Messe Duesseldorf North America

Background Music

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A word of advice to anyone considering playing background music in their stand:  DON'T FORGET YOUR GEMA LICENCE!

GEMA is the Society for musical performing and mechanical reproduction rights (translated from German: Gesellschaft für Musikalische Aufführungs- und mechanische Vervielfältigungsrechte) and plays counterpart to ASCAP here in the United States. GEMA licenses the right to perform and playback songs and musical works created and owned by the songwriters, composers, lyricists who are members of GEMA and affiliated foreign entities.

Officials from GEMA are present at German trade shows in order to enforce these rules. Companies should be aware that getting caught playing back protected media without a license leaves them subject to some very hefty fines!

So if you want to add some background music at your stand, licensing is usually very simple. Just keep the following in mind to avoid an unpleasant encounter with GEMA officials:

1. Fill out form 4C34 in your trade show exhibitor manual. . This is how you apply for your GEMA license. GEMA invoices the exhibitor for royalties. The amount payable depends on type of reproduction and also the size of the stand.
2. Be sure to have the GEMA license with you at your stand in case if agents stop by to check.