Roberta Hickey: How IMS Shaped Her Path in the Music Industry | IMS In Conversation

From behind-the-scenes project management to shaping global conversations on stage, Roberta Hickey has played a defining role in the evolution of the International Music Summit. As Director of MENA at Beatport, Curation Lead for IMS Dubai, and founder of Little Pink Book, Roberta’s journey through IMS reflects both personal ambition and a wider commitment to building platforms that move the industry forward.

We sat down with Roberta to reflect on her first IMS experience, the path to launching the Summit in Dubai, and why events like IMS continue to matter more than ever.

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For those who may not know you yet, can you introduce yourself and share what you do within the music industry?

I’m Roberta. I’m the Director of MENA at Beatport and the Curation Lead for IMS Dubai. I’m also the founder of the women in music platform Little Pink Book.

When did you first attend IMS, and what drew you to the Summit initially?

I had followed IMS for years and always wanted to attend, but my first experience was actually in 2022 when I project managed the Summit.

What do you remember about that first experience, and did it shape your perspective on the industry in any way?

I absolutely loved it. I was blown away by the level of artists and industry professionals in the room. The closing talk with Duran Duran and Erol Alkan really stood out — it was such a unique experience to hear two legends speaking together so openly about music. I also made connections there that genuinely shaped my career trajectory to where I am today.

At what point did you start becoming more involved with IMS beyond attending, and how did that relationship develop?

My first experience of IMS was actually project managing IMS Ibiza in 2022, but since then I’ve been fortunate enough to attend as a guest. I then had the honour of launching IMS Dubai in 2024, which led to me speaking for the first time at IMS Ibiza earlier this year, which was a huge career goal of mine. Most recently, I planned and curated the second edition of IMS Dubai, which was a great success and also featured a session presented by Little Pink Book, which felt like a really special moment.

You’ve played a key role in bringing IMS to Dubai. Can you walk us through how that journey began?

I had freelanced for Beatport for years and actually quit to move to Dubai after working on IMS Ibiza in 2022. At IMS, I met Robb, our CEO, and told him about my plans. He asked if I’d be willing to come back to Beatport to grow the presence in the region, which I was obviously over the moon about. While I was doing that role, IMS and Beatport aligned and brought me on to launch the Summit here in Dubai.

Looking back, what have been some standout IMS moments for you, personally or professionally?

My first-ever Dalt Vila party stands out, such an epic way to end the Summit, with completely unexpected B2Bs and an unreal view. The Bedouin and Pete Tong session at IMS Dubai this year was also huge for me. It was something I’d wanted to make happen since launching the Summit in the region, so seeing it come to life felt incredibly special.

Is there a particular story or moment that feels pivotal in your IMS journey?

Everything really stemmed from me applying for a music programming job that Inder Phull had posted on LinkedIn. He replied saying I was overqualified, but asked if we could meet. After that meeting, he introduced me to Ben Turner, and we all went for lunch, without realising it would be just before lockdown. Things paused for a while, but a couple of years later I saw IMS Ibiza was looking for a project manager, applied, and the rest is history.

IMS Dubai has quickly become an important gathering for the region. What were your goals for the Summit, and what impact do you feel it has already had?

My goal has always been to provide a platform for interesting and much-needed conversations on a global stage, while creating a space where the industry can come together, grow their networks, and help drive the scene here forward.

For someone attending IMS for the first time, what advice would you give them?

Don’t be afraid to approach people. Everyone is there to expand their network, so make the most of being in a room full of industry experts. Attend as many sessions as you can, and don’t skip the parties. Some of my best networking has happened authentically on the dance floor.

Why do you believe events like IMS matter for the wider industry ecosystem?

There’s real power in having the electronic music community together in one physical space. In a world that’s increasingly online, those real-world connections and conversations are more important than ever.

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