Connecting, Educating, and Inspiring Chicago’s Electronic Music Community
Who we are
The Chicago Electronic Music Conference (CEMC) brings together DJs, producers, educators, promoters, and fans to learn from each other, share ideas, and build a stronger and more equitable dance music ecosystem.
Our mission is to uplift the communities that shaped Chicago’s sound — Black, Brown, LGBTQIA+, women, and underground artists — and to ensure that electronic music remains a thriving cultural force for future generations.
Our Values In Action
We honor Chicago’s dance music legacy while creating new possibilities through experimentation and collaboration.
Discovery and experimentation keep our culture alive.
In practice:
• Hands-on workshops for DJs and producers
• Emerging-artist panels and showcases
• New formats for learning, skill-building, and exchange
• Creative sessions that explore future-facing tools and ideas
In practice:
• Music production labs and live demos
• Technical deep-dives with industry experts
• Focus groups to hear and learn from our community
• Spaces to explore new ideas, projects, and creative paths
We believe in collaboration over competition and in the abundance of the dance floor.
We thrive when we unite across scenes, genres, and generations.
In practice:
• Cross-scene conversations
• Multi-genre showcases
• Community-led panels
• Open knowledge-sharing sessions
In practice:
• Inclusive events celebrating Chicago’s dance music community
• Grassroots partnerships across neighborhoods
• Mentorship programs
• Year-round meetups and networking events