Independent music publishers from around the world gathered in Berlin last week for IMPF’s Spring Assemblies and a trade mission with leading executives from across the German music industry.
IMPF president Annette Barrett said: “Berlin was chosen to host the 2026 event by IMPF in October last year, at the organisation’s Global Music Summit, acknowledging the size of the German music market, the importance of GEMA in the sphere of collective management as well as Budde Music as a founding member of IMPF and the late Rolf Budde as a fierce advocate of indies everywhere.”
Hosted at the offices of German music publishers association Verband Deutscher Musikverlage (DMV), and in partnership with DMV and Budde Music, the trade mission offered insights into and discussion around the world’s fifth largest recorded music territory, including opportunities across publishing, the live sector, radio, and sync.
Experts in attendance included Maximillian Paproth (MD, Budde Music Germany), Goetz von Einem (president, DMV), Andreas Zagelow (editorial director, music & events, MDR), Milena Fessmann (Cinesong) and Matthias Noelte (Budde Talent Agency).
The IMPF Spring Assemblies followed on March 19-20 at Berlin’s Waldorf Astoria Hotel, sponsored by GEMA.
The sessions explored Germany’s role as a global creative hub; the need to close the distribution gap to ensure publishers and the songwriters they represent are paid accurately and transparently; the growth potential of emerging markets in Eastern Europe; and the implications of artificial intelligence for the future of rights and repertoire.
“Across all discussions, a consistent message emerged: strong collaboration, robust rights frameworks and long-term commitment to songs and creators remain essential to sustaining a healthy and innovative music ecosystem,” said the IMPF.
Speakers included Benjamin Budde (Budde Music Publishing); Birgit Böcher (DMV), Georg Sobbe (Bundesverband Musikindustrie), Thimo Prziklang (GEMA), Teri Nelson Carpenter (Reel Muzik Werks), Sylvain Piat (CISAC), Lisa Ni Choisdealbha (IMRO), Michel Allain (WIPO), Patrycja Lobaczewska (Believe); Virgo Sillamaa (EMEE); Paulina Golba (Golba Music Publishing); Mitko Chatalbashev (CISAC and BIEM); Kai Welp (GEMA); Tamay Aykut (Surreal); Anders Sogaard (University of Copenhagen); Verena Böessmann (Dunstan Music/Dunstan Media, board of directors, VUT), Adriana Moscoso del Prado (GESAC) and Nicole Schulze (IMPF).
As new technologies develop, it is up to us to ensure that human creativity is respected and fairly rewarded
Annette Barrett
Addressing those in attendance, IMPF President Annette Barrett said: “The IMPF exists to bring independent music publishers together and to ensure our voice is heard. Our industry is changing rapidly and, at times like this, our strength comes from unity across countries, cultures and repertoires. Independent music publishers represent the largest share of the global music publishing market, as highlighted in our sixth annual Global Market View. But, more importantly, we protect and champion the value of the song on a daily basis.
“As new technologies develop, it is up to us to ensure that human creativity is respected and fairly rewarded. For all that you do [as music publishers], accept my thanks – to our members, associate members, board of directors, working groups, friends and supporters, and our advisors and consultants. Together, we can defend our songwriters and help shape a fairer, more stable future.”
Barrett also paid tribute to IMPF senior advisor and counsel Ger Hatton, on her decade with IMPF: “This is Ger’s 10th year with IMPF and we want to say a huge thank you from all of us for her dedication, passion and expertise. IMPF as we know it today would not have been possible without her.”
Ger Hatton said: “It’s been a wonderful 10 years. I’m delighted to be part of this independent music publishing community. The collaboration, warmth and sincerity of everybody really contributes to what we have managed to create together. That, in no small part, is due to an excellent board led by Annette; the top class team we have built and the membership and friends on every continent encompassing over 300 companies.”
Following the event, IMPF secretary general Nicole Schulze said: “The message running through all of these conversations has been that progress comes when we stay engaged, persistent and when we act collectively. That is exactly what this community does best: it builds partnerships, opens new markets, and makes sure the value of music flows back to the people who make it. These sessions told one coherent story about why collaboration, the importance of the song, strong rights and long-term commitment matter more than ever.”
PHOTO: Spotlight Session Germany As A Creative Hub at the IMPF 2026 Assemblies in Berlin (L-R) Benjamin Budde (CEO, Budde Music Publishing), Birgit Böcher (MD, DMV), Georg Sobbe (head of research & development, Bundesverband Musikindustrie), Thimo Prziklang (director strategy & development, GEMA).
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