Winter Music Conference Returns to Miami for Miami Music Week 2026
Winter Music Conference will return to Miami from March 24 to March 26, 2026, marking the 36th edition of the longest running electronic music conference in the world. This year’s event will take place at the Kimpton EPIC Hotel in Downtown Miami, which will serve as the official Miami Music Week hotel.
Arriving just days before Ultra Music Festival’s 26th edition at Bayfront Park, the conference once again anchors the start of Miami Music Week, bringing together artists, executives, labels, brands, and creators from across the dance music industry.
First launched in 1985, Winter Music Conference has long served as a meeting point for the culture’s business and creative communities. The 2026 edition introduces a refreshed format built around two dedicated programming tracks: Industry and Creators, designed to connect professionals working across music, technology, media, and live events.
The Industry Track focuses on the business behind the music, offering panels, workshops, and networking sessions exploring topics such as event production, marketing strategies, emerging technologies, and the economics shaping dance culture. Executives, promoters, and industry leaders will share insights alongside voices from tech, media, and adjacent creative fields.
The Creators Track shifts the spotlight toward DJs, producers, and digital creators. Attendees can expect artist led workshops, gear demonstrations from leading audio brands, and career development sessions aimed at helping emerging artists navigate today’s music ecosystem.
Beyond its educational programming, the Kimpton EPIC Hotel will transform into a central gathering hub throughout the week. Beatport Live will present a three day rooftop pool party series, bringing daytime performances and label showcases to the hotel’s panoramic pool deck overlooking Biscayne Bay.
WMC 2026 will also introduce a new A&R Pop Up Lounge, offering artists the opportunity to connect directly with labels and industry representatives. Expanded gear exhibitions and brand activations will also take place throughout the venue, giving attendees hands on access to the latest tools shaping music production and performance.
The conference will conclude on Thursday evening with the Bridges for Music × International Dance Music Awards Gala, a collaboration that brings together two longstanding institutions in dance culture.
Bridges for Music is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to music education and community development, known for its academy in South Africa and support from artists including Richie Hawtin, Skrillex, Martin Garrix, and Black Coffee. The International Dance Music Awards, established in 1985, remain one of the scene’s longest running award platforms, honoring artists, producers, and industry leaders across the genre.
The gala will feature award presentations, live performances, and fundraising initiatives supporting Bridges for Music’s education programs.
Throughout the week, the Kimpton EPIC will host daily rooftop pool events, turning the property into a social meeting point for artists, executives, and fans before Ultra Music Festival begins the following day.
WMC 2026 will follow a three day schedule:
Tuesday, March 24
Badge pickup and opening pool party
Wednesday, March 25
Panels, workshops, exhibitor showcases, networking sessions, and pool party
Thursday, March 26
Final programming sessions, closing pool party, and the Bridges for Music × IDMA Gala
Two badge tiers will be available for attendees. The WMC Access badge includes entry to all conference programming such as panels, workshops, and exhibitor areas. The WMC Pro badge also includes admission to the rooftop pool parties and select sanctioned Miami Music Week events.
With its return to Downtown Miami and expanded programming structure, the 2026 edition places a renewed focus on connection between the industry’s business leaders and the next generation of artists. As Miami Music Week approaches, Winter Music Conference once again sets the stage for the conversations, collaborations, and celebrations that define the week.
