Created in 1989, the Popkomm is a diversified event which hosts conferences, exhibition spaces and also the awarding of the most innovative idea in the digital music business. Only professionals participating in the Popkomm are allowed to enter exhibition spaces and conferences, but simple music lovers have the possibility to take part in many other events, buying tickets for concerts (prices from 3 to 10 euro, but many events are free!).

During the fair Berlin becomes the capital of music: in the 2007 edition it hosted 880 exhibitors and 15,400 visitors coming from 57 countries, from United States to Australia, from South America to East countries, and it attracted 80,000 music lovers thanks to the performances of over 400 bands in 30 different venues.

The main meeting point for music industry representatives is the conference, with its international forums and workshops, during which the latest issues, such as digital marketing or politics and pop are discussed. In particular, this year's edition will focus on three keywords: creation (with a debate about the music of the future), communication (with a focus on the development of old and new media) and commerce (one of the discussed themes will be the distribution of digital music). It is self-evident that the fair is focused on innovation and future, and an evidence of this is given by the fact that it will host for the fifth year the IMEA prize (Innovation in Music and Entertainment Award), which will be given to the most innovative idea in the field of music business (the winner will gain 3,000 euro and a free booth and full accreditation for Popkomm 2009).

But the music goes beyond the fair spaces, and fills the German capital through a festival which has its main venue in the Kulturbrauerei, in the Prenzlauer Berg quarter. A huge number of events takes place during the fair, and everybody will have the possibility to enjoy their favourite music! The 8th October people will have the chance to get to know the stars of tomorrow, who will represent various music genres (indie pop, metal, electro pop, hip hop), as well as the hottest German indie bands; the 9th October the Advance Electronic Festival will feature electronic, industrial and synth pop music, or, if you prefer gypsy music, you can enjoy the Balcan-Russian night, the same day. Reggae lovers too will enjoy their favourite music during the reggae festival, on the 10th October, while the finale will host important bands such as Travis, The Rifles, Polarkreis 18 and The Kilians. There will be music also on the 11th, with the Berlin-Istanbul alternative electro night. Turkey indeed has been chosen as the main partner country for the 2008 Popkomm (a different country is chosen every year), and as such it has the possibility to introduce itself to visitors both using the fair exhibition areas (they will have a large country stand in the Popkomm hall), during conferences, and through live performances in the Kulturbrauerei.

To sum up, if you are a professional in the field of music, but also if you simply are a music-addicted, the Popkomm is your ideal destination!

The innovative Popkomm fair is an evidence of the fact that Berlin is a dynamic city, and that it is projected towards the future. However, Berlin is a city characterised by its very recognizable scars, and it is also rich in culture and art. Berlin is definitely worth a visit if you want to see all these different aspects of the city!

Tickets: various prices

Date: 8th-10th October

Location: Berlin, Germany