IMS Ibiza announces first topics and venue move for 2024

IMS Ibiza has announced the first topics for the 15th edition of the annual electronic music industry conference, which is set to run from April 24th - 26th next year.

In a surprise move, the renowned summit also revealed a change of venue - with the upcoming event taking place at the newly opened Mondrian Ibiza and Hyde Ibiza hotels in Cala Llonga, with programming taking place across both properties. 

In partnership with AlphaTheta and co-hosted by BBC broadcasters Pete Tong MBE and Jaguar, IMS Ibiza 2024 will be supporting climate action partner Earthpercent.

Amongst the first topics announced is a deep dive into the history of visionary label Ninja Tune led by co-founder Matt Black, titled Ninja Tune: Unveiling The Wizardry Behind One Of Electronic Music’s Greatest Independent Labels.

Meanwhile, Tomorrowland: 20 Years of Innovation will see founder Michiel Beers deliver a rare keynote speech to share insights into the festival's evolution and the significant impact of the Tomorrowland Foundation, which supports vulnerable children through the building of music and art schools.

In keeping with the IMS Ibiza 2024 theme, Rebuilding Our Community: How To Bring Back Peace, Love, Unity & Respect will examine how we can respect and restore the values of the industry when our community becomes fractured - with special consideration of the impact of recent world events.

Furthermore, the summit will explore the vibrant evolution of Amapiano, tracing its roots from the townships of South Africa to its meteoric rise. Amplifying Amapiano: The Journey of a Genre From The Township to the Global Stage will unpack the genre’s cultural influence as it transcends borders.

In another fascinating conversation, CEO Wez Saunders and Defected Records founder Simon Dunmore will talk about the 25-year journey of the label, navigating challenges in the landscape while preserving its legacy and culture in 25 Years of Defected: Life After An Acquisition. 

Additionally, IMS 2024 will bring back its Market Focus format with a thorough analysis of the thriving scene in Germany, bringing together leading lights from the region across labels, publishers, promoters, PROs and the artist, management, and agency community.

To encourage delegates to look after their physical and mental health during the three-day conference, there will be free daily experiences presented by The Art of Areté, co-curated by Vedic Meditation teacher Blaise DeAngelo and Tracie Storey a.k.a. Tensuhi, a vibrational sound practitioner. 

The programme will include daily breathwork, yoga, sound meditations, morning runs, and sunset walks, as well as conversations around mental health, sleep, wellbeing, and more.

Furthermore, IMS Ibiza will also feature a new Brave Space, presented in partnership with award-winning collective He.She.They, a brand for all sexualities, all races, and all genders built on the shared values of respect, compassion and acceptance of others. 

A place for like-minded delegates to connect and share bold ideas, the Brave Space aims to foster open and honest dialogue, where individuals feel empowered to express themselves authentically without fear of judgment or reprisal. The space will encourage participants to engage in challenging conversations, confront biases, and explore diverse perspectives whilst emphasising the importance of respect and empathy. 

Last, but not least, IMS Ibiza has announced its partnership EarthPercent, with 1% of all IMS Ibiza 2024 delegate badge purchases being donated to the charity. In addition, the levy will be applied to all event sponsors. 

Co-founded by Brian Eno, EarthPercent identifies and supports some of the most impactful organisations addressing the climate and biodiversity emergency. Every grant they make is vetted by their world-leading Expert Advisory Panel - an international, multidisciplinary, multi-generational, and diverse group of climate scientists, academic researchers, economists, climate communicators, youth activists, community organisers, and policymakers.

IMS co-founder and lead curator, Ben Turner, states, “IMS continues with our third and most important edition since the pandemic, but also our 15th event in Ibiza. Now that the industry has (mostly) enjoyed its bounce-back, this is the real test of stability as consumer habits settle down. 

"It is also a moment where global events have impacted the unity of our scene, presenting many with challenging decisions to make. IMS also moves to a new property in Cala Llonga, a stunning part of our magical island that is now home to the new Mondrian Ibiza and Hyde Ibiza hotels, and now IMS. We can’t wait to host everybody again and continue to help set and drive the conversation.”

Artist and co-founder of EarthPercent, Brian Eno, says, “We’re delighted that IMS have made the pledge of 1% contributions to EarthPercent. The funds will go towards some of the most impactful climate and environmental solutions around the world. We’re in the middle of the most challenging crisis we will ever face and the music industry has an amazing opportunity to champion action. It's hard to know what to do but we know that uniting voices, values, and funds can make a huge difference so we’d love others to join IMS in the movement, too.” 

As every year, IMS Ibiza delegates will also be able to experience some of the hottest parties and events on the island, including the iconic IMS Dalt Vila closing celebration. 

Delegate Badges for IMS Ibiza are available to purchase now on the IMS website including concessions for Students, Under 27s, Ibiza Residents, and Delegates using sustainable travel to arrive in Ibiza. 

Hotel accommodation at Mondrian Ibiza and Hyde Ibiza is also available to purchase, with a limited number of subsidised hotel rooms at Hyde Ibiza available for delegates who are eligible for Student or Under 27 badges, priced at €95 per person, per night, based on double occupancy. 

Contact info@internationalmusicsummit.com for more information.