After a six-year hiatus, the Winter Music Conference (WMC) is making its highly anticipated return to Miami Music Week (MMW) in 2025. Organizers announced today (Dec. 12) that the three-day conference will take place March 26-28 at the Eden Roc Miami Beach hotel, offering beachfront views and a hub for the dance music industry’s brightest minds.
This marks the first time since 2019 that WMC, a storied event with a legacy spanning 35 years, will once again align with Miami Music Week. The conference was canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic, making this return a pivotal moment for the dance music industry.
WMC 2025 will delve into the core of dance music business and culture through an extensive lineup of educational panels, keynotes, and networking sessions. While the specific topics will be unveiled in the coming months, attendees can expect discussions on:
- Agency dynamics
- Licensing and streaming
- Publicity and A&R strategies
- Emerging social media platforms
- Brand longevity
This forward-thinking agenda highlights the evolving landscape of dance music, offering attendees tools and insights to thrive in the industry.
Registration for the conference is already open, promising a gathering of professionals, artists, and enthusiasts eager to engage with this rich programming.
The conference will culminate on March 28 with a groundbreaking awards show—a hybrid event merging the Electronic Dance Music Awards (EDMAs) and the International Dance Music Awards (IDMAs). This joint event will feature live performances and award presentations, celebrating the best in dance music innovation and artistry.
The return of WMC aligns seamlessly with Ultra Music Festival, which begins the same day the conference concludes, on Friday, March 28. Taking place at Miami’s iconic Bayfront Park, Ultra 2025 boasts an electrifying lineup featuring:
- Armin van Buuren
- Carl Cox
- Afrojack
- Tiësto
- Martin Garrix
- Hardwell
Unique collaborations include the highly anticipated Anyma b2b Solomun set and Pendulum performing both solo and with Deadmau5, who will deliver his first-ever career-spanning retro5pective set.
Launched in 1985, the Winter Music Conference has long been a cornerstone of Miami Music Week, drawing 100,000 attendees and 3,500 industry professionals from over 70 countries at its peak. Known for its dynamic schedule of seminars, workshops, parties, and networking events, WMC has played a pivotal role in shaping the global dance music scene.
Although Ultra Music Festival originally spun off from WMC, it eventually surpassed the conference in scale and influence. In 2018, Ultra’s parent company acquired WMC, cementing its place within the larger MMW ecosystem.
The return of Winter Music Conference to Miami Music Week signals a new chapter for the dance music industry. With its forward-thinking programming, unparalleled networking opportunities, and synergy with Ultra Music Festival, WMC 2025 is poised to be a landmark event for professionals and fans alike.
Mark your calendars and secure your spot—this is one conference you won’t want to miss!
