Strong partners for akustika 2026

Nuremberg – National and international industry associations support akustika Nuremberg, making the trade fair an annual meeting place for musicians. The focus of the trade fair is on handcrafted instrument making for various instrument groups.

akustika is considered the only trade fair for musical instruments in Europe that covers such a wide range. Since this year, akustika has been a member of the German Music Council. This further strengthens the trade fair as an industry meeting place, with the focus shifting even more towards information transfer and personal exchange. With the Association of German Music Publishers (DMV) and the General Association of German Music Retailers (GDM), akustika also has two new expert partners. Birgit Böcher represents both associations as managing director and is delighted about the new collaboration: "As expert partners, GDM and DMV contribute their expertise in the areas of music retail and music publishing. We want to highlight the importance of high-quality products and creative content for the music world and strengthen the dialogue between retailers, publishers and end customers. akustika is an ideal platform for us to showcase the diversity of specialist music retailers and music publishers and to promote personal exchange with music lovers and professionals. We are delighted to be working with the trade fair to provide new impetus for the industry."

High-calibre supporting programme for professionals

The trade fair's offerings are primarily aimed at orchestral musicians. However, musicians from other fields will also find instruments and make contact with instrument makers at akustika. In addition to the new partner associations, the Association of German Music Publishers (DMV) and the General Association of
German Music Retailers (GDM), akustika Nuremberg's other expert partners include the Federal Guild Association for Musical Instrument Craftsmen (BIV), the Association of German Piano Makers (BDK), the Association of German Violin and Bow Makers (VDG), the Association of German Organ Builders (BDO), the North Bavarian Music Association (NBMB) and the Nuremberg University of Music (HFM). The partners of akustika Nuremberg cover the entire spectrum of craft instrument making and also represent the interests of orchestral musicians.

Maik Heisser is project manager of akustika Nuremberg and is delighted with the close networking within the industry: "akustika continues to develop from year to year and we want to focus on the interests of exhibitors and visitors – growth and raising our profile at the same time – while keeping the focus on handcrafted instrument making. That is why we seek intensive exchange, and we are particularly pleased that numerous associations and organisations
recognise akustika as an important platform for handcrafted instrument making. This makes akustika an important meeting place not only in the national but also in the international music industry. We are delighted to be able to present new offerings to visitors at the upcoming akustika."

The partner associations bring current topics for their respective members to the trade fair, so there are also special offers in the field of keyboard instruments, for example: the annual conference of the Association of German Piano Makers is taking place parallel to the trade fair. In addition, seminars are planned by the Chamber of Crafts, for example on the subject of business takeovers or for experts. German instrument makers are offering factory tours for international guests at akustika. In future, offerings in the field of sound engineering specifically for orchestras will also be included in the trade fair portfolio.

Accordion – Instrument of the Year

The versatile soundscape of the Instrument of the Year 2026 will also be celebrated at akustika. Special events are planned to give the accordion more space at the trade fair and to showcase the Instrument of the Year.

New: Expansion into an additional exhibition hall

From 2026, akustika Nuremberg will occupy not only the four floors in the NCC Ost/East of the Nuremberg Exhibition Centre, but also an exhibition hall (Hall 7A) for the first time. In addition, the new Orchestra Stage will provide a larger stage that promises musical highlights.

Akustika focuses on handcrafted instrument making and covers various instrument groups: string and plucked instruments, keyboard instruments, brass and woodwind instruments, as well as flutes, orchestral percussion and accordions. Accessories and sheet music are also available. Musicians have the opportunity to meet instrument makers in person at akustika and try out instruments live. The high-calibre concert programme and numerous workshops and live performances round off the offering.