After almost two years of tough restrictions and permanent challenges, the event industry is fighting its way back. With the restart in the industry and events that can take place again – subject to conditions – the demand for modern event technology has recently been given a noticeable boost. Together with the industry, Prolight + Sound continues to look ahead: from April 26th to 29th, 2022, hundreds of companies will show that the entertainment technology industry has not stood still and has consistently driven the development of new solutions – as well as the shift toward resource-conserving event operations.
Looking ahead: hunger for face-to-face events
As well established as online and hybrid events and meetings have become, companies are craving large, full-scale face-to-face events in Europe.
“The events industry is ready, and it’s hungry for a reunion. We have received this clear signal from companies and professionals,” says Kerstin Horaczek, Vice President Technology Shows at Messe Frankfurt. This is underscored by the number of exhibitors who have already declared their participation at Prolight + Sound. Key players in the event technology market who have already declared their participation at Prolight + Sound include ADJ, Area Four Industries, Ayrton, B. & C. Speakers, Bosch Rexroth, Bütec, Cast, Chainmaster, Chauvet, Clay Paky, ComputerWorks, dBTechnologies, DTS, Elation, ETC, Eurotruss, FBT Elettronica, GLP, Highlite International, HOF Alutec, InEar, JB-Lighting, Kling & Freitag, König & Meyer, KS Audio, Kvant, L-Acoustics, Lawo, Layher, LEDitgo, Lightpower, Link, MA Lighting, Meyer Sound, Movecat, nivtec-flexibel, Robe, SBS Bühnentechnik, SGM, TAIT, TMB, Tüchler, Ultralite, Waagner-Biro and many more.
For Kerstin Horaczek, this positive prevailing mood forms a promising framework for presentation and business, for talent acquisition and for the high-profile presentation of topics relevant to the industry.
Comprehensive product range and clear focus
In this positive atmosphere, Prolight + Sound is preparing to reunite with the industry and present itself more than ever as an independent, self-confident industry platform. It is characterized by a broad, comprehensive range of products, with a clear focus on professional solutions for events and entertainment. The range of products and services is divided into the following thematic segments
- ProLight (Hall 12.0, 12.1)
- ProAudio (Hall 11.0, 11.1)
- ProMedia (Hall 11.1)
- ProStage (Hall 12.0)
- ProEvent (Hall 12.0/12.1 and outdoor area)
Even before the pandemic, the area of theater and stage technology formed a mainstay of Prolight + Sound. 2022 will be on this area a special. This is reflected, among other things, in the new Theater + Light Stage in Hall 12.0, where a specialized lecture program is presented. Here, suppliers of stage and lighting technology will have the opportunity to present their innovations in the context of product demos. At the same time, key players in all aspects of stage machinery, control, automation and equipment will be able to offer their specialized theatrical solutions in Hall 12.0, as will companies represented in the lighting and sound segment.
Green events for a sustainable future
Another key theme at the Spring 2022 show is a greener future in the event industry. The message: spectacular visitor experiences and ecological action go hand in hand more than ever.
For the first time, the trade show will feature a theme day centered around the responsible use of natural resources, Green Event Day, on April 27. On the “Main Stage” in Hall 11.1, companies and associations will present their green initiatives and underline that commitment to sustainability can also pay off economically.
“In this context, I would like to express my respect to the industry, which has managed to further expand its commitment to greater sustainability despite the greatest economic constraints. Thus, ecological solutions and the ‘green event’ idea will take on a central role at Prolight + Sound 2022,” explains Mira Wölfel, Director Prolight + Sound.
Two other “old hands” of Prolight + Sound will shine in new splendor in this context. For example, manufacturers of energy-saving and ecologically beneficial solutions will be presenting themselves as part of Guided Tours. Companies will receive input on how they can renew media technology equipment with a view to a more positive eco-balance.
The traditional Future Hub will also be dressed in new garb at the upcoming Prolight + Sound. The special show area is being created using resource-saving and recyclable materials and is powered 100 percent by green electricity. In this area, offers for talents will be bundled. For example, the Start-up Area for young companies, the Campus powered by VPLT as a presentation platform for educational institutions, and the Career Center as a meeting hub between companies with vacancies and professionals looking for new challenges.
New Hotspot for Studio Production and Digital Live Performance
The new Studio Village will be the first dedicated exhibition area for studio production and recording solutions. In Hall 11.1, visitors and companies will find everything from microphones, amplifiers, mixing consoles and signal processors, recording hardware and software to furniture and acoustic elements. Participation is worthwhile for exhibitors from this segment: they can present themselves here at reduced rates.
In individually bookable, acoustically separated rooms for workshops and product demos, the Studio Lab in Hall 11, exhibitors can present their products related to music production, instrument miking and mastering.
This area will be supplemented by the Sound Experience Hub. This is a fully equipped presentation area in which Messe Frankfurt, together with companies from the industry, is implementing a specialized workshop offering covering all aspects of streaming, podcasting and digital content production.
This area also serves as an indoor sound arena for sound reinforcement solutions under real-life conditions. In cooperation with the makers of the “Sample Music Festival” and top brands, an impressive Experience Zone will also be created around music production and live performance.
Transfer of knowledge and direct product experience
The Prolight + Sound Conference lecture series is dedicated to professionalization in all trades of the event industry, because especially in turbulent times, the transfer of expertise and best practices takes on special importance. The conference program provides an overview of the status quo in the industry and offers assistance for business development after the crisis.
The International Event Safety Conference (I-ESC) is all about practical tips for safe event operations. At the Manufacturers Forum, companies from various sectors of the event industry will present new technologies and solutions. The program will be supplemented by numerous lectures, product demonstrations and certification courses.
Other established formats are also entering a new round:
- Live Sound Arena makes it possible to experience the sound of large PA systems on the open-air site
- Audio Demo Rooms let visitors immerse themselves in 3D and spatial audio environments
- At the Opus – German Stage Award as well as at the Sinus – Systems Integration Award, top performances of the industry are in the spotlight
Participation in all lectures, workshops and product demos is free of charge for visitors with a valid ticket. Registration for exhibiting companies is available at www.prolight-sound.com/anmeldung.
All other information at www.prolight-sound.com.
Pictures: Mathias Kutt (2), Robin Kirchner, Petra Welzel
