Prolight + Sound, the leading international trade fair for event and entertainment technologies, is repositioning itself for 2026. With a concise three-day schedule and a distinct focus on the European market, Messe Frankfurt is aligning with current industry trends and the feedback of its exhibitors and partners. The aim is to promote exchange, innovation and community spirit even more effectively and further strengthen the event’s relevance in the heart of Europe.
Three days that count: Prolight + Sound focuses on Europe
Prolight + Sound 2026 will take place from Tuesday 24 to Thursday 26 March at the Frankfurt exhibition grounds. This new duration was decided upon following a comprehensive survey of exhibitors and was also expressly welcomed by the Trade Fair Advisory Board. A committee of industry experts and representatives of leading companies and trade associations will continuously monitor the event’s ongoing development.
The new structure aims to provide a trade fair format that offers more depth, clarity and concentration in a shorter amount of time. The clear focus on the European market is intended to strengthen Prolight + Sound’s role as an industry platform at the heart of Europe, ensuring its future success.
The 2025 anniversary edition has reinforced this claim. With 23,003 visitors from 108 countries, the event’s international relevance was clearly demonstrated. Of particular note is the high degree of alignment between the specialist target groups and the event’s focus on event and entertainment technologies.
‘Maintaining an open dialogue with our industry partners is crucial to us. Together, we are continuing to develop the trade fair concept with the aim of addressing current needs and identifying new opportunities. This repositioning sends a clear message: we are listening and acting together with the community for which this trade fair was created,” says Kerstin Horaczek, Vice President of Technology Shows at Messe Frankfurt.
Prolight + Sound 2026 aims to be more than just a meeting place for the industry; it also wants to be a driving force for a dynamic and constantly changing industry.
Clear focus on technological areas
The event is expanding its profile as a European platform for the live entertainment community on an ongoing basis. The focus is on three key areas: lighting technology, audio technology, and theatre and stage technology.
In the ProAudio area, topics such as live sound reinforcement, AoIP solutions, microphones, and recording technologies will be in the spotlight. The Live Sound Arena in the outdoor area will once again provide a spacious and practical setting in which to showcase modern PA systems. Exhibitors can showcase their products in two free slots.
The ProLight area will benefit from new partnerships with leading industry figures. Special shows, showcases, hands-on demonstrations and keynote presentations will make developments in professional lighting technology tangible and applicable.
The ProStage area is specifically aimed at theatre professionals. Practical formats such as panels, workshops and case studies, created in cooperation with educational institutions and industry partners, will convey topics such as scenography, lighting control, stage technology and automation.
Supporting programme with depth
The supporting programme covers current industry topics. Central focal points include sustainability, artificial intelligence and event security. As well as technical developments, ethical and social issues will be discussed, including data protection, the use of AI agents, and environmentally friendly practices in the events industry.
There will be a particular focus on theatre and the cultural scene. A variety of practical activities will allow visitors to experience technology first-hand, test products and exchange ideas directly with manufacturers.
Prolight + Sound 2026: a festival of education, exchange and flair
The training formats at Prolight + Sound will be expanded in 2026. The ProAudio College (in cooperation with the VDT), the Theatre College (in cooperation with the VPLT) and the Camera College (in cooperation with the BVFK) will share their practical expertise. In collaboration with the EVVC, the subject of green touring will also be examined in more detail. New offerings in the field of lighting are also being prepared.
For the first time, the Live Sound Arena will bring a curated programme of live acts to the stage, creating a festival atmosphere in the middle of the trade fair. This will be complemented by numerous networking opportunities.
A particular highlight will be the Community Night. All participants are invited to celebrate and network together on the exhibition grounds, enjoying music, drinks and stimulating conversations.
A trade fair experience that offers a glimpse into the future
Prolight + Sound 2026 offers a clearly structured, focused trade fair experience with a high density of content and practical formats, as well as a lively community atmosphere. Networking opportunities such as the Business Club, the Hosted Buyer Programme and the popular Community Night facilitate targeted interaction between decision-makers and trade visitors. By expanding educational offerings and supporting programmes, and introducing a new three-day structure, Messe Frankfurt is establishing a forward-looking format for the event and entertainment industry in the heart of Europe. Both exhibitors and visitors will benefit from the fair’s compact organisation, thematic relevance, and direct access to experts and partners from across Europe.
