Day one of IMS Ibiza 2026 kicked off to an ambitious start, with talks of cultural reflection, community and the first wave of parties across the island.
The summit was opened by co-founders Ben Turner, Danny Whittle and Pete Tong, and hosts Jaguar and Katie Knight. Then came a big highlight, as Mark Mulligan presented the new IMS Business Report, a deep dive into the economic and cultural dynamics of the global electronic music industry.
The opening keynote was given by Steven Braines, who called for a renewed focus on protecting dancefloor culture from the increasing pressures of commercialisation, consolidation, artificial intelligence and shifting audience habits. That talk shifted into a panel with voices from major organisations discussing how the scene can grow without losing its core identity.
In the afternoon, legacy and innovation took centre stage. Belgium’s 2manydjs (aka Soulwax) provided tips for staying creatively relevant for decades, and composer Suzanne Ciani gave a perspective on artistic evolution. In the evening keynote, Pete Tong was in conversation with Yann Pissenem, who won the IMS Legends Award for his impact on the club scene in Ibiza.
For the outdoor sessions, the program addressed timely global issues from sustainability in music to themes of conflict and resilience. Contributors included Sama’ Abdulhadi, Emmanuel Jal and Dušan Kovačević. Meanwhile, a celebration of Nervous Records brought together influential figures like Todd Terry and Josh Wink to mark its 35-year legacy.
Elsewhere, The Brave Space focused on identity, artist welfare and online culture, with contributions from the likes of Tinie Tempah and Kangding Ray. A wellness programme gave attendees the chance to recharge with sessions on mindfulness, nutrition and recovery.
IMS Academy also shone a light on rising stars as industry leaders like Sasha shared practical advice on how to build a career in the current landscape. Short-form DJ showcases brought a shot of new energy into the afternoon, highlighting the next generation.
With night falling, the summit went full party mode, with parties all over Ibiza from poolside gatherings to headline club nights, marking the end of a first day that had offered a mix of reflection, innovation and excitement for what’s to come.
