Quality not quantity as Midem shifts focus.

The 42nd Midem convention saw attendence drop but increased numbers from the digital and live sectors, while tackling the industry's green issues joined the agenda

The shifting balance of power in the music industry fell into sharp focus at Midem, as vibrant sectors including digital, live and artist management were represented in record numbers.

The digital industry increased its presence at the annual trade show by 19% while 18% more representatives from the live industry were in attendance and 2% more managers descended on the Palais des Festivals than in 2007.

But the sharp rise in delegates from the sectors was not enough to make up for the considerable decline in participants from the physical music market, which led to the total number of delegates dropping by 200 at this year's event.

"The value chain of music has completely changed," says Midem director Dominique Leguern. "Our goal is to have every sector of the value chain present."

Despite the drop in participants, Leguern believes the event has been a considerable success and that it was rich in both content and transactions. "The level of transactions has been very high and we have had good comments that the quality of attendants is very good," she says. "We remain the world industry number one trade show and we have achieved a very high profile conference programme."

In terms of both participants and exhibitors the UK was the most represented country with 796 companies attending, three fewer than in 2007, and while 310 exhibited it was 15 fewer than the previous year.