Press releases of Prolight + Sound

Impulses for restarting the event industry: Prolight + Sound on course for 2021

Following the cancellation of the 25th anniversary edition of Prolight + Sound, Messe Frankfurt and the sector are now looking ahead to 2021. In a key year for the event industry, the aim is to boost the purchasing propensity in this badly affected sector and help the industry retain its former strength. Large parts of the formats originally planned for 2020 will be implemented in modified form with special attention being paid to bringing together companies with top decision makers.

Prolight + Sound 2020: event has been cancelled

Prolight + Sound will not be held in 2020. On 12 March, the Hessian Ministry for Social Affairs and Integration issued general decrees prohibiting large-scale events expected to attract more than 1,000 visitors. At the present time, it cannot be assumed that the current situation will have changed by the time the postponed event was to have been held. Therefore, Messe Frankfurt has decided to cancel the event.

Prolight + Sound 2020 postponed until 26 to 29 May 2020

Given the increasing spread of Covid-19 in Europe, Messe Frankfurt has decided to postpone Prolight + Sound 2020. The trade fair was originally planned for 31 March to 3 April. The health of exhibitors, visitors, contractors and employees has top priority for Messe Frankfurt. The new dates for the Global Entertainment Technology Show are from 26 to 29 May 2020. Visitor admission tickets continue to be valid.

Prolight + Sound 2020: Sample Music Festival creates special ‘ProDJ SMF’ area, with leading brands and international artists

After last year’s success, the collaboration between Messe Frankfurt and the creators of the Sample Music Festival is to continue for a second year. In cooperation with well-known manufacturers and the Raycademy Frankfurt, the organisers are setting up an exciting experience zone called ‘ProDJ SMF’, with interactive demonstration areas for music production and live performance. Product specialists from some of the top brands, such as Native Instruments, Ableton, Akai and SERATO, as well as start-ups in the music tech scene, will provide insights into the future of music making. International artists, including Pedro Le Kraken from France, Tony Beatbutcher from Belgium, Frankfurt DJ Legend Ray-D as well as Tonspielzeug, Hix Boson and Arkaei will make the event one of the highlights of Prolight + Sound.

Star lighting designer Mikki Kunttu to give the keynote speech at Prolight + Sound 2020

The 25th anniversary edition of Prolight + Sound in Frankfurt am Main (31 March to 3 April 2020) will offer a highlight for all professionals from the lighting-technology sector right on its opening day. Award-winning lighting set and content designer Mikki Kunttu will give a keynote speech at the show. In this lecture, the designer will offer insights into his work and milestones of his career whereby particular emphasis will be given to his internationally acclaimed work on the ‘Swan Lake’ ballet at the Royal Danish Ballet. The initiator of the lecture and organisation partner is Lightpower GmbH, which will be represented by an extensive presentation at Prolight + Sound.

Prolight + Sound 2020: ‘Opus – German Stage Prize’ for Rigoletto in Bregenz

A version of one of the most popular Italian operas that redefines the limits of the possible has been enchanting visitors to the ‘Seebühne’ (Lake stage) in Bregenz since the beginning of the 2019 season. The production of Rigoletto by Munich-based director Philipp Stölzl has been selected for this year’s ‘Opus – German Stage Award’. The centrepiece of the opulent and technically elaborate set are the moveable parts of a colossal clown, which reflects the fate of Rigoletto. Another part of the set, a tethered balloon, floats up to 45 metres above Lake Constance.

Prolight + Sound 2020: ‘Sinus - Systems Integration Award’ for Osram World of Light in Munich

Visitors to the headquarters of Osram Licht AG in Munich can experience a multi-media journey through the history of the company: from the beginnings in 1906 to the present day. The ‘Osram World of Light’, a blend of showroom, workshop and event location has won this year’s ‘Sinus – Systems Integration Award’. The client and the contractors, Ranger Design (general contractor), Techniz Ingenieurbüro (technical media planning) and other companies, will be presented with the award at the coming Prolight + Sound in Frankfurt am Main on 2 April.

Prolight + Sound to cooperate with International Association for Suppliers of Broadcast and Media Technology (IABM)

Prolight + Sound is to further extend its international partnerships for its 25th jubilee edition, which will take place from 31 March to 3 April 2020 in Frankfurt am Main. Accordingly, the trade fair will, for the first time, be working with IABM (International Association for Broadcast and Media Technology).

The new ‘Future Hub’ at Prolight + Sound 2020: Start-up presentation, recruiting, career planning

Full commitment to the talents of today and tomorrow! The new ‘Future Hub’ in Hall 11.0 of Prolight + Sound is designed to concentrate offers of particular interest to young companies and professionals. In the spirit of the latest ‘green event’ trends, the special area will make good use of resource-friendly materials and green electricity.

Prolight + Sound to celebrate its 25th anniversary and underscore its position as an international trade fair for professional visitors

For the last 25 years, Prolight + Sound has been synonymous with trends and innovations in the entertainment-technology industry. The next edition from 31 March to 3 April 2020 will present itself as an independent platform occupying the whole of the western section of Frankfurt Fair and Exhibition Centre. More than ever before, the focus of Prolight + Sound will be on professional encounters, offering new trade-visitor services and an even bigger gamut of conferences. A clear structure of the product portfolio makes orientation and networking easier for both visitors and exhibitors.

Opus – German Stage Award – to celebrate its 25th anniversary: entrants now invited to submit their projects

The organisers of Prolight + Sound (31 to 3 March 2020) have rung the bell for the next round of the ‘Opus – German Stage Award’ competition and the search is on for productions that have used innovative event technology to create an outstanding visitor experience. The application phase has started, and Applicants are invited to submit their projects via the internet at www.prolight-sound.com/opus. The award winners will be presented with their awards during a gala evening event at Prolight + Sound in Frankfurt.

Prolight + Sound 2020: entry phase for the ‘Sinus – Systems Integration Award’ begins

‘Sinus – Systems Integration Award’ puts the spotlight on AV media installation. Now, the sector’s companies and professionals are called on to enter their showcase projects for the competition. The awards will be presented during Prolight + Sound (31 March to 3 April 2020) at Frankfurt Fair and Exhibition Centre.

Musikmesse and Prolight + Sound 2019: international, professional and innovative with a host of event highlights

A week full of music, entertainment, business and inspiration ended on Saturday evening with a concert given by Gregory Porter and the Neue Philharmonie Frankfurt orchestra in the ‘Festhalle’. At Musikmesse and Prolight + Sound, artisanry met high-tech, violins met virtual reality and digital networking met personal encounters. The accompanying Musikmesse Festival not only presented highlight concerts by Samy Deluxe, Mousse T. & Glasperlenspiel, Tony Carey and other stars at the Exhibition Centre but also filled around 50 clubs and hotels in Frankfurt with music. At the new Musikmesse Plaza, music fans came into their own after the trade fairs with a pop-up market including direct sales and numerous events on Saturday.

Musikmesse and Prolight + Sound spotlight the digital revolution in the creative business and turn all Frankfurt into a show stage

The worlds of music and the event business are getting together in Frankfurt am Main over the coming days. Musikmesse and Prolight + Sound (2 to 5 April) offer the professionals of today and tomorrow insights into the future of the industry. The concurrent Musikmesse Festival (2 to 6 April) brings high-grade acts, including Gregory Porter, Samy Deluxe, Mousse T. & Glasperlenspiel and Tony Carey, to the Exhibition Centre and many of Frankfurt’s clubs. With the new Musikmesse Plaza (6 April), Messe Frankfurt is launching a completely new pop-up concept aimed at all music lovers immediately after the trade fairs.

At Musikmesse and Prolight + Sound 2019: Music Tech Fest Frankfurt with Trackathon and Innovation Masterclass

Musikmesse and Prolight + Sound are bringing the Music Tech Fest to Frankfurt and offering a complementary programme of events revolving fully around the subject of innovation. The programme includes a methods workshop with composer Reeps One, Artist in Residence at the World Economic Forum, and Michela Magas, Innovation Consultant to the European Commission. Additionally, up-and-coming musicians and producers will create new music in a 24-hour Trackathon under the guidance of composer, producer and consultant for immersive technologies Martine-Nicole Rojina.

Prolight + Sound 2019: Immersive Technology Forum extended to four days following the success of the première

From virtual and augmented reality, via spatial audio, to 3D mapping and hologram projection: the ‘Immersive Technology Forum’ at Prolight + Sound presents solutions that blur the boundaries between reality and virtual perception. Last year’s première proved to be a magnet for visitors and, following this great success, it is being extended to four days this year.

Hot spot for audio professionals: top brands and new programme highlights at Prolight + Sound and Musikmesse 2019

The whole world of entertainment technology and music business is coming together at Prolight + Sound and Musikmesse in Frankfurt am Main from 2 to 5 April 2019. For the first time since 2015, the two trade fairs are being held concurrently on all four days and, for visitors from the professional audio sector in particular, will offer a variety of new highlights and product innovations from the industry’s key players.

Prolight + Sound: Opus Awards for theatre play "The Parallel World" and the "Woman Worldwide" tour by Justice

The Prize-winners of the "Opus – German Stage Award" have been announced. This noted award for particular achievements in theatre and stage production goes to two projects this year: in the category of "Theatre – artistic and technical realisation" Opus has picked the innovative stage production "The Parallel World" (Die Parallelwelt), which is being performed concurrently at the Dortmund Theatre and the Berliner Ensemble. The winning project in the category of "Tour – Lighting design" is the "Woman Worldwide" tour by the French band Justice.

Musikmesse and Prolight + Sound 2019: Sample Music Festival Area with top brands, workshops and showcases

Musikmesse and Prolight + Sound are joining forces with the organisers of the Sample Music Festival for the first time to bring together top brands, such as Akai, Denon DJ, RANE, Ortofon and Mixars in a special area at Foyer Hall 4.0. Other companies, including Ableton and Native Instruments, will show their latest products within the framework of workshops and product demonstrations. Well-known artists from the electronic music scene, among them Beat Matazz, Clockwerk and S-Trix, will give visitors the chance to look over their shoulder at workshops and showcases. The official main sponsor of the Sample Music Festival Area is SCHENKER Technologies.

From crowd management to worker protection: International Event Safety & Security Conference at Prolight + Sound

Safety at big events is a subject of great relevance for the entire live-entertainment sector. The ‘International Event Safety & Security Conference’ (I-ESC) brings together renowned speakers to discuss topical questions on avoiding hazards and dangers. The coming I-ESC at Prolight + Sound on 3 April 2019 will be distinguished by some important changes.

Prolight + Sound 2019: Sinus Award for the GEO Mission Control Centre of EUMETSAT and the Merck Innovation Centre

Both of this year’s ‘Sinus – Systems Integration Awards’ go to companies from the south of the State of Hesse. In the ‘Control Room’ category, the renowned award for special achievements in the field of audio-visual media technology and systems integration honours the new IP-based media technology in the GEO Mission Control Centre of EUMETSAT in Darmstadt. The winning project in the ‘Corporate’ category is the ‘Inspiration Wall’ at the Merck Innovation Centre, also in Darmstadt.

Prolight + Sound 2019 with the first Broadcast + Production Forum

A new highlight for professionals from the fields of radio and moving-image production: the première of the ‘Broadcast + Production Forum’ seminar programme will be held at Prolight + Sound on Friday, 5 April. There, speakers with hands-on experience will present technological trends and future-oriented projects. Participation is free of charge for Prolight + Sound visitors.

Meeting place for decision makers: new ‘Networking Area’ for Musikmesse and Prolight + Sound in Hall 4.1

Stylish, modern and fully orientated towards the needs of international buyers – that’s the new ‘Networking Area’ in Hall 4.1 of Musikmesse and Prolight + Sound. Thanks to an elaborate lounge concept, it creates the optimum setting for business discussions in a relaxed atmosphere. Only a few steps from the Messe Frankfurt ‘S-Bahn’ local-railway station and the ‘Torhaus’ entrance, Hall 4.1 offers presentation space for associations of the music and event sector, business lounges with seating and workplaces, lecture areas and catering zones.

Prolight + Sound and Musikmesse 2019: world première of the ‘Vintage Concert Audio Show’

Retro-sound and analogue warmth: at the coming Prolight + Sound and Musikmesse (Frankfurt from 2 to 5 April 2019), visitors will have the opportunity to see and hear milestones of four decades of concert PA systems at the first ever ‘Vintage Concert Audio Show’. Over 200 exhibits on a special-show area in Forum.0 will present PA systems from the sixties, seventies, eighties and nineties. On the Saturday following the two trade fairs (6 April), the ‘Vintage Concert Audio Show’ will go into extra time at the new ‘Musikmesse Plaza’ pop-up market.

Sinus Award 2019 at Prolight + Sound: future-oriented projects wanted!

The entry phase for the ‘Sinus – Systems Integration Award 2019’ has begun. Companies and professionals from the sector are invited to submit their successful projects from the field of audio-visual communication. The Award will be presented in a ceremony at Prolight + Sound in Frankfurt am Main on 4 April. The deadline for receipt of entries is 18 November 2018.

Dr Hendrik Müller appointed Director Marketing Communication for Musikmesse and Prolight + Sound

Dr Hendrik Müller (37) has been appointed Director of the Marketing Communication Department of Musikmesse and Prolight + Sound with effect from 1 October 2018. Accordingly, he is now responsible for the strategic conception, development and implementation of all marketing and communication measures relating to the company’s worldwide activities for the Entertainment, Media & Creative Industries Business Unit of Messe Frankfurt. He reports to Michael Biwer, Group Show Director, Entertainment, Media & Creative Industries.

Opus – German Stage Award 2019: open for entries

Musikmesse and Prolight + Sound 2019: Stronger together!

Two fairs at the same time and place: next year’s Musikmesse and Prolight + Sound will be held concurrently on all days, from 2 to 5 April. With a new sequence of days – from Tuesday to Friday – Musikmesse will strengthen its profile as the platform for the professional exchange of ideas and information between music-industry professionals. The two events will also move physically closer together.

Musikmesse and Prolight + Sound: upward trend for internationality and exhibitor satisfaction

The Saturday-evening concert by Dionne Warwick and the New Philharmonic Orchestra Frankfurt marked the end of a week of music and events. 1,803 companies from 56 countries launched their latest products during the five days of Musikmesse and Prolight + Sound.