When Prolight + Sound Guangzhou celebrates its 24th edition from May 28 to 31, 2026, one of the most important trade fair locations in the world will once again take center stage for the international entertainment and pro AV industry: the China Import & Export Fair Complex in Guangzhou. With its size, structure and historical significance, it forms the spatial and content-related basis for the further developed trade fair concept of Prolight + Sound Guangzhou 2026.
An exhibition center with an international history
The China Import & Export Fair Complex is inextricably linked to the development of China’s foreign trade. As the main venue of the China Import and Export Fair, internationally known as the Canton Fair since 1957, the complex symbolizes China’s opening up to global markets.
In order to accommodate the steady growth of this leading trade fair, a modern exhibition center was developed on Pazhou Island in the Haizhu District, which gradually went into operation from the early 2000s. Since then, the location has developed into one of the largest and most efficient exhibition centers in the world and is now the venue for numerous international trade fairs, congresses and industry events.
Size, structure and performance
With an occupied area of 220,000 square meters for Prolight + Sound Guangzhou 2026, the China Import & Export Fair Complex offers ideal conditions for major events with international appeal. The clear division into Area A, Area B and Area C enables modular use and precise thematic structuring.
Wide hall axes, modern building technology, high ceiling loads and an efficient infrastructure for logistics, electricity and data make the complex particularly attractive for technology-driven sectors such as pro audio, lighting technology, AV systems and digital media. The direct connection to the Guangzhou metro network also ensures efficient accessibility for exhibitors and trade visitors.
Area A: global center for pro audio and AV solutions
For Prolight + Sound Guangzhou 2026, Area A will once again form the heart of the trade fair. Eight interconnected halls on the lower level will bring together leading brands and system providers from the pro audio sector. These include the Audio Brand Name Halls, several pro audio halls and a dedicated hall for parts and accessories.
On the second level, the focus shifts towards professional AV technologies. In the Communication, Conferencing & Display Halls and the Multimedia Systems and Solutions Halls, international companies present solutions for smart offices, integrated media technology, broadcasting and commercial installations. The vertical structure of Area A supports clear visitor guidance and facilitates thematic changes between audio and AV.
Area B: Light, immersion and digital worlds of experience
Area B will undergo a significant content and structural upgrade for the 2026 edition. Three new halls on the lower level will expand the existing hall system and create additional capacity for lighting, stage and display solutions. A key highlight is the redesign of the second floor to create the Pro Lighting Hall, where international lighting brands will be presented together under one roof for the first time.
At the same time, the KTV and digital entertainment areas will be realigned. The revised halls will focus on immersive entertainment concepts, esports, DJ technologies, home theater solutions and interactive applications. Hall 12.2 with the Visual X area acts as a showcase for digital cultural formats, immersive experiences, multimedia interaction and metaverse applications.
A location for networked markets and new applications
The China Import & Export Fair Complex supports the objective of Prolight + Sound Guangzhou to bring different market segments closer together. The close proximity of ProAudio, lighting technology, AV systems, digital entertainment and cultural applications promotes the exchange between manufacturers, integrators, creatives and users.
This concept reflects the increasing convergence of the industry, in which classic event technology, digital media, immersive technologies and commercial applications are growing ever closer together.
International appeal and global networking
The choice of the China Import & Export Fair Complex as the location underlines the international aspirations of Prolight + Sound Guangzhou. In 2025, the trade fair already recorded over 110,000 professional visitors from 139 countries and regions, with a significant increase in international participation.
The organizers are further expanding their global network for 2026. In addition to established markets in Europe and Southeast Asia, regions along the Belt and Road Initiative are also moving more into focus. The trade fair complex in Guangzhou will act as a physical hub where Chinese innovative strength and international demand meet.
More than just a location
The China Import & Export Fair Complex is much more than just an exhibition center. Its historical significance, its enormous scalability and its technical infrastructure make it a decisive success factor for Prolight + Sound Guangzhou. As a location, it creates the structural framework for innovation, exchange and sustainable business development and makes a significant contribution to further strengthening the trade fair as a leading platform for the global entertainment and pro AV industry.
With the 2026 edition, the trade fair complex will once again become a stage for technological trends, international cooperation and new impetus for an industry in transition.
Pictures: China Import and Export Fair Complex
