It seems Miami Electronic Music fans just can’t catch a break. It was with a heavy heart that we heard the news that Winter Music Conference would cancel, just days after Ultra made their official notice of “postponing” their epic return to Bayfront Park in Miami for 2020’s edition.

Friday’s announcement was heard around the world as many concerned Ultra veterans and hopeful first-timers immediately took to socials with their displeasure of not just Ultra, but the city of Miami who has always had a turbulent relationship with Ultra’s growth. After ousting the festival for the 2019 edition from Bayfront to Virginia Key, then welcoming Ultra back to Bayfront with caveats… it seemed overly convenient when theme parks, cruises, and Coachella had all but decided to continue their plans to operate despite COVID-19 concerns. Ultra had promised to send word today via email regarding further instructions on refund or postponement ticket credit procedure, and we are still waiting on those updates at publish time for this article.

As Friday hit, the Winter Music Conference (which happens to be owned by Ultra), as well as the City of Miami Beach, made statements based on the virus concerns and it’s public health impact.

Public Health

Conference organizers have been coordinating with the Florida Department of Health regarding public health issues and will continue to coordinate with and follow the recommendations and protocols relating to risk reduction and preventative measures by, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, the Florida Department of Health and other regulatory agencies . There are no plans to cancel, postpone or move the 2020 production.

Please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s suggested safety precautions, the World Health Organization’s suggested safety precautions, the Florida Department of Health’s website and/or your local country’s counterparts, for more information.

There is no higher priority than the health, safety and overall well-being of our attendees, speakers, crew and local community.

Winter Music Conference

Then today, the Winter Music Conference dropped the final bomb. For the first time in 35 years, WMC will not operate at the Faena District in Miami. So what now of the sanctioned events that were included with the pro-level badge? WMC says we will be given further details… soon.

As of now, Miami Music Week is still on. Ultra was never the sole option for Spring Breakers. Winter Music Conference, Miami Music Week, and culminating with Ultra made for the absolute perfect week. With the number of ravers flying in from all over the world for the events that are scattered throughout the city, with refunds being iffy, it still means big tourism money for Miami. I suppose if there is anywhere to lick your wounds from missing the start of festival season, there is no better place than Miami. For a list of all available parties for Miami Music Week click here.