YANN PISSENEM FOUNDER OF THE NIGHT LEAGUE AND USHUAÏA ENTERTAINMENT TO RECEIVE THE IMS LEGENDS AWARD 2026

Yann Pissenman, the pioneering figure of global club life, and head honcho of ‘The Night League’ and ‘Ushuaïa Entertainment’, is set to join IMS 2026 in Ibiza, to collect a special IMS Legends award. Rosie Riot finds out more about the island’s entertainment emperor, and what’s in store for his appearance at the summit.

Cala Llonga, the beautiful beach resort nestled on the east coast of Ibiza, is gearing up once again to host International Music Summit, Ibiza, the flagship annual event of IMS Ibiza in late April. Congregating once again at the Mondrian & Hyde Complex, its aim to unite thousands of delegates from across the global electronic music ecosystem is unparalleled. With a fine balance of important panel discussions from industry figures, relaxed Balearic vibes, and exceptional musical showcases, IMS is a sought after expose in electronic excellence . The three-day summit, sponsored by AlphaTheta, will also host the much-anticipated IMS Business Report, rounded off with the spectacular closing ceremony at the UNESCO world heritage Dalt Vila closing.

The Mondrian & Hyde Hotel in Cala Llonga, Ibiza, plays host to IMS 2026

But this year, IMS has a most notable special guest - one of Ibiza’s most formidable industry figures, who is collecting a special ‘Legends’ award; Yann Pissenam. The French nightlife mogul, feeling a sense of home on the magical ‘white island’, has been galvanising his super club midas touch there since the noughties. With his group ‘Night League’ steadily making giant leap after giant leap, with regularly voted ‘Best Club in the World’ Hï, and 2025’s new addition, wildly successful hyper club, UNVRS - he is proving to be one of the most successful figures in nightlife in the world. Driven by a relentless passion for innovation, creativity and excellence, Yann continues to shape the modern nightlife landscape one groundbreaking venue at a time.

Today, The Night League welcomes over two million guests annually, setting new standards for scale, quality and cultural impact, while Yann Pissenem remains at the forefront of redefining the future of global nightlife and music entertainment.

Legendary outdoor venue Ushuaia alone has proven to be a pioneering model in day to night frivolity, expanding into its Dubai harbour experience, that has shaped how, and when many venues today now experience entertianment and partying.

  [UNVRS], the newest gem in the Night League crown opened last year

Delivering a keynote interview at the springtime summit, with IMS

co-founder Pete Tong, audiences can expect to be able to delve into one of the most fascinating careers in the music industry. His recognition will be celebrated with his decoration at the IMS Legends Award dinner, which will take place on Wednesday 22 April as part of IMS.

In his own words, Yann describes what the award means to him:

“I am truly honoured to receive this recognition from IMS. Ibiza has been my home and my inspiration for many years, and the island, with its unique spirit, creativity and freedom, has shaped not only my work, but also my entire understanding of

nightlife and electronic music culture. Looking back on this journey, I am above all filled with gratitude. To my partners, whose trust and shared vision have

been essential from the very beginning, and to my brother, with whom I have shared every step of this adventure. Thank you all for believing, for constantly pushing further, and for walking this path together. Along the way, I have been fortunate to cross paths with artists at various stages of their careers. Some joined us as emerging talents and have since become defining figures of our industry; others were already established artists who believed in our vision from the very first moment, and who, decades later, still consider our venues their home."

" What began as professional collaboration has, over the years, grown into a true extended family built on trust, respect and shared values. And most of all, to the extraordinary teams behind the scenes across every department, and to all staff members whose passion, dedication and tireless work bring our venues to life."

"Seeing our three venues, Hï Ibiza, Ushuaïa Ibiza and [UNVRS], recognised among the best in the world is not an end in itself, but a reflection of our shared passion: the desire to continually push boundaries, to pursue excellence without compromise, and to believe that nightlife can create unforgettable moments that transcend the ordinary."

"This award belongs to everyone who has been part of that vision. It would not be possible without the loyalty and trust of our audience. To see more than two million people choose our dancefloors in the past year alone, is both deeply

humbling and a great responsibility. I feel immense pride for what we have built together, and sincere appreciation for all those who continue to make this journey possible.”

The IMS organisation feels equally humbled:

“We are very proud to honour the career of Yann Pissenem at the 17th edition of IMS Ibiza. As this year’s recipient of the IMS Legends Award, there can be nobody more deserving from the nightlife world. He has transformed the island of Ibiza on countless occasions, from his first events on the sand, breaking DJ residency rules when opening Ushuaïa, launching Hï to a new generation, right up to the launch of [UNVRS] last year. He leads an incredible team of people at The Night League, assisted by his brother Romain’s pioneering production company High Scream. A true visionary, he’s changed the rules again and again, and one wonders what

the next move will be.”

Other speakers and highlights at this years IMS include 'Market focus Brasil - from Identity to impact' , 35 years of Nervous records, and 'Eastern Europe on the rise'

For badges and information about IMS IBIZA which kicks off on April 22nd 2026 click here