The International Live Music Conference broke all previous records when the world's concert industry descended on the Royal Garden Hotel in London for its 14th 'secret' edition on March 8, 9, and 10.

More than 650 delegates from around 48 countries took up the invitation to attend three days of conference sessions, meetings, social functions and sports events. Highlights of the weekend included a packed conference discussion of the live industry's '5 Year Plan', an intimate 'Breakfast Meeting' between ex-Dire Straits manager, Ed Bicknell and Clear Channel CEO, Brian Becker, an explosive 'destruction' of the ILMC's Arthur Awards at Saturday's Gala Dinner that brought armed anti-terrorist police running into the Savoy Hotel (you had to be there...), and the winning of the annual go-karting event's Stacey Cup by a team featuring the conference organiser, Martin Hopewell (well - it was a highlight for him, anyway...).

Hopewell commented, 'Overall I was very happy with the outcome. We went into ILMC 14 a little worried about everyone's commitment to the meeting - and what relevance it had now that the industry has changed so dramatically - but we received a load of input from the members during the weekend, and a pretty unanimous vote of support for the future from our major sponsors. I was also very pleased to see that the consolidation process doesn't seem to have affected the traditional openness of our meetings - so our role may be slightly different in future, but its still as important and valid as it ever was. I think you can safely say that we'll be back'.

• Alia Dann - Conference Producer
• Sharon Ashley - Assistant Producer
• Sylvia Caldas - Registration Manager
• Penny Mellor - Registration Accounts Manager
• Tina Waters & Lesley Hawkins - Hotels & Travel
• Mike Lethby - Press & Sponsorship
• Sarah James - Press & Sponsorship
• Peter Maloney - Accountant
• Andy James - Production Manager
• Bob Mardon - Production Assistant
• John Ayers - Production Assistant
• Jon Corbishley - Head Of Security
• Roger Cowell - Website Manager
• Martin Hopewell - M
• Sacha Walker - Miss Europenny

In the unlikely event that you have managed to get this far without knowing exactly what this ILMC thing actually is - this little background piece should put you straight.

The ILMC is based around a large scale meeting - the International Live Music Conference - which takes place in London in early March each year to pull together the key figures involved in the presentation of live entertainment around the globe. Attendance is "by invitation only" and the ILMC includes among its members over 35 different professions from nearly 40 countries.

Since its conception in 1988, it has grown into the most significant gathering of its kind anywhere in the world. Most of the music industry's associations either began at - or drew their inspiration from - the conference, and use it as a home-base to report back to each year. The ILMC set out simply to foster communication and co-operation in a business which is fragmented by geography and competition - to address major industry issues and try to find a better way of doing things. It also recognises the international music business as one of the most colourful there is, so it does its best to give everyone a good time - and never takes itself too seriously.

In addition to the annual meeting, the ILMC publishes its own online newsletter, organises charity and sports events (including the legendary "Alternative World Cup" tournament), and occasional social gatherings.

For more information on the conference and a history of previous meetings go to The Axis and visit the ILMC Centre which should be open on your browser below this conference brochure.