The Prolight + Sound 2025 lecture programme is taking shape and promises innovative impulses for the event industry. From 8 to 11 April, Frankfurt am Main will once again become a hotspot for event professionals from all over the world. In addition to technological innovations and networking opportunities, visitors can expect an informative and expert line-up of keynotes and lectures. The latest trends will be discussed and forward-looking ideas presented that could have a lasting impact on the event landscape.
In this anniversary year, the lectures will once again take place on two stages: at the Main Stage in Hall 11.0, renowned experts will present their insights into current and future-oriented topics in the industry. With the new Theatre Stage in Hall 12.0, the fair is expanding its programme to include a special focus on theatre and stage technology.
Tuesday (8 April): AI, diversity and sustainability
Prolight + Sound 2025 with high-calibre speakers from Germany and abroad (from left to right:
Sven Ortel, Dr Uve Samuels, Vickie Claiborne, Yasi Hofer, Anouk Wipprecht,
Linnea Ljungmark, Christo Squier, Dr Michael Neubauer)
Dr Uve Samuels, CEO of the Exponential Innovation Institute, will open the fair with his keynote speech “AI: The Stage is Yours“. He will be shedding light on how artificial intelligence is revolutionising the events industry, highlighting current success patterns and providing valuable insights into developing and scaling your own AI products.
Another highlight is the joint keynote “Women in technical professions or women power” by Yasi Hofer (guitarist), Anouk Wipprecht (Fashion Tech designer) and Linnea Ljungmark (Women In Lighting Ambassador). They share their experiences in a male-dominated industry and set a strong example for diversity and equal opportunities in the event industry.
Sustainability in the event industry is the focus of the keynote speech “Strategies for Sustainable Events” by Guy Bigwood, CEO of the Global Destinations Sustainability Movement. He will present innovative concepts for sustainable event planning and provide practical ideas for environmentally friendly event strategies.
On the Theatre Stage, Dave Weatherhead, President of TAIT Technologies UK Ltd., will present an innovative control concept for shows that enables dynamic and non-linear processes in his keynote speech “A New Paradigm for Show Control“.
Stefan Czernik, Project Manager Light Technology / Research & Development Light at Adam Hall, will provide another highlight. In his lecture “P6: Cameo’s Solution for Theatre Lighting’s Future“, he will provide insights into the new P6 Profiler and show how Cameo develops innovative solutions for the challenges of theatre lighting.
In addition, in “Next-generation cable routing“, Frank Schlögel, Head of Engineering Projects and Installation Service, and Sales Manager Michael Berteit will show how igus GmbH ensures safe travel and slip-ring-free motion with standardised products.
Wednesday (9 April): Immersion, film production and Multitech
How can we create meaningful immersive experiences? This question is the focus of Sven Ortel, Professor of Practice at Arizona State University, in his keynote speech “Entertaining Change“. He presents innovative approaches that merge technology and storytelling and provides insights into the training of the next generation of event organisers.
A unique mix of science and art is the focus of the keynote “Immersive Physics: Translating Cosmic Mysteries into Artistic Expression” by Christo Squier and Chris Ball. They demonstrate how data from cosmic rays can be translated into fascinating soundscapes, projections and dynamic light installations.
Another highlight for those interested in film and media is the presentation by Dr Michael Neubauer, “The Future of Film and TV Production in Germany“. In it, he analyses current trends and presents future prospects for the industry.
On the Theatre Stage, James Pemblington, Project Manager at TAIT Technologies, will give a lecture entitled “Considerations for Venues Investing in a House Stage – Maximise Your ROI“. He will provide valuable insights into strategies for optimising venues and show how they can increase their profitability.
Anke Schierenbeck, team leader at VisionTwo, presents in “No more lamps in storage? What to do? Renovation to LED in the theatre“, how theatres, operas and stages can be converted to modern LED technology in a resource-saving manner to improve energy efficiency and light quality.
Dutch fashion-tech designer Anouk Wipprecht fascinates with her visionary creations that merge technology and fashion. In her keynote speech on the Theatre Stage, “Multitech & Robotics“, she will give insights into her internationally acclaimed projects, in which she innovatively combines robotics, sensor technology and interactive design.
Thursday (10 April): Technological evolution and design integration
Music lovers can look forward to the lecture by guitarist Yasi Hofer. In her keynote speech “Guitarist as a show effect?“, she reflects on the role of female musicians in live performances and shows how music and visual staging can be combined to create a captivating experience.
In her lecture “Empowering Creativity in the Age of Advanced Technology“, Vickie Claiborne, a renowned expert in lighting design and digital media, explores how modern technology can support the creative process. She presents strategies for combining technological innovation with artistic design.
On the Theatre Stage, Sven Ortel will address the deliberate use of media in plays, musicals and operas in “Hiding Media in Plain Sight“. He will show how a well-thought-out design can be unobtrusively integrated to create an immersive experience.
In “Engineering Excellence: Ayrton’s Impact on Theatrical Lighting“, how technological precision and innovation can meet the demands of modern theatre lighting.
In their presentation “A Spectrum of Energy and Data Transmission in Event Technology“, the experts from Conductix-Wampfler GmbH provide an overview of advanced solutions for energy and data transmission that increase the efficiency and reliability of event technology.
Friday (11 April): Future Perspectives and the Promotion of Young Talent
Prolight + Sound 2025 with high-calibre speakers from Germany and abroad (from left to right:
Briony Berning, Guy Bigwood, James Pemblington, Dave Weatherhead,
Anke Schierenbeck, Karla Lopez, Stefan Czernik, Samuel Sloboda, Timon Löhr)
Future Talents Day on 11 April will put the spotlight on the event industry’s up-and-comers. Young talents will gain valuable insights into various professional fields in the event industry and have the opportunity to exchange ideas directly with industry experts.
On the Main Stage, Timon Löhr, a lawyer and expert in event law, will give a practical overview of legal challenges and best practices for security concepts at major events.
The “Green Sessions” of the European Association of Event Centres (EVVC) will provide strong impetus for sustainable solutions in the event industry on all days of the fair.
On the Theatre Stage, Samuel Sloboda, CEO of the SRS Group, will present in his lecture “Signal and Power Distribution at Fixed Installations and Theatres” how modern technologies optimise signal and power distribution in fixed installations and theatres.
Karla Lopez, lighting designer and creative director at Women in Lighting (WIL), will inspire with her lecture “The Art of Lighting Design” and give practical suggestions for the creative design of innovative lighting concepts.
Further programme content is still in the planning stage, including the PLS Conference.
The complete programme of keynote speeches and lectures for Prolight + Sound 2025 is available in the event calendar.
Prolight + Sound: the world of event technology under one roof
As one of the leading international trade fairs for event and entertainment technology, Prolight + Sound brings together the most important players in the industry in Frankfurt am Main every year.
With its five main product areas – Light, Audio, AV/Camera, Stage and Event – the fair covers the entire spectrum of event technology. In addition to the latest innovations from well-known exhibitors and relevant industry topics, it offers a variety of networking opportunities and high-quality training opportunities.
Furthermore, special themed areas with live presentations and showcases from renowned manufacturers are sure to entice visitors.
Other highlights include the extensive jobs and training area, the largest range of theatre and stage technology in Europe, and the most important international platform for lighting technology in the event sector.
Participation in all lectures, workshops and product demonstrations, as well as the PLS Community Nights, is free of charge for visitors with a valid ticket.
