Prolight + Sound: Big changes ahead for Frankfurt show

Messe Frankfurt has announced its new event concept that it says will "ensure the future" of the Prolight + Sound and Musikmesse trade fairs, with PL+S set for expansion and Messe opening its doors to consumers daily from next year.

Although the major changes revealed by the organiser will affect Musikmesse more, the move will see a new set of dates introduced for Prolight + Sound, as well as a Hall switch with Messe.

According to Messe Frankfurt, Prolight + Sound has benefited from the positive development of the event-technology sector, creating a potential for growth that it "must make space for." As a result, Prolight + Sound will move from its existing home in Halls 8 and 9 to the eastern section of Frankfurt Fair and Exhibition Centre from next year, where it will occupy Halls 1, 3, 4 and 5, as well as the Congress Centre and outdoor exhibition areas.

“We are acting from a position of strength and want to expand Prolight + Sound hand-in-hand with the sector and for the sector. To this end, we need more space, which the eastern section of the Exhibition Centre offers," said Stephan Kurzawski, senior vice president, Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH.

In total, Prolight will consist of six exhibition halls, two outdoor arenas, a new indoor arena and a larger area of outdoor exhibition space.

As for Musikmesse, the fair will be open to consumers on all days and present its spectrum of musical instruments and associated services in three areas named ‘Classic meets Jazz’, ‘Rock meets Pop’ and ‘Electro meets Recording’ across five levels in Halls 8, 9 and 11. However, it will also feature an exclusive hall accessed by trade visitors only where business discussions can take place.

Traditionally running concurrently on the same days, the two shows will also be getting separate dates – Prolight + Sound will be held from Tuesday to Friday, while Musikmesse will take place from Thursday to Sunday starting in 2016. The new opening hours for both fairs will be 10am to 7pm on all days.

The next Prolight + Sound will be held from 5 to 8 April 2016.

pls.messefrankfurt.com