Exhibition & Trade Show Music Licence
Make your exhibition stand out with TheMusicLicence
Whether you’re using music to accompany a trade show, exhibitions, fashion shows, or to add to the aesthetic of a fan convention, you’ll usually need TheMusicLicence.
TheMusicLicence ensures permission is granted from the relevant copyright holders in relation to the vast majority of commercially available music.
By obtaining TheMusicLicence, you’ll be able to play or perform music from PRS for Music and PPL legally and enjoy its benefits whilst ensuring that its creators are fairly rewarded for their work.
Benefits of TheMusicLicence
Music has the ability to set the tone and create a welcoming, calm or energetic atmosphere, tailored to the specific type or theme of an event. For instance, upbeat, lively music can energise attendees at a fashion show, while softer background music can create an ambiance more appropriate to exhibitions or trade shows.
A well-chosen soundtrack can grab the attention of attendees and draw visitors towards specific areas or exhibits. Whether you’re holding a trade show or a fashion show for consumers to attend, you could curate a playlist of music, presentation or video that resonates with your brand’s identity, creating a cohesive and memorable experience for attendees in the process.
Do I need TheMusicLicence?
TheMusicLicence allows you to play and perform music at exhibitions, conferences, industry trade shows, consumer fairs, fashion shows, fan conventions and music-themed cultural exhibitions, whether this is through a video presentation, radio, TV, laptop, mobile phone, other digital devices and/or live performances.
It will cover you and exhibitors for the use of virtually all commercially released music available – millions of songs and recordings, including music not just from the UK, but also from all around the world.
No matter what type of exhibition or event, the event organiser will need to obtain TheMusicLicence. This includes background music usage within the exhibition area, music usage on individual exhibition stands, music themed cultural exhibitions where a particular artist or group’s work is an integral feature, and live performances and/or featured recorded music such as DJs.
Exhibition venues
Information about the cost of TheMusicLicence for Exhibition Venues
- It is the responsibility of the exhibition organisers/agencies to ensure that TheMusicLicence is obtained for any music usage that takes place within the main exhibition area and on exhibitor stands.
- The venue needs to be correctly licensed for any background music that takes place in foyers, cafés/bars/shops/restaurants, toilets/restrooms, offices and other public/communal areas that are managed by the venue.
- During the licensing process, we may ask you about cafés/bars/shops/restaurants/etc. within the venue. If they are managed independently – such as franchises – they will need to arrange for their own music licence, it is not the responsibility of the venue to obtain TheMusicLicence for these businesses.
Exhibition organisers or agencies
PPL information about the cost of TheMusicLicence for exhibition and trade show organisers/agencies.
- Exhibition organisers or agencies will need to ensure that TheMusicLicence is obtained for each exhibition, conference or trade show.
- The event organiser/agency is responsible for paying the whole PPL element of TheMusicLicence for both the background music in the exhibition area, e.g. purpose-built bars, restaurants etc. and for any music usage on each exhibitor stand. This includes the use of TV, radio, CD/MP3 or any other digital device.
PRS information about the cost of TheMusicLicence for exhibition & trade show organisers/agencies.
- Exhibition organisers/ have the responsibility of obtaining TheMusicLicence for the PRS element of the licence for the background music usage within the exhibition area. This includes but is not limited to:
- Purpose built seminar and theatre areas
- Exhibition Stands
- Music themed cultural exhibitions
- Other purpose–built feature areas
Please note that the fees for DJ’s and Live performances are calculated differently. More information about this is available in the tariff information below.
Information to remember before your exhibition or trade show:
Please ensure you have records of all music used/planned in your exhibitions via background music and stand holders to allow us to apply the tariffs accurately.
Exhibitors
PRS information about the cost of TheMusicLicence for Exhibitors:
It is the responsibility of the exhibition organiser to ensure correct permission is in place to use music.
PPL information about the cost of TheMusicLicence for Exhibitors:
As the exhibition organiser/agency already obtains the PPL element of the exhibitor music licence on your behalf, you don’t need to have TheMusicLicence.
As part of the sign-up process for an event you are exhibiting at, you might be asked by the organisers if you are playing music on your stand. Music on an exhibition stand can be a great way to attract more visitors and to help your brand stand out.
Music themed cultural exhibitions
What is a ‘Music Themed Cultural Exhibition’?
This is any temporary exhibition having as its sole or main theme the life and/or works of a particular composer, writer, performer or group of writers, composers, or performers; and/or any genre of musical works. This could take place at a museum, arts gallery, town hall or other premises.
For further information on responsibilities involved with Music Theme Cultural Exhibitions, please see the tariff documentation below, or please contact us on 0800 072 0808
Tariffs that could apply to your event
Get a quote
If you’ve got all your information ready, please contact us or complete our Get TheMusicLicence form to arrange a quote.
Call us on 0116 290 0525
(8am-6pm, Monday-Friday)
Ready to play music?
Set up a new music licence for your exhibition or trade show.
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Thinking about playing music at your exhibition or trade show and want to know more?
What is TheMusicLicence?
What is TheMusicLicence
Do I need a music licence?
Do I need a music licence?
Where does my money go?
Where does my money go?
How do I get TheMusicLicence?
Call us on 0116 290 0525
(8am to 6pm Monday to Thursday and 8am to 3pm Friday)
Alternatively you can complete the online form and an adviser will be in touch.
