What was Prolight + Sound?
For over three decades , Prolight + Sound was one of Europe's most important trade fairs for event technology—that is, lighting, audio, stage, stage technology, event and entertainment technology. Wikipedia +2 pls.messefrankfurt.com +2
At its peak, manufacturers, technicians, and creatives from all over the world came to Frankfurt to discover new products, network, and test products for stage, studio, or events. pls.messefrankfurt.com +2 pls.messefrankfurt.com +2
In 2025, the trade fair celebrated its 30th anniversary with an expanded focus on theater and stage technology, sustainable event concepts ("ProGreen"), and new educational and workshop offerings. pls.messefrankfurt.com +2 pls.messefrankfurt.com +2
Why Prolight + Sound will no longer continue as a "standalone" trade fair
For the planned 2026 edition, the response from exhibitors after the end of the early bird phase (end of September 2025) was insufficient—there were too few registrations to guarantee a satisfactory event as an independent trade fair. LSI Online +2 pls.messefrankfurt.com +2
The mood in the industry and the economic outlook meant that a full trade fair operation seemed unrealistic. Prolight Sound Blog +2 CE Market +2
Therefore, the organizer, Messe Frankfurt, decided to realign the concept: Prolight + Sound will no longer be held as an independent trade fair — instead, starting in 2026, it will be integrated into Light + Building as a themed area. pls.messefrankfurt.com +2 pls.messefrankfurt.com +2
Messe Frankfurt itself cites insufficient registrations and differing industry sentiments as reasons for the postponement. They want to provide clarity as early as possible to avoid unnecessary investments. LSI Online +1
What does this mean in practical terms? — The new approach: Prolight + Sound as part of Light + Building
Light + Building 2026 (the world's leading trade fair for lighting and building technology) will take place from March 8 to 13, 2026; the originally planned Prolight + Sound dates (March 24–26, 2026) have been cancelled. pls.messefrankfurt.com +1
Exhibitors from the lighting technology, digital signage, and security technology sectors will have their own dedicated area within Light + Building. There, they can give presentations and reach their audience—albeit in a different setting than before. pls.messefrankfurt.com +2 CE Market +2
In addition, Messe Frankfurt is planning a curated supporting program and guided tours within this area—to create added value and orientation for visitors. pls.messefrankfurt.com +1
The "Prolight + Sound" brand will be retained — the topic remains strategically relevant, especially globally: Organizers have announced, for example, a new edition of Prolight + Sound Bangkok in Thailand starting in 2026. LSI Online +2 plsn.com +2
What alternatives are there — and what does that mean for the industry & you as a music/event organizer?
For you as a DJ, producer or someone from the event industry, this means:
Events, trade fairs and specialist meetings in the field of event technology will in future more likely take place within the framework of larger trade fairs with a broader focus — e.g. Light + Building.
International sister trade fairs of Prolight + Sound (such as Bangkok 2026) can be interesting if you think globally or are looking for contacts outside of Europe.
It's worth keeping an eye on industry events, networking meetings, or regional trade fairs— you can often find more innovative, specialized offers there.
For music, DJ and club technology: Trade fair alternatives could be: trade fairs or specialist meetings for audio/visual, lighting & stage, event technology — depending on what you are looking for: lighting technology, DJ equipment, sound systems, FOH technology, etc.
Conclusion
The decision to discontinue Prolight + Sound as an independent trade fair marks the end of an era—but also a strategic adjustment to changing market conditions. Its integration into Light + Building demonstrates that organizers are seeking synergies and more efficient structures. For the industry, this means change, new paths, and perhaps new opportunities—especially for those who think flexibly, internationally, and across disciplines.
