Winter Music Conference, a significant event in the dance music industry, is set to make a grand comeback in 2025. With a history spanning 35 years, this three-day conference will take place during Miami Music Week, from March 26th to 28th, at the beachfront Eden Roc Miami Beach hotel. The 2020 conference was cancelled due to the pandemic, making this 2025 edition all the more special.

Uniting Dance Music at Miami's Premier Event

History and Significance

Launched in 1985, Winter Music Conference has long been a cornerstone of the dance music scene. Prior to the pandemic, it was held every March in Miami, attracting an estimated 100,000 attendees and 3,500 music professionals from over 70 countries. It served as one of the largest industry networking events in the dance/electronic music genre, hosting a wide range of events, parties, seminars, and workshops.The conference's return in 2025 is a momentous occasion, especially considering its absence in 2020. It marks the resumption of a tradition that has shaped the industry and brought together music lovers and professionals from around the world.

Focus on Dance Music Business and Culture

The 2025 event is set to focus on various facets of dance music business and culture. Through educational panels, keynotes, and networking sessions, it will provide a platform for industry insiders to share insights and knowledge. Specific topics such as agency dynamics, licensing, streaming, publicity, A&R, emerging social media platforms, brand longevity, and more will be discussed. This comprehensive approach will help attendees stay updated on the latest trends and developments in the industry.For example, discussions on agency dynamics will explore how agencies operate in the digital age and how they can help artists navigate the complex music business landscape. Licensing discussions will focus on the importance of proper licensing and how it impacts the music industry. Streaming conversations will delve into the challenges and opportunities presented by the streaming era.

WMC 2025 Awards Show

The 2025 Winter Music Conference will end with a March 28th awards show, which will be a first-ever hybrid event from the Electronic Dance Music Awards (EDMAs) and the International Dance Music Awards (IDMAs). This show will feature live performances and award presentations, adding an exciting element to the conference.It will be a celebration of the best in dance music, recognizing the achievements of artists and professionals in the industry. The hybrid format will allow for a wider reach and increased participation, making it a truly memorable event.

Ultra Music Festival Connection

Winter Music Conference is owned by Ultra Music Festival, which kicks off in Miami on the same day the conference ends, Friday, March 28th. The three-day Ultra Music Festival will again take place at its longtime home in Miami's Bayfront Park. The 2025 lineup features renowned artists like Armin van Buuren, Carl Cox, Afrojck, Tiësto, Martin Garrix, and Hardwell, along with exciting pairings such as Anyma b2b Solomun and Pendulum playing both solo and back to back with Deadmau5. Deadmau5 will also perform his first ever career-spanning "retro5pective" set.This connection between the two events creates a unique synergy, with the conference providing a platform for industry discussions and the festival offering a high-energy musical experience.