Summary

IMPF will promote international trade missions and visits for its members – independent music publishers.

Objectives

• The project management work package is linked to the main objective of enhancing the capacity of European publishers to face common challenges and nurture talent, innovate, prosper and generate jobs and growth in the context of their international export activities
• Research component aims at establishing the economic value of the European music publishing sector, in particular with regards to export

Activity

IMPF aims to have publishers participate in international missions, with the objective of acquiring market knowledge and business opportunities both in new sub-publishing or publishing administration deals, but also in synch licensing – procuring new avenues for licensing European music into film, TV, advertising and gaming productions. In the event that some international IMPF missions are realized in collaboration with EMEE, we also envisage online training sessions to participating export offices.  Through this action, IMPF anticipates four webinars, one per year, aimed simultaneously at the export communities as well as the less-developed publishing markets in more peripheral territories that can participate online.

An Open Call for a trade mission in Berlin was sent to members on the 23 December 2025.  A trade mission event is scheduled to take place in Berlin, Germany on 17 March 2026.  This will be a one-day intensive programme in Berlin offering market insights, insider access, and valuable networking opportunities.  Germany is the 4th largest recorded-music market worldwide and a key territory for rights management, publishing and sync.

Details to follow.

Outcomes/Next Steps

A summary report will be available at the end of the year.

Summary

IMPF will promote international trade missions and visits for its members – independent music publishers.

Objectives

• The project management work package is linked to the main objective of enhancing the capacity of European publishers to face common challenges and nurture talent, innovate, prosper and generate jobs and growth in the context of their international export activities
• Research component aims at establishing the economic value of the European music publishing sector, in particular with regards to export

Activity

IMPF aims to have publishers participate in international missions, with the objective of acquiring market knowledge and business opportunities both in new sub-publishing or publishing administration deals, but also in synch licensing – procuring new avenues for licensing European music into film, TV, advertising and gaming productions. In the event that some international IMPF missions are realized in collaboration with EMEE, we also envisage online training sessions to participating export offices.  Through this action, IMPF anticipates four webinars, one per year, aimed simultaneously at the export communities as well as the less-developed publishing markets in more peripheral territories that can participate online.

On 18 September IMPF communicated a Call for Expressions of Interest: Trade Mission Opportunity to the IMPF membership.

Key activities:

1. Reeperbahn Festival Mentoring (Hamburg, 19 September 2025)

• IMPF Executive Board member Ender Atis (Budde Music) delivered an official mentoring session to early-career professionals.
• Focus: international publishing growth, talent development, catalog strategy, and selecting publishing partners.
• Result: Strong engagement with the next generation of industry professionals, strengthening IMPF’s educational footprint. 

2. MPC–IMPF Trade Mission @ ADE (Amsterdam, 21 October 2025)

• A diplomatic highlight: official dinner hosted by the Canadian Ambassador to the Netherlands with Canadian, Dutch, and international executives, including numerous IMPF members.
• Outcome: Enhanced cultural diplomacy, bilateral ties, and cross-sector collaboration between industry, government, and diplomatic partners.

3. EU–Africa Trade Mission (Johannesburg & Tshwane, Oct–Nov 2025)

A year-defining initiative, delivered in partnership with CIAM, ACCES, The MLC, EMEE, and Music In Africa.

CIAM General Assembly (22–23 Oct, Johannesburg):

• Strong representation from global CMOs, publishers, and creators.
• IMPF Board member John Fishlock (Active Music Publishing) featured on the Streaming & Globalisation panel.
• Activities included a co-funded African Songhub and an AI & copyright workshop.
• Result: Strengthened South–North networks, reinforced IMPF’s leadership in policy dialogue, and created new opportunities for African creators.

ACCES Conference (30 Oct–1 Nov, Tshwane):

• Attendance: 1,000+ delegates from 45 countries.
• IMPF co-hosted a high-impact panel with The MLC on global publishing and royalty pathways for African creators—drawing 60 delegates from 11 African countries.
• Speaker feedback rated the session as one of the strongest at the conference.

Outcomes/Next Steps

A summary report is available to download here.