 at the Fillmore Miami Beach.

This year’s coveted event will feature superstar speakers J Balvin, Young Miko, Gloria Estefan, Alejandro Sanz, Peso Pluma, JOP (Fuerza Regida), Eden Muñoz, Bad Gyal, Mon Laferte,Thalia and Maria Becerra, among many others. As tradition holds, the week coincides with the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Awards airing Sunday, Oct. 20, via Telemundo.

Over the past 35 years, Latin Music Week has become the one, steady foundation of Latin music in this country and for the world.

Tracing back to 1990, the star-studded conferences and showcases, initially named Latin Music Seminar, sponsored by Billboard, kicked off as a one-day event in Miami featuring a two-artist showcase and awards show. In 1992, the event took place in Las Vegas, where artists such as Selena Quintanilla and Jon Secada performed at the new-artist showcase. Shakira made her debut in 1996 at a conference showcase, and that same year, José Feliciano received El Premio Billboard; Juan Gabriel was inducted into the Hall of Fame; and Gloria Estefan received the Spirit of Hope award.

Some of the biggest names in Latin music history, including Celia Cruz, Ricky Martin, Chayanne, Tito Puente, Jenni Rivera and Emilio Estefan, to name a few, have participated at Billboard Latin Music Week throughout the years. Most recently, Daddy Yankee, Bad Bunny, Karol G, Romeo Santos and Peso Pluma have also joined the celebration.

Below, check out a photo gallery of 35 years of Billboard Latin Music Week. To register for this year’s event, go to Billboard Latin Music Week.