Day two of IMS Ibiza, in partnership with AlphaTheta, moved with intent from start to finish—balancing big-picture thinking with grounded, often candid conversations about where electronic music is heading next. From early wellness sessions to a dense afternoon programme, the focus remained clear: how the industry evolves without losing its core identity.
AI, authenticity and ownership
AI dominated the early agenda on the Summit Stage – Indoor. Deezer’s Maria Garrido opened with a keynote exploring what authenticity means to fans in a landscape increasingly shaped by generative tools.
What followed was less about hype and more about friction—bringing together voices from across the ecosystem, including artists, platforms and rights organisations. The discussion cut into the realities of creative ownership, ethical responsibility and new revenue pathways, highlighting just how unsettled—but full of potential—this space remains.
Building for longevity
A standout moment came as Pete Tong sat down with Armada co-founder Maykel Piron. The conversation focused on longevity in an industry often driven by short cycles—touching on independence, strategic patience and the importance of building structures that outlast trends.
It was a reminder that sustained success in electronic music rarely comes from momentum alone, but from deliberate, long-term thinking.
The systems shaping tomorrow
On the Summit Stage – Outdoor, attention shifted toward the frameworks underpinning modern music careers. Discussions ranged from artist operating systems and evolving business models to the future of festivals and independent management.
Joseph Capriati reflected on two decades at the forefront of global electronic music, offering perspective on staying relevant through constant change.
A particularly timely panel examined Ibiza’s future, bringing together key voices from across the island. The conversation addressed mounting pressures—from commercialisation to cultural preservation—and the challenge of maintaining Ibiza’s identity while adapting to global demand.
The conversations shaping culture
At The Brave Space, presented by HE.SHE.THEY., the tone became more direct. Conversations tackled censorship, representation, ownership and equity—topics that continue to define not just the industry, but the culture around it.
Elsewhere, The Art of Areté, presented by AlphaTheta, focused on wellbeing. Through breathwork, movement, meditation and health-led discussions, it offered a counterbalance to the intensity of the wider programme—reinforcing that sustainability in music isn’t just professional, but personal.
The next generation steps forward
IMS Academy, presented by Pete Tong DJ Academy and AlphaTheta, centred on emerging talent. Mentoring sessions, masterclasses and DJ clinics created a practical environment for new artists to develop their skills and better understand the realities of building a career.
Rather than abstract advice, the focus here was tangible—bridging the gap between ambition and execution.
Day two ultimately felt cohesive in its direction: an industry actively reassessing itself. Between AI disruption, structural change and cultural accountability, IMS made it clear that the future of electronic music won’t be defined by technology alone—but by how people choose to use it.
