The first year of IMS Engage, a one-day conference built upon Ibiza’s successful International Music Summit (co-founded by Pete Tong, Paul Oakenfold, and other titans of Europe’s dance industry), was a qualified success, drawing over 200 professionals to the W Hollywood for a full day of unique pairs in conversation. One dance music icon (from Swedish House Mafia manager Thomson to Skrillex) matched with a luminary from either another part of the business (like Lady Gaga manager Carter) or another discipline entirely (like Instagram founder Kevin Systrom).
In the video above, you’ll hear insightful quotes from Russell Simmons, a knee-slapper from Troy Carter, and Amy Thomson’s controversial warning about the potential future of American EDM.
One must-see portion of this recap has to be the interchange between Diplo and DJ BL3ND manager Steven Haddad, which sparked the eventual ballroom tussle between their camps. Check out the surprisingly civil portion starting at 0:40.