The annual Amsterdam Dance Event draws near, with diaries filling up and parties selling out by the hour. Whether you’re a newcomer or regular, there’s always something to learn from the locals – especially when they have been promoting some of the biggest parties in Amsterdam for years.
Best known for their summer festival, techno outfit Awakenings bring a host of huge talent to their four-day residency at Amsterdam’s epic Gashouder – the former gasholder situated in the expansive Westerpark (where you’ll also find a handful of other clubs, bars and restaurants). This year seems them host parties with Drumcode, Carl Cox & Friends, Joris Voorn & Friends and Electric Deluxe, with each event a guaranteed sellout.
Promoter and booker Maarten van Beusekom gives us his guide to all things ADE, and with his office located just around the corner from the conference hub of Felix Meritis, he knows the both the conference and the festival inside out.
Organising Meetings
As my night programme is pretty intense with four Gashouder shows, I invite most people to the Gashouder. We have a proper backstage area with bar where people can sit down and have talks without screaming to each other. During the day I prefer the Wednesday as there is a ‘quiet before the storm’ atmosphere.
Networking
Day and night, you always meet and greet people during those days. We suggest to walk around Prinsen/Keizersgracht near Felix and around Leidseplein. You will meet everybody there… and it’s also good for your health.
Partying
I can only suggest four parties. Awakenings Oct 15th, Awakenings Oct 16th, Awakenings Oct 17th, Awakenings Oct 18th. But I must warn everybody; we are sold out for months/weeks and we have a max capacity. So if you have a ADE festival wristband, come in very early (that means 22:00) as we let in a maximum number of people with wristbands. Be warned!
Eating
There are some amazing restaurants in Amsterdam, but I go for my favorite Italians! I recommend Pommorosso at Ceintuurbaan for some great Italian food from Elio, and Libero at Vrijheidslaan from Bruno. Great genuine Italian food! Go there!
Booking Your Accommodation
There are a view hotels which are great for meetings and some good night (morning) sleep.
Hotel Pulitzer, Andaz and Okura we use most for our artists and they always handle everything with proper care and professionalism.
Additionally, if you’re looking for somewhere to stay during the ADE Festival on a budget, then why not check out ADE’s accommodation. For a limited time only, we’re offering 20 euros off ALL bookings with promo code ADE20.
Getting the most out of Amsterdam
Don’t stay too long in your hotels/rooms! Go out and walk around the canals. Amsterdam is (of course I am biassed) the most beautiful city in the world where you can reach all locations just by walking. The scenery you see makes you forget you are walking. Look up and down and into different streets. You will be amazed!
Sound good? Make sure you grab your tickets for ADE Festival 2017 and Awakenings.