After a two-year break due to the pandemic, we are pleased to announce that Prolight + Sound in Frankfurt am Main started on April 26. The event and media technology industry will be meeting at the Frankfurt exhibition center until April 29, 2022.
Goal: To reach pre-pandemic level again soon
The event industry, more than almost any other, has been affected by the turbulent developments of the past two years. All the more reason for us to be pleased to send a strong signal for a successful return of the industry with the start of Prolight + Sound.
As recently as 2019, the event industry formed one of the most important economic sectors in Germany, with 242,000 companies, 1.13 million employees and around 81 billion euros in sales.
This level should be reached again as quickly as possible. This requires a clear roadmap and concerted action by all players. For this reason, too, Prolight + Sound is of outstanding importance as a pacemaker and discussion forum, and its supporting program focuses on the most burning issues currently affecting the industry.
Focus on current developments
Around 400 exhibitors from over 30 countries have accepted the invitation to Prolight + Sound and will be presenting their innovative solutions for events and productions. The trade fair is rounded off by an extensive supporting program that addresses current topics in the industry, such as the acute shortage of skilled workers.
Due to the long forced breaks of the past years it was difficult for many companies in the event industry to keep their staff. The high demand for qualified employees will therefore be one of the focus topics of the fair.
In cooperation with the Association for Media and Event Technology (VPLT e.V.), there will be the Future Hub, there will be a job market as a contact area for companies and talents, where potential employees can get in touch directly with the companies. Universities and academies of the event industry will present themselves on the adjacent campus.
Another focus of the show will continue to be pandemic constraints on the event industry and how to implement safe and constraint-free event operations.
The show’s conference program this year is dedicated to new standards for accident prevention, as well as effective infection control and hygiene concepts. On April 27, the International Event Safety Conference will be held at Prolight + Sound, where the most effective measures will be presented. The industry’s high level of commitment is also intended to restore the confidence of visitors, staff and artists.
Green Event Day – the responsible use of natural resources
Energy consumption as well as the eco-balance will play a decisive role for an economic event operation in the future. For this reason, there will also be a Green Event Day at the trade fair for the first time this year. The theme day on April 27 will focus on sustainability at events. The program with keynotes, panel discussions and best practices is being developed in close cooperation with the European Association of Event Centers (EVVC e.V), supported by the VPLT. Exhibitors with particularly environmentally friendly solutions will be specially marked at the trade fair.
Event industry faces special challenges
Despite the optimistic mood, the events of recent months, such as the war in Ukraine and the ongoing pandemic situation in China, are still causing economic constraints for many companies in the industry. Prolight + Sound, as the leading trade fair for event and media technology, is responding to these special circumstances. This year, for example, the hall layout will be more compact than last time. The event will take place on hall levels 11.0, 12.0, 12.1 as well as the Portalhaus and the outdoor area.
Nevertheless, the European industry leaders in particular will be taking advantage of the many opportunities to present their products. There is a positive trend in solutions for theater and stage technology, making it one of the event’s key growth drivers.
Live performance with well-known artists
With the new Performance + Production Hub, the show offers a new home to exhibitors from the music production and digital live performance sectors. Innovative sound tools from top brands will be presented here.
There will also be an extensive program with workshops and showcases as well as well-known artists such as ESKEI83, known as the tour DJ of the Fantastischen Vier, or Josi Miller, currently one of the most sought-after female artists.
