Winter Music Conference 2026 Announces Official Three-Day Beatport Live Pool Party Series and First Wave of Educational Programming
Winter Music Conference returns in 2026 with one of its most ambitious editions yet, unveiling an official three‑day pool party series hosted by Beatport Live. The events will take place Tuesday, March 24 through Thursday, March 26 on the iconic Kimpton EPIC Pool Deck, overlooking Biscayne Bay.
Produced in partnership with L‑Acoustics, AlphaTheta, and FEVER, the daytime series is set to become a central hub of the week’s programming, bringing together artists, industry professionals, and fans in a premium waterfront setting. Across three days, some of the world’s most influential electronic music labels will curate showcases designed for networking, discovery, and celebration.
Participating labels and artist lineups will be announced soon.
Educational Programming: Panels, Keynotes & Workshops Shaping the Future of Dance Music
As the most influential industry gathering in electronic music, WMC continues to deliver programming that unites leading artists, executives, creators, and innovators to explore the future of global dance culture.
For 2026, WMC introduces a new two‑track format – WMC // INDUSTRY and WMC // CREATORS — built to serve the full spectrum of the music ecosystem. From label founders and platform innovators to emerging producers and creative technologists, attendees will engage in panels, keynotes, and hands‑on workshops designed to inspire, inform, and accelerate careers.
The first wave of speakers includes representatives from AFEM, AlphaTheta, Beatport, BUDDY, Create Music Group, Discogs, DJay Pro, DJaayz, Free Your Mind, L‑Acoustics, Prodigy Artists, Submix, The Circuit Group, Vinyl Me Please, We Group, and more.
First Wave of Panel Topics Includes:
Create Music Group Presents: From Founding To Exit
Fixing the Fragmented Fan: How Artists Can Finally Own Their Audience
Low End Theory: The Evolution and Future of Bass Music
Gaming the System: AI, Streaming, and the New Rules of Music Distribution
The Green Room: Sustainability in Club Culture
The Pop Up Shop: Creating Revenue, Building Brand, and Empowering Fans
Let’s Get Physical: The Unexpected Return of Physical Media
AFEM Presents: Surviving The Digital Avalanche
The Artist As A Startup: Disrupt, Breakthrough, and Grow
Beatport Presents: DJs Are The Ultimate Influencers
More speakers, panels, and keynotes will be announced throughout February.
Workshops: Hands‑On Skill Building for Creators & Professionals
WMC also revealed the first wave of workshops, offering practical, skills‑based sessions focused on music production, technology, and career development. Led by respected educators, brands, and working professionals, each workshop provides real‑world tools and live demonstrations that attendees can apply immediately — from upgrading studio workflows and exploring new gear to launching a live show or scoring for film.
First Wave of Workshop Sessions Includes:
Event Masters: Building a Career in Event Production
From Studio to Screen: Careers in Film, Television & Commercial Scoring
EDM Tips Presents: Using AI Without Losing Your Sound
AlphaTheta Presents: CDJ‑3000x Demo + Artist Workflow
More sessions will be announced soon.
