For over three decades, Prolight + Sound has been the leading international trade fair for technologies, services and innovations in the event, media and entertainment industry. It brings together lighting, sound, stage and AV technology under one roof and offers trade visitors from all over the world a forum for knowledge, exchange and inspiration.
A new chapter begins in 2026: Messe Frankfurt is integrating Prolight + Sound into the Light + Buildingthe world’s leading trade fair for lighting and building technology. This will make the exchange between event technology and building networking more intensive than ever before.
The Prolight + Sound brand – tradition and change
Since its premiere in the 1990s, Prolight + Sound has had a decisive influence on the development of the event and entertainment industry. At no other trade fair are innovations in lighting design, audio technology, stage construction and media technology so concentrated.
From the first digital mixing console to modern LED lighting systems and immersive 3D sound solutions – many technological breakthroughs were presented for the first time in Frankfurt. Today, the “Prolight + Sound” brand is globally active, with sister events in Guangzhou and Bangkok that promote the international transfer of knowledge.
By integrating 2026 into Light + Building, Messe Frankfurt is responding to changing market conditions and the growing importance of sustainability, energy efficiency and hybrid infrastructure in the world of events.
Date, location and concept 2026
Prolight + Sound 2026 will take place from March 8 to 13, 2026 at the Frankfurt am Main exhibition grounds. The event will remain part of the established trade fair portfolio of Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH, but will be organizationally embedded in Light + Building.
The new concept is intended to create synergies:
- Event technology meets building technology,
- Lighting design meets architecture,
- Sound and communication meet smart control systems.
This creates an interdisciplinary forum that appeals to both traditional event professionals and experts from the fields of building management, energy and lighting architecture.
Main topics and industry sectors
Prolight + Sound 2026 covers the entire spectrum of professional event technology. The core areas include
Lighting technology
Lighting design, control systems, LED technologies, spotlights and color controls are a central focus. The focus is on energy-efficient lighting, smart control (DMX, RDM, Art-Net), wireless solutions and light simulation. The connection with Light + Building provides additional insights into architectural lighting solutions and building integration.
Stage and event technology
From stage automation and rigging systems to safety solutions, the trade fair offers a complete picture of modern stage technology. Digital planning and visualization tools, sensor-based safety systems and mobile stage modules show how software and mechanics are increasingly merging.
Audio technology
Manufacturers and service providers present sound reinforcement systems, studio and live sound technologies, microphones, wireless links and network audio systems. Immersive 3D sound, Dante and AVB networks and cloud-based control are among the top trends. Sustainability is also playing an increasingly important role in audio production: energy-optimized amplifiers, recyclable housings and modular components reduce the consumption of resources.
AV, media technology and system integration
Hybrid event formats, streaming, projection, displays and control systems for corporate and educational events characterize this area. The integration of AV technology into building IT networks will be a key topic – as will interoperability and data protection for networked systems.
Universe Future Walk at Prolight + Sound
Event services and green event solutions
In addition to technology, the focus will be on consulting, planning, sustainability and safety management. In 2026, Prolight + Sound will increasingly focus on topics such as resource conservation, energy efficiency and recycling.
Knowledge transfer and further training
The trade fair remains not only a product platform, but also a knowledge platform. The supporting program of Prolight + Sound 2026 offers specialist forums, keynotes, live talks and practical workshops on future-oriented topics:
- Artificial intelligence in event technology – from automated lighting control to predictive audio analysis.
- Sustainable events – Strategies for CO₂ reduction, resource-saving production and certifications.
- Hybrid and immersive formats – new ways of engaging visitors and designing spaces.
- Occupational safety and digitalization – modern tools for planning, communication and documentation.
The familiar formats Knowledge Hub, Audio + Future Forum and Women in Lighting are returning. Up-and-coming talent will be given the Future Talents Day insights into job profiles and career paths in the event industry.
Thanks to this combination of specialist knowledge and direct application, Prolight + Sound remains an indispensable platform for education, innovation and networking.
A3E Conference
Sustainability and the “Blue Angel” eco-label
An important trend is the ecological transformation of the event industry. The “Blue Angel for Events (DE-UZ 236)” eco-label, which recognizes sustainable production and organizational processes, has been in force since 2025.
Prolight + Sound 2026 actively addresses this topic. Numerous exhibitors will be presenting:
- resource-saving lighting systems,
- long-life LED technologies,
- modular stage systems,
- and energy-efficient control solutions.
Expert forums will discuss how ecological standards can be anchored in tenders and production chains. The aim is to make sustainable innovations visible and highlight practical implementation steps.
International reach and networking
Prolight + Sound is globally networked: in 2025, visitors came from over 100 countries. International brands, retailers and service providers are expected again in 2026.
The event is part of the Prolight + Sound Worldwide network, which includes locations in Asia and the Middle East. As a result, exhibitors benefit from a wide reach and global visibility.
In addition to the exhibition itself, the trade fair offers numerous networking formats – from guided tours and meet-ups to evening events. This creates a direct exchange between manufacturers, planners, technicians and users – a decisive factor for innovation cycles and cooperation in the event industry.
Prolight + Sound: Our exhibitor services at a glance
Maximize your trade fair presence with ease!
Experience the wealth of services that Messe Frankfurt offers you from a single source to take your trade fair success to the next level. We cordially invite you to convince yourself of our excellence.
Our experienced team is on hand with extensive know-how to refine and optimize your trade fair preparation and execution. Contact our dedicated service sales team today on +49 69 75 75 54 08 or email us at ausstellerservice@messefrankfurt.com. We are ready to support and realize your vision.
Ease your way to success by ordering products and services online that will make your exhibition stand shine. From stand construction and rental furniture to first-class advertising, a comprehensive media package, free PR, catering and logistical support – our range covers everything you need to make your trade fair participation perfect.
Products and services made easy – online ordering for your trade fair stand
Discover our ordering system or use the corresponding portal immediately:
- Store for exhibitor services: Discover our wide range of services.
- Fairconstruction stand configurator: Design your individual exhibition stand according to your ideas.
- Vehicle registration during the set-up and dismantling phases: Maintain control of your logistics process.
- Ticket services for exhibitors: Simplify access for your team and your customers.
- Promotion store: Increase your presence with customized promotional products.
Bring your trade fair stand to life! Fairconstruction is at your side as a global partner for individual trade fair concepts. Our team of experienced stand builders accompanies you with local know-how and expertise on your way to a perfect trade fair appearance. With customized solutions for stand construction, equipment and technology, we offer you the advantage of a seamless process.
Successful presentation through effective marketing! Our media services offer you a wide range of analog and digital marketing tools to increase your trade visitor reach and make your brand shine. Let us advise you on the right advertising media for your needs.
The Media Package Manager (MPM) – your control center for successful marketing. Manage your company profile in print media, online search queries, the Navigator app and the interactive site plan – 365 days a year, around the clock. Use this platform to increase your presence and generate potential leads.
Enjoy culinary highlights for your trade fair success! Our catering subsidiary Accente provides the perfect ambience to promote encounters, communication and business. From catering for your stand to stand parties, Accente offers a wide range of options to pamper your guests.
Punctuality and precision – our logistics and transport department is ready and waiting. With over 150 events a year on the Frankfurt exhibition grounds, we ensure that everything runs smoothly during the set-up and dismantling phases. Let us show you how you can deliver products directly to your exhibition stand.
For stand builders and event agencies: Our special portal offers you all the information you need at a glance. From general news to event-specific details – you will quickly find the answers to your questions here.
Maximize your trade fair success with Messe Frankfurt – your partner for an exceptional trade fair experience!
Opportunities through integration into Light + Building
The decision to integrate Prolight + Sound 2026 into Light + Building as a themed area is strategically motivated. Both events share many overlaps, particularly in the areas of lighting, control and energy.
For exhibitors, this means
- Access to new target groups such as architects, facility managers and system planners,
- Synergies in sales and brand presence,
- an expanded visitor structure due to the combined trade audience.
For visitors, the Integration:
- thematic diversity – from event and show technology to building networking,
- integrated solutions along the entire lighting and control chain,
- shorter distances and combined experiences in one trade fair week.
This connection strengthens Frankfurt as a location for leading technology trade fairs and links two key sectors: event technology and building technology.
Frankfurt as a location
Frankfurt am Main will remain the home of Prolight + Sound in 2026. The exhibition grounds are among the most modern in Europe and are optimally equipped for live demos, large-format presentations and hybrid formats.
With direct connections to the international airport, an efficient transport infrastructure and a wide range of hotels, Frankfurt offers ideal conditions for trade visitors from all over the world.
Messe Frankfurt itself is one of the leading organizers of international trade fairs and remains a reliable partner to the industry with the Prolight + Sound brand.
Significance for the event industry
Prolight + Sound remains a central point of orientation for all those working with event technology, media production and interior design.
It enables:
- a comprehensive overview of the market,
- direct access to international manufacturers and service providers,
- practical training,
- and insights into future trends in event and entertainment technology.
The fusion with Light + Building in particular makes it clear that event technology has long been part of a larger system – one that encompasses architecture, energy, communication and digital control.
Prolight + Sound 2026 as a trailblazer
With the restructuring within Light + Building, Prolight + Sound is positioning itself for the future. It remains the leading forum for lighting, sound, stage and media technology, but is also expanding its range of topics to include sustainability, building networking and digital transformation.
Trade visitors can look forward to a platform that combines technological innovation, international networking and practice-oriented knowledge transfer.
This means that Prolight + Sound will remain a central meeting place for all those who are actively shaping the future of event technology in 2026.
You can find more information at www.prolight-sound.com.
