The city of Cannes in France has hosted all kinds of conventions over the decades. The most recent (currently there late June) is the LIONS festival for media (press, radio, TV). It is huge - bigger than ever. The film festival each May remains massive, filling all the hotels. As for Midem, the music festival? A disaster. The maitre d' of a popular beach restaurant commented to me "this year? Nobody. Empty".

Could be a few reasons. Personally I think the industry is more close-knit these days than it ever has been in my time in it, outsiders stand little to no chance, everything is sewn up.

Another reason could be social media, LinkedIn, Twitter, perhaps even Facebook could be bringing people closer together.

Anyone looking for music these days is totally inundated from every possible direction. Why pay a hefty price for the festival, travel and accommodation?

I can't stand conventions and think they are generally a waste of time but this tends to imply there's not as much money in music these days.