IMS: 09 declared a resounding success!

08.06.2009

· Ibiza history made with World Heritage Site concert

· Delegate registrations up by 30% from 2008

· 73% of IMS registrants 'won't sign a 360 degree deal'

· 19-year old entrepreneur from Let's Go Crazy talk of the Summit

· Key Note Richie Hawtin blasts the industry for 'not being in touch with youth'

· KCRW's Jason Bentley wins first ever IMS Pioneer Award

The second Ibiza International Music Summit was declared a resounding success as its Grand Finale drew to a close. This finale gig saw headliners Basement Jaxx thrill crowds at an open-air concert at a packed Dalt Villa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has never before been allowed to host a contemporary music event. They were joined by Filthy Dukes, host Pete Tong and Rob da Bank.

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."