WMC To Be Held In A Tent?

Seems every year the wizards behind the Winter Music Conference held in Miami Beach surprise us with something new. Last year, it was all about how the WMC and UMF were to happen almost a full two weeks apart and not during the same week like the years prior. That caused a lot of grief among fans and industry heads who wanted to partake or work both events.

This year, the surprise is not so much controversial as it is, well, just different. See, the actual conference, you know the reason behind this gathering in the first place, where industry veterans and up and comers alike talk shop and mingle in various panels and workshops covering the hot topics of the day, is not being held in a fancy hotel as usual, but, in a tent.

Ok, so it’s “a modern custom-designed air-conditioned tent complex” but still, it kinda makes you pause for a second. Did the hotels kick them out? Is this cheaper or more expensive then renting out conference rooms in a hotel? How comfortably will it accomodate the thousands of conference goers?

I have no doubt the WMC wizards have asked and answered these question themselves and that they are putting their best foot forward. We give them props on this move, for it is a bold one when you think about; they’re leaving the cozy confines of the hotels and setting shop right on the beach! Though the parties surrounding the conference get more press, thousands of people from all over the globe actually attend, that and their special events such as the DJ Spin Off, VJ Challenge, Art and Record Collectors Show, and even a fashion show will all be taking place inside this, tent. And we can’t dismiss the weather, it can change on the drop of a bikini.

If it’s spacious, centrally located, and offers protection or is close enough to other buildings or restuarants for people to scurry under in case of a sudden rain shower, which is common in Miami, then this just might be perfect. Not to mention that attendees will be that much closer to the water now, maybe we can go for a quick swim between workshops!

Here is the official press release: What do you think?

January 5, 2012 – South Florida, U.S.A.

WMC organizers have revealed the location for the 27th Annual Winter Music Conference program, March 16-25, 2012 in Miami Beach. WMC is building a modern custom-designed air-conditioned tent complex on the beach at 21st Street and Collins Avenue. “This is something WMC has been planning with the City of Miami Beach for a while,” explains WMC Co-Founder Louis Possenti. “There is no greater opportunity than the flexibility to design this structure specifically to suit the needs of the WMC participants and no better location than directly on the sand at the center of South Beach.”

WMC has teamed up with the 10th Annual Funkshion Fashion Week and Eventstar to design and build the temporary multi-use complex on the beach which will also serve as the Funkshion Fashion Week headquarters prior to the WMC opening dates. “This partnership is a perfect fit given the synergy between music and fashion,” explains Louis Possenti. “Funkshion Fashion Week is a quality event with a long track record of programming on Miami Beach. As part of this partnership WMC will be programming additional events related to fashion and music during its opening weekend.”

The WMC Housing Bureau has partnered with numerous hotels at a variety of price points surrounding the Beachplex’s central location on South Beach. These include The Catalina, The Palms, The Tradewinds, The Riviera, Circa 39 and the Grand Beach which are offering discounted rates while inventory lasts for WMC 2012 delegates. For special WMC delegate rates, rooms must be booked through the WMC Housing Bureau at www.WinterMusicConference.com.

Currently the WMC industry badge is being offered at a promotional Registration rate of $345 ($140 off the Walk-Up rate) until January 11, 2012. Registration includes access to panels, seminars, featured Q & A’s, the 27th Annual IDMAs, WMC official poolside events, South Beach Sessions, Record Collectors Show, WMC Rocks, trade show & exhibits, workshops (with the exception of the Remixing and Editing Workshops), DJ Spin-Offs, VJ Challenge as well as complimentary or reduced admission to WMC official and sanctioned events for the full ten days of programming.

Marketing opportunities are currently discounted by 20% through January 20, 2012. WMC is also accepting applications, inquiries and requests for panels and workshops, DJ Spin Off, VJ Challenge, showcasing and events.

A variety of WMC 2012 sponsorship opportunities are available within and surrounding the Beachplex.

About Winter Music Conference
During the annual Winter Music Conference in Miami Beach, more than 500 industry gatherings, performance events, exhibits, seminars and workshops boast one of the most sought-after aggregations of legendary and emerging artists to be found in the world. A pivotal platform for the advancement of the industry, WMC attracts over 1,400 artists, music industry delegates from 70 countries and over 100,000 event attendees each year.