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News

NEWS

Below you will find the latest press and industry information as well as an archive of reports from previous years.

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[SOMM Industry information / 15-26] 08.05.2026 I The musical instrument industry is contributing its perspective to the inter-ministerial dialogue with the German government. Daniel Knöll is representing the industry in discussions on the future of the cultural and creative industries.

As part of the ongoing inter-ministerial dialogue between the Coalition for the Cultural and Creative Industries in Germany (K3D) and the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi), as well as the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media (BKM), Daniel Knöll — Managing Director of SOMM (Society of Music Merchants e.V.) and K3D spokesperson — has shared the industry's views in current political discussions.

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[SOMM Industry information / 14-26] 05.05.2026 I The European musical instrument industry is stepping up its strategic cooperation. The European Soundmakers – Musical Instrument Confederation and the UK trade association Music Industries Association (MIA) have met in Paris to discuss key issues for the future

Representatives of the European Soundmakers (ESM) and the Music Industries Association (MIA) gathered in Paris for an in-depth strategic discussion on the future of the European musical instrument industry.

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[SOMM Press information] 30.04.2026 I SOMM welcomes ROHEMA Percussion from Markneukirchen as a new member – this membership initiative sends a strong signal to the entire industry

SOMM – Society Of Music Merchants e. V. is successfully implementing its measures to actively recruit new members. At the akustika trade fair in Nuremberg (April 24–26, 2026), the association was able to welcome ROHEMA Percussion OHG, a company with a long tradition, as a new member.

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[SOMM Industry information / 13-26] 29.04.2026 I The cultural and creative industries must be recognised as a sector of the future. At the German Creative Economy Summit 2026 (GCES), K3D provided impetus on AI, innovation and economic policy

At GCES 2026, Daniel Knöll discussed this topic alongside Jörn Freynick (Secretary-General of the Federal Working Group of Self-Employed Associations), Olaf Zimmermann (Managing Director of the German Cultural Council), Prof. Lena Falkenhage (Federal Chair of the Association of German Writers) and Tamara Güçlü (moderator).

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[SOMM Press information] 26.04.2026 I SOMM is undergoing a restructuring: a leadership transition and generational shift in the Executive Board, along with a clear European focus

At its 21st Annual General Meeting, held on April 24, 2026, in Nuremberg in conjunction with the akustika trade fair (April 24–26, 2026), the Society of Music Merchants e. V. (SOMM) set an important course for the future in terms of personnel and strategy.

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[SOMM Industry information / 12-26] 26.04.2026 I Why community is becoming more important than floor space: SOMM provides a positive review of Akustika

With numerous discussions, new contacts and a packed programme of events, the Society of Music Merchants (SOMM) can look back on three successful days at Akustika (24–26 April) in Nuremberg.

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[SOMM Industry information / 11-26] 24.04.2026 I Joachim Stock steps down as President of SOMM - An emotional tribute and thanks for his exceptional dedication and influential work for the association

At this year's SOMM Annual General Meeting, Joachim Stock was officially bid farewell as the association's long-standing president.

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[SOMM Industry information / 10-26] 22.04.2026 I K3D at the German Bundestag: The cultural and creative industries need a comprehensive national strategy. On 22 April, Daniel Knöll and Helmut Verdenhalven presented the sector's case to the Committee on Culture and Media.

On 22 April, Daniel Knöll (Managing Director of SOMM – Society of Music Merchants e.V.) and Helmut Verdenhalven (Head of Media Policy and member of the Executive Board at the Federal Association of Digital Publishers and Newspaper Publishers (BDZV)) presented the industry’s positions as spokespersons for K3D – the Coalition for the Cultural and Creative Industries in Germany – before the German Bundestag’s Committee on Culture and Media.

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[SOMM Industry information / 09-26] 20.04.2026 I Three days dedicated to the industry, business and new opportunities!

In just a few days' time, akustika (24–26 April, Nuremberg) will provide the musical instrument industry with a key meeting place, bringing together specialist music retailers, manufacturers, distributors and musicians and linking the market, business and practical application directly.

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[SOMM Industry information / 08-26] 14.04.2026 I Just 10 days to go until akustika 2026: #MIBKON is shaking up the specialist music retail sector

In just a few days, akustika 2026 (April 24–26, Nuremberg) will kick off as the music instrument industry’s premier gathering.

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[SOMM Industry information / 07-26] 07.04.2026 I #MIBKON at Akustika: Regulation Becomes a Business Factor in the Music Retail Industry – Topics of Business Reality

As plans for #MIBKON at Akustika 2026 (24–26 April, Nuremberg) take shape, it is becoming increasingly clear that the event's programme will address the industry's key challenges. 

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[SOMM Industry information / 06-26] 02.04.2026 I The first initiatives for the music retail industry have been announced

The first program highlights of #MIBKON, taking place as part of akustika (April 24–26, Nuremberg), have been announced—and they address exactly where many music stores currently stand and what the music retail industry will be focusing on in the near future.

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[SOMM Industry information / 05-26] 30.03.2026 I akustika 2026 expands its profile – initial highlights of #MIBKON have been confirmed

akustika remains a popular trade show for musicians. In 2026, a dedicated business section for the industry and music retailers will be introduced for the first time. This expansion will specifically strengthen professional networking, provide concrete guidance, and actively place the retail sector at the center of the event.

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[SOMM Industry information / 04-26] 19.03.2026 I If you want to understand the market, you have to reconnect with it—acoustika in Nuremberg brings it all together

The music market is changing—faster than many would like. New products, new distribution channels, changing buying habits. What’s often missing: a clear picture of what’s actually happening.

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[SOMM Industry information / 02-26] 12.03.2026 I In 2026, akustika in Nuremberg will become a hub for the music retail sector and industry

From April 24–26, 2026, akustika in Nuremberg will serve as the central hub for the European musical instrument industry. In addition to the trade show’s popular public-facing concept, targeted business offerings are being developed for the industry and specialty retailers—including the #MIBKON industry conference, the akustika Business Lounge, and new formats focused on the market, networking, and music education.

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[SOMM Industry information / 01-26] 04.03.2026 I Pro Arte Fine Acoustics GmbH has acquired the long-established company Dieter Hopf

On 1 March 2026, SOMM member Pro Arte Fine Acoustics GmbH acquired Dieter Hopf, a company with a history of instrument making dating back to the 17th century.

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[Joint Press Release] 24.11.2025 I The industry alliance k3d is calling for a 'national overall strategy' for the cultural and creative industries, developed in close cooperation with Europe

As a key sector for economic dynamism and social resilience, the creative and cultural industries in Germany finally need clear strategies and suitable structures so that they can develop their economic, innovative and integrative power sustainably in international competition.

SOMM - Society Of Music Merchants e. v.

Organization of the musical instruments and equipment industry

 

Markgrafenstraße 15

10969 Berlin

 

T +49 30 8574748 0

Phone +40 30 8574748 50

M somm(at)somm(dot)de

 

Partners of the cultural and creative industries:

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© 2024 SOMM - Society Of Music Merchants e. V. - All rights reserved.

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