The Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) returns for its monumental 30th anniversary in 2026, once again transforming the Dutch capital into the absolute centre of the electronic music universe. While the sprawling nighttime festival commands global attention, the true beating heart of the week lies within the ADE Pro conference. Gathering the most talented artists, innovative tech leaders, and forward-thinking industry professionals in one city, ADE provides an unparalleled opportunity to learn, connect, and collaborate. From intimate networking sessions with key booking agents to vital discussions on AI and the future of music production, the wealth of information and access available is staggering. To get into these rooms and participate in the conversations shaping the next decade of the industry, securing an ADE Pro Pass is essential, granting you access to the full summit. Here are some of the standout conference and networking events that make the pass worthwhile for the 2026 edition.
Wednesday, October 21
Models and Agents: The Future of Music Production in the AI Era with Google DeepMind’s Jeff Chang
Rosewood Amsterdam | Prinsengracht 432-436, Amsterdam 12:45-13:30
This session is a critical look at how artificial intelligence will shape music creation. Hearing directly from a Google DeepMind representative offers invaluable foresight for independent label operations and editorial forecasting. Understanding these tools early is a major advantage for scaling production workflows and adapting to new technological standards.
Behind the Booking: What Artist Managers and Promoters Really Want
ADE x TicketSwap Global Promoter Hub | Amsterdam 14:15-15:00
This panel dissects the live music landscape from both sides of the negotiating table, offering honest insights and practical tips. It is incredibly useful for refining pitching strategies. Knowing exactly what promoters are looking for right now will directly improve the success rate when securing club and festival bookings.
Because Music x Ed Banger: 20 Years of Collaboration
Felix Meritis | Keizersgracht 324, Amsterdam 14:45-15:30
Emmanuel de Buretel and Pedro Winter will unpack two decades of shared history between their iconic French labels. For anyone managing editorial platforms or independent artists, this talk provides a blueprint for building a lasting, influential ecosystem. It is a rare chance to hear how to sustain cultural relevance and independence over the long term.
Meet The Agents
Rosewood Amsterdam | Prinsengracht 432-436, Amsterdam 15:00-17:00
This networking session brings together key booking agents from across the electronic music spectrum. It is an essential room to be in for expanding international touring networks. Face-to-face connections here can bridge the gap between regional success and breaking talent into European and global markets.
Thursday, October 22
Who Writes the Rules? AI, Music Rights, and Building in Europe
Felix Meritis | Keizersgracht 324, Amsterdam 11:00-11:45
With AI rapidly complicating copyright and royalties, this round table is essential for protecting artist catalogues. It explores the latest legislative shifts and how creators can safeguard their work. Staying across these policies is absolutely vital for A&R professionals and managers who need to secure fair compensation for their artists in a shifting digital landscape.
Inside the MENA Music Ecosystem
Felix Meritis | Keizersgracht 324, Amsterdam 12:15-13:00
This talk dives into the rapidly expanding Middle East and North Africa recorded music market, covering the artists, labels, and distributors driving the scene. As electronic music continues to globalise, understanding the infrastructure of emerging territories is key for identifying new touring markets and collaborative opportunities outside of traditional Western circuits.
Spotify | Essential Insider Knowledge
Felix Meritis | Keizersgracht 324, Amsterdam 12:15-13:00
Led by Spotify’s global programming heads, this session unpacks the strategies for taking regional sounds to an international audience. For managers working to push acts onto bigger global playlists, getting direct insight into how the platform’s editorial teams curate and cross-pollinate genres is an absolute goldmine.
Spotify for Artists Masterclass
WestWeelde Lab Village | Klönneplein 4-6, Amsterdam 13:30-14:30
Part of the ADE Lab programme, this masterclass features artist Sammy Virji alongside Spotify’s Artist Partnerships managers. It provides actionable, hands-on advice for maximising an artist’s presence on the platform. It is a brilliant opportunity to gather practical tools and backend knowledge that can immediately be applied to optimise release campaigns.
Music Industry As Investor
Rosewood Amsterdam | Prinsengracht 432-436, Amsterdam 15:00-15:45
Featuring speakers like Sam Feldt and Tinie Tempah, this panel explores how artists and music professionals are transitioning into venture capital and investment. It is highly worthwhile for understanding alternative revenue streams and wealth-building strategies within the music business. Learning how established figures leverage their industry capital can inspire innovative financial models for emerging talent.
30 Years of ADE: Kick-Off Talk
Felix Meritis | Keizersgracht 324, Amsterdam 16:15-17:15
The original ADE crew will reflect on how the event expanded from its modest beginnings into a global industry behemoth. Beyond the nostalgia, hearing how they scaled the brand and navigated early challenges offers great perspective for anyone running their own music publications or events.
Friday, October 23
NVIDIA | What Building Together Actually Looks Like
Rosewood Amsterdam | Prinsengracht 432-436, Amsterdam
11:45-12:30
This session features Shari Reich, NVIDIA’s Global Head of Audio & Music, and Amanda Schupf. It focuses on collaborative tech developments within the music space. For anyone involved in music media and tech intersections, understanding how hardware giants like NVIDIA are integrating with the music industry reveals where the next generation of immersive audio and visual experiences is heading.
SoundCloud Remix Challenge with San Holo
15:00-16:00
SoundCloud and ADE have partnered to support emerging creators through a remix competition focused on San Holo’s catalogue. The final judging takes place live during this ADE Lab session. It is a great place to scout hungry, unrepresented producer talent and observe what A&Rs and established artists are currently responding to sonically.
How to Become an Independent Powerhouse with Mau P
Felix Meritis | Keizersgracht 324, Amsterdam
16:15-17:00
Mau P has experienced an absolutely meteoric rise as an independent artist over the last few years. This session will break down the mechanics of his success. The actionable takeaways regarding brand building, independent distribution, and marketing will be highly relevant for shaping release strategies for up-and-coming tech house and progressive artists.
