Is Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) worth it for producers and engineers?

Every year I get the same question: “Is ADE worth going to?”

Here’s my honest answer: YES.

If you’re into electronic music in any way (producer, DJ, engineer, manager, you name it) and you live in a place where “nothing’s really happening”, this event is like getting dropped into the centre of the music universe for a few days.

You’re surrounded by people who get it: people who are building stuff, and people who might want to build stuff with you.

You can stack meetings

You can EASILY do 5 to 10 meetings during the day. Then there’s networking at the night events, where you can meet your idols.

You run into artists, reps, engineers and booking agents all over town. It’s dense in the best way.

What if you know no one?

Get the Pro Pass. It’s not cheap, but it gives you access to the official attendee database.

This lets you search for the people you’re interested in (labels, A&Rs, managers, bookers) and schedule a meeting with them. It’s especially useful if you’ve got something cool to show or pitch.

Don’t be like me

Every single year I tell myself: “I’m gonna book this EARLY. Flights, hotels, all of it.”

Every year, I don’t. And then I end up paying TRIPLE for the same rooms and flights.

So here’s your friendly PSA: if you’re even thinking about going, plan it at least 6-7 months ahead.