Popkomm Quiet On Delegate Numbers

The 19th annual Popkomm was expected to attract more than 15,000 trade visitors, although the organisers didn’t say how many delegates have paid up and confirmed their attendance.

"Due to the fact that many people register on site, any number communicated prior to the event would lack reliability," explained Popkomm press office Cornelia Czmok two days before the September 19-21 gathering was due to start.

Czmok said she expected the numbers would be on the Web site as soon as the conference has opened, while the organisers will be hoping that targeting more of Popkomm toward the live music industry will see an increase in the number of delegates coming from that sector.

The Berlin conference-cum-showcase-cum-trade fair and the new one-day business gathering started by U.K. trade paper Music Week in London, on the same day as Popkomm opens, have both opted for stalwart ILMC panelists in what looks a bid to lure more live biz execs.

The MW bash at St. Mary’s Church In Marylebone has Ed Bicknell, who has his own Sunday morning show at ILMC. Carl Leighton-Pope, who traditionally opens ILMC, is doing one of the keynote speeches in Berlin.