SOMM and Musikmesse huddle up

German trade body, the Society Of Music Merchants (SOMM), says it is forming a closer working relationship with Musikmesse.

The joint announcement is a little light on exactly how they will be working more closely together, but will see the establishment of a joint coordination committee focusing on exhibitors, trade visitors and consumers. The move comes as Musikmesse prepares to open its doors to the public on each day of the exhibition next year, but with a dedicated trade hall under the tag-line Business Meets Business.

There will also be numerous workshops and seminars for exhibitors and trade visitors while musicians and music aficionados will have access to a programme of entertainment and ‘edutainment’.

“The on-going process of digitalisation and consolidation in the market are challenges that we are meeting with the new Musikmesse concept. Thus, we are paving the way for the future”, said Stephan Kurzawski, senior vice president, Messe Frankfurt (pictured). “The working relationship with SOMM will enable us to make good use of the industry’ expertise to ensure the further success of Musikmesse in Frankfurt.” 

“We are delighted to have this opportunity to contribute to the future development of Musikmesse in Frankfurt and believe that, as a result of our intensive working relationship, it will continue to be Europe’s leading, internationally oriented trade fair and, therefore, an extremely interesting and relevant event for the sector”, said Daniel Knöll, Managing Director of the Society Of Music Merchants. 

“Our aim is to make Musikmesse and Prolight + Sound the home of the entire music sector over the coming years. It is important that we generate synergistic effects and thus draw people’s attention back to music and music making. This will only be possible, If organisers and participants pull together to ensure that all concerned profit”, Knöll added. 

“Holding Musikmesse in Frankfurt gives us the best chance to continue attracting an international audience”, said Knöll. “Now, the aim must be to make Musikmesse as interesting as possible so that all European retailers not only want to visit the fair in Frankfurt but actually do so.”