Prolight + Sound drives change in the continuously evolving event industry and sets impulses for upcoming trends. From 19 to 22 March 2024, the leading trade fair for the event & entertainment technology industry will focus on innovation, inspiration and networking. With its dedicated focus and extensive range of technological innovations, the event underpins its position as an international centre of attraction for manufacturers, decision-makers and creative minds from the entire event technology sector.
Wide-reaching platform for the event industry
The commitment of numerous renowned manufacturers at Prolight + Sound demonstrates the positive response and confidence of the event industry. For 2024, companies such as Adam Hall, Adamson, ADJ, ALFA-SYSTEM, Area Four, ARTTHEA, ASM, Astera, Aura Audio, AV Stumpfl, Ayrton Lighting, BÜTEC, Cast, Chauvet, Clay Paky, ComputerWorks, CSI, Das Audio, Dataton, Elation, Electronic Theatre Controls, Eurotruss, FACE Bvba, Gerriets, GLP, Harmonic Design, Hearsafe, Highlite International, InEar, inoage, JB-Lighting, Kling & Freitag, KS Beschallungstechnik, KV2, KVANT, L-Acoustics, Lawo, Lightpower, LMP, LumenRadio, MA Lighting, Major, Meyer Sound, Milan, Mipro, Movecat, Music & Lights, Music & Sales, Portman, Riedel, ROBE, Robert Juliat, ROE, Rosco, Roxx, SBS, SICA, Sixty82, SRV, Steinigke, TAIT, TMB, Tronios, Unilumin, Vision Ears, Waagner-Biro and Zactrack.
Mira Wölfel, Director of Prolight + Sound, underlines the importance of the event: “We offer an internationally oriented platform in the centre of Europe where the industry meets to shape forward-looking ideas and define new trends. Here, the industry not only shows its economic relevance, but also emphasises aspects such as sustainability, networking, creativity and the promotion of young talent.”
Prolight + Sound: technological centre of event technology
Prolight + Sound presents the many technological innovations in event technology, from concert stages to museums and amusement parks, and is establishing itself as an internationally important platform.
In Hall 11, the focus is on sound, studio and production equipment. A special highlight is the newly designed Image Creation Hub. In partnership with the Bundesverband der Fernsehkameraleute e.V. (BFVK), a special area on the subject of moving images will be created, centralised by a Speakers Area, designed like a television studio. In addition, Hall 11 presents innovations in DJing and digital live performance, complemented by audio demo rooms and workshops.
Hall 12 focuses on lighting and theatre equipment, projection and display technologies as well as services, equipment and planning for events. The outdoor area attracts visitors with impressive live demos on outdoor audio and display solutions as well as mobile stages, tents and inflatable structures.
Focus on innovative lighting technology
Prolight + Sound 2024 presents the entire range of lighting technology, from moving lights to LED, in an internationally outstanding setting. Industry trends are increasingly focusing on sustainability and creativity. Energy-efficient LED solutions that create impressive lighting effects while minimising the ecological footprint are in the foreground. In addition, the integration of artificial intelligence in lighting technology is gaining importance. AI-controlled systems allow lighting scenarios to be adapted to the mood of the audience in real time, creating captivating, individual experiences.
Innovatively staged: The stage of the future
A central segment of Prolight + Sound is theatre and stage technology. The upcoming exhibition will focus on the latest industry trends, including the increased use of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) in theatre productions. These technologies offer revolutionary perspectives on stage design and visual representation.
It also focuses on the progressive automation of stage components and control systems. This enables seamless transitions between technical elements in theatre performances, ensuring efficiency and safety.
Current developments in audio technology at Prolight + Sound 2024
The audio technology section at Prolight + Sound 2024 will be updated. In cooperation with the Verband Deutscher Tonmeister e.V. (VDT – Association of German Sound Engineers), the ProAudio College, which was launched in 2023, will enter its second phase – with a larger scope, more versatility, an international focus and an expanded programme. This four-day advanced training programme addresses the latest trends in sound technology, innovations in the studio sector and special training sessions. The Performance + Production Hub combines product launches and live demonstrations with expert workshops from renowned brands. In partnership with the Sample Music Festival, future-oriented topics such as live remixing, looping, controllerism and current software applications will be presented. In the Live Sound Arena, visitors will experience the sound of powerful PA systems in real-life situations.
Focus on sustainability and promotion of young talent
At Prolight + Sound 2024, the focus will be on energy efficiency and sustainability to a greater extent than before. This is a response to the growing environmental awareness within the industry. Here, the European Association of Event Centres (EVVC) will provide essential impulses for an environmentally friendly event industry through its Green Sessions.
The completely sustainably designed main stage in Hall 11.0 offers top keynote speakers a platform for discussing current industry topics. The “Urban Garden” in the Future Hub also emphasises the importance of sustainability. This area in Hall 11.0 focuses particularly on promoting young talent in 2024. Educational institutions, companies with vacancies and start-ups will present their offers here. The Future Talents Day on 22 March 2024 invites young talents to find out about career opportunities in the events industry and make contacts. In cooperation with the VPLT e.V. (Association of Media and Event Technology), the Prolight + Sound Conference also offers expert knowledge directly from the industry.
Networking and further development in event technology
Prolight + Sound, as the leading trade fair in the event technology sector, attaches great importance to networking and growth within the industry. The Hosted Buyer Programme introduced in 2023 will be continued in 2024. It is aimed specifically at industry decision-makers, who receive a special invitation to the fair including travel and accommodation. Guided tours give visitors the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the latest products from various segments, such as theatre and stage technology and environmentally friendly technologies, and to make direct contact with the suppliers.
In addition to the business aspect, Prolight + Sound traditionally places great emphasis on entertainment. The bilingual accompanying programme will be further extended in 2024. One innovation is the PLS Community Nights. On three evenings after the end of the official programme, the fair invites you to large networking events at exclusive venues in Frankfurt, where the dazzling ambience of the city meets the business world.
Admission to all lectures, workshops, product demonstrations and the PLS Community Nights is free of charge for visitors with a valid ticket.
5 tips for exhibitors at Prolight + Sound 2024
- Early stand reservation: Start planning your trade fair in good time and reserve your stand space now. Early reservation not only guarantees an optimal space, but also allows for more efficient advance planning and better visibility.
- Focus on innovations: highlight your latest products and services. Prolight + Sound is known for its technological innovations. So if you have an innovation, make sure it is the focus of your stand.
- Use networking: Use the fair as a platform to maintain existing business relationships and make new contacts. Plan meetings with potential partners, customers or industry experts in advance.
- Interactive presentations: Think about how you can actively involve visitors in your stand. Interactive demos, live presentations or Q&A sessions can help generate more interest and engagement.
- Prepare for follow-up questions: Expect detailed questions about your products and services. Make sure your team is well trained and has all relevant information at hand. This shows professionalism and expertise.
Early planning and booking, combined with a clear strategy and preparation, will help you get the most out of your appearance at Prolight + Sound 2024.
An appeal for participation at Prolight + Sound 2024
We come before you today with a strong conviction: Prolight + Sound 2024 is more than just a trade fair. It is a gathering of visionaries, experts and enthusiasts of the event industry. Our shared view emphasises the importance of Prolight + Sound far beyond financial or spatial aspects.
The opportunities offered by this event are unique in their abundance and potential. We share the insight that Prolight + Sound is the place where the latest technologies, strategies and ideas are presented. It is the platform where we experience and shape the future of event technology.
From our point of view, we see a trade fair that drives the entire industry forward, regardless of the size or budget of any individual. Prolight + Sound 2024 offers everyone the opportunity to broaden their horizons, discover new perspectives and build valuable relationships.
Our stance affirms that the exchange of knowledge and experience is essential for innovation and progress. The assessment of this fair should therefore not be based on quantitative factors, but on the quality of the opportunities it offers to gain insights into the latest trends and developments in the industry.
Our shared view emphasises the benefits of attending Prolight + Sound 2024 to be inspired, informed and networked. We invite you to join us in the firm belief that your presence will make a significant difference – not only to your business, but to the industry as a whole.
Join us.
Let’s shape the future together, at Prolight + Sound 2024. Your opinion, your perspective, your way of thinking are crucial for the joint success and progress of our industry.
For more information on Prolight + Sound, please visit www.prolight-sound.com.