Groh Distribution has officially announced the scheduling of the Groh Power Days 2026, a comprehensive three-day technical symposium and training event set to take place from November 2 to November 4, 2026. Hosted at the company’s specialized training center in Buchholz in der Nordheide, the event is designed to serve as a high-level knowledge-sharing platform for a broad spectrum of industry professionals, including sound engineers, equipment rental providers, event production firms, system integrators, and technical staff from theaters, multipurpose halls, and houses of worship. In a move that underscores the distributor’s commitment to industry advancement and professional development, the entire program—encompassing all training sessions, workshops, catering, and the concluding networking evening—is offered to registered attendees free of charge.
The Groh Power Days 2026 arrive at a pivotal moment for the professional audio industry, characterized by rapid transitions in wireless spectrum regulations and the increasing convergence of traditional audio engineering with IT-based control systems. By providing hands-on access to the latest hardware and direct interaction with manufacturer representatives, Groh Distribution aims to bridge the gap between theoretical product specifications and practical, real-world application.
A Structured Curriculum for Professional Advancement
The event is meticulously structured to address different facets of the modern audio workflow, with each day dedicated to a specific technological pillar. This thematic approach allows specialists to focus on their primary areas of expertise or attend the full three-day cycle for a holistic overview of the current pro-audio landscape.
Day One: Mastering the Allen & Heath Ecosystem
The inaugural day, Monday, November 2, focuses exclusively on the Allen & Heath dLive platform. As one of the most prevalent mixing systems in the global touring and installation markets, the dLive requires a deep understanding of its FPGA-based processing and flexible surface architecture. The session will be led by Sascha Kohl of Audio-Technica, a recognized expert in the platform.
The "Expert Training" session is designed to go beyond basic operational functions. It will delve into advanced routing configurations, the integration of DEEP processing plugins, and the utilization of the dLive’s expansive I/O ecosystem. For engineers transitioning from other platforms or looking to optimize their existing workflows, this session provides a critical deep dive into the system’s latency-free processing capabilities and its ability to handle complex, high-channel-count productions.
Day Two: The Evolution of Mixing Consoles and Control Integration
On Tuesday, November 3, the focus shifts toward a comparative and integrative look at modern mixing solutions. The day’s agenda is headlined by a significant showcase of Yamaha’s professional audio lineup, including the DM5, the flagship Rivage series, and the innovative "Genius Lab." A highlight of the afternoon will be a direct comparison between the Allen & Heath dLive and the Yamaha DM7, two systems that frequently compete for space on technical riders. This side-by-side analysis will allow attendees to evaluate the ergonomic, sonic, and operational differences between the two ecosystems in a controlled environment.
Furthermore, the second day will address the growing trend of "software-defined" control in live production. Workshops will cover the Avantis Ultra and the implementation of third-party control interfaces, such as Elgato Stream Decks and Bitfocus Companion. These tools have become indispensable for managing complex automated sequences and providing simplified control surfaces for non-technical operators in corporate or house-of-honor environments. The day will also feature insights into the L-Acoustics CS1, exploring its role in modern system design and spatial audio integration.
Day Three: The Signal Chain, Wireless Innovation, and Transducer Accuracy
The final day, Wednesday, November 4, turns its attention to the beginning and end of the signal chain. With the professional audio industry facing tightening restrictions on radio frequency (RF) availability, the focus on Shure’s Axient Digital and the revolutionary Wireless Multichannel Audio Systems (WMAS) technology is particularly timely. Steffen Kuhlebrock from Shure will lead sessions on digital In-Ear Monitoring (IEM) and the deployment of Axient Digital PSM, providing technical insights into maintaining signal integrity in increasingly crowded RF environments.
The afternoon sessions will shift to acoustic capture and reproduction. Benny Breuning from DPA Microphones will demonstrate the practical application of the DPA 6388 headset, focusing on the nuances of microphone placement and its direct impact on speech intelligibility—a critical factor for theater and corporate presenters. The event will conclude with a technical presentation by Rainer Clasani of L-Acoustics on "Source Intelligence," alongside a broader discussion on modern signal chain optimization.
Expert-Led Instruction and Practical Application
The caliber of the Groh Power Days is defined by its roster of presenters, who represent some of the most influential brands in professional audio. The lineup includes Arthur Koll (Yamaha), Sascha Kohl and Christian Hähnel (Audio-Technica), Steffen Kuhlebrock (Shure), Benny Breuning (DPA), and Rainer Clasani (L-Acoustics). Additionally, Manuel Knigge, Sales Manager at Groh Distribution, will lead several workshops, providing a distributor’s perspective on system integration and equipment lifecycle management.
Manuel Knigge emphasized the "hands-on" philosophy that differentiates the Power Days from standard trade show demonstrations. According to Knigge, the event is designed to move away from the traditional lecture format. "The special thing about the Power Days is the proximity," Knigge stated. "You are not sitting in a lecture hall; you are standing directly at the console, holding the wireless system in your hand, and can ask the manufacturers the questions that actually occupy you in your daily work."
Knigge also highlighted the importance of staying ahead of technological shifts such as WMAS and digital IEM. "There is an enormous amount happening right now in areas like WMAS and digital in-ear monitoring. We want to show these developments in an understandable and practical way," he added.
Industry Context and Technological Implications
The timing of the Groh Power Days 2026 reflects broader trends within the European event technology market. As the industry continues to recover and expand following the disruptions of the early 2020s, there is a heightened demand for skilled technicians who are proficient in networked audio and digital wireless management.
The inclusion of WMAS (Wireless Multichannel Audio Systems) is a significant highlight of the program. As the next generation of wireless technology, WMAS allows for significantly higher spectral efficiency by utilizing wideband transmission. For production companies operating in major metropolitan areas where the UHF spectrum is heavily congested, understanding the deployment and management of WMAS is becoming a prerequisite for large-scale event success.
Similarly, the focus on "Speech Intelligibility" on Day Three addresses a persistent challenge in modern system design. With the rise of immersive audio and sophisticated PA systems, the fundamental requirement of clear, intelligible speech can sometimes be overlooked. By bringing in experts from DPA and L-Acoustics, Groh Distribution is emphasizing the importance of the transducer—the point where the physical sound meets the digital system.
Logistics, Networking, and Registration
Beyond the technical sessions, Groh Distribution has integrated a strong networking component into the event. A "Network Evening" featuring a barbecue is planned, providing a relaxed atmosphere for attendees to discuss industry trends, share experiences, and build professional relationships. This social aspect is considered a vital part of the event, fostering a sense of community among German-speaking audio professionals.
The event will be held at the Groh Distribution training center in Buchholz, a location chosen for its accessibility within the Nordheide region. To maintain the quality of the hands-on sessions, attendance is limited, and Groh Distribution has encouraged interested parties to register early. The deadline for registration is October 30, 2026.
Prospective attendees can find registration forms, a detailed schedule of workshops, and recommendations for local hotel accommodations on the official event website at groh-distribution.de/events/powerdays2026.
About Groh Distribution
Groh Distribution is a leading German distributor specializing in high-end professional audio equipment. Based in Buchholz, the company serves as a vital link between global manufacturers and the local market, providing not only hardware sales but also comprehensive technical support, system design consultation, and professional training. The Groh Power Days represent the company’s flagship educational initiative, designed to empower the next generation of audio professionals with the tools and knowledge required for the evolving live sound and installation sectors.
