Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) has long stood as the beating heart of global electronic music culture where DJs, music producers, industry leaders, and innovators converge to shape the future of sound. Each October, the city transforms into a hub of creativity and conversation, with panels explore the music business, technology, and artistry driving the industry forward.
This year brings another strong program across the board. We’ve highlighted five sessions that cut through the noise, covering everything from evolving rights economics to AI’s role in production, plus hands-on insights from producers like Shimza.
Here’s your shortlist for ADE 2025:
1. AI as Creative Partner: Finding Balance in Electronic Music
Speakers: Eelke Kleijn (DAYS like NIGHTS, NL) / Juliette Rolnick (Music Product, ElevenLabs, US) / Michiel Laan (Buma/Stemra, NL) / Portrait XO (SOUND OBSESSED, DE) / Terry Tyldesley (GB)
Date: Thu, Oct 23, 2025 14:00 – 14:45
Location: Felix Meritis (Husly Lounge) | Keizersgracht 324, Amsterdam
2. Afro House Production Masterclass: Techniques & History with Shimza & friends
Speakers: AWEN (FR) / Dare Balogun (Homecoming, NG) / JAMIIE (DE) / Shimza (ZA) / Vanco (ZA)
Date: Fri, Oct 24, 2025 13:00 – 13:45
Location: WestWeelde (The Sound Chapel) | Klönneplein 4-6, Amsterdam
3. The Hyper-Financialising of Music: Music Rights, Investment and New Models
Speaker: Scott Cohen (JKBX, GB)
Date: Thu, Oct 23, 2025 12:15 – 13:00
Location: Felix Meritis (Zuilenzaal) | Keizersgracht 324, Amsterdam
4. Meet the Agents
Speakers: Aysh Osman (The Bullitt Agency, CA) / Carolina Rezende (Coral Agency, BR) / Crosby Stewart (WME, ) / Georgia Lancaster (David Lewis Productions, GB) / Hugh Parsons (Creative Artist Agency, GB) / Ines Martinez Llinas (MAC Artists, ES) / Jack Berg (ROAM Artists, GB) / Julian Texeira (Creative Artists Agency (CAA), US) / Laura Ruiz (WME, GB) / Lindsay Maclaren (MAC Artists, GB) / Logan Handelsman (Wasserman, US) / Oliver Gunns (UTA, GB) / Patricia Altisent (DECIBL, CH) / Rakesh Sharma (KESH.network, NL) / Ryan Saltzman (The Bullitt Agency, US) / Tony Dekker (David Lewis Productions, NL) / Youp van der Steeg (Anna Agency, NL)
Date: Wed, Oct 22, 2025 12:00 – 13:00
Location: Pulitzer Amsterdam (Garden Room) | Keizersgracht 224, Amsterdam
5. Real Data, Real Insights: How Early-Stage Music Tech Gets Funded
Speaker: Andrés Lauer (Outpost Partners, US)
Date: Thu, Oct 23, 2025 13:30 – 14:15
Location: Felix Meritis (Koepelzaal) | Keizersgracht 324, Amsterdam
Full program here
Photo Credit: Kapaphotography (ADE)