IMS Ibiza, the thought-leadership platform at the intersection of culture, education, industry, and wellness in electronic music, announces today the first details of its curated programming for the sixteenth edition of the summit, inviting the electronic music community to nominate speakers and panellists they want to see tackle key topics and issues.
The summit aims to bridge generational gaps, delving into four decades of electronic music, looking for the insights, values, and experience that transcend eras, to inform the future of our industry and scene. IMS Ibiza offers an ambitious and innovative program—a true exchange of ideas, wisdom, and creativity across generations.
The theme of IMS Ibiza 2025 is INTERGENERATIONAL EXCHANGE, deepening the connection between different generations of the electronic music community, from artists and industry leaders to entrepreneurs, pioneers, and visionary thinkers. The summit will unite seasoned experts and veterans with young innovators of today, fostering collaboration between generations and merging wisdom and perspective with bold and disruptive ideas.
Journeying through four ground-breaking decades of Drum ‘n’ Bass, from its humble jungle roots in the UK to its global influence today, FOUR DECADES OF JUNGLE & DRUM ‘N’ BASS: THE MCS TO THE OGS TO THE NEW BREED will explore the genre’s profound cultural impact as both a movement and a community rooted in British multiculturalism. Shifting between the underground and the mainstream to uncover key insights into its enduring legacy as IMS looks to the future of this iconic genre.
Delving into Spain’s vibrant electronic music scene, MARKET FOCUS: SPAIN – FROM FIESTAS TO ITS FUTURE explores the country’s deep musical heritage, its profound impact on international trends, and its pivotal role in cultivating the next wave of talent, festivals, and creativity. With insights from key industry players, it highlights the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of one of the world’s most influential music markets.
As nightlife reaches a critical crossroads shaped by economic pressures, regulatory challenges, and shifting cultural dynamics, THE FUTURE OF GLOBAL NIGHTLIFE: HOW TO REBUILD A SUSTAINABLE ECO-SYSTEM confronts how these mounting threats make its future increasingly uncertain. This session will explore how the industry can adapt and thrive in the face of these threats to ensure that nightlife remains a transformative cultural experience that inspires and connects generations to come.
Hearing loss and tinnitus are on the rise in our culture, with many high-profile artists now using hearing aids – a topic still shrouded in taboo. THE SILENT EPIDEMIC: TINNITUS, HEARING LOSS & LISTENING RESPONSIBLY will highlight the importance of listening responsibly, using ear protection, and addressing the stigma that prevents many from speaking out. It will explore how untreated hearing issues can lead to Alzheimer’s and why it’s time to prioritize long-term health.
AFRICA IS NOT A COUNTRY: THE GROWTH OF ELECTRONIC MUSIC ACROSS AFRICA is an in-depth exploration of Africa’s evolving scenes, diving into the continent’s increasing potential in electronic music, the nuances involved between countries, and an exploration of how to engage ethically and sustainably with the markets. It will also focus on Africa’s broader cultural influence through guided listening, deep discussions, and genre storytelling.
The landscape for record labels has shifted. More and more artists favour releasing on their own labels, or only agreeing to short term licenses, often shunning the major label route while embracing major label distribution options that have swallowed up most large indie distro routes. SHAPING THE FUTURE OF DANCE & ELECTRONIC LABELS IN 2025: FROM DIY TO DISORDER TO DISTRIBUTION will enlist leading label visionaries, distributors, and managers to sketch out the future of the label – the lifeblood of our scene.
The USA is undergoing a rapid evolution; shifts in the ever-growing electronic music market, changes within performing rights organizations, and a shifting political landscape. These developments are setting the stage for disruption in license collection and distribution across North America. What does the next five to ten years look like for live performance revenue streams in one of the world’s most influential music markets? In GET PLAYED, GET PAID: USA THE FINAL FRONTIER HOSTED BY AFEM: ASSOCIATION FOR ELECTRONIC MUSIC we will examine how the industry can set the agenda, and create a fairer rights distribution ecosystem for all.
MENTOR MATCHMAKING: EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION will connect the next generation of industry leaders directly with the industry’s most respected figures, including managers, agents, promoters, bookers, and label execs. Young talents aged 27 and under can apply for a ten-minute one-on-one session with their chosen expert to seek advice, share ideas, or discuss their aspirations. One standout mentee will receive ongoing mentorship after the summit.
Across three days, IMS Ibiza will unite innovators, creators, visionaries, and disruptors from across the global electronic music ecosystem all in one destination, presenting opportunities for delegates to explore best practices and innovation in music, technology, diversity and inclusion, education, and health and wellness. Co-hosted by leading BBC Radio 1 broadcasters Pete Tong MBE and Jaguar, the summit will deconstruct the topics and issues that really matter to the global electronic music community.
The development of the summit programming is overseen by the IMS Ibiza curation committee, who play a vital role in shaping the agenda of the event, ensuring that it remains relevant, engaging, and representative of the dynamic music industry landscape. The curation committee comprises (A-Z): Ben Turner (Co-Founder, IMS), Blaise DeAngelo (Co-Founder, The Art of Areté), Chloe Lula (Senior Producer, Resident Advisor), DannyWhittle (Co-Founder, IMS), Farah Nanji (Artist/Curation Manager, N1NJA/IMS), Grace Ladoja MBE (Co-Founder & CEO, Metallic Inc.), Jaguar (Co-Host/Broadcaster, IMS/BBC Radio One), Katie Sallows (General Manager, IMS), Kikelomo Oludemi (Artist), Pete Tong (Co-Founder/Broadcaster, IMS/BBC Radio One), Silvia Montello (CEO, Voicebox Consulting), Sofia Ilyas (Chief Community Officer, Beatport), Sophia Kearney (Co-Founder, HE.SHE.THEY., Steven Braines (Co-Founder, HE.SHE.THEY.) and Tracie Storey aka Tensuhi (Vibrational Sound Practitioner, Qigong Teacher & Sound Designer).
For the second year, the summit will return to the Mondrian Ibiza and Hyde Ibiza hotels, located in the tranquil and idyllic Cala Llonga. Sharing facilities, bars, restaurants, and pool areas with direct access to the beach, both venues will be privatized exclusively for attending delegates to create an intimate, immersive setting for networking and presenting the summit agenda. Just 10 minutes by car or 15 minutes by ferry from Ibiza Town, the new summit venue is an inspiring destination that will unite the global electronic music community. Overlooking the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea, and framed by pine-clad hills, this picturesque bay on the east coast of the island enjoys breathtaking sunrises and is perfectly placed for walks in nature to balance out the dynamic summit schedule.
IMS Ibiza is proud to continue its collaboration with climate action partner EarthPercent to unleash the power of music in service of the planet. 1% of all IMS Ibiza 2024 delegate badge purchases will be 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 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.
