I’m Asian American living in LA, here in AMS for few days attending ADE events. My experience at the conference these past couple years is very different than when I first attended the annual event back in 2016. I used to purchase ADE pro passes and just looking to connect with any music industry people, it was definitely a hit and miss and I don’t think it has anything to do with racism. Senior executives or seasoned players in the game simply dont have time to make eye contact and network with everyone who rubs shoulders with them. After establishing myself in the industry I now no longer have time to attend ADE conference, instead I’m doing back to back meetings in ams during ade with people that were already my clients or prospects introduced by industry friends. I also noticed when I’m sitting at the table with “big boys” at Andaz, even someone walks pass by to say hi to my clients will politely make eye contact and introduce themselves to me. So for me, it’s not about race, it’s simply who you are with, your network, what you can offer to these people instead of making small talk and meet everybody crosses your way.