Prolight + Sound, 5-8. April, Frankfurt am Main: International Fair of Technologies and Services for Entertainment

Prolight + Sound took place from 5 to 8 April 2016 and underscored its reputation as the most important meeting place for companies and trade visitors from all spheres of event and stage technology, AV media technology and systems integration along with studio technology and broadcasting. ‘’Over many years the event industry has rode a strong economic wave. So it needs a trade fair platform that keeps pace with this impressive growth trend. Commitment to Prolight + Sound, combined with strong investment, has made the show fit for the future, providing the sector with an unrivalled global show space and trading point’’, explained Michael Biwer, Director of Prolight + Sound.

All the key players in the event technology market were present at the Fair: Adam Hall, Audio-Technica, Avid Technology, Ayrton Sas, B&K Braun, Chain Master Bühnentechnik, Clay paky, d&b audiotechnik, dBTechnologies, DiGiCo, Elation, harman International, JB-Lighting, L-Acoustics, Lawo, MA Lighting, Martin Professional, Meyer Sound, Monacorr, nivtec-flexibel, Peavey, pioneer DJ, Riedel, Robe Lighting and Sennheiser. There were also many manufactures and service providers who were at Prolight + Sound for the first time.

Sixt product areas provided a unique global overview of new product development across the sector. Hall 3.0 featured exhibitors from theatre, studio and stage lighting along with stage technology, machinery and lifting beams. in addition to current trends in the field of lighting, visitors to Hall 4.0 founded innovative new products relating to media, film and camera technology, displays, video and LED. Spectacular effects for shows and events were on display in Hall 5.0 along with innovative installation fittings for event venues.

Hall 3.1 and 4.1 provided a special focal point for sound, studio and radio engineers. The first hall focused on public address systems of all sizes and application areas, while the second gave prominence to manufactures from areas of microphone technology, production, broadcasting and recording. Didital audio networking technology is a growth area which was also featured extensively in this hall.

Forum.0 created a perfect presentation environment for associations, publishers, service providers and educational establishments. The lectures were free to trade fair visitors and bundled into two series of seminars. The Prolight + Sound Conference focused on professional users in all areas of event technology, including questions on all aspects of lighting and sound design in addition to network technology and server mapping, rigging, stage construction and much more. The Eventplaza Conference communicated trends and strategies for event and incentive managers, marketing managers, communication and human resources along with congress and conference organisers.

Prolight + Sound is not just a business and knowledge platform but also a stage for the sector’s high-profile awards. 

The Opus - German Stage Award - has been presented since 2002 for outstanding achievement in the areas of theatre and stage production, live events and open-air events. It recognises people who have earned renown through their work in all aspects of stage design, lighting design, video, sound design and technical realisation. 

The Sinus-Systems Integrations Award recognises projects noted for the innovative and pioneering use of media technology and systems integration.

Prolight + Sound International Press Award (PIPA) recognises the best products in the professional audio and video industry. The award ceremonies took place on 7 April 2016 as part of a festival evening.

Mindaugas Petrosius