NADJ Team Attends Brighton Music Conference 2026

Members of the National Association of Disc Jockeys (NADJ) attended Brighton Music Conference 2026, joining delegates from across the electronic music sector for another successful edition of one of the UK’s key gatherings for DJs, producers, artists and music industry professionals.

Held across Brighton’s much-loved seafront venues, BMC once again turned the city into a vibrant hub for electronic music culture. Across two days and four nights, delegates enjoyed a packed programme of talks, workshops, networking sessions and evening events, with more than 240 speakers taking part across 80 sessions and events in 12 different venues.

For the NADJ team, the event provided a valuable opportunity to hear directly from industry leaders, meet professionals from across the music sector, and observe current discussions affecting DJs, artists, promoters, venues and music businesses.

One of the standout elements of this year’s programme was the use of multiple seafront venues, alongside a wide range of mixers and club events across Brighton. BMC founder Billy Mauseth explained that the conference had expanded its use of venues this year, creating more opportunities for delegates to learn, connect and enjoy live music throughout the event.

“This year we took over four seafront venues for the conference programme and a variety of different venues for the mixers and club events to offer even more to delegates attending. We have been overwhelmed with all the positive feedback. We love making everyone feel welcome and creating a space where everyone can come together to learn, be inspired, make connections and enjoy amazing music.”

Insightful Talks And Practical Workshops

A major focus of BMC 2026 was education, with a wide range of talks and workshops designed to provide practical insight for those working in electronic music and the wider DJ industry.

Electronic music icons ORBITAL took part in a keynote interview with DJ Magazine editor Carl Loben, with Phil Hartnoll also joining the conversation on “Mixing Music With Kids”. Other keynote sessions included “50 Years of Greg Wilson” and “Selador with Dave Seaman”, offering delegates insight into long-standing careers and the changing shape of today’s music industry.

The new and improved workshop theatre, presented by pointblank, delivered in-depth educational sessions covering track production, vocal production, DJ tips and tricks, immersive audio with Dolby Atmos, virtual reality and more. Interactive sessions were led by Beardyman, Huxley, Saytek, Ski Oakenfull, AlphaTheta, KIFFIX, Loopmasters and Technics, among others.

From an NADJ perspective, these sessions reflected the growing importance of continued professional development for DJs, producers and performers. Whether focused on technical skills, creative development or business knowledge, the programme gave delegates practical information they could take away and apply to their own work.

Wellbeing Within The Music Industry

The expanded wellbeing programme, supported by Anderson Acoustics, was another important part of this year’s conference. The programme created space for open discussion around the pressures and challenges that can affect people working in nightlife, performance and creative industries.

Sessions included “Navigating Nightlife Sober”, which featured Brandon Block and Denis Sulta sharing personal experiences. “Hearing Hazard vs Human Human” featured Anne Savage and Tom Middleton, while “The Cycle of Burnout” included vocal legend Angie Brown.

Local DJ duo Wildblood and Queenie also hosted the LGBTQ+ session, helping to continue important conversations around inclusion, visibility and support within the electronic music community. Yoga and sound bath sessions were also available to help delegates start each day in a more focused and balanced way.

For NADJ, the attention given to wellbeing, hearing health, burnout and inclusion was particularly relevant. These are all issues that affect DJs and performers, especially those working late nights, managing high-pressure environments, or balancing creative careers with business demands.

Industry Panels And Professional Discussion

Elsewhere in the programme, BMC covered a broad range of topics affecting DJs, artists, labels, broadcasters and music businesses.

The conference celebrated 30 years of Hospital Records, while Radio 1 DJ Arielle Free led a discussion on “Representation”. shesaid.so hosted the session “Breaking the Glass Ceiling”, and Ellie Talebian from Gaydio, Jess Bays from Select Radio and Micky Jukes from 1BTN joined the conversation on the “Radio” panel.

Popular sessions included the “Producer Q&A” and “Label Q&A”, led by Seamus Haji and Armada Music respectively. The “A&R – Get Signed” session featured representatives from Armada, Big Love, Overview, Critical and Ninja Tune, giving delegates direct insight into how labels are discovering and developing artists.

There were also a number of practical educational sessions that proved popular with attendees. These included the DIY panel, which gave delegates real strategies for building, promoting and sustaining their own music careers. Other sessions included “PR Deep Dive”, “Label Contracts” and “Sync”.

The two-day conference programme concluded with a Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) session discussing findings from its electronic music report. The session included contributions from key figures including Alan Fitzpatrick, Emilie Birks from Beatport and Sam Spencer from Broadwick Live.

For the NADJ team, these discussions reinforced the importance of DJs understanding the wider industry around them. Topics such as contracts, promotion, representation, radio, sync and artist development all have a direct impact on career growth and long-term sustainability.

Growing Networks And Building Connections

Networking remains a key part of the Brighton Music Conference experience. Alongside the formal talks and workshops, delegates had many opportunities to meet industry colleagues, develop new relationships and reconnect with existing contacts.

Mixers, beachside soirées and club takeovers took place across some of Brighton’s best-loved venues, creating a relaxed environment for conversation and collaboration.

For NADJ, this side of the event was particularly valuable. Conferences such as BMC are not only about attending sessions. They are also about being visible, listening to the wider industry, sharing experiences, and strengthening relationships with others working in music, events, nightlife and entertainment.

Showcasing Brighton’s Diverse And Vibrant Nightlife

BMC 2026 also showcased Brighton’s diverse and vibrant nightlife. This year, the conference partnered with a strong selection of the city’s venues, helping delegates experience the local music scene across a range of settings.

Delegates and music fans had plenty to choose from, with highlights including beachfront DJ sets at The Tempest. The line-up included global and local talent such as Alan Fitzpatrick, Chad Jackson, Jess Bays, Jon Carter, Just Her, Saytek, Steve Mac, Tom Middleton and many more.

Thursday brought a sunset session at Ohso with Huxley and friends, while Grant Nelson took to the decks at The Oculist. An exclusive gathering at The Upside Down House featured The Shapeshifters alongside three-time DMC World Champion JFB.

Friday saw BMC raise the bar further, with house music legend Kenny Dope selling out Quarters. Anna Schneider performed at Tide, Jumpin’ Jack Frost headlined the landmark 30 Years of The Volks celebration, and local promoters Stompa Phunk brought their signature energy to the Spiegeltent.

The weekend was rounded off with Selador presenting Seladoria at Alphabet, with Dave Seaman headlining.

For the NADJ team, the nightlife programme demonstrated the breadth of Brighton’s music scene and highlighted the importance of venues, promoters and DJs working together to create strong cultural events.

Thank You To The BMC Community

The success of BMC 2026 was supported by a wide network of staff, volunteers, venues, panellists, artists, DJs, partners, sponsors and attendees.

Thanks were given to the team behind the conference, everyone at The Tempest, Quarters, Horizon, Players, Lazy Fin, The Upside Down House, the participating panellists, artists and DJs, and the many venues across the city that hosted parties, club nights and networking sessions.

BMC also acknowledged the support of its sponsors and partners, including ACS, AFEM, AlphaTheta, Anderson Acoustics, Beatport, Dance Wicked, Emto Digital, Inflyte, KIFFIX, NTIA, Mixo, Xelon, pointblank, PRS, rightsHUB, shesaid.so, Skiddle, Technics and Ultraverse.

Delegate Feedback

BMC reported overwhelmingly positive feedback from this year’s event, with attendees reflecting on the atmosphere, conversations, networking and sense of community.

“Every year I am reminded how much I love BMC – it’s small, intimate, relaxed and somehow always sunny. Good music, good people, meaningful conversations with like-minded homies of all ages, shapes, sizes and colours.”

Silvia Montello, Voice Box Consultancy

“Great day at Brighton Music Conference with my brother Matt Jam Lamont. Big respect to everyone involved – important conversations, great energy, and always good to connect with people pushing things forward.”

Jumpin’ Jack Frost

“Brighton Music Conference you just keep on getting finer. In a world that frankly fries, you bring the reset with unrelenting positivity. Delivering connection, creativity, and community. Just as it should be.”

Wildblood & Queenie

“BMC was so good. It was an amazing time in all. So much to go forward with.”

Spinnin on the Spectrum

“Thank you for the female music producers and DJs representation panel at Brighton Music Conference. So much love and support and willingness to actively find ways to help female music producers further their careers and music in the industry.”

Skydanc3r

“Wow… BMC 2026 was superb on so many levels. I really do love Brighton Music Conference. For music producers, DJs, artists, and anyone in that developing or breakthrough phase of their career, it should be on your radar every year.”

Grahame Farmer, Data Transmission

“Such a brilliant event! So many highlights. Just loved how warm, friendly and approachable everyone was. Awesome event!”

DJ Shanaz

“Thanks BMC for such a great event. My first time and was great to meet so many friendly people and hear so much great music.”

Julian Fyson

“Brighton Music Conference has always blown my mind. Amazing panels and so many great connections made.”

Madame Electrorifie

“Such an incredible day at the Brighton Music Conference 2026 and an absolute privilege to join such an important conversation on ADHD, neurodivergence, music, creativity and the realities of working in the music industry. Huge thank you to Brighton Music Conference for creating space for this important discussion.”

Dr Rachel Grow

NADJ Reflections

From an NADJ perspective, Brighton Music Conference 2026 showed the continued strength of the electronic music community and the value of bringing people together in person. The event combined education, networking, wellbeing, live performance and industry discussion in a way that felt relevant to both established professionals and those still developing their careers.

For DJs, the conference offered more than entertainment. It provided practical insight into performance, production, promotion, wellbeing, representation and the wider business of music. These are areas that continue to matter for working DJs across the UK.

The NADJ team would like to thank the BMC organisers, speakers, artists, venues, volunteers, sponsors and attendees for their work in delivering another successful event. Brighton Music Conference remains an important date in the electronic music calendar, and we look forward to seeing how the event continues to develop in future years.

🎟️ Pro Mobile Conference 2026 – Tickets Now Available!