IMS announce key themes for 2019

International Music Summit (IMS), the premier platform for business, culture and education in electronic music today announce 19 topics for 2019, examining and debating the most crucial issues and questions facing the industry today. For the 12^thedition of the summit global business leaders and artists will assemble in Ibiza for in depth discussions on new technology, advances in business thinking, gender parity, diversity and inclusion, social conscience and mental health awareness, to bring about positive change and progress.

Health, wellness and self-care will continue to be a key thread for IMS Ibiza, In AVICII, KEITH FLINT…ONE YEAR ON, WHAT HAVE WE DONE TO PROTECT OUR MENTAL HEALTH? the devastating effects of Mental Health issues will be examined, bringing together a number of organisations who are trying to address this growing problem. This vital discussion will illustrate the harsh realities of life in the spotlight and offer real and practical advice on how to stay healthy and balanced. The pressures of artist life will analysedfurther in DJ MAGAZINE PRESENTS…A TWIST IN MY SOBRIETY, which aims to understand the difficulties of remaining sober in an industry when many others are not, bringing together leaders from across the genre who have made a conscious decision to manage their health and professional longevity in the face of relentless hedonism.

CLUBLAND IN CRISIS – EXTENDED DEBATEwill unite twenty leading voices from across the electronic music industry in a two-hour discussion. Artists, venues, media, promoters and managers will tackle the most pressing issues facing clubland, including venue closures and the effect of local politics.

Dance music came from marginalized communities in the US but has ended up being monetized at their expense, forcing them out of the very scene they created. DIVERSITY ON THE DANCEFLOOR will address how to bring community and inclusion back to the electronic music. Whilst in INVESTIGATING INTERSECTIONALITYIMS will examine how systematic bias can affect the music industry and what can be done to tackle it.

Global Night Mayors, trade organisations and government cultural bodies will examine the relationship between governments and the dancefloor in THE POLITICS OF DANCING, illustrating the power of collaboration to make positive change but also the difficulties the nighttime economy experiences in the face of ever growing licensing and legal challenges.

MIXMAG PRESENTS…AN ALGORITHM, A PERSON OR A BRAND. WHO DO YOU TRUST THE MOST? will examine the role of data and automated reasoning in new music recommendations and analyse the best platforms and marketing strategies to break new tracks and expose listeners to new music.Continuing the technology focus, the evolution of DJing and the impact of new technology will be the focus in STREAMING IN THE DJ BOOTH, examining the shift from vinyl to MP3 to the Cloud.

A focus on new markets and the emerging electronic scene around the world will be spotlighted in ELECTRONIC MUSIC & THE EASTERN BLOCand MARKET FOCUS – THE PALESTINIAN MUSIC SCENEexamining how the underground is thriving and ready to play on a global stage.

IMS Co-Founder Ben Turner states “Real issues once again dominate IMS. We will present the content very differently on the first day as we host two extended debates on Mental Health and Clubland in Crisis with multiple contributors from around the world. IMS strives to make change in the industry by its content and curation. The Keith Flint news has shaken our industry, almost a year on from the Avicii news. We hope this year to bring together all of the companies focusing on mental health including the Association for Electronic Music, to help find a way forward that can actually make a difference.”

Along with the carefully curated three-day summit of inspiring keynotes and workshops, delegates will experience powerful networking sessions, Ibiza opening parties, the IMS Legends Dinner, Remedy State presents ARETÉand the annual IMS Dalt Vila closing celebration.

For the second year IMS Ibiza offers delegates the opportunity to choose their summit experience from three tailored badge tiers as well as the option to bundle Remedy State presents ARETÉpackages. Special discounts for students, Under 25’s and Ibiza Residents are also available providing full summit access as well as entrance to selected Ibiza clubs and opening parties over the duration of IMS week. 

Boiler Plate:

The Mission

International Music Summit is an educational, inspirational and motivational thought leadership platform dedicated to creating and encouraging the awareness of, and appreciation for, electronic music, and the artistry related to DJing and related art forms – primarily through the presentation of summits and events that celebrate both the historic and ongoing contribution of the genre to culture worldwide. IMS annually hosts major events globally in Ibiza, Los Angeles, China and Malta. IMS was created by Ben Turner, Danny Whittle, Mark Netto, Pete Tong & Simeon Friend. www.internationalmusicsummit.com