This year’s theme, “Imagine Togetherness!”, highlights the festival’s commitment to fostering a sense of shared responsibility and collaboration within the music sector.

A session led by Karsten Elbrecht, CCO of CTS Eventim, will examine the evolving digital landscape in ticketing, while another will assess how the live events sector is addressing sustainability. Veteran promoter Harvey Goldsmith will present *“The American Way of Live,”* questioning the growing commercialization of live music and its effects on fairness, creativity, and audience access.

The festival also welcomes back the Anchor Award, an international accolade for emerging talent. The 2025 nominees include UK R&B/soul singer Cara Rose, Ukrainian electronic act Carpetman, American-German rapper Sorvina, US indie artist Mei Semones, UK band RIP Magic, and Swiss group Soft Loft.

In addition to its conference offerings, Reeperbahn Festival remains a key showcase event for new music, with approximately 400 acts from 30 countries performing across 65 venues throughout Hamburg. In total, around 800 programme items are scheduled, with organizers expecting roughly 45,000 attendees — including 5,000 industry delegates.