Amsterdam Dance Event 2026: Big Names & Industry Insights at ADE Pro’s 30th Anniversary

ADE Pro 2026 announces major line-up including Josh Baker, Orbital’s Paul Hartnoll and Mochakk for 30th anniversary conference

Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) has revealed its latest speakers for ADE Pro 2026, marking the conference’s 30th anniversary with a roster that includes electronic music pioneer Josh Baker, Orbital’s Paul Hartnoll, Brazilian producer Mochakk, and Ed Banger Records founder Busy P. The event, set for October 21–25 in Amsterdam, positions itself as one of the largest gatherings for electronic music industry professionals, with a program focusing on market trends, tech partnerships, and emerging global regions.

The newly announced participants join previously confirmed speakers such as electronic music legend Jean-Michel Jarre, who will serve as Guest of Honor, alongside Mosimann, Novah, and LYZZA. According to ADE’s official announcement, the 2026 edition will spotlight Brazil, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), and sub-Saharan Africa as key growth areas for electronic music, reflecting broader industry shifts toward global expansion.

Why is this year’s ADE Pro line-up significant?

This year’s speakers represent a mix of established industry leaders and rising voices shaping the future of electronic music. Josh Baker, a Manchester-based producer and label owner, will discuss how artists are diversifying revenue streams through labels, festivals, and education platforms—a trend underscored by his own ventures like the Baker’s Dozen collective. Orbital’s Paul Hartnoll, whose 1996 album In Sides remains a landmark in electronic music, will participate in a panel titled The Ethics of the Sample: Collaboration, Consent and Credit Across Cultures, coinciding with the album’s 30th anniversary. The panel reflects growing industry conversations around intellectual property and cultural credit, particularly as sampling practices evolve in digital spaces.

Mochakk, a key figure in Brazil’s burgeoning electronic scene, aligns with ADE’s focus on the country’s rising influence. According to a 2025 Billboard report, Brazilian artists have gained global traction through platforms like Spotify and festivals, with Mochakk’s work exemplifying the fusion of regional sounds with electronic production. Meanwhile, Busy P and Emmanuel de Buretel of Because Music will explore the future of independent labels, building on their decades-long partnership that has shaped artists like Justice and Gesaffelstein.

What themes will define ADE Pro 2026?

The conference’s program is structured around three core themes: market consolidation, the music industry’s relationship with big tech, and collective action. These topics reflect ongoing challenges in the sector, including the dominance of streaming platforms and the struggle for artist autonomy. ADE’s emphasis on Brazil, MENA, and sub-Saharan Africa also highlights a strategic pivot toward regions with rapidly growing music economies. According to Billboard UK, last year’s edition drew 10,000 industry professionals and 600,000 fans, positioning Amsterdam as a hub for electronic music innovation.

Additional speakers include SPFDJ, Pegassi, Mathame, Gideon Berger, Sarah Williams, and Coldcut co-founder Matt Black. More names and sessions will be announced in the coming months, with the full schedule expected to deepen the conversation around these themes. The 2025 conference featured appearances from Skepta, Hannah Laing, Joris Voorn, Chris Stussy, and Armin van Buuren, reinforcing ADE’s reputation as a platform for both established and emerging talent.

How does this year’s line-up compare to past editions?

While ADE Pro has long been a gathering for electronic music’s elite, the 2026 line-up stands out for its blend of legacy acts and next-generation producers. Unlike previous years, which often centered on festival culture and DJ sets, this edition places greater emphasis on business models, tech partnerships, and global regional growth. The inclusion of panels like The Ethics of the Sample also signals a shift toward addressing industry-wide ethical concerns, particularly as digital tools reshape creative processes.

For industry observers, the conference’s focus on Brazil and MENA regions is particularly notable. According to a 2024 IFPI Global Music Report, these regions accounted for some of the fastest-growing music markets, with electronic music playing a key role in their expansion. ADE’s programming reflects this trend, offering a platform for artists and executives from these areas to connect with international stakeholders.

What happens next for ADE Pro 2026?

With the initial speaker announcements complete, ADE will continue rolling out additional names and session details in the lead-up to the event. Attendees can expect deeper dives into the themes of market consolidation, tech collaboration, and global expansion, alongside performances and networking opportunities. The conference’s 30th anniversary also presents an opportunity to reflect on electronic music’s evolution, from its underground roots to its current status as a global cultural force.

For industry professionals, the line-up signals a year of strategic discussions and potential partnerships. For fans, the event remains a must-attend for those seeking insights into the future of electronic music—both artistically and commercially.