An online version will replace the annual dance music industry conference in 2020.
The annual dance music industry conference IMS Ibiza has been postponed due to the coronavirus. Originally set to take place May 20-22 in Ibiza, conference organizers have announced a virtual version of the event will take place instead in 2020. Dates are yet to be announced.
“Once the current situation has stabilized,” reads an email from organizers sent earlier today (March 23), “we pledge to work with our friends and colleagues in the industry to find solutions to support all those in the electronic music ecosystem that will be directly impacted by ongoing cancellations, illness, financial uncertainty and self-isolation.”
The conference also announced that much of the income from ticket sales has already been spent to produce the event. As such, the conference will offer badge and hotel refunds to attendees who request it, “but we ask our community where possible to transfer their tickets to the 2021 event to ensure the long term survival of the summit. Delegates will be contacted soon to confirm their preference, we thank you in advance for your patience whilst we navigate this unprecedented situation.”
The conference was scheduled to feature a keynote address from Brian Eno, who himself was going to attend virtually in an effort to reduce carbon emissions.
“The COVID-19 pandemic will have a deep and long lasting impact on the global community,” the statement continues. “We would like to take this opportunity to express our deepest sympathies and solidarity with all those that have been affected…IMS was launched in 2007 during a crisis moment for electronic music; we are as committed now as we were then to driving our industry forward.”
