Electronic lovers, unite! One of the most iconic electronic music events is back again for another year of industry deep dives, awesome shows, vast networking opportunities and so much more. If you’re planning to go this year for your first time, we got your back. No need to stress, here’s everything you need to know before you go to make the most of your stay.
About ADE
When: October 18-22, 2023
Location: Amsterdam (See full program here)
Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) is one of the most influential and loved events for the electronic music community. Every October, the industry’s best and brightest come together for 5 days of conferences, showcases, networking events, night-time raves, and so much more. Organized by The Amsterdam Dance Event Foundation, this event offers a full program of daytime conferences alongside the nighttime ADE Festival which features over 1000 events and 2,500+ artists in 200+ clubs and venues.
The shows attract over 400,000 people from all over the world to the city, making Amsterdam one of the busiest and most inspiring clubbing cities in the world. Whether you’re looking to learn from some of the biggest legends in the game or attend some killer shows in the city, this event has tons to offer.
The key to making sure you don’t miss a beat… plan ahead. (with this post as your guide. 😎)
How To Prep
The ADE website is jam-packed with all the information you could ever need. If you get the Pro Pass, you can access a database of individuals and businesses attending the conference, so you can plan exactly who you want to meet and when. The best thing you can do is spend some time researching the companies and actually hit people up before hand to set up some meetings and build out your personal schedule.
In order to enter many of the venues, you will need a badge. Depending on which ticket you buy, you’ll have access to different things. For example, the ADE Pro Pass gives you the ultimate ADE experience with full access to all conference tracks, networking events & hubs, all Festival events and much more. With the ADE Lab Pass, you get access to workshops and Q&As, as well as the latest gear by top brands, the chance to share your work & get feedback and opportunities to participate in music contests.
Pro Tips
- Watch out for bikes. Trust me… there are TONS of bikes everywhere. All flying full speed down the streets. Don’t be the guy (or gal) that gets hit by one.
- Make sure you have phone service. Most of the venues have WiFi, but it doesn’t hurt to make sure your international minutes are set up as well. Just in case.
- Bring business cards. (duh)
- Bring a portable charger. (also duh)
- Get some earplugs. (Protect your sweet little ears, please! You’ll be overloading them with very loud (and very good) music all week.)
Let’s talk about… ✨drugs✨
Large scale dance events like this one always run the risk of drug-related complications. Back in 2017, a large batch of ecstasy pills with the ADE logo branded on them took the event by storm and resulted in multiple overdoses throughout the city. Although they set up drug testing stations following the outbreak to try and minimize the damage, these dangers are very real and a serious problem.
I get it, electronic music and drugs can be a wonderful combo… HOWEVER, it’s important you are responsible with whatever you choose to intake into your body. You never know what you’re getting or how you’ll react, so if you absolutely must use a substance… ALWAYS test your drugs. In the event that you do get sick, do not hesitate to go to a first aid station or call 112, the Amsterdam equivalent to 911. (Anything you discuss at a first aid station remains confidential and you will not be prosecuted for drug use or possession.)
At the end of the day, your well-being is priority #1. Be kind to your mind. ❤️
To wrap it all up…
After all your meetings, panels and everything in-between, don’t forget to have some fun! After your day of planned activities is complete, swing by some low key events, enjoy the beauty of Amsterdam, and try some amazing food. To be in the music industry is a heck of a privilege and to be able to travel for things like this is an even bigger one. If you have the opportunity to be in a country as beautiful as the Netherlands, you deserve to check out one of its greatest areas and enjoy the sights, sounds, and “coffee.”
