Originally published April 2025
With Ibiza 2026 now in people's minds, we look ahead to this year's edition of IMS by revisiting Jo's round-up from the previous instalment.
Played out against the serene backdrop of twin Cala Llonga complex Mondrian & Hyde, International Music Summit (IMS) has officially wrapped for another year. The three day music industry conference brought together scene pioneers and next-gen disruptors to explore this year's theme of Intergenerational Exchange.
Asking thought-provoking questions, recounting personal anecdotes and delivering quick-witted quips, our panellists put the past, present and future of the electronic music scene in the hot seat. Here's what the IMS class of 2025 had to say.
Bridging the (age) gap
Before we began, a new panel format was introduced for exploring this year's theme. The Intergenerational Exchange sessions saw industry professionals from the same role, at different stages in their careers, compare notes one-on-one.
The first of which came from Gary Blackburn (Anglo Management, Fatboy Slim) and Cristiana Votta (Algeria Agency, Black Coffee).
Although their individual paths into the industry had stark differences, they agreed that "there is no 'average day' in this business." This uncertainty can be a stress trigger for some, but for our speakers, it's the ultimate motivator.
Then, advocating for the importance of age diversity in teams, Gary credited the innovative attitude of his younger peers as a key pillar of the agency's ongoing success, coupled with his own "relearning" after thirty plus years in the industry.
In particular, the idea that "you are always a student" resonated with the room.
Whether you have accumulated decades in the game or are fresh in the door, the rapidly evolving nature of the music biz favours the adaptable who are willing to learn, ask questions and who aren't afraid to make mistakes.
Not just embracing change, but driving it
To say that Ibiza's clubland has vastly changed over the last three decades would be a wild understatement. Pino Saglioco, president of Live Nation Spain, knows this all too well.
As someone in their mid-twenties, I often hear how "Ibiza is not what it used to be" when tales of the '90s heyday arise from more senior partygoers. But name any industry that is the same today as it was back then. Change is inevitable.
Therefore, it was refreshing to hear a schooled hand flip the script.
One-on-one with elrow's Juan Arnau Jr., the experienced Pino Saglioco's spoke with wide-eyed passion about all the possibilities the future holds. Though later, Pino's optimism vanished momentarily, as he struggled to hide his disdain for rose-tinted nostalgia.
The room was reminded that even thirty years ago, launching parties on Ibiza wasn't without its challenges. Back then, there was nowhere near the number of eyes on the island. For better or worse, modern promoters have global exposure in comparison.
Discussion moved to the unfair playing field disproportionally felt by electronic music promoters, when dealing with local governments and councils and their associated red tape.
Rather than working with promoters to curate safe experiences, legislators were accused of presenting limitations and loopholes. Often, these walls were based on the outdated association of anti-social behaviour and substance misuse.
Acknowledging that this is an issue beyond Spain and the Balearics, Pino's closing words inspired action: "We need to have a voice, but to have a voice, we need to unite. It will be better for the industry, and the institution will respect us more. United, we are stronger."
Respecting the roots
In another exchange, two fierce female figures in the world of Drum & Bass and Jungle came in the form of '90s originator DJ Flight and fresh-cut tastemaker SHERELLE.
Following media platforms such as Mixmag was key in SHERELLE's fan-first entry to the scene, whilst DJ Flight credits the role of radio. Flight recalled being the only young woman at the station, which would later drive her dedication to mentor young queer black women.
She also shared a heartwarming story of taking an aspiring Nia Archives under her wing. Today, Nia is able to repay the favour, regularly booking Flight for her own line-ups, underlining how far she's come under the mentorship.
SHERELLE enthused about the impact of DJ Flight's Windrush Stories. The radio series showcased stories of those who were uprooted from the Caribbean. After arriving in the UK, they brought artistic and cultural influence that was foundational for Drum & Bass and Jungle.
DJ Flight closed with a final powerful reminder: "It's so important to respect the origins and foundations. As well as looking forward to supporting new artists, we must pay homage to those who came before."
Shaping the future
Led by IMS co-host Jaguar, Supporting The Underdog: How To Change The Game opened up the floor to what action we can take now to ensure diversity in the future.
BBC Radio 1's Danny Howard was transparent about how the station actively monitors the gender balance of its weekly playlists. In the twelve months before, the station had consistently achieving at least a 60:40 ratio split of male to female artists.
A raised hand from the crowd asked whether or not technology could extend this same approach to songwriting credits, and what results this would garner. We do like to send our panellists away with homework!
Carl Loben was another decision-maker to lead by example.
He explaining how DJ Mag had introduced its Diversity and Inclusivity Pledge. From fair employment practices to programming line-ups, he detailed the company's active commitments, all of which can be implemented all the way to grassroots level.
Singer and songwriter Kelli-Leigh made reference to our Intergenerational Exchange theme and heaped praise on the DJ Mag editor. The impact of hearing someone of his standing and age sharing actionable steps is invaluable in fostering change.
We are all responsible for redefining the scene. Let's hope by this time next year, we can report some positive change.
As always, Ibiza Spotlight's magazine feed is your go-to source for the latest Ibiza news and updates when it’s time for IMS 2026 to be announced. First, there's the matter of Ibiza’s open party season now underway.
Our party calendar ensures you never miss a beat. See you on the dancefloor!
PHOTOGRAPHY | by Ben Levi Suhling, Juan Sabatino and Tasya Menaker
