The future of nightlife will be more technological, safer and more people-centered. This was stated by Yann Pissenem, CEO of The Night League, during his speech at the 10th International Nightlife Congress held at the SH Valencia Palace hotel . The meeting brought together voices of global reference to analyze the challenges, transformations and opportunities of the sector, in an edition marked by the presentation of new international initiatives and the celebration of the Golden Moon Awards 2025.
Pissenem, who collected the awards for World’s Best Club and Best Innovative Nightlife Project awarded to [UNVRS], defended that the industry is moving towards increasingly immersive experiences driven by the latest technological advances. The CEO shared panel with international experts such as Michael Grieve (Sub Club), Jorinde Boom (Amsterdam Dance Event), Rufy Ghazi (Audience Strategies), Greg Marshall (KUVO), Jeffrey Garcia (New York Nightlife Bureau) and Patricia Pareja (Mixmag Spain).
Together they delved into how clubs must balance innovation, human sustainability and the essence of 90s club culture, without losing sight of values such as education, respect and emerging talent.
Nightlife as a cultural and urban identity space
Another of the main themes of the congress revolved around the role of nightlife as a cultural expression and social engine. The panel “Nightlife and Culture”, moderated by Katie Knight, highlighted the importance of nightlife spaces as places of free expression and community creation.
Freek Wallagh, mayor of Amsterdam’s nightlife, together with representatives of Toolroom Records, Bootshaus and He.She.They, stressed the need to professionalize this figure in large capitals. Steven Braines remarked that “nightclubs are one of the few places where people can be who they are without external judgments”.
New tools for global industry security
The conference also presented the International Guide to fire prevention in public places, developed by Preventia, APTB and the International Nightlife Association. The document, a worldwide pioneer, brings together protocols and practical simulations to improve safety in nightclubs, bars and restaurants. Joaquim Boadas, president of INA, recalled that fires have caused more than 4,200 deaths in 100 years and that this guide seeks to avoid tragedies in the future.
Another high-level panel addressed global safety issues, with representatives from Singapore, Australia, Italy, Mexico and the Middle East agreeing that safety is now the main factor of choice for the public. The Triple Excellence in Nightlife -a system that certifies safety, acoustic quality and sustainability- was positioned as a key tool for raising international standards.
Launching of the first Faculty of Night Leisure
Among the most important announcements was the presentation of the first Faculty of Nightlife Studies and the World Nightlife Observatory (WONO), promoted by Appleton Private University and the International Nightlife Association. This free, online faculty will offer bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in areas such as marketing, sociology, law, anthropology and business management applied to the sector. The opening of a physical campus in Tucumán, Argentina, was also announced.
Sustainability and new strategies for a responsible night
The circular economy, the reduction of environmental impact and best practices were the focus of the debate at the presentation of the Green Book of Nightlife, the first guide specifically dedicated to sustainability in the sector. With the participation of experts from Barcelona, Sweden, Colombia and the Bye Bye Plastic Foundation, success stories and recommendations applicable to cities and venues were highlighted.
Professionalization, talent and relationships in the music industry
Another of the panels brought together leading figures such as Judge Jules, Manny Ferreiros, Javier Manera and Kerry Wallace to analyze the relationship between DJs, managers and promoters. They discussed the importance of knowing the audience, creating bonds of trust and increasing professionalism in an increasingly competitive industry.
The Golden Moon Awards 2025 crown Ibiza
The congress culminated with the Golden Moon Awards gala, hosted by Anna Tur and Judge Jules, where the list of The World’s 100 Best Clubs™ 2025 was revealed. [UNVRS] took first place, followed by
The tenth edition of the congress left a clear message: the future of nightlife relies on innovation, safety, culture and global collaboration to continue building a stronger, more diverse and sustainable industry.
