Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) stands as a beacon in the music industry, renowned for bringing together the brightest minds and talents in electronic music from across the globe. It’s not just a festival; it’s a convergence of creativity, innovation, and networking, making it an essential pilgrimage for industry professionals and enthusiasts alike. Below, we’ve curated a list of must-attend conferences and panels at ADE that promise to showcase discussions related to the business side, artist side and all other aspects of the vast electronic music industry.
Wednesday – 16th Oct
Reinier Zonneveld In-Depth: Creating His Own Festival, Creating Live with AI
After launching his R² Festival, where he introduced the world’s first AI-driven live back-to-back performance, Reinier will be showcasing the potential of AI in live music. Attendees can learn about his creative process, the future of AI in the industry, and what it takes to design a trailblazing festival experience. Perfect for those interested in music tech, AI integration, and cutting-edge live performances.
Location: Felix Meritis (Zuilenzaal) | Keizersgracht 324, Amsterdam
Time: 13:30-14:15
Hard Techno: Music & Lifestyle
The Hard Techno scene is experiencing a resurgence, transforming into a cultural movement that encompasses fashion and lifestyle trends. This engaging conversation will delve into the origins and impact of Hard Techno, featuring Sara Landry, a self-taught producer and DJ known for her dark, driving industrial techno, alongside Michelle Verhoef, the General Manager of Verknipt. As a key figure in the electronic music industry, Michelle is championing both the hard techno sound and women in music. This event is ideal for those interested in the evolution of electronic music, cultural trends, and empowering voices within the industry.
Location: Felix Meritis (Teekenzaal 1) | Keizersgracht 324, Amsterdam
Time: 13:30-14:15
From Vocal Booth to Dance Floor with Aluna & Chris Lake
Join acclaimed songwriter and vocalist Aluna, alongside globally successful DJ and producer Chris Lake, as they unveil the creative process behind their collaborative tracks “More Baby” and “Beggin’” at ADE Lab. Known for Aluna’s soulful vocals and genre-blending style paired with Chris Lake’s innovative production, this session will showcase the powerful fusion of their talents. Attendees will gain exclusive insights into the production process, vocal recording techniques, and the emotional energy that shapes their music. Ideal for aspiring producers, songwriters, and fans looking to deepen their understanding of music creation.
Location: De Brakke Grond (Boom Box) | Nes 45, Amsterdam
Time: 13:45 – 14:30
Meet the Labels and A&Rs
The “Meet the Labels and A&R’s” session invites Pro delegates to connect with a curated group of key players in the music industry, offering unique networking opportunities to enhance your career. This informal speed dating-style event encourages attendees to circulate, engage, and make their presence known. Prepare your pitch, define your appeal, and seize the chance for one-on-one networking opportunities following an in-depth introduction to the participating professionals. Perfect for anyone looking to expand their industry connections and make meaningful contacts.
Location: Pulitzer Amsterdam (Garden Room) | Keizersgracht 224, Amsterdam
Time: 14:45 – 16:00
20 Years of Tomorrowland: How to Rise and Stay on Top
Celebrate Tomorrowland’s milestone anniversary with its visionary founder, Michiel Beers, as he reveals the secrets behind the festival’s global success. Discover how Tomorrowland evolved from a local event into one of the world’s most iconic dance festivals by pushing boundaries, embracing innovation, and delivering unforgettable experiences. This keynote offers invaluable insights for both industry veterans and newcomers, providing strategies and lessons from Tomorrowland’s journey to help you succeed in the dynamic world of dance music.
Location: Felix Meritis (Concertzaal) | Keizersgracht 324, Amsterdam
Time: 15:15 – 16:30
Thursday – 17th Oct
Meta Best Practices
Join the Best Practices presentation at ADE Pro for an in-depth look at the latest features and insights from Meta’s suite of apps. This session will provide valuable tips on how to effectively reach fans and achieve your goals, tailored for artists, managers, marketers, and promoters. Attendees will learn practical strategies to enhance their online presence and engagement, making it a must-attend for anyone looking to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of social media and digital marketing in the music industry.
Location: Felix Meritis (Teekenzaal 1) | Keizersgracht 324, Amsterdam
Time: 12:15 – 13:00
SoundCloud – Essential Insider Knowledge
Join global DJ and producer Mau P in an insightful session alongside SoundCloud CEO Eliah Seton and Global Head of Music Emmy Lovell. They will discuss the strategic decisions that have shaped Mau P’s career and rapid rise to success, highlighting how SoundCloud has supported independent artists. This session promises to deliver valuable insights for artists and music professionals at all levels who are eager to leverage digital platforms for their growth. It’s an excellent opportunity to gain practical advice on navigating the music industry in the digital age.
Location: Felix Meritis (Shaffyzaal) | Keizersgracht 324, Amsterdam
Time: 12:30 – 13:15
Meet the Media
Experience a focused networking session at the ADE Matchmaking Hub in the Pulitzer Hotel, where Pro delegates can connect with a curated group of media professionals. This informal event encourages attendees to mingle and introduce themselves, offering unique opportunities to unlock valuable industry connections. Prepare your pitch for a dynamic networking experience, starting with an introduction to the professionals followed by one-on-one opportunities. Perfect for anyone looking to expand their network in a fresh, engaging setting.
Location: Pulitzer Amsterdam (Garden Room) | Keizersgracht 224, Amsterdam
Time: 12:45 – 14:00
Friday – 18th Oct
Meet the Managers
Experience a targeted networking session at the ADE Matchmaking Hub in the luxurious Pulitzer Hotel, where Pro delegates can connect with a curated group of industry managers. This informal event encourages attendees to mingle and make meaningful connections, offering unique opportunities not commonly found in everyday business interactions. Prepare your pitch to effectively showcase your appeal, as the session begins with introductions followed by one-on-one networking opportunities. Ideal for anyone looking to expand their professional network and gain valuable insights in a fresh, engaging setting.
Location: Pulitzer Amsterdam (Garden Room) | Keizersgracht 224, Amsterdam
Time: 14:45 – 16:00
YouTube Masterclass ft. Miss Monique
Join Miss Monique and her creative partner Artem in this Essential Insider Knowledge Masterclass, where they will share their secrets behind creating successful YouTube videos that have garnered millions of views. Discover their approach to content creation, learn what strategies work (and what doesn’t), and find out how you can leverage their expertise to enhance your own presence on the platform. This session is a must for aspiring content creators looking to elevate their YouTube game.
Location: Felix Meritis (Teekenzaal 1) | Keizersgracht 324, Amsterdam
Time: 15:45 – 16:30
Chris Stussy’s Tips and Hacks for a Long-Lasting Career
Join Chris for an intimate keynote where he will share his personal insights on building a successful and sustainable career as an artist. He will discuss strategies for maintaining mental and physical health amidst the pressures of the industry, balancing personal and professional demands, and optimizing the touring experience. Attendees will gain valuable techniques for staying authentic while connecting with their fanbase, making this session essential for artists looking to navigate their careers successfully.
Location: Felix Meritis (Shaffyzaal) | Keizersgracht 324, Amsterdam
Time: 16:15 – 17:00
Amelie Lens x Charlotte de Witte
Don’t miss Amelie Lens and Charlotte de Witte as they headline the ADE Pro Conference, sharing exclusive insights into their new partnership and upcoming collaborative projects. Known for their electrifying performances, the two techno icons will take attendees on a journey leading to their unique b2b DJ sets, including a trio of performances at Ghent’s Flanders Expo early next year. Join this panel for an exciting sneak peek into what fans can expect from this groundbreaking collaboration.
Location: Felix Meritis (Zuilenzaal) | Keizersgracht 324, Amsterdam
Time: 16:30 – 17:15
Saturday – 19th Oct
The Future of Radio
Explore the surprising resilience of radio in the age of digital media, where listener numbers are thriving despite predictions of its decline. This panel will address critical questions about radio’s role in breaking new tracks, particularly in electronic music. Experts will discuss what it takes to create engaging shows that reach wide audiences and examine the relevance of historical brands like the BBC, Radio 538, France’s FG, and Ireland’s Radio 2. Join the conversation to gain insights into the evolving landscape of radio and its impact on the music industry today.
Location: Felix Meritis (Zuilenzaal) | Keizersgracht 324, Amsterdam
Time: 13:45 – 14:30
The Future of Clubs and Venues
Join a thought-provoking panel exploring the shifting landscape of live music in the post-COVID era, where audiences are gravitating towards major festivals and big-ticket events. As smaller local nights face declining attendance, this discussion will address concerns about the nurturing of emerging talent and whether younger generations will overlook grassroots venues. Experts will discuss strategies for local clubs and smaller venues to reclaim their vital role in the music ecosystem as platforms for emerging artists and mid-sized acts. Ideal for venue owners, promoters, and music enthusiasts interested in revitalizing local music scenes.
Location: Felix Meritis (Zuilenzaal) | Keizersgracht 324, Amsterdam
Time: 15:00 – 16:30
Understanding U.S. Dance Radio
Dive into the world of Dance music radio programming with Mediabase, which tracks airplay data from nearly 2,000 U.S. radio stations—only 17 of which focus on Dance. This session will uncover what programmers prioritize when selecting music for these influential yet small-format stations, known for their passionate listeners. Topics will include the impact of DJ support, Shazams, streaming numbers, and TikTok trends on programming decisions, as well as the significance of station identity and intuition. Perfect for artists and industry professionals looking to understand how to navigate and succeed in the Dance radio landscape.
Location: Felix Meritis (Teekenzaal 2) | Keizersgracht 324, Amsterdam
Time: 15:00 – 15:45