Day one of IMS Ibiza 2026 set the tone exactly as expected—forward-thinking, high-energy, and deeply connected to the culture that defines the island. Hosted once again in the beautiful setting of Cala Llonga, the event delivered a full spectrum of conversation, connection, and celebration under clear skies.
From the Discover Ibiza side, it was another strong start. A day spent reconnecting with familiar faces, industry regulars, and long-time friends—including Ibiza Global Radio and the ever-present Pete Tong—reminded us exactly why IMS remains such an essential moment in the calendar.
The State of the Industry
IMS opened with core figures Ben Turner, Danny Whittle, and Pete Tong setting the stage, before Mark Mulligan delivered the IMS Electronic Music Business Report 2025/26.
The message was clear: electronic music continues to grow globally, but the dynamics are shifting. Financial scale, cultural influence, and technological disruption—particularly AI—are reshaping how the industry operates.
Reclaiming the Dancefloor
Steven Braines opened with a keynote that cut through the noise. “Reclaim the Dancefloor” wasn’t just a theme—it was a challenge.
As electronic music expands commercially, questions around authenticity, inclusivity, and ownership are becoming harder to ignore. Conversations that followed, with voices from major platforms and collectives, pushed a central idea: growth cannot come at the cost of culture.
Icons, Innovation & Longevity
One of the standout moments came from 2manydjs / Soulwax. The Dewaele brothers offered a rare insight into longevity—how to evolve without losing identity.
This was followed by an intimate exchange with Suzanne Ciani, before Pete Tong returned to close the day alongside Yann Pissenem, founder of The Night League and driving force behind Ushuaïa Ibiza. His IMS Legends Award recognition felt well-earned, reflecting a long-standing impact on Ibiza’s global club identity.
Pressure, Responsibility & the Bigger Picture
Day one also leaned into heavier but necessary conversations. On Earth Day, discussions around sustainability—featuring organisations like EarthPercent—highlighted the responsibility the music industry carries.
Elsewhere, voices such as Sama’ Abdulhadi and Dušan Kovačević brought perspective on resilience, conflict, and community—reminding everyone that music doesn’t exist in a vacuum.
Culture, Wellbeing & Industry Accountability
Beyond the business and headlines, IMS continues to evolve into something broader. Spaces like The Brave Space and The Art of Areté shifted focus toward wellbeing, identity, and long-term sustainability—not just for the industry, but for the people within it.
These sessions added balance to an otherwise high-intensity programme, creating moments to pause, reset, and reflect.
The Next Generation Steps Forward
IMS Academy once again proved why it’s such a valuable platform. With contributions from major players and educators, the next wave of DJs and producers were given practical tools and real insight into building a career in 2026.
The “10 in 10” DJ sessions injected fresh energy into the day—short, sharp sets that showcased emerging talent and hinted at what’s coming next.
From Conference to Dancefloor
As always, IMS transitioned seamlessly from discussion to celebration.
The evening unfolded across the island—from poolside sessions at Dirtybird Social to the IMS Legends Dinner honouring Yann Pissenem—before moving into opening parties at Akasha Ibiza with 2manydjs and Chinois Ibiza with Nervous Records.
Final Thoughts
Day one felt focused. Not just on where electronic music is now—but where it’s heading.
For us, it was a day of strong conversations, meaningful catch-ups, and a reminder of the global community that continues to orbit Ibiza every season.
And this was only the beginning.
Stay tuned—IMS Ibiza 2026 is just getting started.
