Despite the COVID-19 pandemic putting most major gatherings on hold, a largely digital version of Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) will still take place in 2020. Organizers have revealed the first speakers for the electronic music industry conference, which is slated for October 21st-25th.
Bandcamp Label Representative Aly Gillani, VEVO Creative Content & Programming VP Claudia de Wolff, and BBC Radio 1 DJ Jaguar are among the industry figureheads who will give panel talks and interviews. English singer-songwriter James Blake will discuss mental health with osteopathic medicine expert Jennie Morton, and Deborah Mannis-Gardner will give a workshop on music clearance.
Physical events will take place in a limited capacity. Bimhuis, Concertgebouw, Melkweg, Paradiso and Paradiso Noord are among the venues to host “Covid-Proof ADE Specials” in close coordination with local officials.
“Creating a digital alternative of ADE’s annual industry gathering in Amsterdam was quite a puzzle because we needed to represent not just a conference program, but meaningful connections between visitors as well,” said ADE co-director Meindert Kennis. “Whereas other digital conferences offer a one-off knowledge sharing event, we wanted to embrace the challenge of investing in a sustainable social platform that provides real value throughout the year for music industry professionals globally.”
In light of the change in format, tickets to ADE have been reduced in price from €450 to €75. More information can be found on the Amsterdam Dance Event website.
