Well, mission ILMC 36 is now complete, and for the 1,500 explorers from 55 countries who attended, it just ‘might’ have been our best edition yet. Sadly, we were ‘outta space’ before some could register, but the Royal Lancaster Mothership was a well-equipped launchpad for explorations into the international live music business.
Alongside keynote conversations with Jay Marciano, and Tim Leiweke & Francesca Bodie, ILMC saw three packed days with topics ranging from festivals, ticketing, and booking agencies to misogyny, withholding tax and, mental health. From a case study of P!nk’s current record-breaking tour, to support for grassroots venues, it was a broad agenda indeed this year.
ILMC 36 also featured Futures Forum, the one-day event for young live music execs, and the launch of Touring Entertainment LIVE for family show and touring exhibition specialists. And it’ll be hard to forget either the 500-guest strong Arthur Awards this year or Jarvis Cocker’s impromptu performance at the Green Events & Innovations conference that took place the day before ILMC lifted off.
What struck me this year, was the tangible positivity in panel rooms, meeting spaces, and in the restaurants and bars around the conference. ILMC reflects the live music business at large, and with much of the business seeing record levels of ticket sales and receipts, that positivity translated throughout the hotel this year.
I must say a huge thank you to all our sponsors for their generous support and to the chair people and speakers who donated their time and expertise to the various panels.
The following pages feature reviews of the panels, feedback from delegates, a chance to find out who went home with a coveted Arthur Award, a gallery of photos, and more.
If you were there, a massive thank you for making the effort. And if you missed it, we’ll be launching ILMC 2025 this autumn. We hope to see you then!
Greg Parmley
Our Supporters
