Beat the Ageism: Senior Raver Awa­reness

‘Beat the Ageism’ – both a call to action and an invitation. Even though raves are seen by many as a space of freedom, ecstasy and belonging, many people experience subtle or overt exclusion as they get older: when visiting clubs, booking gigs, backstage or as part of the working scene. But how deeply rooted is ageism in the techno cosmos?
In a keynote speech, sociologist and scene expert Konrad Lauten will present the results of a nationwide survey on age discrimination in the electronic music scene for the first time. The voices of older ravers paint a nuanced picture between invisibility, empowerment and a longing for a more inclusive party culture.
In the subsequent panel discussion, experts from the music industry will discuss practical experience, barriers and new ways to create a cross-generational scene, whether on the dance floor, in the line-up or in booking. The focus will not only be on awareness, but also on concrete solutions: Which working models, codes of conduct or club formats promote genuine participation? What can younger and older scene members learn from each other?
With techno's status as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage, there is also a growing responsibility to make the scene sustainable for the future – diverse, accessible and connecting generations.