Change The Beat returns to New York City on Friday, September 18, 2026, with a debut at Marquee New York, pairing an early-evening community activation/workshop-style program with a full club night celebrating women in electronic music, including an industry featuring some of NYC’s leading experts. Tickets for the event are still available here.
Change The Beat, the nonprofit founded by DJ/producer Sydney Blu, focuses on education, mentorship, networking, and opportunities for women and underrepresented artists in electronic music. Following a sold-out NYC event the previous year, the organization is expanding its footprint with this Marquee debut as part of broader touring and artist-development efforts.
Early-Evening Activation (Workshop / Community Programming)
Before the club night, Change The Beat is hosting a special early-evening community activation at Marquee featuring industry panels, networking, and an intimate meet & greet / Q&A with special guest Tini Gessler.
Talent Buying Panel
How to Get Booked as a DJ in NYC
- Frank Nostro (Marquee NY / Marquee Skydeck)
- Mary Wolff (NYC Rave Girls)
- Kseniya Sovenko (NYC Rave Girls)
- Duncan Abdelnour (Virgo Events, Unveiled NYC; formerly Project 91)
Moderated by AKKI
A&R Panel
How to Get Signed to an A-List Dance Label
- Mike Weiss (Nervous Records)
- Lefti (Omakase, Gray Area)
Moderated by Sydney Blu
Keynote Interview
Tini Gessler (Experts Only, Elrow, Spain)
Interviewed by Sydney Blu
