ADE‘s 2020 conference is officially going digital due to continued uncertainty about the safety and feasibility of hosting such an event during the COVID-19 pandemic. In contrast to past years of production, the conference’s conversion to a digital format means that the event will be unprecedentedly accessible to music enthusiasts worldwide.
Coordinators addressed ADE’s transition to a virtual framework in a recent statement:
“As travel to Amsterdam is limited for most of the broader international B2B audience, our 2020 conference program will take place as an online-focused format. As always, we will combine panels, masterclasses, and interactive Q&As with an extensive networking platform that enables ADE delegates to connect and meet up, both virtually as well as in real life.”
Although ADE’s music conference is still on, the fate of its beloved B-side, the city-sprawling ADE Festival, remains undecided. Organizers addressed the uncertainty that surrounds the conference’s accompaniment in the same statement, writing,
“As the interpretations and consequences of the countermeasures by the Dutch government are still unclear for a city-wide event such as ADE, the festival’s exact shape is currently uncertain. Clearly, the normal size and scope of the festival make it seriously challenging to ensure everyone’s health and safety, and so we are continuously reevaluating the situation in close cooperation with the government. For now, we remain committed to offer you a suitable and responsible solution and we will update you on this as soon as possible.”
Currently, Amsterdam is largely open to the public and tourism is on the rebound, but the city has yet to reinstate large gatherings such as clubs or festivals. Regardless of format, ADE’s 26th edition is scheduled for Oct 21 – 25. Read the full statement regarding ADE Conference’s transition to a digital format here.
Featured image: Max Kneefel
