As the biggest and foremost international trade fair for musical instruments, music software, computer hardware, sheet music and accessories, the Frankfurt Musikmesse has been the world's most important meeting place for the sector for over 25 years.

With over 1,500 exhibitors from 50 countries, Musikmesse 2005 set up a new exhibitor record that impressively underscores the marketing dynamism of the sector. Accounting for 66.2%, the majority of the additional exhibitors came from outside Germany. The number of visitors also increased in comparison to the previous year and reached almost 70,000 from home and abroad. Thus, the Musikmesse offers both suppliers and buyers of musical instruments the perfect platform from which to reach their target groups: 73% of exhibitors were very pleased with the course of business at the fair, an increase of 2% over the year before.

At 95% the high degree of satisfaction on the visitor side also shows how successful the Musikmesse concept is: the blend of international business, outstanding instrumentalists on the exhibitor and show stages, innovative products and a highly professional public is unique.

For the little ones with an interest in music, music4kids offers a chance to explore the world of music for themselves. The exhibition offers insights into the basics of sound physics and musical parameters and, in particular, encourages the children to try making music themselves. Additionally, trained music teachers hold short workshops for small groups on playing together and handling instruments. 'music4kids' enables children to try out a genuine musical instrument, such as a violin or trumpet.

One of the highlights in the Musikmesse programme is SchoolJam, the pan-Germany festival for pupil bands. Organised by Messe Frankfurt in cooperation with the 'Aktion Mensch' charity foundation and partners from the music business, SchoolJam aims to find the best pupil bands in Germany.

58 trade magazines from all over the world joined forces to honour the best products with the MIPA awards. Thanks to its global significance, the annual MIPA awards have developed over recent years into one of the most coveted prizes in the pro-audio sector.