Over 250 exhibitors from 24 countries with over 250 brands will present the diversity of handcrafted instrument making. The trade fair is growing and, for the first time, will also occupy Hall 7A. The offerings at akustika include handcrafted acoustic instruments such as brass and woodwind instruments, plucked and bowed string instruments, pianos, grand pianos and organs, as well as accordions, percussion, sheet music, and accessories. Major brands in the instrument sector and renowned instrument makers from around the world will be represented.

Six stages will host a diverse program of free concerts and lectures. In addition to eight big bands, performers include the Veitshöchheim Army Music Corps, the Association of Protestant Brass Choirs of Bavaria, the North Bavarian Brass Band, and the Nuremberg Accordion Orchestra – one of Europe's leading ensembles. As the accordion is the "Instrument of the Year 2026," it will be a particular focus. Other highlights include a Stradivarius presentation with Yvonne Smeulers, "Magical Duduk" with Gagik Hakobyan, and a live broadcast from BR-Heimat featuring various brass bands on Saturday.

At the Piano Salon of the German Association of Piano Makers (BDK), you can experience the flagship models of renowned manufacturers up close and be captivated by their sound, design, and craftsmanship. New this year, the Piano Salon now also features upright pianos, complementing its established selection of concert grand pianos . During the "Piano Tasting," pianists will showcase the diverse sounds of the instruments. You, too, can try out the 12 concert grand pianos and 7 upright pianos for yourself!

On the nmz Soloists Stage (Hall 7A, Stand C26), nmz – neue musikzeitung (new music magazine) invites you to panel discussions on current industry topics: Friday focuses on musical education with Prof. Jürgen Oberschmidt, followed by Prof. Rainer Kotzian and Prof. Christian Höppner on the topic "Who still wants to become a music school teacher?". On Saturday, the German Music Council's Music Information Center presents new data on musical instrument making. On Sunday, Daniela Holweg and Jan Hembacher discuss inclusion, and the topics also include "Making music and buying instruments in the age of the internet and AI" as well as business succession for instrument makers and music stores.