The annual Winter Music Conference comes to South Beach March 18-22, and with it arrives a tsunami of nightlife activity. An estimated 7200 electronic music industry pros and countless enthusiasts from all walks of life will flock to the Beach for five days of intense clubbing and networking.

The conference is based in the Radisson Deauville Resort, and if you've waited this long to register, it'll run you over $400 for a badge that allows you access to all the discussions and workshops-plus free or discounted entrance to some club events.

If you don't want a badge, no worries. Some say poolside chats, barroom banter, and club activity are just as good as the official tutorials.

When heading out, keep your eyes keen. Virtually every big name and small name d.j. who ever set foot in a club can be found within ten blocks, setting up their decks wherever they can.

The large clubs and events during the Winter Music Conference-Ultra, crobar, Level, Billboardlive-will all be packed. But don't forget about the small guy; some places and events flying a little under the radar are worth checking out.

Stroll down Collins Avenue, pop into Urban Outfitters, and bam-right next to the velvet Buddhas is Utah Saints rocking out the beats in the middle of the day. That was the scene last year-for '03 expect more of the same. At press time, Urban Outfitters didn't know who would be performing next to the Homer Simpson dolls, but for a lot more places-the schedule is set.

Diesel's hotel and cafe, the Pelican, is hosting the 5th anniversary for the dinner party Positive-Music is Love, on Tuesday, March 18, starting at 9 p.m. Diesel and the Pelican are wired into the industry-especially anything from Italy. This year Frank O Moiraghi will be among those manning the decks. Moiraghi has been all over the club scene in Europe for years-even scoring a UK #1 club chart hit with Feel my Body in '96.

"All the music will be house-based," d.j. and Pelican employee Paolo Albertoi says nonchalantly through his Italian accent. "Nothing commercial," he's quick to point out, "but more classic stuff." Besides Albertoi and Moiraghi, other guest d.j.s will spin all week. "You know," Albertoi says about who else will drop, "as always, it depends on the mood, and who's around. Probably at least a few people from Vinylicous records." Whoever the d.j. is, the vibe is always on, and if you want to eat, reservations are suggested.

A place where you're going to wish they take reservations is Blue. The club is small, but the talent is big. They kick off the week with Sebastian Krieg, Stingray, and Milk & Honey heating up a pre-party on Monday, March 19. The Scumfrog hops behind the decks on Tuesday to show off the stuff that placed Love at First Sight (Kyle Minogue remix) on top of the UK chart. Derrick Carter makes a return guest engagement on Wednesday for a Seasons Recordings party featuring DJ Heather, JT Donaldson, and others. Thursday, it's Peace Division, Ashlie Beedle, and Clive Henry for a Confusion Recordings gig. DJ Sneak is the main man on Friday. Gourmet Records hosts the final blowout on Saturday.

It's always nice to spend some time under the stars, and the Arts, Etc., Etc. block party on Espanola Way is a must stop for any beat-head out on the town. Running from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m Friday and Saturday, the party will feature various performance artists: D.j.s will kick off the gig and spin between live music. Catch the ethereal sounds of South Beach's X-Trasense, featuring Kayce Armstrong on vocals, plus Anibal and Sebastian manning the Macs-it all comes out to a funky Portishead meets Supreme Beings of Leisure hybrid. Prime Rib-a heavy Middle-Eastern-sounding rock band, and the dance troupe Four Seasons will also be in the mix. Among the many guest d.j.s will be the lovely Naha, whose hardcore and breaks have rocked many a party around Seattle.

Event organizer, Ari Lindholm from ArtsLab, says "this is the first thing I organized when I came to ArtsLab on the beach months back."

ArtsLab is an organization that thrives on bringing various artistic media together for its events. "And this thing just kinda fell together, like so many worthwhile things do. Where else on the Beach can you go to a free outdoor festival during the conference?" Lindholm asks.

Actually, all the events mentioned above are gratis, plus the parties at Jazid, where our very own Spam Allstars are sure to wow the masses on Wednesday, March 19, and the Emunity record events on Tuesday and Friday will bring some jazzy funkadelic sounds to town.

Radisson Deauville Resort
6701 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach, FL 33141-3242
Phone:(305)865-8511

Jazid
1342 Washington Ave.
305-673-9372

Arts, Etc, Etc
Espanola Way
Between Washington and Drexel

Blue
222 Espanola Way
305-534-1009

Pelican
826 Ocean Dr.
305-673-3373

Urban Outfitters
653 Ocean Drive
305-535-9726