Insomniac Founder Pasquale Rotella joins ADE Pro as final headline speaker to discuss the future of rave culture and why it needs its own industry

From organizing underground gatherings in early '90s Los Angeles to steering Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) into one of the largest live music spectacles on Earth, Rotella's trajectory has run parallel to modern electronic music history for decades. Yet, as rave culture operates on an unprecedented global scale, the live scene faces vital questions: How can promoters grow without compromising the culture? What role do grassroots organizations play as events become more commercial? How can we protect and support independent promoters and the next generation of risk-takers as rave culture continues to grow?

In this exclusive keynote conversation, Rotella takes the ADE Pro stage to explore the current state and future of rave culture. The discussion will examine why shared, in-person experiences remain irreplaceable to the community, the importance of independent promoters and risk-takers, and why preserving the independent spirit that built rave culture is more important than ever.

Moderating the keynote is acclaimed music journalist Katie Bain. Having spent years documenting global dance culture at Billboard, alongside firsthand industry knowledge from her earlier tenure at Insomniac, Bain brings depth, context, and insight to this conversation about the future of rave culture.