We were over in Holland for the Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE09) recently, and despite growing in size and importance since I was last there in 2004, the conference and associated parties still really do deliver.

The dance industry generally, begrudgingly, agrees that their once traditional meeting place of Miami in March has been hijacked by the need for that city’s many nightclubs to turn a huge profit over WMC week from flash spring break kids, rather than cater to hob-nobbing industry professionals. And with other calendar fixtures like Popkomm in Berlin not happening in ‘09, expectations for ADE as the year’s real business-focused event seemed higher than ever.

This and the wider economic situation gave a real sense of urgency to the business meetings out there, with people keen to strike deals rather than simply talk a load of big talk.
We were speaking to lots of labels and artists about their digital content strategy, from to creating and managing mobile phone apps (a platform all are keen to be involved in), to social media marketing and producing bespoke, branded magazine-style content. It looks to have been a very productive trip.

The nightlife is also a real joy, with hassle-free doors and crowds, plus stunning industrial spaces like the new Trouw ensuring that Amsterdam is an ideal destination for such a dance music event, one that now brings over 90,000 people into the city to party.
Every party we checked out was happily full. Read the selection of ADE party reviews I wrote for Resident Advisor here, and plan your visit for 2010, whether for business or pleasure…