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Trade Fair
- Trade Fair
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Trade Fair
- Exhibitors
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- Programme
- Explore more
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- Festival
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Festival
- Festival
- Trade Fair
-
Trade Fair
- Exhibitors
- Participants
- Speakers
-
- Programme
- Explore more
-
- Programme
-
Programme
- Programme
- Trade Fair
-
Trade Fair
- Exhibitors
- Participants
- Speakers
-
- Festival
- Explore more
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- Register
- Concert tickets
FAQ
Questions about the event
Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions – from registration and showcase applications to tickets, travel information, accessibility and more.
Showcases
When can I apply for a showcase?
The application phase for jazzahead! 2026 has started on September 1st, 2025 and ends on October 8th 2025 .The showcase application system is online-based. The steps of the online system are described in the next FAQ.
How can I apply for a showcase?
Applications for the jazzahead! 2026 has started on September 1st, 2025.
In general, precondition for applying for a showcase slot in 2026 is that a registered exhibitor or professional participant (all days) of jazzahead! 2026 proposes the band/artist. Of course, bands/artists can register as exhibitors (e.g. with an umbrella stand) or professional participants (all days) themselves as well.
An international jury of experts will then review all applications and select which of the proposed bands/artists will get one of the showcase slots.
After the registration, it is very easy to submit an application online via our online system. Please read the next FAQ to get more information about the online application.
How does the application process work?
Applications for the jazzahead! 2026 will be possible from September 1st, 2025.
In general, the showcase application system is online-based.
The steps are as follows:
1: Register as exhibitor or professional participant (all days) from Sep 1st
2: Read and accept the Preconditions for showcase applications beforehand
3: Submit the application via the online application system in the participants portal. Please select the fitting module for your band and enter all information needed.
For which module should my band apply?
The on-site program at jazzahead! will only feature 38 showcases in four modules – European Showcases, German Jazz Expo, Partner Country Showcases (2026: Sweden) and Overseas/Jazz from Africa Showcases -, they are open for applications.
For the European Showcases the majority of the band members should have a residence in Europe, excl. Germany and the Partner Country Sweden. For the Overseas/Jazz from Africa Showcases the majority of the band members should have a residence outside of Europe or on the continent of Africa. For the German Jazz Expo the majority of the band members should have a residence in Germany. For the Partner Country Showcases the majority of the band members should have a residence in the Partner Country Sweden.
The assignment of the modules European Showcases and Overseas Showcases is geographically based – not political. Bands from the Middle East, Saudi Arabia or Asia are bidding on the Overseas Showcases. Bands / artists from Turkey are applying for the European Showcases.
Please note: Like the year before, three of the eight slots of the Overseas Showcases module are set for bands/artists from Africa. Although there is only one jury team for all Overseas Showcases, Jazz from Africa has its own application form in order to get clear recognition.
You can suggest one band for each showcase module only (4 modules = 4 bands max.). The same band cannot be submitted for different modules!
For the European Showcases the majority of the band members should have a residence in Europe, excl. Germany and the Partner Country Sweden. For the Overseas/Jazz from Africa Showcases the majority of the band members should have a residence outside of Europe or on the continent of Africa. For the German Jazz Expo the majority of the band members should have a residence in Germany. For the Partner Country Showcases the majority of the band members should have a residence in the Partner Country Sweden.
The assignment of the modules European Showcases and Overseas Showcases is geographically based – not political. Bands from the Middle East, Saudi Arabia or Asia are bidding on the Overseas Showcases. Bands / artists from Turkey are applying for the European Showcases.
Please note: Like the year before, three of the eight slots of the Overseas Showcases module are set for bands/artists from Africa. Although there is only one jury team for all Overseas Showcases, Jazz from Africa has its own application form in order to get clear recognition.
You can suggest one band for each showcase module only (4 modules = 4 bands max.). The same band cannot be submitted for different modules!
My band is touring, are you interested in booking us?
The jazzahead! showcasing bands always apply and are chosen by a jury. jazzahead! does not make the booking for the showcase concerts. Please see the first question for details on how to apply for a showcase concert.
Registration
What are my options to attend jazzahead!?
You can participate as an exhibitor with your own stand or you can register as a professional participant or press representative for all three trade fair days (Thu-Sat). In addition, from 20 December 2025 on you can book the day passes. See all participation options with prices and hall plans.
The following services are only available as a registered participant:
- Entrance to the trade fair exhibition and conferences in Hall 6 incl. the showcases in Hall 7 & Kulturzentrum Schlachthof
- Personal badge & jazzahead!-bag with information material (issued at the venue)
- Entry in the list of professional participants with all important personal data and a log-in to the online database
- WIFI is included at jazzahead!
- Access to the Grand Opening on the evening of 22 April in Hall 7
- Regular discount on the tickets for the jazzahead! CLUBNIGHT Double in Bremen city and Bremerhaven.
How can I register?
You can register online as an exhibitor, professional participant or media representative for jazzahead!. All important information can be found here.
Registration will be possible online until April 21 2026. After that date registration is possible on site. Please note: a registration as a professional participant on site will be charged additionally with 20 € + 19% VAT. Registration as an exhibitor is no longer possible on site.
How can I pay?
Payment via invoice is only possible for exhibitors. Payment is to be made after the issue of the invoice immediately and at the latest 14 days after receiving the invoice. As an exhibitor you can pay by bank transfer, credit card or Paypal. For professional participants we accept payment only via credit card, paypal or Sofortüberweisung (immediate money transfer).
Payment is required directly after you hit “submit order”. You’ll be directly forwarded to the payment after the order is submitted. You will get the invoice to your indicated e-mail after your online registration.
Payment is required directly after you hit “submit order”. You’ll be directly forwarded to the payment after the order is submitted. You will get the invoice to your indicated e-mail after your online registration.
In which cases do I need to pay VAT?
Customers from Germany have to pay the GERMAN VAT. We can only remit the VAT of 19% for other exhibitors (inside and outside of Europe) with an own stand if we have the necessary certifications. Registrations as professional participants are reliable to German VAT in any case, they are handled like visitor tickets.
Is the access to the showcase concerts included in my registration?
Yes, visiting the showcase concerts and the Grand Opening is included in the respective day(s) of registration to the trade fair.
Tickets for the jazzahead! CLUBNIGHT can be purchased on site or at presale for the reduced price.
Can I name a substitute in case I cannot come to the fair?
Yes, this is possible until March 25, 2026. to be guaranteed. However, we will try to provide the change for you later as well. Please contact Janika Achenbachwith your request.
Trade Fair
When can I place technical orders, such as furniture, plants and electricity for my stand?
If you are already registered as an exhibitor and have received your stand booking confirmation, you can log into the jazzahead! exhibitors portal, view all options and place orders conveniently online.
How may I arrange delivery of goods and packages for my stand?
For deliveries please use the following address:
jazzahead!
exhibitor name
hall 6 & stand No. c/o MESSE BREMEN / M3B GmbH
Tor D / Depot
Hollerallee 99
28215 Bremen
Germany.
Please note: A handling fee of €75.00 per process applies (plus VAT if applicable).
How do I know who else is coming to jazzahead!, and how can I arrange a meeting prior to the event?
If you are registered as an exhibitor, professional participant or media representative you will find a list of the participants including their contact details in our participants portal. Please note that you only see those participants who have accepted the online listing.
Based on the new GDPR, registered participants can reject the online listing of the data. Therefore, a complete list of all participants in advance is no longer possible.
Based on the new GDPR, registered participants can reject the online listing of the data. Therefore, a complete list of all participants in advance is no longer possible.
May I sell merchandise or other items at my stand at jazzahead!?
Concert Visitors
Can I attend the concerts if I am not registered for jazzahead! as exhibitor or professional participant?
Yes, tickets for the showcase concerts, the Grand Opening and the CLUBNIGHT are available for presale at Nordwest Ticket probably from end of November and at jazzahead! on site at the box office. More information can be found here on our website.
For participants of jazzahead! access to the Showcase Concerts and the Grand Opening (tbc) is included in the registration for the trade fair. Tickets for the CLUBNIGHT can be purchased at the reduced price.
jazzahead!
Do you offer special hotel deals?
Yes, please have a look here . If you are a showcasing artist and are looking for accommodation, please contact Insa Stanke.
What are the opening times?
Here you can find the opening hours.
How can I book my ticket for jazzahead! CLUBNIGHT?
A CLUBNIGHT ticket gives access to all venues and can be purchased probably from the end of November at presale at our partner Nordwest Ticket, on site during the trade fair or on the evening of the event at the participating venues.
Professional participants of jazzahead! can purchase this ticket at the reduced price.
More information can be found here on our website.
Do the venues offer disabled access?
The exhibition centre and Kesselhalle at Kulturzentrum Schlachthof do provide disabled access. For information regarding other venues, please get in touch with us.
