Chicago Music Nexus Sells Out Again, Reinforcing Its Leadership In Electronic Music Education

Chicago Music Nexus, Olivia Mancuso, Sherm, ARC

iEDM Staff | December 13, 2025

Chicago Music Nexus has concluded its 2025 edition with another sold-out gathering, reaffirming its position as one of North America’s most essential platforms for emerging electronic music artists and industry professionals.

Held on December 2nd, this year’s conference drew more than 200 attendees, over half of whom traveled from outside Chicago, including talent from both coasts, Canada, and Germany.

The turnout reflects the growing appetite for accessible, high-impact industry education in the birthplace of house music.

Founded by DJ, producer, podcaster, and A&R Sherm, alongside respected music consultant, podcast host, and ARC brand personality Olivia Mancuso, Chicago Music Nexus continues to expand its influence by offering programming that addresses the real challenges facing today’s artists.

“Our number one goal was making sure this was an event we would be first in line for. You cannot build a community if you're not willing to be at the center of it,” Sherm shared.

The 2025 edition built on its acclaimed debut with a lineup of panels featuring ARC co-founder John Curley, Wasserman agent Daisy Santow, Andhera Records founder Ky William, and additional industry leaders.

Discussions explored the evolution from local act to touring artist, navigating shifting financial models in dance music, and strategies for cultivating long-term fanbases.

Mancuso emphasized the do-it-yourself ethos driving the event’s growth, noting, “We didn't wait around for someone else to create the conference we needed—we leveraged our relationships and made it happen. The response has been overwhelming, and it's clear the industry has been hungry for this kind of access.”

Hands-on development remained a cornerstone of the day. Attendees participated in real-time demo feedback sessions led by Chicago legend Terry Hunter, techno innovator Hiroko Yamamura, Ky William, Sherm, and rising artist Proppa, whose recent collaboration with Waka Flocka Flame gained viral traction.

Chicago Music Nexus, Olivia Mancuso, Sherm, ARC, Proppa

Additional programming included label, promoter, and PR pitch improvements with Petey Mac of PGM PR, while CVHIXON of Crystal Lotus Studios provided professional artist headshots.

New partnerships with Pioneer DJ (AlphaTheta Global), BandLab, TrackStack, and BeatBox Beverages elevated the 2025 experience. These collaborations offered product giveaways, subscription incentives, and brand activations that equipped attendees with meaningful tools to support their careers.

Through its deeply intentional programming and continued expansion, Chicago Music Nexus is shaping a more connected and informed future for North America’s electronic music community.

The conference now stands as a defining space for artists and professionals seeking education, opportunity, and a pathway to long-term growth.