Doing Business in the MENA Region
Conference
Doing Business in the MENA Region
Speakers: Celine Hitti (Head of Artist Services, Believe), Edwin Harb (Senior Label Manager, MDLBEAST Records), Georges Bou Saleh (Andre Soueid's Music Manager & Founder, Toka Musik), Nezar Kadhem (Co-founder, Soundscapes)
Moderator: Yasmine Rasool
Covering North Africa and the Middle East, the MENA region is home to over 500 million people, and is the world’s fastest-growing music market, recording 22.8% growth in music revenues in 2024. This explosive growth is partly fuelled by increased government funding of the creative industries, and partly by a young, regional population with an average age of 26. But which markets offer real opportunities for foreign companies and artists? How important are curated playlists such as Yalla, Melouk el Scene and Abatera? And what do you need to know about local music business cultures to be able to engage constructively with the region's cultural entrepreneurs, as well as its leading labels and key players in streaming and music-related tech.
Conference FAQ
We do not sell ADE Conference only or Day Passes. The only way to get access to the ADE Pro Conference is the ADE Pro Pass.
Tickets for the specialist sessions, such as ADE Lab and ADE Green can be found on the ticket page closer to the date of ADE 2026.
✓ Valid all five days
ADE Pro conference takes place from Wednesday through Saturday, but the ADE Pro Pass benefits go well beyond those four days. The ticket grants access to ADE’s full offering, including all conference programs as well as all ADE Festival and Arts & Culture events* — read on below to get an impression of everything included with your ADE Pro Pass.
✓ Full access to all conference keynotes, panels and locations
ADE Pro is the ultimate business and inspiration gathering for the electronic music industry. The four-day conference returns to live action at our iconic home base Felix Meritis and features dedicated programming at the forefront of our industry. In addition, ADE will also continue to host conference programs dedicated to young creators and aspiring professionals.
✓ Year round access to ADE Pro's networking platform & database
Get a head start on connecting with fellow music professionals and companies with the ADE Pro networking database, available throughout the year. The online networking tool enables you to find and connect with all ADE Pro delegates, showcase your business with a dedicated profile page, plan meetings during ADE and much more. Over 50.000 messages are being sent on the platform yearly, with new professional connections being made on the regular.
✓ Join dedicated networking events and sessions
With over 9.000 music professionals from around the globe gathering in Amsterdam, you’re almost guaranteed to find who you need. An abundance of networking events and opportunities with fellow ADE delegates and industry leaders provides an advantageous base for dealmaking and career advancement.
✓ Access to all official Business Hubs
Whether you’re planning a meeting with fellow delegates, looking for a comfortable spot to work or simply want to hang out between conference events, your ADE Pro Pass grants access to all of ADE’s official Business Hubs.
✓ Access to the complete ADE Festival and Arts & Culture program*
With the entirety of ADE Festival and ADE Arts & Culture accessible with the ADE Pro Pass, your ticket enables you to explore the full spectrum of electronic subgenres in over 200 of Amsterdam’s finest music and nightlife spaces — with 2.500+ artists performing at 1.000+ events during five days and nights.
* Limited capacity at high-demand venues – read more at our FAQ.
✓ Receive the official ADE 2025 Bag
Your ADE Pro Pass comes with the limited edition ADE 2025 Bag, an ADE Pro Pass exclusive included with your ticket.
Our conferences are accessible for all ages in general. Do note that when alcoholic beverages are served, access can be denied.
Info & Ticket Desks for picking up your personal ADE Pro Pass badge & wristband
Felix Meritis (outside)
Address: Keizersgracht 324, 1016EZ Amsterdam
Tuesday October 21: 14:00 to 20:00
Wednesday October 22: 08:30 to 20:00
Thursday October 23: 09:00 to 20:00
Friday October 24: 09:00 to 20:00
Saturday October 25: 10:00 to 20:00
Sunday October 26: CLOSED
~ The best location for collecting your accreditation when you want to visit the ADE Pro Conference.
Stromma - Pier 6 | Central Station
Address: Damrak 16, 1012 LH Amsterdam
Tuesday October 21: 10:00 to 22:00
Wednesday October 22: 09:00 to 22:00
Thursday October 23: 09:00 to 22:00
Friday October 24: 09:00 to 22:00
Saturday October 25: 09:00 to 22:00
Sunday October 26: CLOSED
~ This Info & Ticket desk is the most convenient location for people who'd like to pick up their accreditation right after arriving in Amsterdam at the central train station.
NOTE
Please be aware that your e-ticket is strictly personal and non-transferable. It is mandatory to show your ID/passport during pick-up. Your items cannot be picked up by someone else.
Also, don’t forget to complete your profile details before ADE, to make sure we have the right information to prepare your personal badge.
Related Events
Honest Climate Conversations
Lady Shaka, Kiss Nuka
Meet the Platforms
Eric Skuncke (Music Lead YouTube Northern Europe, YouTube Music), Julie Chavassieux (Strategic Partner Manager, Artist Development, YouTube Music), Adrian Binns (Head of Global Artist Relations, Deezer), Maria Garrido (CMO, Deezer), & more speakers
From Bias to Brilliance: Building a Stronger Music Industry - Breakfast & Round Table Session
Music, Money, and Moral Lines
Dan Lambert (Manager, Kneecap), Henk Willem Smits (Journalist, Follow the Money), Ellen Evers (Festival Director, DGTL).
In Conversation with Franky Rizardo: Touring, Independence & Mental Resilience
Franky Rizardo (DJ), Labib Bitchou
Rewiring Music Organisations for Social Impact
Charlotte Edgeworth (Sony), Amy Van-Baaren (Resident Advisor), Paula Clark (Terminal 1, Glastonbury), Sofia Ilyas (Beatport)
Community First: Rethinking How We Connect With Gen Z
Alex Genevsky (Professor, Erasmus University Rotterdam), Michelle Verhoef (General Manager, Verknipt), Maddie Raedts (CEO, For You Agency), Jasmijn Stenzler (Brand Marketeer, TicketSwap)
Where are the Real Opportunities in Sync?
Jess Nash (Sync & Licensing Specialist), Mike Jansen (Founder, The Greater Goods Co), Aaron Meola (Head of Customer Success, DISCO), Gary Smith
DJ Mag presents: Power of Production: How Amsterdam Sets the Benchmark for European Clubbing
Chrissie Quast (Artist), Cincity (Artist), Jeroen Fontein (Managing Director, Audio Obscura), Titus Franssen (Technical Producer, Lofi), Ben Hindle (DJ Mag)
Fair Play in Dance: How MRT, Venues & DJs Can Unlock Royalties for Producers
by BumaStemra | Lindsay Kacimi (BumaStemra), Yuri Dokter (DJ Monitor), Lars Dales (RadioRadio | DJ Dam Swindle), Peter Stevens (Neverending Music), Rufy GhazI