ADE Pro's major themes in 2026: Rebuilding our relationship with tech, collective action, and more
Market Consolidation
... and the future of independence
As the industry moves into 2026, the lines between major, independent, and technology platforms are becoming increasingly blurred. A wave of acquisitions and strategic mergers continues to reshape the competitive landscape, concentrating power and redefining how the market is structured.
These shifts are driven by the dominance of streaming platforms, the acceleration of AI, and the growing importance of proprietary data ecosystems. Together, they concentrate power in fewer hands, raising questions around ownership, access, and cultural diversity. As infrastructure consolidates, the pathways to market and the terms of participation continue to change, challenging how independent artists and labels operate within this new reality.
Rebuilding Our Relationship With (Big) Tech
At the same time, the industry is reassessing its relationship with technology. The promise of scale and efficiency has brought new challenges into focus, from streaming payout imbalances to non-consensual AI training and the growing influence of platform-driven ecosystems.
In response, alternative approaches are beginning to take shape. From fair trade streaming models to decentralized artist cooperatives, this theme explores what a more balanced and sustainable infrastructure could look like. It also reflects a broader shift, as parts of the industry move away from ‘growth at all costs’ towards more intentional and accountable systems.
Market Consolidation
... and the future of independence
As the industry moves into 2026, the lines between major, independent, and technology platforms are becoming increasingly blurred. A wave of acquisitions and strategic mergers continues to reshape the competitive landscape, concentrating power and redefining how the market is structured.
These shifts are driven by the dominance of streaming platforms, the acceleration of AI, and the growing importance of proprietary data ecosystems. Together, they concentrate power in fewer hands, raising questions around ownership, access, and cultural diversity. As infrastructure consolidates, the pathways to market and the terms of participation continue to change, challenging how independent artists and labels operate within this new reality.
Rebuilding Our Relationship With (Big) Tech
At the same time, the industry is reassessing its relationship with technology. The promise of scale and efficiency has brought new challenges into focus, from streaming payout imbalances to non-consensual AI training and the growing influence of platform-driven ecosystems.
In response, alternative approaches are beginning to take shape. From fair trade streaming models to decentralized artist cooperatives, this theme explores what a more balanced and sustainable infrastructure could look like. It also reflects a broader shift, as parts of the industry move away from ‘growth at all costs’ towards more intentional and accountable systems.
Collective Action
Alongside these structural changes, music continues to play a role in how communities respond to wider social and political developments. In a time marked by conflict, polarization, and increasing pressure on cultural spaces, this theme looks at how music can contribute beyond expression alone.
From policy initiatives across Europe to grassroots movements within local scenes, there is growing recognition of music’s capacity to drive change. This part of the program focuses on how that potential can move beyond symbolic gestures, exploring models that support communities, create impact, and build more equitable systems for the future.
Looking ahead to 30 YEARS ADE
Together, these themes reveal the focus points for this anniversary edition of ADE Pro. As the Conference becomes the center stage of the global electronic music industry again, the conversation expands from charting the growth of the industry to examining the systems that shape it.
In the coming months, these themes will be developed across the ADE Pro program, alongside new formats including Pro-level masterclasses, the return of ‘Meet the…’ sessions, and conversations that connect legacy with future perspectives; all coming together during 30 YEARS ADE.
Collective Action
Alongside these structural changes, music continues to play a role in how communities respond to wider social and political developments. In a time marked by conflict, polarization, and increasing pressure on cultural spaces, this theme looks at how music can contribute beyond expression alone.
From policy initiatives across Europe to grassroots movements within local scenes, there is growing recognition of music’s capacity to drive change. This part of the program focuses on how that potential can move beyond symbolic gestures, exploring models that support communities, create impact, and build more equitable systems for the future.
Looking ahead to 30 YEARS ADE
Together, these themes reveal the focus points for this anniversary edition of ADE Pro. As the Conference becomes the center stage of the global electronic music industry again, the conversation expands from charting the growth of the industry to examining the systems that shape it.
In the coming months, these themes will be developed across the ADE Pro program, alongside new formats including Pro-level masterclasses, the return of ‘Meet the…’ sessions, and conversations that connect legacy with future perspectives; all coming together during 30 YEARS ADE.