The 2023 edition of Prolight + Sound closes with some interesting numbers, up from the 2022 edition – the first post-pandemic. A significant figure that translates into the fact that for many companies Frankfurt remains an important and still well-attended event.
Photo: Mathias Kutt
Messe Frankfurth reports that more than 27,500 professionals from 113 countries were present during the 4-day event. A fair that was able to accommodate important moments of discussion on current issues such as the implementation of sustainable events or the growing demand for specialists and young talent. After the end of restrictions caused by the pandemic, this was the first opportunity for many industry professionals to visit the fair since 2019. This is reflected in the high internationality of the event with half of the visitors coming from countries outside Germany.
457 exhibitors from 34 countries showcased the innovative strength of the industry. The halls were packed with activities as well as meetings between industry players, after many exhibitors and visitors, especially from Asia, returned for the first time in four years.
Prolight + Sound 2023 numbers:
Visitors: 27,523
Nations: 113
Share of international visitors: 51%
Increase in visitor numbers in 2022 (certified by FKM): 50%
Exhibitors: 457
Exhibiting nations: 34
Share of international exhibitors: 56%
Increase in the number of exhibitors compared to 2022 (certified by FKM): 24%
News and trends:
There was a clear trend within the exhibition halls toward IP-based connectivity of lighting, audio and stage technology components. The Internet of things is already a reality in the event industry. In addition, the industry’s commitment to event sustainability is having an increasing impact on product design. Systems with high energy efficiency, long lifespan, a design that allows easy transportation, and a high percentage of recyclable materials were obvious concepts during the show.
No less important was the widespread trend by many companies, especially in the lighting sector, to focus on the IP65 concept, which is useful not only for use in outdoor environments, but which meet the market’s need for sustainability by being almost maintenance-free.
While the audio world was underrepresented at the exhibition level, the top players in the lighting industry once again showed up in large numbers. This was evidenced by the many new products and world premieres we have told you about in recent days. Conversely, the audio sector was well represented within the educational events and in the many initiatives, including the display of vintage PAs and mixers.
Prolight + Sound sought to provide a response to the effects of high demand for skilled workers through collaboration with industry associations, resulting in the Future Talents Day initiative, which on Friday invited students to visit the fair. More than 600 young people participated in special events such as guided tours and networking sessions, learned about career opportunities and made direct contact with potential employers.
In addition, for all four days of the fair, the Future Hub in Hall 11.0 functioned as a presentation area for companies looking for personnel and for educational institutions in the event industry.
The “Women in Lighting” Lounge. Photo: Jochen Günther
Finally, Messe Frankfurt collaborated with the “Women in Lighting” movement, offering information services dedicated to the world of women workers in the industry and recounting some success stories of leading women in the lighting industry.
Another challenging task for the events industry is to find answers to the difficulties posed by high energy prices. At the same time, there is an increased focus on technology and sustainable event organization. In this context, new products and approaches that contribute to the careful use of natural resources have gained additional importance at Prolight + Sound. Every day, Green Sessions on the Main Stage provided new impulses to reduce energy consumption and for a more positive CO2 balance. There was also great demand for guided tours of the booths of suppliers of particularly environmentally friendly solutions.
Again according to numbers released by Messe Frankfurth, the event once again achieved high satisfaction ratings. 88% of exhibiting companies and 83% of visitors said they achieved their goals by attending Prolight + Sound.
Prolight + Sound 2024 will take place March 19-22. With the new date, Messe Frankfurt is responding to the industry’s desire for a date earlier in the year that is more in line with the event and entertainment technology industry’s project cycles.
Info: www.prolight-sound.com
