The organizers behind Popkomm have now canceled this year’s event, based on expectations of lower attendee interest.  “We have a level that we promised to our partners and our attendees which we are right now unable to keep,” event director Katja Gross told Digital Music News.  That confirms a rumor floating last week, though organizers remained tight-lipped until Friday morning.

Sponsor interest may have been suitable, though budget-conscious executives appear to have chilled the party.  And, the ghost of Midem – a poorly-attended event – clearly influenced the cancellation.  “A situation that was becoming clear early this year at Midem in Cannes also seems to be affecting Popkomm in Berlin,” managing director Dr. Ralf Kleinhenz relayed.  “Despite positive reactions to the new event location and a satisfactory number of bookings by exhibitors, because of the economic situation we anticipate a considerable decline in trade visitor attendance.”