Winter Music Conference will return to Miami for its 36th edition from March 24 to 26, 2026, taking place at the Kimpton EPIC Hotel in Downtown Miami, the Official Miami Music Week Hotel. The legendary event reaffirms its position as the global hub for music, technology, education, and culture, introducing a new chapter for the world’s longest-running electronic music conference. WMC 2026 will feature two distinct programming tracks, Industry and Creators, daily rooftop pool parties at the Kimpton EPIC Hotel, and the inaugural Bridges for Music × International Dance Music Awards Gala, which will close out the conference. The event will bring together artists, professionals, and emerging talents through panels, keynotes, workshops, showcases, and networking opportunities, once again placing Miami at the center of global electronic culture. The opening day on March 24 will include badge pickup and the first pool party, followed by two days of educational sessions, panels, and networking. The closing day on March 26 will feature the final programming sessions, the closing pool party, and the Bridges for Music × IDMA Gala. The Industry track is designed for professionals working across the music and live event sectors, focusing on the business of music, production, technology, and the evolution of dance culture, while the Creators track caters to DJs, producers, and content creators through workshops, gear demos, and artist-led sessions aimed at inspiring and educating the next generation of talent.
The Bridges for Music × International Dance Music Awards (IDMA) Gala will mark a historic collaboration between two institutions that share a commitment to progress and inclusion in electronic music. Bridges for Music is a global nonprofit that supports underserved communities through music and education, known for its work in South Africa and for the support of artists such as Richie Hawtin, Skrillex, Martin Garrix, and Black Coffee. The International Dance Music Awards, founded in 1985, celebrate artistic and technical excellence within electronic music. The 2026 Gala will merge philanthropy, recognition, and celebration into a single evening with live performances, award presentations, and fundraising initiatives to support Bridges for Music. This special event will require a separate ticket and is not included in the standard WMC badge.
Since its foundation in 1985, Winter Music Conference has served as the beating heart of global dance culture, providing a meeting point for pioneers, innovators, and the next generation of industry leaders. Under the stewardship of ULTRA Worldwide, the world’s most international festival brand, WMC continues to serve as a forward-thinking platform for collaboration, creativity, and innovation. The Kimpton EPIC Hotel will become the Official Miami Music Week Hotel, hosting daily rooftop pool parties that merge business and celebration in the center of Downtown Miami. The hotel’s panoramic pool deck will serve as the social and creative centerpiece for the week, gathering artists, executives, and fans from around the world.
Production and operations for the conference will be handled by We Group, a London-born collective specializing in festival production, event operations, health and safety, and licensing. With offices in London and Miami, We Group has delivered large-scale experiences for major promoters and shares WMC’s vision of merging education, entertainment, and community impact on a global scale. WMC 2026 will conclude on March 26, just before the 26th anniversary of Ultra Music Festival at Bayfront Park from March 27 to 29, uniting the conference, the Official Miami Music Week Hotel, and Ultra into one weeklong celebration of electronic music culture.
Early Bird badges for WMC 2026 are now available at WinterMusicConference.com, along with discounted rooms at the Kimpton EPIC Hotel. WMC has partnered with FEVER and DICE to improve the attendee experience and ticketing process. Two badge options are available: the Access Badge, which grants entry to all panels, workshops, and keynotes, and the Pro Badge, which adds access to pool parties at the Kimpton EPIC Hotel and select Miami Music Week sanctioned events. Entry to external events is based on capacity and early access windows.
Founded in 1985 by Bill Kelly and Louis Possenti, Winter Music Conference has been a cornerstone of dance music culture for almost four decades, fostering creativity, education, and collaboration. Acquired by ULTRA Worldwide in 2018, WMC continues to evolve as a premier annual gathering for professionals, creators, and fans shaping the future of electronic music. We Group, the team behind WMC’s production, is known for its expertise in live event operations and has expanded its presence to the United States with a base in Miami.
