FRANKFURT, Germany — The global entertainment technology industry returns to Frankfurt from April 25 to 28 for Prolight + Sound, where 457 companies from 34 countries will present innovative solutions for spectacular events, impressive productions and outstanding visitor experiences. That’s up from 2022, when 368 exhibitors displayed products and services at the event.
For the first time since 2019, Prolight + Sound will take place without global travel restrictions. As a result, the show has seen a significant increase in internationality: 56 percent of exhibitors come from outside Germany. In close cooperation with associations, companies and other partners, Prolight + Sound offers a program that’s geared to the current challenges facing the industry. Professionals will receive valuable inspiration on energy- and resource-saving events, personnel development in times of high demand for skilled workers and more gender equality in the event industry.
At Prolight + Sound, top buyers, decision-makers, planners, operators and interested newcomers meet the who’s who of suppliers of professional event solutions. The spectrum of products and topics ranges from lighting and lasers to sound systems and studio equipment, projection and AV media technology.
“The event industry is recovering and the confident underlying mood is being transferred to Prolight + Sound, which, together with the industry, is back on course for growth”, says Wolfgang Marzin, Messe Frankfurt president/CEO. “Jointly, we are looking to the future – with a lot of positive energy, but also with respect for the tasks ahead. In close cooperation with the sector, we’ve created a place at Prolight + Sound where great ideas for the business of tomorrow are born. We anticipate four days full of innovative technologies and creative solutions. And we are particularly looking forward to an emotional reunion with our colleagues in the global event industry.”
One premiere at the event is the Future Walk: an interactive area that demonstrates the disruptive effect of networked AV media technology. It focuses on IP-based processes that will permanently change the industry in the coming years: from remote production to device-independent workflows and mixed reality.
The audio sector also has a lot of new things to offer. With the ProAudio College, Prolight + Sound and the German Tonmeister Association (VDT) provide a specialized training program for sound technicians in live and studio environments. Furthermore, musicians and audio technicians will experience a new kind of stage concept on the Silent Stage in Hall 11.0. It shows how direct sound can be reduced on concert stages – for a cleaner sound and less stress for the ear.
Attendance to all lectures, workshops, showcases and product demos is free of charge for holders of a valid Prolight + Sound ticket. The ticket also includes admission to the big get-together on the evening of the first day of the fair (from 18:00) with live music and drinks.
And returning to Prolight+Sound this year is the popular “Vintage Concert Audio Experience from the 1960s to 2000” (Hall 11.0 Booth C60), where the organizers — VCA, www.vintage-concert-audio.com — have collected classic P.A. gear from the farthest warehouse corners in Europe to bring them together to display in Frankfurt. These range from the first WEM, Vox and Marshall P.A. systems to Martin Modular, Meyer MSL3, Clair Brothers S4 to the first L-Acoustics line array. And in many parts even audible: every day a decade-bound audio panel will be taking place. Sound engineers of the respective time will tell their story, will philosophize about the technology and, of course, answer the questions of the booth visitors.
Further information on Prolight + Sound can be found at www.prolight-sound.com.
