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Winter Music Conference Reveals First Programming Wave for 2026
WMC 2026 confirms Beatport pool parties, A&R Pop-Up Lounge, IDMAs return, and expanded Industry and Creator tracks in Miami
The Winter Music Conference has officially announced the first wave of programming for its 2026 edition, marking a significant expansion of its educational, cultural, and experiential offerings. The 36th edition of WMC will take place from March 24 to March 26, 2026, at the Kimpton EPIC Hotel, the Official Miami Music Week Hotel in Downtown Miami.
Reaffirming its status as the world’s longest-running electronic music conference, WMC 2026 continues its mission of uniting artists, creators, industry leaders, and fans to explore the future of music, technology, and global dance culture.
Expanded Format for WMC 2026
This year’s edition introduces an expanded structure featuring dedicated programming across both Industry and Creator tracks. The conference program also includes a fully activated Gear Exhibition Hall, a three-day rooftop pool party series, and the launch of a new on-site activation, the A&R Pop-Up Lounge.
Together, these initiatives reflect WMC’s renewed focus on education, networking, and real-world career development within the electronic music ecosystem.
Beatport x WMC Pool Parties at the Official Miami Music Week Hotel
WMC’s official three-day pool party series will be hosted by Beatport Live at the Kimpton EPIC Pool Deck overlooking Biscayne Bay.
Produced in partnership with L-Acoustics, AlphaTheta, and Fever, the daytime events will bring together artists, industry professionals, and fans in a premium waterfront setting during the core days of Winter Music Conference.
Pool party access is included for WMC Pro Badge holders. Tickets will also be sold separately for each day via Dice. These tickets do not grant access to Winter Music Conference programming or sanctioned Miami Music Week events. Participating labels and artist lineups will be announced soon.
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L-Acoustics DJ Brings Spatial Audio to WMC 2026
WMC 2026 will feature live demonstrations of L-Acoustics DJ, the first spatial audio system designed specifically for DJs. Using proprietary machine learning, the system separates tracks into individual stems such as beats, bass, melodies, and vocals in real time, allowing DJs to control spatial placement across a venue.
The technology transforms traditional stereo DJ setups into immersive three-dimensional sound experiences without requiring changes to existing equipment. Delegates will be able to experience L-Acoustics DJ through dedicated pool deck shows and demonstrations throughout the conference.
Label Radar x WMC A&R Pop-Up Lounge
New for 2026, Winter Music Conference introduces the A&R Pop-Up Lounge in partnership with Label Radar.
This on-site activation gives WMC badge holders the opportunity to hand USB demos directly to participating labels and connect face-to-face with influential A&R teams. The lounge will operate inside the WMC Gear Exhibition Hall and host a rotating lineup of respected dance music labels.
The first wave of participating labels includes Balance Music, BroBot Records with Junior Sanchez, Create Music Group imprints mau5trap, Monstercat, !K7, and Cr2 Records, as well as Dirty Workz, Experts Only, and Ultra Records, with additional labels to be announced.
Panels, Keynotes, and Workshops
WMC’s Creator and Industry panel programming brings together thought leaders from across the electronic music world for expert-led discussions at the intersection of music, business, culture, and innovation.
The first wave of programming includes speakers from organizations such as the Association for Electronic Music, Beatport, AlphaTheta, BUDDY, Create Music Group, Discogs, DJay Pro, DJaayz, Free Your Mind, L-Acoustics, Prodigy Artists, Submix, The Circuit Group, Vinyl Me Please, and We Group.
In addition, WMC will host hands-on workshop sessions led by respected educators, brands, and working professionals. These smaller-format sessions focus on practical skill building, from studio workflows and gear exploration to live show development and career pathways.
Brand Partners and Gear Exhibition
WMC and the Official Miami Music Week Hotel have also announced the first wave of 2026 brand partners. Confirmed partners include adidas, Amaze as WMC’s Official Merch Partner, Beatport, L-Acoustics, AlphaTheta, and Fever, with more to be revealed.
The Gear Exhibition Room returns as a central hub for hands-on demos, product showcases, and direct interaction with leading technology and equipment brands.
International Dance Music Awards Return in 2026
The International Dance Music Awards will return to Winter Music Conference in 2026, marking a historic reunion with the event where the awards were first launched in 1985.
The IDMAs will be celebrated in partnership with Bridges for Music, a global nonprofit focused on empowering underserved communities through music and education. The awards gala will be ticketed separately and is not included with WMC badges. Additional details will be announced closer to the event.
WMC 2026 Headquarters
Winter Music Conference 2026 will once again be headquartered at the Kimpton EPIC Hotel in Downtown Miami. Overlooking Biscayne Bay, the hotel serves as the central meeting point for WMC programming, official pool parties, and additional Miami Music Week events.
With its expanded format and renewed focus on education, innovation, and community, Winter Music Conference 2026 positions itself as a defining gathering for the global electronic music industry during Miami Music Week.
STAY CONNECTED WITH WINTER MUSIC CONFERENCE 2026
WMC 2026 will conclude on Thursday, March 26, ahead of the Ultra Music Festival 26th anniversary edition at Bayfront Park (March 27–29, 2026), connecting the conference, the Official Miami Music Week Hotel, and the festival into one continuous week of programming.
Further infos and tickets here.