Rio Music Conference 2012

Like its famous older brother, Rio's Music Conference is a blend of the serious - workshops, debates and networking - and the not-so serious - big name DJs from around the world descending on the city to show just why they are at the top of their game. All of the goings on, however, have the same goal - promoting dance music to the masses.

The first edition in 2009 arrived with remarkably little fanfare so while most eyes were focusing on carnival, RMC volume one came somewhat out of the blue. Fortunately, enough big-hitters like Pete Tong and Gui Boratto ensured its success; Funk Carioca legend DJ Marlboro chatted about how best to network and even DJ Marky gave a crash course in basic discoteckery. German techno hero Sven Vath took to the ones and twos, and David Guetta appeared just as his career was about to go into the stratosphere and his face become plastered all over MTV.

This year, as with last, there will be two stages: 'Copacabana' for the big names and 'Ipanema' for the underground and rising stars. Confirmed on the former are:
Armin Van Burren (17 Feb), Ask2Quit (18 Feb), Roger Sanchez (19 Feb), Felix da Housecat (20 Feb), Steve Angello (21 Feb) Kaskade (24 Feb) and Felguk (25 Feb).

The underground stage will be looked after by the likes of:
Ellen Alien (17 Feb), Jamie Jones (18 Feb), Soul Clap (19 Feb), Carioca Funk Clube (20 Feb), The Twelves and DJ Hell (24 Feb) and Madureira Disco Club (25 Feb).

The workshops and talks take place over 15-16 February starting mid-afternoon and running into the evening. Highlights of the programme include:

• Gui Boratto discussing the world of production methods and technology (Wed 7pm)
• Sany Pitbull speaking for the Red Bull Music Academy (Wed 6pm)
• Logic Pro production programme workshops (Wed 4pm)
• Carioca DJ Roger Lyra presenting tips for CDJ mixing with CDJ1000 & 2000 (Wed 7pm)
• RMC founder Guilherme Borges talking about the conference's mission (Thu 4pm)
• Jamie Jones discussing the world of house music (Thu 7pm - in English)
• The biggest players in Latin American live music discuss the market (Thu 7.30pm) 
• Ellen Allien talks about being a female DJ (Thu 9pm)