Jan-Willem van de Ven

Managing Director bij Amsterdam Dance Event

Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands

About

As Managing Director of Amsterdam Dance Event, Jan-Willem van de Ven leads one of the world’s most influential platforms for electronic music, culture, and creativity. With over 15 years of experience in the global music and events industry, he bridges artistic vision and strategic development, guiding ADE through a period of growth and innovation. Before taking on the role of Managing Director, Jan-Willem helped shape ADE’s direction as Festival Manager and later expanded his expertise as Head of Business Development at Paylogic International, where he worked on the intersection of technology, audience experience, and large-scale event strategy. Each year, ADE brings together every corner of electronic music, from main stage icons to underground voices from diverse subcultures and communities. With more than 3,300 artists, 1,200 events, and 300 venues, it unites the global scene around one shared love: electronic music. Known for his ability to connect artists, institutions, and audiences, Jan-Willem sees ADE as more than a festival or conference, a living global movement where music, technology, and culture converge. His focus lies in creating space for new ideas, nurturing talent, and strengthening the role of electronic music within the broader cultural landscape.

Experience

  • Amsterdam Dance Event (6 yrs 8 mos)
    • Managing Director
      Dec 2023 - Present · 2 yrs 8 mos

    • Co Director
      May 2020 - Jan 2024 · 3 yrs 9 mos

    • Co Director ad Interim
      Dec 2019 - May 2020 · 6 mos

  • Paylogic International (Amsterdam Area, Netherlands)
    • Head Of Business Development Netherlands
      Aug 2018 - Nov 2019 · 1 yr 4 mos

    • Senior Client Success Manager
      Apr 2018 - Aug 2018 · 5 mos

  • Head of ADE Festival at Amsterdam Dance Event
    Jul 2012 - Apr 2018 · 5 yrs 10 mos

    Managing the Amsterdam Dance Event festival program. Go-to person for City Council, all participating promoters, labels, artists, venues, and programmers involved in ADE festival. Actively participated in writing Amsterdam event policy

  • International Hospitality manager at Eurosonic Noorderslag
    Aug 2010 - Jun 2012 · 1 yr 11 mos

    responsible for booking all hotel rooms and flights for panelists, artists and music industry attendees at Eurosonic Noorderslag

  • Assistant to Hospitality / special projects at Buma Cultuur
    2009 - 2010 · 1 yr