Miami Winter Music Conference - Everything You Need To Know

In March of each year, the cream of the electronic dance music scene descends on Miami, Florida for the Miami Winter Music Conference (or ‘WMC’ to those in the know). The WMC has been up and running for more than 20 years, starting small in 1985 with just 80 attendees and since then growing to host more than 300,000 DJs, producers, promoters, record label representatives and other music industry folk. Unusually for an American event, the WMC attracts a large contingent of players from overseas, especially Europe. In particular, the conference has become something of an annual road trip for all the biggest producers and DJs from the UK, many of whom have used it as a platform to launch a career in the USA.

WMC Events

Most of the events during the WMC week now take place in Downtown Miami and Miami Beach – there are more than 500 exhibits, panel discussions and competitions, as well as the International Dance Music Awards, which are considered the highlight of WMC. For anyone who is already part of the dance music industry, or looking to find a way into it, the WMC provides the chance for valuable recognition and insight into the way things really work.

DJs and producers looking for information on all the latest production tools and the most up to date systems will find it all at the 2 day WMC techno exhibit, which is an audiophile’s dream; there’s the WMC VJ Challenge for VJs out there who fancy going up against some of the best worldwide talent; and the Annual International Record Collectors Show will appeal to all vinyl enthusiasts. There is also The South Beach Sessions, a series of workshops, pool parties and discussions “founded on the fundamentals of creative thinking and collaboration” and giving new artists and creative ideas the chance to get some exposure.

WMC Parties

Whilst the panel discussions, forums and more serious conference events provide a good opportunity for the sharing of ideas, networking and generating exposure for new talent, the WMC is also a great excuse to party. Pool parties are the hallmark of the conference and you can hear some of the best DJs in the world take to the decks as you drink and dance under the heat of the Miami sun, surrounded by lots of scantily clad people. There are also club nights and gigs to attend, as well as DJs spinning tunes throughout the conference venues, so there’s plenty of opportunity to hear the latest talent and shake a tail feather. In 2011, the official opening party was headlined by Frankie Knuckles. David Morales and Hector Romero and the closing party took place at Space Miami, so you’ll find no shortage of top talent or well-known venues to party at.

WMC Tickets

If you want to attend the WMC then the sooner you register the cheaper it is. Registering in November costs upwards of $300 but if you leave it until the month of the conference it’s $450. This will buy you a WMC badge, which includes entrance to most events, from seminars and networking events to Q&As. It also covers many of the parties, although some have a separate entry fee, which is usually between $10 and $30.

In 2009 the New York Times dubbed the WMC "one of the most anticipated clubbing events in the country” and this does seem to ring true as the conference grows in popularity in the US and, by reputation, overseas year on year.  For those within the dance industry – or looking to break into it – Miami in March is certainly the place to be.

John is a guest blogger from Alamo car hire Miami - a great choice for car rental when you're visiting Miami for the Winter Music Conference.