The dates are in for the 2011 Miami Winter Music Conference and they’re earlier than expected; two weeks earlier in fact – March 8-12.
It’s scheduling that could cause problems, as promoters have usually, by now, tied down artists and venues for the end of the month – Miami’s traditional timing. Many other club industry figures will have already booked flights, hotels and daytime workshops. Of major concern is the fact that Miami’s prestigious three-day Ultra Music Festival is currently selling tickets for March 25-27 – the festival usually coincides with and compliments the Conference.
Complaints about dates have been pouring in from clubland’s great and good. On Twitter, Steve Angello comments: “If you want to experience all the good parties in Miami, don't go on March 8-12,” and “Will the real WMC please stand up !!!”
Organisers have given no official explanation for the scheduling shift next year, however rumours are starting to surface that the move is a reaction to Ultra Festival operating a monopoly on all top DJs during conference week. The Conference is also moving to a new flagship (and more centrally located) flagship venue – the Miami Beach Convention Center.
