CEMC (Chicago Electronic Music Conference) had its first year in 2025, and the conference combined live music, informative panels, and interactive workshops.
Chicago Electronic Music Conference successfully held its inaugural edition at the Ramova Theater on April 26, 2025. A networking event that provided valuable knowledge and opportunities to attendees, CEMC brought together some of the best qualities of the electronic music industry under one roof for attendees to explore.
Inspired by events like Amsterdam Dance Event and held shortly after Winter Music Conference, the founders of CEMC arranged programming that paid respect to both the roots and the current era of electronic music. Held in the birthplace of house on Chicago’s south side, CEMC offered tremendous knowledge and opportunity to both industry professionals and those curious about getting more involved in the scene.
The main concourse of Chicago Electronic Music Conference showcased a variety of vendors and organizations that had merchandise for sale, interactive equipment, new products to try, and information about the city’s events and venues. CEMC sponsor Synth City had a wall of modular synths on display, while venues and collectives like Smartbar and NSW Presents were available to chat.
The Balcony Bazaar also featured live DJ sets from some of Chicago’s most talented selectors. Once the vendors packed up in the evening, the stage continued to play music until 2 AM. On the other side of the venue, the conference had panels held from 12:30-7:00 PM before music played until 2. Tucked inside the main room was the vinyl lounge, a chill area that included live vinyl sets as well as additional workshops, a silent disco, and production/DJ workstations.
One of our favorite panels came at 5 PM, where Metro and Smartbar founder/owner Joe Shanahan shared valuable industry tips alongside legendary Chicago artists Mike Dunn and DJ Lady D. CEMC panel topics included event planning, music production, mentorship, and strategies to ensure a long and successful career in dance music.
Chicago Electronic Music Confernece had a great turnout, especially for a first-year event. Not only was the first CEMC both inspirational and informative, but the future of the conference shows tremendous potential. 2025 was just the beginning, and we can’t wait to see how CEMC evolves and continues to elevate the community.
“The magic of CEMC wasn’t just in the panels or the music or the networking—it was in how all those elements came together to create something participatory and alive. Anyone can throw a party, and more people are starting to host educational events, but what’s often missing is interactivity. We built this to be hands-on, personal, and immersive. You didn’t just attend CEMC—you contributed to it. That’s the model we believe in, and we’re proud to have sparked something that people aren’t just asking for more of—they’re asking how they can help build it too.”
John Rynecki, CEMC co-founder
Article: @michael__premier
Photos: @ethan_jollie_photography
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