On Tuesday November 16th two of the largest electronic music events in the US announced their plans for March 2011. The Winter Music Conference [WMC] dates and Ultra Music Festival [UMF] dates for the fist time would be on separate weeks, causing a huge controversy within the industry.  Initially WMC took most of the shots on their facebook page from angry and disappointed fans that were expecting a later March date and the ability to attend both events. In the days following the announcement many club owners, DJs, promoters and fans have already taken sides in what is turning into a WMC vs UMF scenario.  Twitter also saw some #WMC activity from well known DJs and promoters, initially slamming WMC for the early dates. The first official industry response came from Louis Puig, owner of Club Space in Miami, who sided with WMC and accused the UMF of greedy practices by making DJs sign exclusive contracts. Puig wrote “…Ultra is trying to monopolize WMC by engaging exclusive contracts with all major DJs which will not allow them to perform at your favorite dance clubs. Last year they got Tiesto, Dead Mau, Guetta, Carl Cox, Armin…) to sign Ultra exclusives and this year they are going after everyone else. What this means to the consumer is that you will no longer be able to enjoy your favorite DJ for extended sets after midnight at your favorite clubs, instead you will be forced to listen to them for a one hour set before midnight in a crowded field of dust, mud and ravers. You can also forget about seeing them at your favorite pool parties. You either pay the overpriced Ultra admission or you don’t get to see and dance to your favorite DJ at all, so much for democracy and your rights as a consumer. Now, I love Ultra and what they bring to the game but I do not agree with their greedy strategy to manipulate and monopolize Music Conference. This is just not good for anyone.” Soon after the official WMC press release came out stating “We were blindsided by Ultra’s last minute announcement…a signed October 15, 2009, contract between the two entities that the 2011 Ultra Music Festival would be presented during the five-day period in February, March or April 2011 designated and promoted by WMC as the WMC week.” On November 18th UMC posted their official response stating “While the circumstances that have taken place this year have rendered it impossible for Ultra Music Festival and WMC to coincide on the same dates in 2011, we will use our best efforts to try and work with WMC and coordinate dates together in 2012.” Stay tuned for news on upcoming events and who will be h0sting events on WMC or UMF week.