Midem is saved: Historic music trade expo resurrected in deal with City of Cannes

Five months ago, it looked as if Midem may disappear.

The 55-year-old then-owner of the music trade fair, Reed Midem, confirmed in December that it would no longer operate, the event was historically held at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès in Cannes, France.

But now, a new twist in the story: MBW has confirmed that Midem will back in 1Q2023… with brand new owners.

MBW understands that, after a year of negotiations, RX France – the owner of the Reed Midem subsidiary – recently sold the Midem brand to the Cannes city government.

Confirming the return of the event, the City of Cannes has announced (rough translation) that it is taking over the Midem brand – under the leadership of Cannes Mayor David Lisnard – to give it a “second breath”. .

In a statement, the organization added that Midem has now been “reborn to adapt to changes in the recording industry”.

The City of Cannes said it had consulted with “several experts” representing French and global music businesses, including majors, independent labels, concert organizers, etc. live performances, streaming platforms, professional author associations, and more.

It said it did so “to provide a qualitative program [for Midem] closer to reality and developments in [music] industry”.

The city further stated that the new Midem “will bring pride to its technological innovations” and will “try to enhance the cultural dimension” of the event – through holding concerts at Midems during future for Cannes residents and visitors.

Midem’s attendance in 2019 has increased compared to 2018 (4,800) and 2017 (4,400), but significantly decreased compared to previous years. For example, a delegation of 10,000 visitors attended in 2001.

According to the City of Cannes, the event has been “affected by changes related to digital”, since the early 2010s, “marked by the rise of online platforms”. [and] streaming”.

The city government added that “the health crisis, as well as the reorganization of the RX company’s operations, has led to [the firm] to renounce Midem’s organization”.

The City of Cannes says their goal for Midem is for it to become a “unmissable global rendezvous” for the music business, which it promises “will be accessible to as many people as possible”. as possible thanks to a recognized fair price”.

Midem goes fully digital due to COVID-19 restrictions in 2020 and 2021.

“To rediscover this iconic event on the Cannes calendar, the City of Cannes is taking over Midem to once again become the essential meeting point for music professionals from around the world.”

David Lisnard, Mayor of Cannes

Confirming the rebirth of the event, David Lisnard, Mayor of Cannes, said (rough translation): “Held since 1967 in Cannes, the International Market for Music Publishing and Recording [MIDEM] is the largest annual global event for the music scene.

“To rediscover this iconic event on the Cannes calendar, the City of Cannes is taking over Midem so that it once again becomes an essential meeting point for music professionals from around the world.

“Keeping this show in Cannes represents an economic challenge to local employment and attractiveness to the destination.”

MBW news in December, Midem’s then-owner Reed Midem decided to cancel the event.

In an email to the old delegates The following day (December 14), and signed off by Midem Director Alexandre Deniot, former Midem organizers noted that “due to the protracted pandemic and after reviewing its operations, RX France has decided to decided not to hold Midem events anymore.”

Deniot added: “We therefore regret to cancel the edition of Midem 2022, scheduled for Cannes from June 7 to 10, 2022.”Worldwide music business