The conference attracted nearly 400 delegates from 29 countries, up by 30% on the first year (IMS launched in 2008). Including invited speakers from around the world there were over 450 of the leading executives in the global electronica business present.

As one esteemed speaker, Juan Vandervoort from K7! Records, Germany put it: “An industry known for producing innovative music, finally also has an innovative conference.”

At the end of most panels and during a special IMS Vote quick fire experiment, complete with digital voting devices, delegates were asked to vote on a number of key issues. 45% of delegates believed the Spotify model would not work for electronic music, 63% thought it’s not possible to reverse the trend of free music, and 73% voted against signing 360 degree deals. 69% of the panel audience agreed that the IMS made them question the way their companies work! (full results below).
The results of the votes, together with key action points from the panels will also help shape a 20-point action plan to help the sector navigate the year ahead. This will be announced by the IMS shortly.

Questions were also voted on by consumers via the leading dance site Beatportal, with 80% of voters arguing the electronica business doesn’t need the majors to thrive. Electronic pioneer Tom Middleton was on hand to blog live throughout the entire event.

Alfredo, DJ Pippi, DJ E.A.S.E (Nightmares On Wax) were to provide the DJ soundtrack for our lucky delegates and The Grial formed the backdrop for debates to be continued long into the evening, with label showcases from Rekids, Toolroom, Cr2, Pacha Recordings and Barraca Music and featured DJs such as Radio Slave, Andrew Grant, Mark Knight, Sarah Main and MYNC.

As the conference drew to a close, a humbled Jason Bentley, Musical Director of Santa Monica’s influential KCRW, was selected as winner of the IMS PIONEER AWARD 2009 for outstanding dedication to business. He was selected by IMS partners and Pioneer, for his continued work at pushing electronic music on the highest platforms from KCRW to his music supervision work.

Jason Bentley: “I am honored to be the recipient of the IMS Pioneer Award 2009. We all believe in the power and promise of music to make a better world, and it’s thoughtful gestures like this that help further inspire and motivate everyone involved. Here’s to the ever expanding horizons of dance and electronic music, and the continued success of the International Music Summit.”

Ben Turner: “Jason is a true champion of this genre into mainstream circles, from his work with music placement in films and brands, his work with the Grammy Awards, and of course now taking over the breakfast show on KCRW and continually using his influence to promote what’s best about our genre. The event is all about promoting the people behind the scenes and the hard work they do to make a difference. There is nobody who deserves more attention that Jason Bentley.”

IMS launched with a powerful opening Key Note from Marc Marot, formerly head of Island Records and manager to Paul Oakenfold. His speech about the dinosaurs of the industry remained fresh in people’s minds right to the closing Key Note interview with iconic pioneer Richie Hawtin who stated that ‘many people in the room are still acting like dinosaurs’. His talk offered huge inspiration about the technological possibilities electronic music has to play with, and challenged the delegates that, despite their ‘vote’ to the contrary, they are “not in touch with their youth”.

Hawtin singled out for praise 19-year old fellow speaker Callum Negus Fancey from Let’s Go Crazy, an underage phenomenon in the UK with his large scale dance parties. Fancey’s words sent shockwaves through the audiences with his attack on how record companies and brands fail to market properly to their future audience. All IMS panels and debates can be found exclusively on the IMS You Tube here.

Another highlight was the creation of the IMS anthem by Dirty Vegas, which they created live in support of AIDS charity Dance4Life. The anthem was then passed on to producer legends, Above and Beyond who remixed it live in front of the delegates. The Get Tested Auction on behalf of the Hepatitis C Trust truly benefited from some crazed bidding on an eclectic set of lots which included a Pete Doherty blood painting (raising over €5,000) whilst other lots included a signed Goldie poster, Anna Mantronix’s (Scissor Sisters) first tour dress and a Pam Hogg cat-suit.

IMS partner and BBC Radio 1 DJ Pete Tong states: “It was an incredible second year. We’ve raised the bar with the summit, and now with the Grand Finale which is one of my proudest moments in this business. To see such an event in Ibiza was inspirational. IMS brought together veterans and virgins – from Ted Cohen to Callum Negus Fancey, this was a true melting pot of ideas and visions for the future.”

The IMS Vote – full results:

1. Do electronic artists need labels in the Beatport era?
Yes: 76.5%
2. Are hype charts still relevant to this business?
No: 53%
3. Is piracy still a major threat to your business?
Yes: 70.4%
4. Is it possible to reverse the trend of “free” music to the consumer?
No: 62%
5. Do you now accept that ‘mobile has become the social fabric of youth’
Yes: 80%
6. Will the Spotify streaming model work for the electronic music industry?
Yes: 55%
7. Does radio ultimately still rule?
Yes: 65%
8. Would you welcome a new DJ Top 100 style chart based on actual audience figures?
Yes: 76%
9. Is good festival billing now critical to the success of a breaking artist?
Yes: 62%
10. Should DJs aged over 50 be forced to retire from playing in nightclubs?
No: 63%
11. Do you feel electronic music is properly acknowledged by the wider music business?
No: 65%
12. Is the electronic music scene more comfortable as an industry sitting outside of mainstream attention and focus?
Yes: 69%
13. Would you buy the new Cocoon release (for example) if it was only available only from CocaCola.com?
No: 58%
14. Is the recession affecting your business?
Yes: 62%
15. Can you honestly say that you are in touch with the new generation of music lovers?
Yes: 70%
16. Do you consider Ibiza the capital of global electronic music?
Yes / No: 50% split vote
Recount – Yes: 52%
17. Should the IMS stay in Ibiza?
Yes: 96%
18. Should the IMS remain a boutique gathering?
Yes: 64%
19. Is this event making you question the way you / your company works?
Yes: 69%
20. Do you feel you now have a voice in the future of your industry?
Yes: 86%

How did all this come about?
The partners all have a passion about our business and a long standing appreciation of Ibiza. We felt that there was an opportunity to create a new type of conference at the start of the Ibiza season. We wanted to create an event that was good for the business and good for Ibiza. We appreciate Miami and Amsterdam but felt Ibiza deserved its own conference as it plays such a major role in what we all do.

You are holding it at the Ibiza Gran this year, why the change?
I think it’s a natural evolution after the success and feedback from last year. The Gran is a major new addition to the island in terms of facilities and gives us many more outlets to stage satellite events around the conference. Ibiza town is a fantastic location.

Why did you feel the need to be involved in a conference like this?
I have been in the business all my working life , I feel this is a great opportunity to put all that experience to positive use

The IMS is teaming up with the Hepatitis C trust – how did that come about?
They saw what we achieved last year and approached us to be involved and support what they were doing – I think it’s a very positive move for both organisations.

Last year was a huge success, with lots of delegates saying they did more business in those 3 days than they had done in years of going to other conferences. How did that make you feel?
Very proud and very happy for Ibiza. It was very rewarding to be able to run such a high quality conference on the island that sometimes suffers for being seen as just the ultimate party place.

Can you tell us anything about the panels this year? How are they relevant to what is going on in our industry at the moment?
We think we put together a very unique and thought provoking selection of panels last year and aim to do the same again for 09 and push the boat out even further! There will panels that address the issues of the day and those that will make people think outside the ‘box’ to use a well worn conference saying!

Can you tell me about the Grand Finale? I hear it’s going to be huge.
We have worked hard to improve our ties with the Ibizan Government during the last year and we are very happy that they have given us access to the fort in the old town , a world heritage site (?) …ben to add full details

I hear the IMS has backing from the Ibiza Government this year which is a massive achievement, tell me more about it…
As I mentioned in the previous question, we wanted them involved last year, they came and participated , they were very impressed with what they saw so this year they have agreed to support us in a more formal way. Hopefully the relationship and can build from here. We want the IMS to become a very important event for the island.

You had 300 delegates last year, and this year has 400 – is this the shape of things to come?
We want the conference to remain intimate that was its strength from the outset but we want the events around the conference to become our interface with a bigger consumer market. Sonar is a great role model.

What was the most inspiring thing that happened at the IMS last year?
Seeing 300 of my colleagues and piers sit through every panel side by side for the whole three days. That was absolutely amazing!

Tom Middleton & Soul Avengerz famously made a track live at last year’s conference, is anyone going to top that this year?
This year Dirty Vegas will be writing the IMS anthem in front of the crowd. Followed by Above & Beyond delivering the remix. It speaks for itself!

Do you think there is a need for another music conference?
I think there is a need for a unique conference in a place that does so much for the scene, the artists the dj’s the producers the writers the promoters. Ibiza inspires us all and rewards us all and I think it deserves this conference and I think the electronic community can take great benefit from it

Will you be djing?
Yes I’m playing before Basement Jaxx who unveil their new live show at the incredible venue awarded to us by the Ibiza Consell, which is a World Heritage site in Dalt Vila. Also playing live are Filthy Dukes, and I will be DJ-ing with Rob da Bank

What are you looking forward to most about this years IMS?
Getting it started on Wednesday morning!

Can you tell me anything about the evening’s showcases?
We decided to invite a handful of labels. So on Wednsday at Grial we have Rekids and Barraca from Spain. And on Thursday, Cr2 join Toolroom and Pacha Recordings. This brings in DJ sets from the likes of Radio Slave, Adam Grant, Mark Knight, Funkagenda, the return of MYNC and Sarah Main. The Danish music industry also roll into a town with Kenneth Beger and a host of others at a special Danish showcase at El Hotel. And each night, Pioneer will host sunset drinks with Sander Kleinenberg, Tom Middleton and Sarah Main already confirmed. BEN

The International Music Summit runs from the 27-29th May 2009 at The Ibiza Gran. Tickets are available at www.internationalmusicsummit.com

The three-day music summit, which will be held at the Ibiza Gran Hotel from the 27-29th May 2009, will culminate with a dazzling live event at the stunning location in Ibiza’s Dalt Vila. This famous UNESCO World Heritage site will set the spectacular backdrop for the IMS: 09 Grande Finale with a live show featuring the Grammy & Brit award winning Basement Jaxx playing an exclusive live set alongside emerging electronic act The Filthy Dukes. DJs include a rare set from Richie Hawtin outside of Cocoon / Amensia, plus BBC Radio 1’s Pete Tong and Rob da Bank.

The IMS have announced that 700 tickets will be available to the public for this landmark event. The IMS:09 will be the first international contemporary music event to take place within the historic Moorish walls of the old town, overlooking the Mediterranean, and annually home to the Ibiza Jazz Festival. The Consell Insular d’Eivissa (Ibiza local government), are co-sponsors of the IMS: 09 event, sending a strong message of support and approval to the electronic gathering.

Basement Jaxx, famous for their flamboyant live stage shows, will perform fully live to kick-start their summer tour. It will act as a first opportunity for anybody to see the new show. The band state:

“We’re delighted to have been asked to close the Grand Finale of the International Music Summit 2009 inside the castle at the top of the old town of Ibiza. To play such a spectacular and intimate venue on the island where we’ve had so many good times was a temptation we couldn’t turn down. What a brilliant way to kick off summer 2009!” – Felix & Simon, Basement Jaxx

Basement Jaxx will also appear at the IMS summit itself, being interviewed by Pete Tong in front of the electronic industry; about how they’ve made the step from parties in Brixton to Brazilian festivals to become one of the most successful dance acts to emerge from the scene in the last 20 years.

Richie Hawtin, Pete Tong and Rob da Bank will make their only DJ performances of the Ibiza opening party weekend at the IMS Gran Finale. Emerging crossover act Filthy Dukes also play live at sunset.

Pete Tong states: “This is my only performance of the Ibiza opening weekend and after three days of intense debate; it will be a night to celebrate. To see the Jaxx in the most historic location on the island will be a moment to remember. Sunset in Dalt Vila will never be the same.”

IMS summit content is shaping up nicely too; with additional speakers being added to the already impressive line-up. With no doubling up of panels to create focus, they are gaining a well-deserved reputation for helping to shape the future of the electronic music scene. Latest speaker additions include Mark Selby, the Vice President of Nokia Multimedia worldwide, who has history with Ibiza after creating the first ever mobile phone initiative in Ibiza in 1999 with IMS partners Ben Turner and Pete Tong. In addition, Ted Cohen from TAG Strategic will feature in a presidential style debate. Cohen was formerly Vice President of Digital Development at EMI. Martin Morales from Disney Music Group joins the synch session, whilst the legendary audio genius behind Funktion 1, Tony Andrews, will also speak about the increasing importance of educating about good sound to the IPod generation. Other names of note include artist Mark Knight, plus representatives from The Big Chill, AEG Europe, Ingenious Media and BBC Radio 1. The full list of new additions is:

* Amy Thomson, Dex-Ray, UK
* Callum Negus-Fancey, Let¹s Go Crazy, UK
* Caroline Prothero, Prohibition DJ, UK
* Chris Greenwood, Big Chill, UK
* Cliff Fluet, Lewis Silkin, UK
* Dirty Vegas, Artists, UK
* Felix Buxton, Basement Jaxx, UK
* Horst Weidenmueller, !K7 Records / IMPALA, Germany
* Kenneth Bager, Music For Dreams, Denmark
* Lol Hammond, Vertigo Films, UK
* Mark Knight, Toolroom, UK
* Mark Selby, Nokia, UK
* Martin Morales, Disney Music Group, Europe, Middle East & Africa
* Matt Glover, AEG Europe, UK
* Paul Bedford, Ingenious Media, UK
* Rhys Hughes, BBC Radio 1, UK
* Richard Marshall, Gulp Marketing, UK
* Richard Norris, Beyond The Wizard’s Sleeve, UK
* Simon Ratcliffe, Basement Jaxx, UK
* Ted Cohen, TAG Strategic, USA
* Tom Middleton, Artist, UK
* Tony Andrews, Funktion 1, USA

Tom Middleton has now been confirmed as the official IMS blogger in conjunction with Beatport. He will write live on the Beatportal website as the debates rage with his personal views and insight.

IMS has also announced that on the first and second nights of the summit (Wednesday & Thursday), labels Rekids, Toolroom, Pacha Recordings and CR2 will host intimate showcase events at the Grial venue, located opposite the main Ibiza Gran Hotel. Three labels will showcase at each party.

Help shape the future of electronic music and get to the International Music Summit 2009.

Hawtin states: “I heard great reports about the first IMS, and as this is a critical time for the industry and the world at large, this intimate gathering feels more important now than ever before. I am excited to share my experiences and vision for the future with the leaders of the genre.”
With many dance music luminaries stating they’d done more deals in three days at last year’s summit than in ten year’s of attending other dance conferences, this year they’ll have the opportunity to do some good as well, as IMS has partnered with the Hepatitis C Trust and their ‘Get Tested! Mission. The Mission will involve industry folk being sponsored to travel to Ibiza via any means possible (other than plane or car!) to reduce the carbon emissions footprint of the music industry whilst raising awareness and funds for the Hepatitis C Trust. So if you fancy having fun travelling through France and Spain with like-minded people make sure you sign-up and get on-board this ground-breaking challenge whether it be by bike or bus, scooter or skateboard!

Proving the event’s heavyweight status within the dance music community the owners of the industry’s leading brands such as Sonar, Bestival, Creamfields, F**k Me I’m Famous, Pacha and Wall Of Sound are all confirmed to take part in the IMS: 09 panels, keynotes and presidential-style debates, with many more to be announced soon. Representing the artists’ interests we’ll hear from the managers and bookers of today’s biggest dance stars. Former MD of Island Records Marc Marot will be explaining why he chose a rock music approach to managing Paul Oakenfold, whilst David Enthoven of management company IE, will be talking about how they have transformed the traditional approach to management through their work with Robbie Williams, Simian Mobile Disco, Sia and Little Boots. Other speakers will include live bookers for the likes of Mark Ronson, Underworld, Moby, Mylo and Royksopp.
Looking into the vital importance of sync deals today four of the world’s leading music supervisors will a present special synch panel, with Jason Bentley from KCRW overseeing a debate with PJ Bloom, Jason Alexander and Sanne Hagelsten. Between them this quartet are responsible for placing music in some of the biggest American network TV shows including CSI and Entourage.

IMS partner and BBC Radio 1 DJ Pete Tong states: “We’re delighted to get back to business with the second International Music Summit in Ibiza. Last year was a revelation, an incredible gathering of big thinkers, with deals being done on the spot, and a feeling of all wanting to take our genre to a new level.”

Finally, the IMS are proud to announce that Ibiza’s local government, the Consell Insular d’Eivissa, are co-sponsors of the IMS: 09 event, sending a strong message of support and approval to the electronic gathering. The Consell have kindly provided IMS with a stunning location in Ibiza’s Dalt Vila. This famous UNESCO World Heritage site will set the spectacular backdrop for the IMS: 09 Grande Finale, as the first international dance event of its kind to take place within the historic Moorish walls of the old town which overlooks the Mediterranean. Tickets are included free of charge with all IMS delegate badges, however, a limited number of tickets will be available for purchase (details TBC). Acts will be announced shortly for this special event.

Francisco Medina Vicente, Secretario General Técnico de Presidencia of the Consell Insular d’Eivissa, says “The Consell d’Eivissa offer our most sincere congratulations for the success obtained in the first edition of the International Music Summit in 2008. We have received a lot of reactions from the first initiative, so innovative in our island of Ibiza, as a result of the large national and international media attention, and how well it has been embraced. For this reason, the Consell d’Eivissa wishes you new success in the second edition and offers our support for the event.”

The closing event will feature a stellar line-up of electronic music talent to signal the end of the three day event and marking the opening of the Ibiza season. Pioneer, key partner in the first IMS, will return with their innovative and entertaining showcases. Sol also return as sponsors for a second year, along with new local partners Sonica FM radio and Ibiza-Voice (exclusive online).

Confirmed Speakers For IMS:09 (with many more to be announced) Include:

Richie Hawtin, Artist, M-nus, Germany
Pete Tong, Artist, BBC Radio 1 / Wonderland, UK
Rob da Bank, Artist, Bestival / Sunday Best, BBC Radio 1, UK
Matt Edwards, Artist, Radioslave / Rekids, Germany
Enric Palau, Sonar, Spain
Mark Grotefeld, Pioneer Europe, UK
Sander Kleinenberg, Artist, Holland
James Barton, Cream, UK
Mark Jones, Wall of Sound, UK
Marc Marot, SEG International (Manager Paul Oakenfold), UK
David Enthoven, IE Music (Manager – Robbie Williams, Sia), UK
Cathy Guetta, F**k Me I’m Famous, Paris
Michael Weiss, Nervous Records, USA
Eric Harle, D.E.F. Management (Manager – Moby, Mylo, Royksopp), UK
Cris Hearn, Primary Talent (Agent Mark Ronson, Underworld, Rob da Bank)
PJ Bloom, Neophonic / Music Supervisor, USA
Sanne Hagelsten, Zync Music / Music Supervisor, USA
Jason Alexander, Hit the Ground Running / Music Supervisor, USA
Martin Gontad, 2 Net Productions / Creamfields Argentina, Argentina
Jason Bentley, KCRW, USA
Henry Semmence, Absolute Marketing, UK
Olga Heijns, Unmanageable Artists (Manager Roger Sanchez), Holland
Danny Whittle, Pacha, Spain
Oli Isaacs, This Is Music (Manager Simian Mobile Disco, Little Boots), UK
John Niven, Author, Kill Your Friends
Jose Cadahia, Sinnamon, Spain
Lynn Cosgrave, Safehouse Management (Manager Carl Cox, Yousef), UK)
Tim Binns, New State, UK
Kurosh Nasseri, Nasseri Music Business Solutions, USA
Samuel Guetta, Ibiza-Voice, Spain
Bobby Simms, Pop Shop, UK
Steve Hulme, Pacha Recordings, Spain
Neil DeGuzman, Little Mountain Productions, Holland
Stephen Kempner, Sheridans, UK

For those who know of the ultimate Jedi Master; Tom Middleton, will not be surprised to learn that he created ‘Remember the Love’ (IMS Anthem) live in front of 300 delegates at the inaugural International Music Summit held in Ibiza earlier this year showcasing the innovations in live production for electronic music.

IMS co-founder Pete Tong states: “It was a brave experiment from us at the IMS, never mind Tom Middleton, but one which pushed boundaries in terms of pressures on an artist to record a dance track to a brief – with an audience of leading dance dignitaries in front of him. We’re delighted to see the record be picked up by Tim Binns and New State. A true anthem is born and now unleashed.”

Tom’s brief being the Summer of Love (1988) and Tom has indeed recreated the vibe with a modern, fresh epitome, an anthem reaching out to all those who survived to tell the tale first time round, and to all those who simply love that acid house sound.

The club mix is reminiscent of the heady days of ’88, where happy smiley people were dancing to the sounds of Joe Smooth, Marshall Jefferson, and the sounds of Chicago House. Tom does what he does best, infusing elements of acid house, with beautiful hands in the air synths that have an air of ‘Strings of Life’. Tom brings it all back to where it began and has given it a noughties twist.

Also stepping up to the IMS challenge was the Soul Avengerz, who on the 2nd day of the IMS conference remixed Tom’s original track live in a panel. Bringing a deeper and funkier element to the track, it’s a lot more stripped back and moodier. Still retaining elements of the piano riff, and coupled with a driving beat, this remix slowly builds and with a great break, allows that hands in the air in the moment!

The Presidential Sounds Remix is the harder and faster remix in the package – playing heavily on the rave element, with its driving bass and trippy synths, and is a proper peak time on a sweaty dancefloor number!

Tom Middleton adds…

“Honoured with the challenge of writing an anthem for IMS 08 I decided to rewind back to the Summer of Love of ‘88, the dawn of Acid House, when it seemed that nearly every track released was a dance classic.

RTL is an experimental celebration of those 20 years of house music anthems, and the musical journey that those hallowed 12”s made across the Atlantic to the clubs of Manchester, London and eventually Ibiza.

Researching and revaluating those timeless qualities that have made those Old School Classics endure. Clearly melodic and lyrical top lines and warm uplifting harmonic parts such as Strings played a key role. In my opinion, these important elements seem to be missing in a lot of the fashionable minimal techno du jour.

With a clear nod to the pioneers; Frankie Knuckles, Marshall Jefferson, Derrick May and Kevin Saunderson I hope you feel the love in this track, it’s pure and real. There was no agenda other than to illustrate what an anthem really is, to bring a little of that ‘88 flavour back into the clubs and to put a smile on your face as you remember what it’s all about”

Pete Tong, summit co-founder states “what happened in Ibiza [last year] will impact our future and the way the music industry moves forward. The response was overwhelming; people walked away with ideas for the future, with new relationships forged from different aspects of electronica and the film and brand industry. In 2009, we aim to build on this with some exciting new initiatives to be announced in Ibiza.”

The IMS has set a new standard for conference content, bringing together provocative thought leaders from in and beyond the music industry. With the fall out from the world economic crisis leaving few in the industry unscathed, IMS:09 will set the tone for how electronic culture responds to rapidly changing challenges. With no panel overlaps, delegates can attend each and every element of the experience curated by the IMS, creating a unique focus around the key topics on everyone’s agenda, whilst the luxurious surroundings of the new Ibiza Gran Hotel provide all with the space to network, think, and debate the future of their companies.

Co-founder and curator Ben Turner states: “Keeping the intimacy and quality of delegates to the dealmakers is of huge importance to us and those returning for a second year. We aim for the electronic industry to use these three days as a platform to debate but also unveil their plans and visions for the genre’s future. We have some special announcements to make on guest attendees, watch this space…”

Set again at a special location in Ibiza, the IMS’s three intense days of business programming, networking and activity will lead straight into the official opening weekend of the Ibiza season. There will again be a very limited number of delegate badges available, increased in 2009 by 100 places to 400 due to the immense demand. Yes, the International Music Summit will continue to be the G8 of music conferences!

The IMS will mark the start of the Ibiza season with a spectacular outdoor finale, featuring the hottest live acts, DJs, and of course, Pete Tong. Ibiza’s Consell Insular (the local governing body), are working closely with IMS to create a spectacular stature event to end the summit.

Attended by many of the most senior, proactive and heavyweight industry figures and artists in today’s scene, the future of the industry was fiercely debated over three days of intensely programmed panels and events. Legendary music producer and Key Note speaker Francois K exclaimed that the IMS was “The most amazing conference I’ve ever seen. I am looking forward to seeing what this grows into next year”. Simply, lots got done and lots got learnt!

Dubbed ‘back to business’; partying was far from most delegates minds, as they made the most of the intimate gatherings of fellow professionals. IMS was an invite-only affair, sold on its ability to put the major players in one area. Everybody took advantage of the networking opportunities, with many saying they had done more business in one morning then in an entire week at other conferences.

David Glick, founder of legal, investment and corporate finance boutique Edge Group, said: “The IMS has spotted a real need for a high quality, invitation-only event focusing on the top people in the electronic music market and has brought them together with a range of high quality speakers. I was delighted to be invited. I learned a lot and I had a great time. I came away with a fist-full of business cards I’m going to be following up on. A really first rate event.”

Not surprisingly, Digital was a key theme for delegates, inside and out of the panel discussions and representatives from flourishing and profitable dance music websites such as DJDownload.com and Beatport.com shared their visions for the future. Co-founder of IMS Ben Turner states: “The digital day highlighted how united electronic music culture is, and how in tune the key protagonists in our industry are with our music-buying audience. Note: music-buying!”

Andrew Keen, based in Silicone Valley and author of the controversial book ‘The Cult of the Amateur: How the Internet is Killing our culture’ led a debate on the challenges the digital age is bringing for creativity in the music industry at large. However, reflecting on the conference, Keen stated: “Whereas the traditional music industry is in the doldrums, electronica is experiencing a golden age. Electronica has much to teach the rest of the music world and mainstream labels need to take note of the club scene”. Indeed, as he articulated in his key note speech, the electronic world may be the “first example of an audience being so in tune with their artists that they would rather buy than steal” – the way forward…

The summit also took the opportunity to look closely at the domestic Ibiza music scene. The panel entitled ‘Ibiza – The Year of Change’ created history with representatives from every major club on the island sitting together publicly for the first time alongside a member of the Ibiza Council. IMS also made conference history by making the event ‘anthem’ in front of delegates, with electronic don Tom Middleton producing a track titled ‘Remember The Love’ for charity. The following day Soul Avengerz remixed the anthem, and on the closing day, Bruno Roussel, music editor on Six Feet Under, synchronised it to a movie. IMS are taking sealed bids for the record.

At a time of uncertainty in the music industry the International Music Summit left all attendees feeling refreshed, inspired and full of positivity for our beautiful dance music scene. Pete Tong states: “What happened in Ibiza last week will impact our future and the way the music industry moves forward. The response is overwhelming, people have walked away with ideas for the future, with new relationships forged from different aspects of electronica.”

IMS 2009 will take place on Wednesday May 27 to Friday May 29 inclusive. Visit www.internationalmusicsummit.com for information. Turner states: “IMS feels like dance music’s Web 2.0, and keeping the intimacy and the quality of delegate’s to the dealmakers is our ultimate goal.”