Unveiled by Insomniac founder Pasquale Rotella during ADE’s 30th anniversary, the three-day summit will bring together artists, independent promoters, entrepreneurs, and electronic music professionals between EDC Las Vegas weekends.
Insomniac is expanding its commitment to electronic music culture with the announcement of Map Point Summit, a new three-day conference developed in partnership with Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE). Set to debut in May 2027 at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, the event aims to create a dedicated gathering place for the global rave community, bringing together artists, independent promoters, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and emerging talent to explore the future of electronic music.
The inaugural summit will take place between the two weekends of EDC Las Vegas, scheduled for May 14–16 and May 21–23, 2027. By positioning the conference between the festival’s Dusk and Dawn weekends, organizers hope to bring together an international audience already traveling to Las Vegas for one of electronic music’s biggest annual celebrations.
The announcement was made by Insomniac Founder and CEO Pasquale Rotella during the 30th edition of Amsterdam Dance Event, where he participated in a keynote conversation titled “The Future of Rave Culture and Why It Needs Its Own Industry.” Moderated by Billboard Dance Director Katie Bain, the discussion explored the evolution of rave culture, the challenges facing independent event organizers, and the importance of building a stronger business ecosystem that allows the electronic music community to maintain its identity as the industry continues to expand.
The conference’s name draws inspiration from the underground rave movement, when event locations were often kept secret until the last possible moment. Attendees would first travel to a designated meeting location known as a “map point,” where they received directions to the actual party. The practice became part of the culture’s early identity, representing discovery, community, and the excitement of finding an event outside the traditional nightlife establishment.
Map Point Summit reimagines that concept for today’s electronic music industry, offering participants a place to discover opportunities, connect with others, and navigate their professional journeys. Rather than focusing exclusively on established executives and major companies, the conference intends to welcome people at every stage of their careers, from aspiring DJs and first-time promoters to experienced artists, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals.
“Rave culture was built by ravers, for ravers. It started as a grassroots, community-driven movement with its own values, spirit, and way of doing things,” Rotella said. “As our scene has grown, I believe it’s become increasingly important to protect what made it special in the first place.”
Rotella emphasized that supporting independent promoters and developing opportunities for emerging talent will be central to the summit’s mission. “We need to support independent promoters, share knowledge, create opportunities for the next generation, and work together to build an industry that allows rave culture to thrive on its own terms. I’m excited to partner with ADE to help bring that vision to life.”
The partnership brings together two organizations that have played significant roles in electronic music’s global development. Insomniac has spent more than three decades building large-scale dance music experiences, including its flagship Electric Daisy Carnival events, while Amsterdam Dance Event has become one of the industry’s most influential international gatherings, combining a citywide festival with professional conferences, networking opportunities, and educational programming.
By combining ADE’s expertise in industry education and professional development with Insomniac’s experience in live events and rave culture, Map Point Summit aims to address both the creative and business challenges facing electronic music. The three-day program will feature industry discussions, educational sessions, creative workshops, and networking opportunities designed to encourage collaboration and knowledge-sharing across different sectors of the scene.
A major focus will be the sustainability of independent rave culture at a time when electronic music has become an increasingly prominent part of the global entertainment industry. As festivals grow larger and major corporations expand their involvement in dance music, independent promoters and smaller creative communities face increasing challenges in maintaining their identity, securing resources, and competing in a changing marketplace.
Map Point Summit intends to provide a forum for those conversations while encouraging collaboration between established industry figures and the next generation of creators. Organizers envision an environment where participants can exchange ideas, develop business relationships, and gain practical knowledge that can help them build sustainable careers and events without losing the community-driven values that shaped the movement.
The summit also represents an expansion of the relationship between the European and North American electronic music industries. Amsterdam Dance Event has traditionally served as a major meeting point for international professionals each October, while Las Vegas has become a significant destination for electronic music through its festivals, nightclubs, and entertainment infrastructure. Bringing ADE’s conference experience to Las Vegas alongside Insomniac creates a new opportunity for cross-market collaboration.
For attendees, the timing offers another dimension to the EDC experience. With the summit positioned between two festival weekends, artists, promoters, and electronic music enthusiasts will have an opportunity to participate in professional programming and networking while remaining immersed in the broader EDC atmosphere.
Although specific conference dates, speakers, and programming have not yet been revealed, organizers say additional details will be announced in the coming months. The inaugural event is expected to feature a combination of educational programming, creative discussions, and opportunities for participants to connect directly with others working throughout the electronic music industry.
With Map Point Summit, Insomniac and ADE are looking beyond the festival experience to address the people, businesses, and communities responsible for sustaining electronic music culture. The initiative reflects a growing recognition that the future of rave culture depends not only on larger events and expanding audiences, but also on providing the next generation with the knowledge, connections, and opportunities needed to keep the movement evolving.
Map Point Summit will debut in May 2027 at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. Additional information, including speakers, programming, and ticket availability, will be announced at mappointsummit.com, where interested attendees can register for updates.
