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ILMC Arthur Awards Presented at Gala Dinner in London
The International Live Music Conference (ILMC) presented its annual Arthur Awards during a record-attended Gala Dinner on Thursday, 26 February, at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London.
More than 550 industry professionals gathered for what organisers described as the largest Gala Dinner in the event’s history. The evening was hosted by CAA Agent Emma Banks.
A total of 12 awards were presented, including the longstanding Bottle Award, which recognises an individual for outstanding contribution to the live music business. A new category recognising family and touring entertainment was also introduced this year, reflecting the growing influence of non-music content within the wider live entertainment market.
Bottle Award Honours Folkert Koopmans
The 2026 Bottle Award was presented to Folkert Koopmans, CEO and founder of FKP Scorpio Konzertproduktionen GmbH.
Founded in 1990, FKP Scorpio has grown into one of Europe’s largest event organisers, operating across ten countries with more than 400 employees. Its festival portfolio includes Hurricane Festival, Southside Festival and Best Kept Secret, and the company has promoted tours for international artists including The Rolling Stones, Foo Fighters, Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran and Sam Fender.
ILMC Managing Director Greg Parmley said: “Huge congratulations to the winners of this year’s Arthur Awards. Each year the industry grows in scale and breadth and every single winner exemplifies the excellence of the business.
“It was a particular privilege to see Folkert Koopmans receive the prestigious Bottle Award. An architect of the industry in Germany and beyond, the response of his peers showed the deep affection and respect in which he is held.”
Promoter, Agent and Venue Recognitions
The Promoter Award was presented to Pascal van de Velde of Greenhouse Talent.
The Agent Award went to Josh Javor of WME.
London’s The O2 received the Venue Award, while the Ticketing Professional Award was presented to Marla Ostroff of Ticketmaster.
Other honours included the Top Tour Award for Oasis’ Live ‘25 Tour, the Festival Award for BST Hyde Park, and the Young Executive Award for Kara Harris of Live Nation.
The Family and Touring Entertainment Award was presented to The Formula 1 Exhibition.
The Arthur Awards have been presented at ILMC for more than 25 years. Nominees in each category are selected by a committee of 150 industry professionals. Winners are determined through a combined process involving an open vote of ILMC members and IQ Magazine readers, alongside a closed panel of senior industry judges.
THE BOTTLE AWARD
Folkert Koopmans
THE AGENT AWARD
Josh Javor, WME
THE PROMOTER AWARD
Pascal van de Velde, Greenhouse Talent
THE FESTIVAL AWARD
BST Hyde Park, London
THE FAMILY AND TOURING ENTERTAINMENT AWARD
The Formula 1 Exhibition
THE ASSISTANT AWARD
Diana Pereira, ITB
THE PRODUCTION SERVICES AWARD
Far & Beyond
THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AWARD
Katie Newbury, Kingsley Napley
THE TICKETING PROFESSIONAL AWARD
Marla Ostroff, Ticketmaster
THE VENUE AWARD
The O2, London
THE YOUNG EXECUTIVE AWARD
Kara Harris, Live Nation
TOP TOUR AWARD
Oasis, Live ‘25 Tour
Pictured: ILMC Founder Martin Hopewell & Folkert Koopmans