We’re less than a month away from this year’s In The City, the first without Tony Wilson, who launched the music conference with partner Yvette Livesey in 1992. And general manager Jon-Paul Waddington has been in touch with details of the live side of the event, which has helped the likes of Mercury Prize-winners Elbow, Coldplay and, er, the Darkness get a record deal.

As well as dozens of fringe shows, the official ITC Unsigned this year features 49 bands you’ve never heard of. Jon-Paul suggests that you check out Jesse Rose, Barn Owl, I Am Austin, Baddies, Flashguns, The Fire And I, Telegram From The Queen, General Fiasco and Oscar Charlie – and I’d recommend The Travelling Band, who I’ve mentioned before. The only other two names I recognise are Nomad Jones and The Paris Riots – but that’s the whole point: hearing something completely new.

Perhaps more importantly for non-industry types, however, are the Live showcases, which invite 22 ITC-related organisations to put on the bands they think are the best in the world right now. Here are some of the most impressive showcases:

Heavenly Recordings: Cherry Ghost, Edwyn Collins, Loose Salute, Romeo Stodart (The Magic Numbers), John Head (Shack), Pete Greenwood

Piccadilly Records: Woodcraft Folk, Beach Fuzz, DA Jaycock Quartet, Magic Arm, Colorama, The Real Dolls, Sophie’s Pigeons, Down The Tiny Steps, Sara Lowes

The Warehouse Project/Eat Your Own Ears (opening party): Reverend & The Makers, Tricky, The Whip, Late Of The Pier, Midnight Juggernauts, Simian Mobile Disco, Four Tet

Fierce Panda: The Spinto Band, Dutch Uncles, Laymar, Airship, Acres Of Lions, Capital

Plus there are plenty of other showcases by the likes of Alan McGee, Drowned in Sound, Twisted Nerve, XFM, Channel M, BBC Introducing and the NME. This information isn’t published online yet, but expect full details to be here soon.

In The City 2008 takes places on October 5-7 and is based at the Midland Hotel.