The electronic industry's premiere annual summit is now upon us. With a full three-day schedule now announced, IMS is heading into its eighth year with what is set to be their biggest and most insightful event yet. IMS 2015 has an intense schedule of interesting and engaging debates, talks and interviews highlighting the issues facing our industry right now and in the future. With key industry figureheads talking and moderating throughout, IMS has once again provided a platform for the electronic music industry's many voices to be heard.
Throughout the three-day event, those dedicating their careers to pushing dance music forward will thrash out the issues and barriers holding it back. Particular highlights include Soundcloud founder & CEO Alexander Ljung being interviewed by Pete Tong. Having positioned the industry's number one streaming platform, Ljung has been a driving force in the industry for a number of years and is on the precipice of announcing big changes for Soundcloud in the weeks after the event, making this an interview not to be missed. Tong will also interview leading dance label Ultra Records' CEO Patrick Moxey on the imprint's 20th anniversary, and Def Mix CEO Judy Weinstein who will talk alongside fellow legendary DJ David Morales for the first time in public since the sad death of Frankie Knuckles.
Beyond the stream of industry heavyweights involved, the topics for debate at this year's event have also been carefully chosen to highlight the issues directly impacting on people working in the industry. The rumbling debate of festival billing politics is a noteworthy issue being brought to the forefront at this year's event, as well as the ever-contentious Great IMS Ibiza Debate, discussing the ever-changing face of the island and it's immense impact on the international dance music industry.
Keeping up the tradition of honoring industry greats, this year will see Sven Väth and the Cocoon team hosted as guests of honor at the IMS Legends Legend's Dinner, set to take place at the beautiful Ama Lur restaurant. The now legendary Dalt Vila events return this year, providing a unique opportunity to party at a UNESCO world heritage site with music provided by the biggest names in dance music. With strong line-ups on both days and a collaboration with leading label Black Butter for the second event, these parties will be a highlight of IMS 2015 and the perfect start to another successful and prosperous year for the industry in Ibiza.
New for this year's event, IMS will debut its Back2Live concept, highlighting the growing demand for live dance music and it's internationally felt impact on the industry. Showcasing live performances from some of the scene's best acts on the Hard Rock Hotel's pool stage during Wednesday evening, the event will also see cohesion between heavy weight dance music brands and Gibson Guitars. A unity not seen before at this kind of event and further reinforcing the notion that dance music has become as an integral part of the global music industry as a whole.
Beyond the summit itself are a plethora of nocturnal events to keep delegates busy. Respected DJ Black Coffee will be hosting a delegate only showcase event at Ushuaïa's After Dark venue with support from Andy Baxter. And Becky Tong brings Juicebox to the island in the same venue on Thursday evening.
