Winter Music Conference 2019 at Faena District is set to take place March 25-28 at the Faena Forum, Miami Beach

The first keynote speakers of Winter Music Conference 2019 were announced, and I’m super excited to see my personal trance god speak. That would be the iconic Dutch DJ, record producer, and remixer Armin van Buuren giving a presentation on A State of Trance. As I’ll be attending February 23, 2019, it’ll be interesting to hear his view on the show just a little over a month after the 900th episode is aired live. And there will be many other industry legends presenting including acid house founder DJ Pierre, and the amazingly talented Laidback Luke.

Armin will be joined by other prominent names in trance music to discuss the progression of one of dance music’s most beloved genres. Having evolved from a small radio show into a wide-ranging and far-reaching brand with many different spin-offs, A State of Trance is one of the world’s biggest and most popular dance music brands. Built from the ground up since the very first episode of Armin van Buuren’s radio show in 2001, ASOT now entails a globally acclaimed label and a breathtaking event series to boot, drawing tens of thousands of music lovers from all over the globe.

Armin Van Buuren ASOT | Photo Via weloveatrance.com

Irvine Welsh, an acclaimed and often controversial writer of novels, stories and stage and screenplays — most notably “Trainspotting”, “The Acid House” and “Ecstasy” — will be joined by acid house originator DJ Pierre for a discussion on the evolution and impact of acid house on global music and culture. Welsh has explored acid house themes in many of his written works, and in addition to performing as a DJ, he’s crafting his debut album which will be comprised of classic acid house sounds. As a member of Chicago-based electronic group Phuture, DJ Pierre helped to produce the song “Acid Tracks” which is considered to be the first acid house record. That bass, that 303 — this was the flashpoint for a worldwide sensation. Together, Irvine Welsh and DJ Pierre will explore acid house from it’s earliest moments and show how its impact is still felt today.



Considered one of the most technically skilled DJs on the planet, there’s none better than Laidback Luke to host Winter Music Conference 2019’s “The Power of Creative DJing” main stage presentation. The Mixmash Records founder has effortlessly weaved his way through multiple dance music genres during his career, each time leaving his mark on the industry. Originally making a name for himself in the house and techno community, Luke would become one of the most prominent artists of the 2010’s EDM scene. Through social media, Luke’s been very vocal about his appreciation and respect for the art of DJing and often communicates directly with his fans; offering them tips and tricks of the trade.

Laidback Luke at EDC Las Vegas 2015 | Photo Via rukes.com

Platinum-selling DJ and producer Sam Feldt will be joined by a special guest in conversation about green philanthropy. Established by Feldt in 2018, The Heartfeldt Foundation is a non-profit platform that promotes a sustainable lifestyle and a healthier planet by using the reach and influence of ambassadors in the fields of music, sports, and entertainment. Feldt and his special guest will take those in attendance on a journey through the ways we can make the world a better place for the foreseeable future.

WMC // Industry attendees will be treated to a special closing night sunset cocktail party courtesy of Nulu Music at The Faena Hotel Miami Beach’s “Tree Of Life.” The music and vibes are pure perfection as the sun sets to the beats of DJs Anané, Christian Mantini and special guest Louie Vega. This party celebrates the 10-year anniversary of Nulu Music, an independent label started and founded by Anané in 2009 in which she honored her Afro roots by creating an international platform for Afro House artists coming from Cabo Verde, Angola, Mozambique, South Africa, Congo & Nigeria, just to name a few.

Additional keynote speakers will be announced in the coming weeks. These individuals will be part of a dynamic Winter Music Conference 2019’s programming schedule that includes panels and discussions about the most important topics facing dance music culture. The first WMC panels are ready to be revealed and they explore the following topics.

WMC // Access Panels:



Breaking In: How To Get Your Start In The Electronic Music IndustrySigning With The Future: How Labels Utilize New Technologies For Sustained Growth

Surviving Indie: Innovation and Brand Building As An Independent Label

Spinnin’ Records Panel w/ special surprise guests

Daily artist panels including Bass, House, Techno, Drum & Bass genres

Digital Collision: The Convergence of Esports, Gaming And Electronic Music Culture

The Bleeding Edge: Shaping The Next Wave Of Electronic Music Culture

WMC // Industry Badge (upgrade) Exclusive Panels:

The Death of The Newsfeed: Using FB Messenger To Effectively Reach Your Followers

The Data Solution: Viberate Presents Current Market Trends And Analytics Strategy

Music Placement – How To Get Your Music Synced With Brands, Films, TV, and Advertising

Brands x Artists x Culture: How To Create An Authentic Music Strategy

AFEM Presents – Get Played Get Paid: How the rise of Music Recognition Technology at DJ Events could put money in your pocket

Practically Green: Environmental Solutions for the Music Industry

Presentation by Grammy.com / Recording Academy / MusiCares with a very special guest

Joining WMC’s world-class list of previously announced partners are iconic music production and DJ brands including Akai, Denon DJ, Native Instruments, Rane and Pioneer DJ. Additional newly confirmed partners include Counter Records, Fusicology, Echostage, Lowly Palace, Proximity, The District, Earmilk, The Nations and more major partnerships to be announced in the coming weeks.



Winter Music Conference 2019 programming will be spread across two distinct segments targeted at industry professionals (WMC // Industry – upgrade) as well as music consumers, college students and aspiring DJs/producers (WMC // Access) looking to learn more about this exciting industry and the music, technology and culture that powers it.

Industry and Access badges are now available and registration for Winter Music Conference 2019 is open exclusively, here.

Be on the lookout for a big announcement regarding the 2019 International Dance Music Awards (IDMA). This year’s awards are powered by Viberate – the world’s biggest crowdsourced platform for listing and mapping the live music industry. Viberate’s metrics based platform will help to make the IDMA’s the most diverse and eclectic awards presentation in the dance music world.

Click to register for Winter Music Conference 2019

*Featured Image Via mixmag.com*