From March 4 to 7, 2026, Donostia / San Sebastián will become a meeting point for the global electronic music community with the return of Dantz Network Congress. Now in its second edition, the event continues to establish the Basque city as an emerging hub for dialogue, collaboration and professional exchange within the electronic and avant-garde music industries.

Organised by the Basque cultural platform Dantz, the congress brings together artists, promoters, media, labels, institutions and technology experts to reflect on the present and future of electronic music culture. Through talks, panels, masterclasses and networking activities, the event aims to foster meaningful connections and explore the forces shaping contemporary creative ecosystems.

Exploring the idea of “Creative Ecosystems”

The 2026 edition is structured around the theme “Creative Ecosystems”, highlighting how electronic music scenes develop through interactions between artists, clubs, festivals, audiences, media and cultural institutions.

Rather than viewing music culture as a series of isolated actors, the congress focuses on the networks and collaborations that sustain artistic communities. Discussions will address key questions about the evolution of the industry, including how professional platforms support artists, how international collaboration can be strengthened, and how entrepreneurship and innovation can coexist with artistic integrity.

Industry voices from across Europe

The core professional programme will take place on March 5 and 6 at the Kursaal Congress Centre, featuring keynote talks, roundtables and curated networking sessions designed to encourage exchange between professionals from across the sector.

Among the first confirmed speakers are internationally recognised figures such as Carl Craig (Planet E Communications), Renaat Vandepapeliere (R&S Records), Gary Smith (Amsterdam Dance Event), Fernando Lagreca (Miracle MGMT), and Georgia Taglietti (THE ICNAC), alongside media and cultural representatives from across Europe.

Topics will range from artistic development and industry structures to cultural policy, technology and the evolving relationship between media and electronic music communities.

Clubbing TV joins the conversation

As part of the professional programme, Clubbing TV will participate in a panel dedicated to new modes of communication, media and storytelling in electronic music.

The discussion will explore how platforms, broadcasters and digital media are reshaping the way electronic music culture is documented, shared and experienced worldwide. In an era where festivals, artists and communities communicate through increasingly diverse channels, the panel will examine the evolving role of media in connecting audiences with underground and global scenes.

From discussion to dancefloor

Beyond the daytime programme, the congress also extends into the city through a series of showcases and performances. The Dantz Stage, an open-air venue located in Sagües, will host performances on March 6 and 7, bridging the gap between professional dialogue and live artistic expression.

The first artists confirmed include Carl Craig, Cristian Varela, Svreca, and Renaat Vandepapeliere, alongside emerging talents selected through international open calls.

Supporting emerging artists

Artist development is another key pillar of the congress. Through several open calls, including collaborations with BASQUE. MUSIC, the event offers opportunities for local and international artists to perform during the congress and connect directly with industry professionals.

Selected showcases will take place across different venues in Donostia, allowing artists to present their work to both local audiences and visiting professionals from across Europe.

A growing platform for international collaboration

By combining professional discussions, live performances and networking formats, Dantz Network Congress aims to strengthen connections between local and international scenes. The initiative reflects a broader ambition: building sustainable ecosystems where creativity, industry and community can evolve together.

As the electronic music landscape continues to transform, events like Dantz Network Congress offer a space not only to reflect on these changes but also to shape what comes next.

More information about the programme, accreditations and tickets is available at
https://dantznetwork.com


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