The organisers of the International Music Summit (IMS), the pinnacle annual event for the electronic music industry, today revealed a big boost to its list of influential speakers for 2018. A total of 69 new names have been added, offering a deep insight on significant subjects and issues facing the electronic music scene.
Some of the topics to be included will be drug testing, sexual harassment and mental health within the industry. Known as the ‘TED of music conferences' this year's programme looks set to be the most diverse and exciting yet.
Artists like deadmau5, Nastia and Bedouin will step up to the stage as will the chiefs of the Burning Man, Sónar and BPM festivals. Management teams and booking agents like Coda and WME have also been signed up.
Back for its eleventh year in 2018 (23-25 May), this three-day event combines inspirational and educational talks with a festival-like concert in Ibiza Town on the final evening with IMS Ibiza Dalt Vila.
Taking a stance on sexual harassment in DJ culture will be the leading female platform shesaid.so. This proactive open forum will bring together UK media leaders to create an action for change.
Another topic of discussion will be drug testing, headed by Fiona Measham, a university professor of criminology. The aim of her talk will be to educate party-goers on how to enjoy themselves safely.
IMS's status as a global event means it will look at issues in other parts of the world, too. For example, its Emerging Party Destinations feature will see the management of the Scorpios Mykonos venue and Oasis Festival sharing their experiences in establishing a talent programme.
In addition, Seth Troxler along with Debucquoy-Dodley of Burning Man festival will analyse the differences between the two cultural tribes of Ibiza and Black Rock City, where Burning Man is hosted.
A significant milestone will be put under the spotlight as well with the organisers of the Barcelona-based festival Sónar examining its achievements of the past 25 years.
Also celebrating a silver jubilee within the industry is the UK label Positiva Records, which will be hosting a special panel on the Changing Artist and Repertoire sector of the industry.
Then, celebrating 15 years, Mark Knight will be discussing the history and the future of the UK label Toolroom.
An exciting live studio session from Canada is also on offer from deadmau5, looking at the world of the mau5trap label in a behind-the-scenes insight of his production secrets.
Black Coffee's in-depth presentation is one not to be missed. The talk will cover his meteoric rise to success from his South African roots to his hugely successful residency at Hï Ibiza.
Along with big-name artists, the summit brings interesting keynote speakers to the mic. Firstly, Benji Rogers will deliver a deeper understanding of Blockchain technology. This educative speech will outline the main points about this fledgeling technology.
Secondly, Bradley Gunn will be speaking about his battle with Asperger's Syndrome and his salvation through sober clubbing. This prolific UK raver will publicly speak about how his passion for dancing has helped achieved many goals.
On today's announcement IMS co-founder, Pete Tong commented:'I'm really proud to announce our latest wave of speakers, who represent all sides of the electronic music industry, from accomplished leaders who bring a wealth of experience through to the new generation who bring fresh ideas and thinking to push our genre forwards."
Once again, the leading conference is shaping up to tackle some of the most salient issues surrounding electronic music today.
