Marsha Vlasic honoured at 2024 Arthur Awards
Legendary agent and Independent Artist Group vice-chair Marsha Vlasic collected the prestigious Bottle Award during ILMC 36’s Arthur Awards.
The Oscars of the international live music business were attended by 470 of the industry’s top brass last night (29 February) in the midst of a sold out ILMC 36, which attracted 1,500 delegates to London’s Royal Garden Hotel.
Awards were handed to 11 winners at ILMC’s ‘Big Bang’ Gala-xy Dinner, with CAA’s Emma Banks reprising her role as host. The top promoter gong went to Steve Homer of AEG Presents, while the Second Least Offensive Agent category was won by Wasserman Music’s Tom Schroeder.
Live Nation’s Andrea Myers was named Most Professional Professional, and Ticketmaster’s Bhavika Patel was crowned The People’s Assistant.
“Congratulations to all of the nominees and winners at this year’s Arthur Awards”
“Congratulations to all of the nominees and winners at this year’s Arthur Awards,” says ILMC MD Greg Parmley. “Congratulations in particular to this year’s Bottle recipient, and live business icon, Marsha Vlasic!”
For more than two and a half decades, The Arthur Awards have been handed out during ILMC.
The shortlist of nominees in each category are decided by a committee of 150 industry professionals. Winners are then decided by a combination of an open vote of all ILMC members and IQ Magazine readers, and a closed panel of judges made up of senior industry figures.
The full list of Arthur Awards 2024 winners was as follows:
THE VENUE AWARD (FIRST VENUE TO COME INTO YOUR HEAD)
Hallenstadion, Zurich
THE PROMOTER AWARD (THE PROMOTERS’ PROMOTER)
Steve Homer, AEG Presents
THE AGENT AWARD (SECOND LEAST OFFENSIVE AGENT)
Tom Schroeder, Wasserman Music
THE FESTIVAL AWARD (LIGGERS’ FAVOURITE FESTIVAL)
Wacken Open Air
THE PRODUCTION SERVICES AWARD (SERVICES ABOVE & BEYOND)
The Tour Company
THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AWARD (MOST PROFESSIONAL PROFESSIONAL)
Andrea Myers, Live Nation
THE ASSISTANT AWARD (THE PEOPLE’S ASSISTANT)
Bhavika Patel, Ticketmaster
THE TICKETING PROFESSIONAL AWARD (THE GOLDEN TICKET)
Bryan Perez, AXS
THE INDUSTRY CHAMPION AWARD (THE UNSUNG HERO)
Andy Franks, Music Support
YOUNG EXECUTIVE AWARD (TOMORROW’S NEW BOSS)
Daniel Lopez, Live Nation España
THE BOTTLE AWARD
Marsha Vlasic
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ILMC 36: Maria May, Robbie Balfour and more confirmed
A raft of moderators and partners for the 36th edition of the International Live Music Conference (ILMC) have been unveiled.
The three-day conference will welcome over 1,400 of the world’s top live music professionals from over 50 countries when it returns to the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London between 27 Feb and 1 March.
On the opening day, CAA’s Maria May hosts The Open Forum, while cultural disruptor Cliff Fluet from Eleven leads a discussion on the practical applications of AI for live music in Artificial Intelligence: Moving at light speed.
And on 29 February, The O2’s Robbie Balfour asks the pressing questions in Marketing: Planet-ing new ideas.
The Friday of ILMC (1 March) will once again be dedicated to the next generation of live music industry leaders, with the fourth edition of Futures Forum.
On the opening day, CAA’s Maria May hosts The Open Forum alongside a soon-to-be-announced panel of VIPs
Connie Shao from AEG Presents hosts the opening session, Meet the New Bosses: Class of 2024; Marc Saunders from The O2 dives into the details of working relationships in Agents vs Bookers, and AGF’s Claire O’Neill leads a deep dive into tried-and-tested practices and innovative solutions in A Greener Future: The case studies.
Also on Friday, Touring Entertainment LIVE (TEL) will see Tom Zaller from Imagine Exhibitions kick off proceedings in The State of The Nation whilst TEO’s Manon Delaury hosts Quick-Fire Sessions presenting the best up-and-coming productions available to book.
And finally, Semmel Concerts’ Christoph Scholz takes the helm in Standing Out in a Crowded Market, to examine how promoters and producers are finding unique paths to success; and Jonathan Shank from Terrapin Station Entertainment chairs We’ve got 99 problems & here’s how we solve them, to ask how the sector can work more collectively.
TEL is supported by TEO, Fever, and Semmel Exhibitions. The ILMC Production Meeting (on 29 February) has also announced a wave of partners including Freight Minds, eps, and Solotech.
Full information about ILMC 2024, The Arthur Awards, Futures Forum or TEL, visit 36.ilmc.com.
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Nominees for Arthur Awards 2024 revealed
The list of nominees for the Arthur Awards 2024, the Oscars of the international live music business, has been revealed.
The awards and Gala Dinner will return to the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London on Thursday 29 February 2024, as part of the International Live Music Conference (ILMC).
After a one-year hiatus, renowned agent Emma Banks will compère the awards, which will honour almost a dozen of the industry’s trailblazers and be attended by 450 of the world’s top live music professionals.
Gongs will be awarded to the top promoter, agent, venue, festival, ticketer, assistant, unsung hero, production service, New Boss, professional service and the individual who has contributed greatly to the live music industry.
After a one-year hiatus, renowned agent Emma Banks will compère the awards
Among the nominees are Tom Schroeder (Wasserman Music), Natasha Gregory (Mother Artists), Steve Homer (AEG Presents), Rauha Kyyrö (Fullsteam), Cameron Hoy (TEG), Claire O’Neill (A Greener Future), Matt Bates (Primary Talent International) and Anna-Sophie Mertens (Live Nation).
Last year’s winners included Karsten Jahnke (Karsten Jahnke Konzertdirektion), Kelly Chappel (Live Nation), Alex Bruford (ATC Live), Marcia Titley (Eventim Norway & Sweden) and Holger Jan Schmidt (Yourope).
The awards and Gala Dinner will kick off with a champagne reception followed by a five-star, four-course feast prepared by award-winning chefs, and a selection of fine wines.
The events form part of the ILMC 36, which will host 1,400 top live music executives from across the world at the five-star Royal Lancaster Hotel in London, from 27 February to 1 March 2024.
The full list of nominees for the Arthur Awards 2024 can be found here.
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ILMC’s 2024 mission to be ‘Out of This World!’
The 36th International Live Music Conference (ILMC) is welcoming a raft of industry supporters and launching a new dedicated satellite event for its 2024 edition, which takes place from 27 Feb-1 March 2024.
The three-day conference will welcome over 1,400 of the world’s top live music professionals from over 50 countries when it returns to the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London. The 2024 event sees live music professionals invited on a mission to explore new frontiers, topics and markets across the business.
Mission partners this year include Co-op Live, Manchester’s new arena which opens its doors in April 2024. Gary Roden, Executive Director and General Manager, Co-op Live said: “We’re over the moon to be supporting this year’s ILMC. We are putting the finishing touches on Co-op Live as we speak, locking in a series of incredible shows including multi-night and exclusives, and invite you to join us for lift off in April 2024.”
Also platinum partners for ILMC 36 are Live Nation and Ticketmaster, and John Reid, president EMEA at Live Nation said: “Live Nation and Ticketmaster are delighted to once again sponsor ILMC where in-depth discussions and the evening socials bring us all together. We are proud to continue to promote the industry and it is always an important opportunity early in the year for the business. We look forward to seeing everyone.”
“With an expanded schedule of events and such fantastic support from our stellar industry partners, ILMC 2024 looks like it will be truly out of this world!”
Other principal supporters on the 2024 conference include gold partners ASM Global and CTS Eventim, and silver partners AXS, DEAG and Showsec. ASM Global will also support ILMC’s Alia Dann Swift Bursary Scheme, which offers a complimentary conference pass and mentoring opportunities to 30 young professionals.
In addition to ILMC’s schedule of debates, workshops, keynotes and events, the conference also sees a new one-day satellite event, Touring Entertainment LIVE, dedicated to the global business of big brand live entertainment, exhibitions and touring family shows on Friday 1 March. Meanwhile, ILMC’s Central London showcase event, London Calling, takes place in additional venues across Soho for its sophomore edition on Weds 28 Feb.
On Thursday 29 Feb, The Arthur Awards – the international live music industry’s Oscar-equivalents – will be presented in front of 450 guests during a ceremony compered by CAA’s London co-head Emma Banks. And the following day sees Futures Forum take place, the one-day event for young live music professionals with all ILMC delegates encouraged to attend.
“We are proud to continue to promote the industry and it is always an important opportunity early in the year for the business.”
“Over 2,000 professionals now attend an ILMC event during the conference week,” says ILMC head Greg Parmley, “And with more meeting space that ever, an expanded schedule of events, and such fantastic support from our stellar industry partners, ILMC 2024 looks like it will be truly out of this world!”
The 2023 edition of ILMC welcomed speakers including Marty Diamond (Wasserman Music), Doc McGhee (McGhee Ent.), Maria May (CAA), Phil Bowdery (Live Nation), Jessica Koravos (Oak View Group), Obi Asika (UTA), Marie Lindqvist (ASM Global Europe) & Detlef Kornett (DEAG).
Full information about ILMC 2024, The Arthur Awards, Futures Forum, London Calling and the new Touring Entertainment LIVE day is at 36.ilmc.com.
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ILMC 35 hails record sell out
The 35th edition of the International Live Music Conference (ILMC) has sold out, shifting a record number of tickets.
More than 1,300 professionals from over 60 countries will attend next week’s (28 February – 3 March) conference at London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel, ILMC’s new five-star location.
This year’s conference includes a Hot Seat keynote with futurist Gerd Leonhard and a (Late) Breakfast Meeting conversation between Ed Bicknell and legendary KISS manager Doc McGhee.
Plus, a recently announced all-female Dragons’ Den will see Lucy Noble from (AEG Presents), Jacqueline Zich (DEAG) and Jolanda Jansen (The Ahoy) sit down for an up-close conversation with host Marie Lindqvist (ASM Global).
Other top guest speakers for ILMC 35 include Jessica Koravos (Oak View Group), Marcia Titley (Eventim), Melvin Benn (Festival Republic), Phil Bowdery (Live Nation), Alex Hardee (Wasserman Music), Mark Davyd (MVT), Tommy Jinho Yoon (ICA-Live-Asia), Amy Bowerman and Patrik Meyer (Deutsche Bank Park), Steve Reynolds (LS Events), John Langford (AEG Europe), Kim Bloem (Mojo Concerts) and Lisa Ryan (EFM).
“More of the world’s top promoters, agents, venues and festivals have signed up to ILMC than ever”
This year will also see ILMC’s first-ever central London showcase, London Calling, take place across four intimate Soho venues, featuring some of Europe’s most talked about emerging artists.
Plus, the Arthur Awards will return on Thursday 2 March as The ILMC Gala Fiesta & Arturo Awards, reflecting this year’s focus on the Latin live music market. More than 400 guests will attend the live music business’ best-loved awards, hosted by CAA’s Emma Banks.
“After a challenging but record-setting previous 12 months, the international live industry is clearly fully geared up for the year ahead, and business is back,” says ILMC managing director Greg Parmley. “That more of the world’s top promoters, agents, venues and festivals have signed up to ILMC than ever reflects this fact… and we’re looking forward to welcoming everyone to London next week.”
While the main ILMC conference is now sold out, a number of passes remain for Futures Forum, the one-day event for young live music professionals which takes place as part of the main conference on Friday 3 March.
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Welcome to the spa & last resort: ILMC 35 launches
The International Live Music Conference (ILMC) has unveiled a new concept and a new five-star location for its 2023 edition, expanding both programming and delegate numbers.
ILMC Spa & Last Resort will welcome over 1,200 of the world’s top live music professionals from over 40 countries to the recently upgraded Royal Lancaster Hotel in London from 28 Feb – 3 March 2023.
The move, which is in response to increasing demand for the industry-leading event, marks the first venue change for ILMC in more than 20 years. The Royal Lancaster will provide extra space for networking, private meetings and events, all in a first-class, newly revamped environment.
“We’re introducing a raft of new elements in 2023, including a series of roundtable working lunches, additional conference sessions, and some very special new features we’ll be announcing in the coming weeks that will be a first for ILMC,” says conference head Greg Parmley.
The Arthur Awards – the Oscars of the international live music business – will also take place during the ILMC week on 2 March.
The awards, which see thousands of votes compiled from around the world, are presented in front of 400 guests and the ceremony will be compered once again by Emma Banks, co-head of CAA’s London office.
“We’re introducing a raft of new elements in 2023, including a series of roundtable working lunches”
In addition to the main ILMC schedule, 3 March sees the return of Futures Forum, the one-day discussion and networking event for the next generation of live music industry leaders. Created and shaped by young professionals, Futures Forum mixes connected discussions with immersive workshops, peer-to-peer networking and TED-style ‘Soapbox’ presentations.
And 28 Feb sees the 15th edition of the Green Events & Innovations Conference (GEI) take place. The day brings together leaders and innovators in the global live sector to network and accelerate discussions around environmental and social best practice and is organised by A Greener Festival (AGF), in partnership with ILMC.
Companies and partners supporting the 35th edition of ILMC include Live Nation, Ticketmaster, ASM Global, CTS Eventim, Tysers, DEAG Entertainment Group, Showsec and Universe.
The 2022 edition of ILMC welcomed speakers including artists Nile Rogers and Brian Eno, Casey Wasserman (Wasserman), Phil Bowdery (Live Nation), Maria May (CAA), Marie Lindqvist (ASM Global), Lucy Dickins (WME) and John Giddings (Solo Agency).
Full information about the conference, which this year is inviting delegates to attend the ILMC Spa & Last Resort for the live sector’s annual health check, is at 35.ilmc.com.
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Arthur Awards 2021: Winners crowned at Royal Albert Hall
Some of the biggest names in the international live music industry were honoured last night in a special end-of-decade edition of the Arthur Awards, which streamed live to ILMC delegates from London’s most iconic venue, the Royal Albert Hall.
Sponsored by ASM Global, the glittering ceremony was presented in style by the hostess with the mostest – a hilarious Emma Banks (CAA) – who refused to let the lack of a live audience put her off her stride, switching her dress from hazmat suit to ballgown, and her drink from vodka and beetroot juice (in honour of the late Michael Gudinski) to Clorox bleach (a homage to a US president much less missed), with effortless aplomb.
Joining Banks at the 150-year-old Royal Albert Hall, which was honoured with the Arthur of the Decade for best venue, were a handful of venue staff and award winners, with hundreds more nominees and conference attendees tuning in from deep in cyberspace.
Normally a separate, ticketed event, the Arthurs – the Oscars of the live music industry – threw open its virtual doors for 2021, inviting all ILMC delegates to attend the ceremony, which was livestreamed from 18.30 to 19.30 yesterday (4 March).
Among the Arthurs 2021 winners were SJM Concerts’ Simon Moran, who won the Arthur of the Decade for the Promoters’ Promoter; Glastonbury Festival, whose organiser Emily Eavis picked up the award for Liggers’ Favourite Festival; and Steve Strange of X-ray Touring, who was there in person to collect his Arthur of the Decade for Second Least Offensive Agent.
Ed Sheeran’s record-breaking ÷ won tour of the decade, while Swiss industry legend André Béchir picked up the special Bottle Award
Ed Sheeran’s record-breaking ÷ (Divide) tour won tour of the decade, with production manager Chris Marsh collecting on Sheeran’s behalf, while Swiss industry legend André Béchir was close to tears as he picked up the special Bottle Award for lifetime achievement.
In full, the Arthur Awards 2021 winners are…
The Promoter’s Promoter (Arthur of the Decade showdown)
Simon Moran, SJM Concerts
Liggers’ Favourite Festival (Arthur of the Decade showdown)
Glastonbury Festival
Second Least Offensive Agent (Arthur of the Decade showdown)
Steve Strange, X-ray Touring
Services Above & Beyond (Arthur of the Decade showdown)
Beat the Street
The Gaffer (Arthur of the Decade showdown)
Chris Marsh (Ed Sheeran)
The People’s Assistant (Arthur of the Decade showdown)
Sarah Donovan, Live Nation UK
Tomorrow’s New Boss
Alexandra Ampofo, Metropolis Music
The Unsung Hero (2021 award)
Sandra Beckmann & Tom Koperek, Alarmstufe Rot
The Ultimate Venue’s Venue
Royal Albert Hall
Tour of the Decade
Ed Sheeran
The Bottle Award
André Béchir, abc Production
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Deadline nears for Arthur Awards 2021 voting
Voting for the 2021 Arthur Awards, the Oscars of the international live music business, closes this Friday (14 February) at 18.00 GMT.
Awarding industry excellence in 11 categories – including new-for-this-year awards for Tour of the Decade and Unsung Hero of the year (based on the IQ feature of the same name) – the 2021 Arthurs take place as part of ILMC 33 in March.
Normally a separate, ticketed event, the Arthurs is throwing open its virtual doors for 2021, inviting all ILMC delegates to attend the ceremony on 4 March. The awards will stream live from London’s most iconic venue, the Royal Albert Hall, from 18.30–19.30, with proceedings led once again by long-time Arthur Awards hostess Emma Banks.
In addition to the new awards, some of the Arthurs’ most popular category winners will line up to decide the Arthur of the Decade, while the special Bottle Award will recognise one individual’s outstanding contribution to the industry.
The Arthurs is throwing open its virtual doors for 2021, inviting all ILMC delegates to attend
To vote for your Arthur Awards 2021 winners, click here. A full list of award nominees is below:
THE PROMOTER’S PROMOTER
(Arthur of the Decade showdown)
Phil Bowdery, Live Nation
Kelly Chappel, Live Nation Entertainment
Folkert Koopmans, FKP Scorpio
Barrie Marshall, Marshall Arts
Simon Moran, SJM Concerts
Herman Schueremans, Live Nation Belgium
Anna Sjölund, Live Nation Sweden
Stephan Thanscheidt, FKP Scorpio
Steve Tilley, Kilimanjaro Live
LIGGERS’ FAVOURITE FESTIVAL
(Arthur of the Decade showdown)
British Summer Time, UK
Eurockéennes, France
Glastonbury, UK
Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland
Rock am Ring, Germany
Rock Werchter, Belgium
SECOND LEAST OFFENSIVE AGENT
(Arthur of the Decade showdown)
Natasha Bent, Mother Artists
Rob Challice, Paradigm
Lucy Dickins, WME
John Giddings, Solo
Mike Greek, CAA
Summer Marshall, CAA
Geoff Meall, Paradigm
Steve Strange, X-ray Touring
Steve Zapp, ITB
SERVICES ABOVE & BEYOND
(Arthur of the Decade showdown)
Beat the Street
Eat to the Beat
eps
PRG
Rock-it Cargo
Showsec
THE GAFFER (PRODUCTION CHAMPION)
(Arthur of the Decade showdown)
Jake Berry (U2)
Jason Danter (Lady Gaga)
Tony Gittins (Depeche Mode)
Chris Kansy (Roger Waters)
Arthur Kemish (Taylor Swift)
Bill Leabody (Coldplay)
Chris Marsh (Ed Sheeran)
Wob Roberts (One Direction)
Jesse Sandler (Bon Jovi)
John Zajonc (Metallica)
THE PEOPLE’S ASSISTANT
(Arthur of the Decade showdown)
Claire Bewers, Paradigm
Sarah Donovan, Live Nation UK
Samantha Henfrey, UTA
Sandra Swift, AEG Presents
Amber McKenzie, CAA
Eliza-Jane Oliver, AEG Presents
San Phillips, Kilimanjaro Live
Charlie Renton, Primary Talent International
Clare Utting, Paradigm
TOMORROW’S NEW BOSS
(2021 Award)
Alexandra Ampofo, Metropolis Music (UK)
Jolien Augustyns, Live Nation (BE)
Kedist Bezabih, FKP Scorpio (NO)
Madie Cavilla, Paradigm (UK)
Virág Csiszár, Sziget Cultural Management (HU)
Sally Dunstone, X-ray Touring (UK)
Bertie Gibbon, ATC Live (UK)
Artur Kasper, Der Bomber der Herzen (DE)
Bilge Morden, CAA (UK)
Filippo Palermo, Untitled Group (AU)
Camila Salinas, Primavera Sound (ES)
Joe Skarzynski, production co-ordinator (US)
THE UNSUNG HERO
(2021 Award)
Javier Ajenjo, Sonorama Ribera Festival (ES)
Alexandra Ampofo, Metropolis Music (UK)
Bobby Bähler, Gurtenfestival (CH)
Sandra Beckmann & Tom Koperek, Alarmstufe Rot (DE)
Maria Brunner, Musically Fed (US)
#feedourcrew (ZA)
Charlie Hernandez, Just A Bunch Of Roadies (US)
Michael Kill, Night Time Industry Association (UK)
Barrie Knight, Big Knight In (UK)
Music Venue Trust (UK)
Paul Reed, Association of Independent Festivals (UK)
Evelyn Richardson & Glen Rainsbury, Live Entertainment Industry Forum (AU)
THE ULTIMATE VENUE’S VENUE
(Special Judges’ Category)
To be decided by a committee of industry judges
TOUR OF THE DECADE
(Voting live on the night)
Beyoncé
Bon Jovi
Bruce Springsteen
Coldplay
Ed Sheeran
Paul McCartney
Roger Waters
Rolling Stones
Taylor Swift
U2
THE BOTTLE AWARD
Awarded to an individual who has contributed greatly to the live music industry
Check out the 2020 Arthur Awards winners here. To reserve your ticket for the Arthur Awards 2021, click here to register for ILMC.
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The final countdown: ILMC week is here
The 32nd International Live Music Conference (ILMC) is kicking off tomorrow (3 March) in London, welcoming top music industry professionals for a wide range of panel discussions, keynote interviews and networking events.
The 2020 edition of ILMC features the conference’s most wide-reaching agenda yet, with sessions looking at the agency, ticketing, venue and festival sectors, as well as exploring green touring, mental health, the Insta-generation and life after losing a star act.
This year also sees the return of Futures Forum on 6 March, a forward-looking discussion and networking event created by young professionals for the next generation of live music industry leaders.
Highlights of the ILMC agenda include the ILMC Breakfast Meeting, which sees Dire Straits manager Ed Bicknell site down to interview fellow legendary artist manager Peter Rudge, and the Futures Forum keynote, featuring Team Mumford & Sons – founding band member and venue owner Ben Lovett, manager Adam Tudhope and booking agent Lucy Dickins.
The 2020 edition of ILMC features the conference’s most wide-reaching agenda yet
Elsewhere, ILMC’s main opening session The Open Forum: Universally challenged will consider the impact of Covid-19 coronavirus on the business, as well as other key topics; agents line up to discuss recent strategies for both emerging and established artists in The Agency Business 2020; urban music’s meteoric rise is examined in the Urban Legends: Hip hop on top panel; and the industry’s duty of care towards its workforce forms the centre of conversation in the Mental Health: Next steps for live session.
A packed ILMC workshop schedule will look at the impact 5G is likely to have on live music, the benefits video-sharing platform TikTok brings to the business, how to maximise the potential of digital marketing and the advantages of digital ticketing.
The first day of the conference shines the spotlight on live music production at the ILMC Production Meeting (IPM) and sustainability at the Green Events and Innovations Conference (GEI).
Outside of the conference programming, the best and brightest of the industry will be crowned at the ILMC Arthur Awards Winners’ Dinner on Thursday night and delegates will go head to head in a series of activities including the It’s a Copout game show night, as well as staples of the ILMC night-time programme table football and karaoke.
ILMC takes place at the Royal Garden Hotel in London from 3 to 6 March. Companies supporting this year’s conference include Live Nation, Ticketmaster, Eventim, Universe, Livestyled, Tysers, Joy Station, Mojo Rental and Showsec.
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Countdown to the Arthurs 2020: Mad Cool
Individuals and events will be crowned across 11 categories at the Arthur Awards Winners’ Dinner on 5 March, as the music industry’s response to the Oscars returns to the glamorous Sheraton Grand Park Lane hotel.
Last year’s 25th anniversary awards saw success for Britannia Row’s Bryan Grant, FKP Scorpio’s Folkert Koopmans, ICM Partners’ Kevin Jergensen and Live Nation’s Selina Emeny, as well as the teams at the Royal Albert Hall, British Summer Time Hyde Park and Mad Cool Festival, among others.
As the Emma Banks-hosted ceremony draws ever closer, IQ chats to some previous winners to find out what receiving an Arthur meant to them and to discover their biggest hopes and dreams for the future.
Up next is Nara Pinto, head of booking at Live Nation’s Mad Cool festival, last year’s winner of the Arthurs’ New Gig on the Block award.
It was great to win the New Gig on the Block award at the Arthurs 2019 – it means we are moving in the right direction as a brand new event [the inaugural Mad Cool took place in 2016]. It has not been easy – our office has put in a great deal of hard work and effort.
Speaking as a promoter, I think most of us enjoy going to ILMC as a get together with people, professionals and colleagues. We work together all year round, but we do not get to see each other or hang out with each other all that often. We live in different countries – there were around 60 nationalities represented last year – and despite our close relationship with agents, managers and other promoters, we don’t usually get the chance to meet in a relaxed environment. ILMC allows this, big time. Then, of course, there’s the valuable business and networking side to the conference as well.
We will keep delivering the acts and curating our line-up as best as we possibly can, but the overall experience is crucial
For Mad Cool, the future means improving the experience for the festivalgoer, which is something I talked about as part of the Festival Forum: Fan First? panel at ILMC last year. We will keep delivering the acts and curating our line-up as best as we possibly can – Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, the Killers, and Twenty One Pilots are among acts on our 2020 line-up, but the overall experience is crucial.
It’s hard to say what’s going to happen with the festival industry going forward. There is a level of uncertainty at the moment that we have not seen before. I do hope we’ll find a way to go around difficulties and continue to strengthen the festival scene, but there are many important goals we need to achieve collectively first.
Personally, I really want to see things like parity, inclusiveness and sustainability become a reality in the near future.
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