German percussion giant Meinl has become the latest company to pull out of this year’s Musikmesse.
An ambitious new format with an increased consumer element appears to be struggling to convince a trade which has become increasingly focused on costs and ROI associated with the Frankfurt event. Industry scuttlebutt is of an emergency mission to NAMM by a team from the organiser in a bid to convince exhibitors not to turn their back on the event. The loss of a major exhibitor from its own territory will do little to quiet those rumours.
“We permanently strive to perfect the way we can reach our worldwide customer base,” said the firm’s Udo Heubeck. “This year’s focus will be on our own events like the international Meinl Drum Festival in Warsaw Poland, and on an increased amount of drum clinics of our endorsees in certain international markets. We will also invest significantly more time and energy into our online communication efforts. We are confident that all these activities will strengthen the ties between the Meinl brand and our customers.”
Instead the firm will be showcasing its new products at its own showroom in Gutenstetten, Germany.
