Today, Ultra Music Festival announced its acquisition of the Winter Music Conference (WMC) and the International Dance Music Awards (IDMAs), further broadening its already expansive footprint in the dance music industry.
Now in its 33rd consecutive year, WMC has a long and storied history as the preeminent conference for the dance music industry. With Russell Faibisch’s branding ingenuity, this acquisition will reboot WMC’s status as a leading conference by expanding and innovating the format. Bill Kelly, WMC’s Co-Founder, will remain involved to ensure the conference’s original spirit is preserved. Ultra’s acquisition pairs two Miami-based dance music icons to create an energizing week of music. Plus, it forever cements Miami’s status atop the list of global dance music destinations.
“For over thirty years, WMC has been integral to Miami’s storied relationship with dance music. The conference was where some of the biggest deals in dance music history were made and we look forward to working with Bill to pair WMC and Ultra into one extravagant Miami Music Week,” commented Russell Faibisch, Ultra co-founder, Chairman & CEO.
Bill Kelly, co-founder, Winter Music Conference, commented, saying, “I’ve been astounded to watch Ultra grow from a small, local festival on Miami Beach into the largest festival brand in the world. Russell and I are lifelong dance music fans who both call Miami home and we thought it made a lot of sense to finally combine efforts.” The 2018 edition of WMC is currently in progress at the spectacular Faena Forum located in the heart of Miami Beach. The IDMAs, which generate thousands of votes annually from music enthusiasts in 209 countries and territories, recognize and honor exceptional achievements in various award categories, are running concurrently with WMC.
WMC will be the official presenter of the 2018 Ultra Music Festival Live Stream – an insiders’ look at the sold-out festival featuring an unparalleled combination of cutting-edge production and the world’s best electronic acts. It’s a must-watch for dance music fans who cannot be in attendance. The live stream is available March 23-25 via www.ultramusicfestival.com.
