top of page

News

NEWS

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

Design ohne Titel (30).png

[SOMM Press information] 03.06.2026 I The Guitar Summit and the magazine Guitar & Bass have joined the SOMM (Society of Music Merchants) in a collaboration aimed at inspiring more people to make music

The Society of Music Merchants e.V. (SOMM) welcomes the Guitar Unit of the Ebner Media Group as a new member. The Guitar Unit comprises the Guitar Summit, Europe's largest guitar show, which attracts exhibitors and visitors from over 30 countries, as well as the trade magazine Guitar & Bass, which has been one of the most important German-language platforms for the guitar community for over 40 years.

Read All
Design ohne Titel (30).png

[SOMM Press information] 28.05.2026 I European industry association SOMM welcomes the EU’s decision against Temu – but further action is urgently needed

Today, the Society of Music Merchants e.V. (SOMM) welcomed the European Commission's decision regarding the Temu platform under the Digital Services Act (DSA). According to the association, the decision highlights the importance of a functioning European legal framework for product safety, consumer protection, and fair competition in the digital single market.

Read All
Design ohne Titel (96).png

[SOMM Industry information / 18-26] 28.05.2026 I MI Industry Leadership Round Table – Manufacturers discussed future regulatory, structural and societal issues facing the industry

The European musical instrument, music equipment and audio technology sector is stepping up its dialogue on the future development of the industry. Against this backdrop, the first MI Industry Leadership Round Table was held on 20 May 2026 at the Adam Hall Group’s premises in Neu-Anspach and was hosted by SOMM.

Read All
Design ohne Titel (30).png

[SOMM Industry information / 17-26] 27.05.2026 I Copyright warning letters regarding guitar body shapes / request for confidential feedback

The Society of Music Merchants (SOMM) e.V. has now received several copyright warnings and legal actions relating to certain guitar body shapes.

Read All
Design ohne Titel (31).png

[SOMM Press information] 27.05.2026 I Music belongs at the heart of society – the SOMM is calling on the industry to actively participate in the Fête de la Musique 2026

On 21 June, the Fête de la Musique will once again demonstrate the social power that music can unleash in numerous cities across Europe and worldwide. Streets, squares, and public spaces will become places where people can meet, play music together, and engage with culture. For the SOMM, this day represents more than just a music festival; it symbolises the importance of active music-making and the social value of music as a whole.

Read All
Design ohne Titel (95).png

[SOMM Industry information / 16-26] 21.05.2026 I SOMM is supporting a pilot project to promote music education at a primary school in Berlin

Together with the Adam Hall Group, Yamaha Music Europe GmbH and Roland Meinl Musikinstrumente GmbH & Co. KG, SOMM has supported a pilot project to promote music education at the primary school on Kollwitzplatz in Berlin's Prenzlauer Berg district.

Read All
k3d_wirtschaftsministerium.png

[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.

Read All
ESM.png

[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.

Read All
Design ohne Titel (33).png

[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.

Read All
Knöll_Daniel.png

[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).

Read All
Vorstand (2)_edited.jpg

[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.

Read All
Founding of the EUROPEAN SOUNDMAKERS Musical Instrument Confederation (3).png

[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.

Read All
Vorstand (10).png

[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.

Read All
Vorstand (7).png

[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.

Read All
Founding of the EUROPEAN SOUNDMAKERS Musical Instrument Confederation (3).png

[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.

Read All
Design ohne Titel (90).png

[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.

Read All
Design ohne Titel (90).png

[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. 

Read All
Design ohne Titel (90).png

[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.

Read All
Design ohne Titel (90).png

[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.

Read All
Founding of the EUROPEAN SOUNDMAKERS Musical Instrument Confederation (3).png

[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.

Read All
Founding of the EUROPEAN SOUNDMAKERS Musical Instrument Confederation (3).png

[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.

Read All
39.png

[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.

Read All
Founding of the EUROPEAN SOUNDMAKERS Musical Instrument Confederation (3).png

[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.

Read All

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:

Logo_Forum Musikwirtschaft
Logo_k3d

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

Data protection

Imprint

bottom of page