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TOP 10 BUSINESS CARDS TO NAB AT EDMBIZ

10 Industry Vets to grab a moment with at EDMbiz...

Everybody who’s anybody will be shaking hands and rubbing elbows with the best in the dance music industry at EDMbizFrom celebrated DJ/producers to label heads and publicity gurus, to booking and publishing bigwigsJune 14-16 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas will be abuzz with business deals. But for those just dipping their toes into the waters of the electronic music world, it can be difficult to navigate the seas without some help. So after checking out the panel discussions, try and mosey your way up to the stage and see if you can snag a moment with these 10 industry vets.  
 
Dave Ralph: Talent Buyer, Insomniac 
If you’re a DJ trying to break into the festival circuit, get your mix in the hands of Dave Ralph. Curating the music for Insomniac’s international EDC festivals, Ralph himself is an accomplished spinner who’s held a residency at Cream Ibiza, sold over 100,000 records with ‘Tranceport 2’ and toured with Paul Oakenfold and BT.  
 
Junkie XL: Artist 
If there’s anyone who’s career producing electronic music has creatively expanded beyond the scene successfully, it’s Tom Holkenborg. The Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum artist has delved into the world of cinematic scoring, such as for the recent ‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice’, plus ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’, ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ and many more.  
 
Matt Rodriguez: VP, West Coast, AM Only 
One of the most familiar faces in and around the DJ booth without actually being the talent is Matt Rodriguez. With a roster of some of the biggest DJs in electronic music such as Above & Beyond, ATB, Dada Life, Krewella, Mat Zo, Paul Oakenfold and Seven Lions, he’s got over a decade with AM Only and opened the agency’s West Coast office in 2012.  
 
Pasquale Rotella: Founder and CEO, Insomniac 
If there’s one business card tantamount to a golden ticket, it would be that of rave dad Pasquale Rotella. No matter if you’re a DJ, writer, production wiz or customer, getting to know the man himself behind the whole reason you’re in Vegas in the first place can open a world of opportunities. Plus he’s still down-to-earth, has a genuine love and passion for the scene and is an all-around nice dude.  
 
Sarah Polonsky: US Editor, DJ Magazine 
Okay, this one is a shameless promotion for our esteemed editor, but we love her and you will, too. Before taking the helm at this publication, Polonsky integrated dance music into the hip-hop staple Vibe, plus was the first managing editor of Elektro. So if you’ve got the freshest new music or coolest events that would make a creative feature, she’s the one to woo to see your hard work in the print pages of DJ Mag. 
 
Steve Gordon: Owner, Circle Talent Agency 
As an agent and co-owner of the Los Angeles-based Circle Talent Agency, Steve Gordon’s personal roster includes BorgeousBrillz, Carnage, DatsikEphwurd, Excision, Flux Pavilion, Ghastly, Marshmello, Yellow Claw and Zomboy, among others. The company has also branched out from just electronic music to include live bands, MCs and singer/songwriters.  
 
Geronimo: Senior Director of Programming, SiriusXM 
Known simply by one name, Geronimo is the man to make your radio dreams come true. With over 50 EDM artists having national weekly radio residencies, including Armin van Buuren, Tiësto, Avicii, Hardwell and more, he also produces live broadcasts from festivals including EDC.  
 
James Algate: Vice President of Music, Hakkasan Group 
Breaking into the Vegas club scene is hard—unless you know James Algate. Working with superstar DJs such as Tiësto, Calvin Harris, Hardwell and Steve Aoki, he makes the music happen at venues such as Hakkasan at the MGM Grand, Omnia at Caesars Palace and the new Jewel at Aria. 
 
Moby: Artist 
We doubt Moby even has a business card, probably because he doesn’t need one. He’s friggin’ Moby! If anyone can guide up-and-coming producers to maximize your musical footprint around the world, it’s this guy.  
 
Neda Azarfar: Vice President, Marketing Communications, The Recording Academy 
Working with the Grammys would be a dream for anyone in the marketing world, and Neda Azarfar is living that dream. She’s responsible for integrated brand communications, PR, community affairs, social media and events for an envy-worthy career behind the scenes.  
 
Words: DEANNA RILLING