This morning at 10:00 a.m., Prolight + Sound 2024 opened a new chapter in the world of event technology. With an impressive line-up of over 500 exhibitors from more than 40 countries, this show is setting new standards in innovation and international networking. This year’s show will present the latest trends and technologies in the event industry, from ground-breaking audio and lighting systems to revolutionary stage concepts and live entertainment technologies that will captivate visitors from all over the world.
Highlights of Prolight + Sound 2024:
Innovative technologies and products: Discover the latest innovations in lighting, sound, staging and media technology that will take your productions and events to the next level.
International exchange: With participants from over 40 countries, the trade fair offers a unique platform for the exchange of ideas, trends and technologies on a global level.
Sustainable Event Solutions: A special focus this year is on sustainable solutions and technologies for the event industry that offer not only ecological but also economically sustainable prospects. Tip: Our Green Guided Tours!
Interactive workshops and seminars: Take part in a variety of workshops and seminars led by industry experts. These offer practical insights and valuable know-how on current topics and challenges in event technology.
Networking opportunities: The show provides an ideal platform for networking, business meetings and partnership building, with special events designed to encourage interaction between exhibitors, visitors and experts.
About The Trade Fair
What visitors can expect at Prolight + Sound 2024
Prolight + Sound presents a wide range of products and topics – from lighting and laser technology to AV media technology, sound systems, studio equipment, theatre technology and stage equipment – reflecting the creativity and innovative strength of the industry. This year’s event will focus in particular on the expanded range in the pro audio segment. The newly established Image Creation Hub offers a first-class mix of workshops and presentations as well as product highlights from renowned brands. In addition, the newly established LightLab will provide in-depth knowledge on topics such as blue light hazards and limit values. On the Main Stage, recognised speakers will address a range of current industry topics, including success strategies for events, innovative audio systems, contemporary visual designs and concepts for environmentally friendly events. Wolfgang Marzin, President and CEO of Messe Frankfurt, comments:
Prolight + Sound presented the new Image Creation Hub and the expanded ProAudio rangeWith its unique symbiosis of technology, education, networking and entertainment, Prolight + Sound is a decisive catalyst for technological innovations, progressive ideas and new collaborations in the global event technology sector. Together with the industry, we are creating a high-reach platform with Prolight + Sound, where important impulses for the event business of tomorrow are set. We look forward to moments full of creativity and innovation, to emotional moments of reunion and celebrating successful collaboration.
In cooperation with the BVFK (Bundesverband der Fernsehkameraleute e.V.), we were able to present the new Image Creation Hub in Hall 11 for the first time this year. In this unique special area, cameramen and professionals from the moving image sector can not only listen to specialised lectures, but also take part in talks and workshops. The programme is rounded off by an exciting exhibition of the latest products and technical innovations from renowned manufacturers. Here, visitors can experience the latest product developments and engage in dialogue with experts.
This year, the ProAudio programme will also be significantly expanded. The Performance + Production Hub in Hall 11, which has been expanded to 3000 square metres, will become Europe’s leading platform for music production and DJing. Created in co-operation with the Sample Music Festival, this area combines product demonstrations, workshops, showcases, live performances and information on the latest developments in digital sound design. The programme will be expanded to include future-oriented topics such as controllerism, live remixing, looping and biohacking. Renowned artists will provide captivating performances in the newly created Live Box, while the Swing Flare Club invites all music enthusiasts, regardless of their musical experience, to jam together. The latest product inventions from leading brands, including digital audio workstations, samplers, sequencers, synthesisers, mixing consoles, controllers, effects units and mobile DJ equipment, provide an insight into the technological innovations in the field of professional audio equipment.
Immersive (sound) experiences in the Audio Dome
A special highlight of this area will be the new Immersive Audio Dome in Hall 11. It was realised in collaboration with Quickspace and United Brands. The impressive installation includes an innovative sound system consisting of Adamson loudspeakers, a Fletcher Machine multichannel audio rendering processor and creative visuals on full-surface projection screens. The combination of these elements creates an immersive all-round experience of sound, light and colour in the 100 square metre igloo-shaped dome, which up to 75 people can enjoy at the same time. Those who need a little break from the hustle and bustle of the trade fair will have the opportunity to test high-quality headphones in a relaxed atmosphere at the (also new) Audio Bar.
The audio offering on the outdoor area in Hall 11 will also be expanded. Visitors can look forward to four outdoor stages here – a record in the history of Prolight + Sound. In addition to the already familiar Live Sound Arena, manufacturers RCF, dBTechnologies and DAS Audio will also be offering live demonstrations of their first-class products on their own demo stages. In Hall 11 on the Silent Stage, the public will have the opportunity to experience advanced sound technologies from InEar. Daily live performances will demonstrate how direct sound can be reduced on concert stages.
New special area Light Lab and exciting seminar programme
The newly established special LightLab area in Hall 12, a project of the Hamburg University of Applied Sciences (HAW) and supported by renowned brands such as Ayrton, Cameo, ClayPaky, Elation, ETC, GLP, JB-Lighting, Robe and Prolight + Sound, offers expertise, detailed information and demonstrations on the critical topics of blue light hazards, risk groups and limit values. The presentations will focus on potential hazards, the proper use of modern stage lighting and the effects of optical radiation on the human eye.
The seminar programme will also feature innovations: for the first time, three educational initiatives will be bundled under the name “Prolight + Sound College” – the new Camera College (realised in cooperation with the BVFK), the ProAudio College (together with the VDT – Association of German Sound Engineers) and the VPLT College. This platform covers a broad spectrum, from the latest audio innovations and the use of AI in film and television to essential aspects of event technology and best practices. An extensive range of lectures, workshops and discussion panels, some of which are offered in German and some in English, will make the collected expertise available. All participants will receive a written confirmation of participation.
As part of the Guided Tours, interested parties can gain insights into new products, innovations and technologies in theatre technology during expertly moderated tours. As with all lectures, workshops and product demonstrations, participation is free of charge for holders of a valid ticket.
Together against the shortage of skilled labour
The event industry cannot ignore topics such as recruiting and personnel development. Particularly in light of the increasing shortage of skilled labour, the range of career and training opportunities on offer at this year’s Prolight + Sound will therefore be even more prominent. The Future Hub serves as a central platform that offers both newcomers to the industry and experienced professionals extensive information on training and career opportunities, supplemented by a presentation area for innovative start-ups and a wide range of networking opportunities. With one of the largest European job markets in the industry, the area also positions itself as the perfect contact point for professionals looking for a job.
Prolight + Sound will also be hosting the Future Talents Day on Friday, 22 March. The programme is aimed specifically at school pupils who are interested in careers in the event industry, as well as students, interns and trainees. In the Future Talk on the Main Stage, the young talents will gain insights into the career ideas and goals as well as the working lives of young professionals and specialists from the technology, organisation, culture and congress sectors. In the subsequent interactive “Hands-on event technology” programme (for pupils in years 7 to 13 as well as trainees, students and interns in the event industry), those interested will have the opportunity to gain their first practical experience in small groups. The 30-minute short workshops cover topics such as lighting, sound, video and rigging. The Future Talents Day is organised by the Association for Media and Event Technology (VPLT) in cooperation with the Federal Association of the Concert and Event Industry (BDKV) and the European Association of Event Centres (EVVC).
Towards a greener future for the event industry
Against the backdrop of rising energy costs and an increasing focus on sustainability, the conscious use of natural resources is becoming ever more important in the event industry. Prolight + Sound is taking up this challenge and promoting a more environmentally friendly organisation of the industry with various initiatives. In cooperation with the European Association of Event Centres (EVVC), the Green Sessions will be launched. On all four days of the trade fair, these will offer insights into topics such as sustainability communication, resilience, social responsibility, the organisation of sustainable major events and the planning and technological implementation of climate-neutral events in the form of lectures and discussion panels. In addition, the Green Tours led by experts will enable visitors to find out about particularly environmentally friendly product innovations and technologies. Sustainability will also feature prominently in the keynote programme on the Main Stage in Hall 11.
Make valuable contacts at the new Community Nights
Product innovations, the promotion of young talent and educational programmes are among the core themes of Prolight + Sound, with networking and the spirit of collaboration also playing key roles. To emphasise these aspects even more strongly, the PLS Community Nights will be held for the first time this year. These events will take place on three evenings in selected locations in the heart of Frankfurt city centre. All trade fair visitors are invited to make new contacts in the industry, exchange ideas and celebrate together in a relaxed atmosphere with music and drinks.
Admission to the PLS Community Nights is free of charge for all visitors with a valid trade fair ticket. Admission wristbands, which are required for entry, are available at the information stand in Hall 12, West Foyer, Via Level. Each person will receive a wristband that is only valid on the evening in question.
