The VDT and the isdv (Interest Group of Independent Service Providers in the Event Industry) have entered into a close cooperation that provides a wide range of offers, especially for all our self-employed members. From now on, every VDT member can become a so-called “family member” of the isdv free of charge. This gives us access to all isdv events and allows us to take advantage of all their services. These include webinars, up-to-date information on political issues in the event industry, deals with discounts on workwear, an open member call every second Thursday at 5:00 p.m., and access to the isdv member portal and its discussion forums via browser or app. We will shortly be making the access options technically available and will announce them here.

VDT colleagues who are just starting out in their careers will find assistance and expertise in business administration, legal issues, calculating daily rates, and tax issues at the isdv start-up advisory service. The isdv is also authorized to issue viability certificates for your business plan, which may then open up government start-up subsidies for you.

Important: Even though the isdv focuses on self-employed and freelance professionals, it also aims to support and assist trainees and employees. To this end, the isdv has acquired extensive expertise so that all our members can ultimately benefit from this cooperation.

Here is an overview of the upcoming isdv events for you:

• February 26 – 27, 2026: For those who can make quick decisions: You can meet your isdv colleagues in person at the Pan-Pro Days in Lohne.
• March 5, 2026: Online member forum, open call for all topics that are currently relevant to you, every 14 days on Thursdays at 5:00 p.m.
• March 12, 2026: Self-employed in the cultural, creative, and event industries – Starting and running a sole proprietorship. Online webinar from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Please register in advance.
• March 19, 2026: Online member forum
• April 2, 2026: Online member forum
• April 15, 2026: Work contracts, service contracts, sample contracts, general terms and conditions, and dealing with contracts. Online webinar from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Please register in advance.
• April 16, 2026 Online member forum

At the last Tonmeistertagung, you had the opportunity to listen to insightful and exciting presentations by Marcus Pohl, the first chairman of the isdv, on the topics of avoiding bogus self-employment and legally compliant commissioning in the VDT lounge. This expertise is now available to you at any time. We are delighted about this cooperation!

Marcus Pohl, First Chairman of isdv, and Marc Stähly, Second Chairman of isdv and VDT colleague