Climate emergencies, ethical dilemmas, political division and shifting cultural narratives: as the world grows more complex, the electronic music world faces a new reality. In response, ADE Green 2025 brings together artists, organisers, experts, policy makers, and pioneers to explore new ways forward for music and culture.
Following up on recent news, we continue with ADE Green: the conference on sustainability and social change in the music industry. The full program for ADE Green 2025 is here, and this is the moment to secure your ticket. This year’s edition counts 20 keynotes, panels, workshops, and networking formats that explore not only what holds us back, but more importantly, what each of us can do regardless of expertise or experience. Across the program, ADE Green asks: How can the industry prepare for a future defined by uncertainty — and continue to grow sustainably, inclusively, and creatively?
2025 Speakers & Organisations
ADE Green 2025 welcomes a plethora of speakers and organisations leading the transition toward a more sustainable and just cultural sector. You can find the full program here, or read on for a glimpse of the voices joining us this year.
Speakers
Madame Gandhi · Kiss Nuka · El Buho · Prof. Dr. Ir. Jan Rotmans · Afke van Rijn (General Director, Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure & Water Management) · Dušan Kovačević (CEO & Founder, Exit Festival) · Charlotte Edgeworth (Director of Diversity, Inclusion and Social Impact, Sony Music UK) · Dan Lambert (Manager, Kneecap) · Henk Willem Smits (Follow the Money) · Amy Van-Baaren (Resident Advisor) · Sofia Ilyas (Beatport) · Claire O’Neill (A Greener Future), and many more
Organisations
Amnesty International · A Greener Future · Beatport · Boom Festival · Chasing the Hihat · DJs For Climate Action · ESNS · European Space Agency · Exit Festival · Follow the Money · Green Deal Circular Festivals · Into The Great Wide Open · Resident Advisor · Roskilde Festival · Shambala · Sony Music UK · VibeLab, and many more
ADE Green
Imagining the Future
- What’s Next for Circular Festivals? - presented by GDCF
What’s Next for Circular Festivals? - presented by GDCF
Speakers: Ridder Haspels (Chasing the Hihat), Chris Johnson (Shambala), Laura van de Voort (Green Events), Afke van Rijn (Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management)
Moderator: Alzira Schaap (Green Deal Circular Festivals)
Since 2019, more than 50 leading European festivals have united under the Green Deal Circular Festivals (GDCF) to co-create and test circular, climate neutral solutions that really work, all while inspiring countless visitors along the way. Now, it’s time to look ahead. From circular water systems to sustainable mobility pilots, collaboration between festivals and governments has shown that festivals can be living labs and powerful showcases for a better future. So… what’s next? What holds the sector back from becoming truly circular and climate-neutral? And where are the opportunities to collaborate with the government, using festivals as living labs and windows to society?
What is this program about?
In this panel, pioneering organisers will share their most valuable insights and hands-on tools, from impact monitoring and the GDCF Model to practical steps for implementation on the ground. We’ll dive into the real barriers holding the sector back from going fully circular and climate neutral and explore how governments can help break them down.
- The Future of a Sustainable Festival Sector
The Future of a Sustainable Festival Sector
Speakers: Sanne Stephanson (Roskilde), Rob van Wegen (ESNS), Giada Calvano (Chloe Sustainability)
Moderator: Claire O'Neill (A Greener Future)
An interactive program exploring the current state of sustainability and how we can move the entire European festival sector towards ambitious ecological sustainability goals. Experts and audience discuss challenges, solutions, and strategy.
What is this program about?
Claire O'Neill will guide the discussion with leading sustainability experts from across European festivals and the audience. Together, they will on the current state of sustainability and what is needed to accelerate the European festival sector's progress towards ambitious ecological goals.
- Networking Opportunities
ADE Green Networking Drinks - hosted by Circular Festivals
- Meet the Experts of Sustainability & Social Change
Speakers: 12+ industry experts on sustainability and social change
12+ experts. 5 rounds. 1 hour to have the conversations you won’t find anywhere else. This speed-dating format is your chance to connect directly with the thinkers and doers reshaping our field. Limited seats, maximum access: come early, ask bold questions, leave with ideas and contacts that can help you take the first or next impactful step.
Join these experts for five rounds of speed dates on your theme of interest:
Behavioural Change and Food - Natscha Kooiman (The Conscious Office)
Circular Material Management - Leonie Boon (Green Events)
Circular Water Systems - Monique Verhoeven (MTD)
Climate Justice - Syed Jazib Ali (Mudland)
Diversity, Equality & Inclusion - Nika Brunet Milunovic (Calm Nest Collective)
Neurodiversity - Tristan Hunt (Music Industry ADHD Coach)
Regenerative Culture - Olaf Boswijk (Valley of the Possible)
Urine Nutrients Recovery - Peter Scheers (Nijhuis Saur Industries)
Inclusivity - Thomas Scheele (Vibelab)
Space technology and sustainability – Manon Houyet (European Space Agency
Climate Action for Labels & Artists – Eli Goldstein (Djs For Climate Action)
City policy & sustainable events – Mark Stoevelaar (City of Amsterdam)
... and more to follow!
Sustainability in Action
- AI for Impact
AI for Impact
Facilitator: Wytze de Haan (Co-founder, Narrative)
Discover how AI can empower you to address sustainability challenges. In this interactive workshop, you’ll explore practical applications of AI for positive impact—and experience it firsthand through live demonstrations using a custom-built GPT tool and Deep Research on your phone or laptop.
What will you learn in this workshop?
Generative AI specialist Wytze de Haan (Narrative) demonstrates how artificial intelligence can guide impactful decisions in operating your organisation. Through a live demo of a custom GPT built on the Dutch Sustainability Ladder for Events, you’ll learn to craft effective prompts, choose the right AI model, and interpret outcomes with confidence.
In addition:
→ How AI tools can support sustainability management in live events.
→ What a practical first step looks like to make your event more sustainable using AI.
→ How Deep Research can provide evidence-based insights for your sustainability strategy.
- Rethinking Festival Travel: On the Road to Zero - presented by Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management
Rethinking Festival Travel: On the Road to Zero - presented by Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management
Speakers: Bethan Riach (onboard:earth), Maarten van 't Veld (ID&T)
Moderator: Linda Vermaat
How can we make it as attractive as possible for festival visitors to travel emission-free to their favourite events? Since audience and artist travel account for up to 85% of a festival’s CO₂ footprint, collaboration within the mobility chain and experimentation are key.
What is this program about?
This panel explores how festivals can reduce travel emissions on a large scale. With this year’s Mysteryland as a case study from the Netherlands, we dive into opportunities such as scaling up public bus services, introducing electric festival buses, and developing postcode-based travel planners. Best practices and research findings from onboard:earth, Wilde Weide, Into The Great Wide Open and Mysteryland will be shared, alongside insights from government partners to accelerate sustainable mobility solutions.
Ethics & Integrity
- The ABC of Ethics: Accountability, Boycott, Change - presented by Amnesty International
he ABC of Ethics: Accountability, Boycott, Change - presented by Amnesty International
Speakers: Floor Beuming (Senior Officer Human Rights Programmes, Amnesty International), More TBA
Moderator: Ruth Daniel
As global conflicts and justice movements reshape the cultural field, the electronic music ecosystem faces rising pressure over ties to unethical organisations and investors that are linked to human rights violations. How can artists, companies, and festivals define red lines, navigate influence, and act responsibly?
What is this program about?
This session brings together human rights experts, academics, and cultural professionals to unpack ethics and human rights responsibilities in the industry chain. From boycotts and censorship to investor influence and ownership ties, speakers explore where responsibility lies and what leverage exists. Offering festival organisers, artists, and companies insights on navigating these dilemmas, the conversation highlights both red lines and practical ways to respond with integrity.
- Music, Money, and Moral Lines
Music, Money, and Moral Lines
Speakers: Henk Willem Smits (Journalist, Follow the Money), Ellen Evers (Festival Director, DGTL), Dan Lambert (Manager, Kneecap)
Moderator: Ruth Daniel
When festivals become entangled in global controversies, silence is no longer an option. This session explores the growing pressure on the music industry to take a stand on corporate ethics, investment ties, and geopolitical injustices.
What is this program about?
As geopolitical tensions rise and public scrutiny intensifies, festivals are increasingly held accountable for the financial ecosystems they inhabit. What happens when the media connects your festival to human rights violations, artists withdraw in (silence) protest or use their power of speech on stage for Palestine? How do you prevent human rights risks in your supply chain? This session spotlights the ethical crossroads where music, money, and political voice meet.
- Resilience in Unrest
How 2025's wildfires reshaped LA's music community
Speakers: Greg Cochrane
In January a series of deadly fires burned an area 18+ times the size of Central Amsterdam. This presentation from award-winning journalist Greg Cochrane explores how the city’s music community has been affected – and what comes next as its iconic scene tries to move on.
What is this program about?
Wildfires in California are common, but January 2025 in Los Angeles was different. The sheer size and scale. More than 400 deaths have been linked to the events. 18000 buildings were destroyed. LA’s music scene was deeply affected. Professionals left without homes, jobs and income. More than One charity was supporting more than 3000 music workers in the aftermath.
The wildfires exposed deep inequalities among the city's inhabitants – from the villas of Pasadena to the music stores of Altadena, not everyone had access to the same warnings and the same support.
Scientists and meteorologists are clear: the region is prone to wildfires, and can expect more frequent and intense weather events in the future. People in the city are facing up to the reality of whether they can or want to stay.
In this presentation, Greg revisits how some members of the community were affected. And the huge questions they face, as they try to move on with their lives.
Greg Cochrane (a.o. The Guardian, BBC, NME, Rolling Stone)
- Creativity in a Polarised World - presented by Emergency Exit
Creativity in a Polarised World - presented by Emergency Exit
Speakers: Dušan Kovačević (CEO & Founder, EXIT), Artur Mendes (Director, Boom) Àgata Tantinyà Vidal (Creative Director, La Fura dels Baus)
Moderator: Greg Cochrane
In a time of growing political polarisation and social unrest, cultural organisations face mounting pressure to take a stand. This conversation explores how creative players can navigate these tensions while asking: when social unrest dominates the agenda, can sustainability efforts hold their place?
What is this program about?
Join Dušan from Exit Festival (SR), Àgata from La Fura dels Baus (SP), and Arthur Mendes from Boom Festival (PT) in this panel. This past summer, Boom Festival in Portugal faced discrediting campaigns. At the same time, Exit Festival in Serbia marked its 25th anniversary under unprecedented political and financial pressure, announcing that it would be its final edition under these circumstances. Having joined forces in the European ‘Emergency Exit’ collaboration to create a touring show that mobilises audiences for climate action. They bring fresh insights from the past festival season.
Sonic Explorations
- Honest Climate Conversation
Honest Climate Conversation
Speakers: Lady Shaka, Kiss Nuka
What happens when we strip away the structure of a typical panel and simply listen—to music, to feelings, to each other? In collaboration with Mindworks Lab, this intimate session invites two artists to share tracks that move them and unpack the emotions behind them. Through these musical touchpoints, the conversation explores climate, storytelling, and the emotional significance of music in the climate crisis.
- Next-Gen Collaboration: How Artists are Breaking New Ground with Nature
Next-Gen Collaboration: How Artists are Breaking New Ground with Nature
Speakers: Madame Gandhi, El Búho, Natural Symphony
Moderator: Greg Cochrane
This conversation and live show-and-tell asks: how can co-creation with nature challenge the dominant stories and ways we think about our environment? And what forms of listening can we use to truly hear nature’s voice?
What is this program about?
Join us to hear from the artists embracing the infinite opportunity of making music with nature. These trailblazers are pioneering new sounds, but also fresh ways of thinking about impact in their work. You’ll hear music and insights from Natural Symphony, Madame Gandhi, and El Búho who’re each developing new sonic pathways to connect audiences with the living world.
- Leadership & Inspiration
Green Keynote: Embrace the Chaos
Speakers: Prof. Dr. Ir. Jan Rotmans
Renowned transition scientist Jan Rotmans joins ADE Green 2025 with a keynote that confronts today’s overlapping crises while pointing toward transformation and resilience. As an international authority on sustainability and systemic change, Rotmans translates complex challenges into clear insights for governments, organizations, and individuals alike. With a rare mix of urgency and hope, he shows how radical imagination and practical transition thinking can help us navigate chaos and move toward a livable future.
- Essence: A Deep Listening Experience - presented by Alchemic Sonic Environment
Essence: A Deep Listening Experience - presented by Alchemic Sonic Environment
Facilitator: Satya Hinduja (Alchemic Sonic Environment)
As organisations move towards circularity and regenerative models, technical innovation alone is insufficient. A more profound shift is needed, one that begins within. This experience highlights the transformational power of sound, guiding participants to reimagine how they sense, relate, and lead.
What to expect from this experience
In this immersive listening session, Satya Hinduja will guide participants through an Alchemic Sonic Environment experience, rooted in sonic and breath-based practices, that cultivates embodied awareness and somatic presence. The session includes reflective dialogue to help translate personal expertise into actionable insight, offering tools to embed deep listening into creative programming, team dynamics, and sustainability strategies within festival production. What does it mean to listen to ourselves, to others, and to place? How can somatic presence influence leadership and decision-making in festivals? What tools support long-term well-being and sustainability for producers and teams?
Who is this program for?
This workshop is designed for festival organisers, curators, club programmers, A&R representatives, distributors, technical directors, and sustainability leads who want to embed regenerative values into their work. This program is part of ADE Green, and can be accessed with an ADE Pro Pass or ADE Green Day Pass.
About Alchemic Sonic Environment
Alchemic Sonic Environment (ASE) works at the intersection of sound, music, health, and technologies. They design multi-sensory, context-driven experiences that invite introspection, support emotional regulation, and deepen our connection to self and environment. Their work draws from ancient acoustic traditions—such as the harmonic series and planetary tuning systems—and integrates them with cutting-edge spatial audio and vibroacoustic technology. By doing so, we explore how sound may contribute to well-being, resilience, and long-term human flourishing.
Big Leaps Forward
- Rewiring Music Organisations for Social Impact
Rewiring Music Organisations for Social Impact
Speakers: Charlotte Edgeworth (Sony), Amy Van-Baaren (Resident Advisor), Paula Clark (Terminal 1, Glastonbury), Sofia Ilyas (Beatport)
Moderator: Ruth Daniel (In Place of War)
As the music industry grapples with the changing geo-political landscape, social injustice, and calls for equity and inclusion, insiders are increasingly acting as "culture hackers", repurposing their roles to challenge legacy systems and align their organisations with social values.
What is this program about?
This panel explores how individuals within globally influential music organisations are pushing boundaries, shifting culture, and embedding purpose into the core of business operations, often without waiting for permission.
- What does it mean to 'hack' an organisation from within?
- What does genuine diversity, inclusion and social impact look like from a major label perspective?
- How can you take ideas for change and embed them into the fabric of your organisation, so they have legacy beyond your tenure?
- Measuring real impact: how do we know we're shifting the needle?
- Cross-sector Partnerships for Change - presented by Into the Great Wide Open
Cross-sector Partnerships for Change - presented by Into the Great Wide Open
Speakers: Jannet de Jong (Innovation Manager, BAM Infra), Arash Aazami (Energy Expert, Synergy), Daan Stigter (Sustainability Expert, Into The Great Wide Open & Lab Vlieland), Christiaan Elings (Program Manager, Circular Festivals)
Moderator: Linda Vermaat
The sustainability transition is going too slow. Festivals have the potential to accelerate change in society. By teaming up with other sectors, festivals can spark new collaborations, test ideas in practice, and build momentum for sustainability transitions that no sector can achieve alone.
What is this program about?
This panel highlights how festivals become impactful spaces for cross-sector collaboration. Moderator Linda Vermaat explores three concrete examples: Daan Stigter on Construction Site of the Future (with the building sector), Christiaan Elings on partnerships with the water sector, and Arash Aazami on festivals as catalysts in the energy transition. With Jannet de Jong offering the perspective of a major construction company, the panel will show how unexpected collaborations create new ways of working, new partnership models, and tangible steps towards circular and climate-positive practices.
Who is this program for?
This panel is designed for event and festival organisers & sustainability event managers, artists, industry leaders, and government, to learn how to build cross-sector collaborations that actually accelerate the transitions in- and outside of the own organisation and even sector. This program is part of ADE Green, and can be accessed with an ADE Pro Pass or ADE Green Day Pass.
A collaboration between ADE Green and Bouwplaats van de Toekomst
This panel is presented by Bouwplaats van de Toekomst (‘Construction site of the Future’), a pioneering project of Into The Great Wide Open festival, where festival and construction sector help each other to speed-up the transition towards circular and climate positive organisations and society. The project was initiated by Lab Vlieland and Into The Great Wide Open in collaboration with Stichting Doen, TBI and BAM Infra.
Join the Conversations
ADE Green is an ecosystem: where infrastructure, creativity, policy, and culture meet. Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with leading minds of sustainability and social change in the music industry. ADE Green is accessible with the ADE Pro Pass, or with the single-day ADE Green Pass, get yours here.
ADE is organised by the Amsterdam Dance Event Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to nurturing electronic music, its culture and its industry worldwide. The organisation devotes itself to stimulating development, innovation and talent, gathering the global industry and laying a foundation for future generations.
About ADE
The Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE), an initiative of Buma, has grown into the world’s largest and most influential club-based festival and conference for electronic music. The event continues to grow and develop each year, featuring over 3,000 artists and 600 speakers in almost 200 venues. The five-day event attracts visitors from over 150 countries and features every conceivable aspect of electronic music culture, with dedicated conference programming, an extensive Arts & Culture programme, live music and DJ/artist performances, all spread across the city of Amsterdam.
ADE – Electronic Music Gathers Here
The Amsterdam Dance Event is organised by The Amsterdam Dance Event Foundation. Founding partner: Buma
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