Mark StefanosBeatport, the world’s largest music store for DJs, is bringing its global summit series to Los Angeles with Beatport Connect L.A., a one-day gathering designed to spark connection across the electronic music industry, this Friday, Sept. 26 at the W Hollywood. The event will unite emerging artists, record labels, and industry professionals for a full day of panels, conversations, and performances — followed by a sunset mixer on the hotel’s WET Deck and a late-night Beatport Live showcase presented with Insomniac Records. Half of ticket proceeds will benefit nonprofit MusiCares.
The program reflects both the city’s creative energy and the challenges facing today’s music community. Confirmed panels include everything from “AI & Creativity,” which explores how artificial intelligence is transforming production and songwriting, to “Breaking Through in the Attention Economy,” focused on how artists navigate TikTok and short-form media. The lineup also includes an intimate look at Sofi Tukker’s career journey, Francis Mercier’s behind-the-scenes team, and conversations on identity, safe spaces, burnout, and the future of the electronic music industry.
Speakers span artists, executives, and cultural voices shaping the scene: DJ Minx, Dillon Francis, Moody Jones of Dirtybird, Katie Bain of Billboard Dance, Gregory Alexander of A Club Called Rhonda, and Claire Wright of BUDDY, among many others. It’s a snapshot of the diverse forces driving electronic music forward, from grassroots nightlife advocates to label heads and global touring acts.
We talked with Beatport CEO Robb McDaniels about this week’s event and its aims to invest in the future of electronic music while making space for meaningful connection in a rapidly evolving world.
LA WEEKLY: What prompted you to start Connect and how has having in-person events contributed to building community surrounding the music?
Robb McDaniels: When we first started Connect, the idea was simple: take learning and inspiration directly to cities where emerging artists and aspiring professionals often don’t have easy access.
We launched events in places like Tokyo, Johannesburg, and Mexico, and each time we saw how powerful it was when the local community could come together, connect, and share knowledge with the wider music industry.
Beatport CEO Robb McDaniels (Grace Phillips)
In Los Angeles, we tested the format with four smaller community events, and the response from young people eager to learn showed us the real demand.
Connect LA builds on that momentum with eight panels, an evening DJ event, and ticketing priced to stay affordable, so it’s accessible to everyone. At its core, Connect is about creating spaces where people can learn, network, and feel part of a bigger community.
What gap in the electronic music industry is Beatport Connect designed to fill?
The electronic music industry can feel fragmented at times, and we often lose sight of the excellence that exists within it. Beatport Connect is designed to close that gap by curating conversations and creating a platform where talent and innovation are brought into focus.
By bringing diverse voices and perspectives together in one space, we’re able to showcase what’s driving the industry forward and highlight the incredible creativity that can sometimes get overlooked.
How do you see the landscape of electronic music events in LA, and how does it fit into the global ecosystem?
Los Angeles is one of the most important hubs for electronic music, not just in the U.S. but globally. The city has such strong connections to international trends, and what happens here often shapes culture across the world. With Beatport Connect, we’re able to link LA directly into the wider network of Connect events, creating a bridge between the local community and the global electronic music ecosystem. It’s a way of recognising LA’s influence while also giving artists here the chance to be part of the conversations and movements happening worldwide.
What can participants hope to get out of coming to Beatport Connect and how can they make the most out of attending?
At Beatport Connect, participants can expect access to eight carefully curated panels covering timely topics like AI, the Attention Economy, and the future of electronic music. It’s a chance to learn directly from leading experts and executives, while also building real connections with peers across the industry.
Beyond the panels, there’s an evening of DJ sets included in the ticket price, which turns the day of learning into a shared music experience. The best way to make the most of it is to come with an open mind, take part in the conversations, and use the opportunity to expand your network.
Anything else Beatport has coming up that would be interesting to the LA community?
We’re also running ongoing Beatport Live sessions out of our LA office. These are free live events that bring in big names alongside exciting new talent. It’s part of our wider commitment to making music culture accessible and keeping the community connected to what’s happening globally.
For more information and tickets for Beatport Connect, visit connect.beatport.com.