From April 8th to 11th, Prolight + Sound Frankfurt will celebrate its 30th anniversary as the key event for entertainment and event technology. With a special edition packed with new features, the trade fair reaffirms its global leadership with new spaces, immersive experiences, and a strong commitment to sustainability and innovation. Mira Wölfel, Director of Brand Management at Messe Frankfurt, is leading this evolution, consolidating Prolight + Sound as the epicenter of the sector.
Prolight + Sound Frankfurt 2025 will celebrate its 30th anniversary from April 8th to 11th, reaffirming its position as the key event for the entertainment and event technology industry. For three decades, it has been an essential meeting point for professionals in sound, lighting, stage production, and audiovisual solutions, always offering new opportunities for networking, education, and innovation.
At the forefront of this transformation is Mira Wölfel, Director of Brand Management at Messe Frankfurt, who has driven the event’s strategic growth, expanding its reach and strengthening its impact on the global industry.
She undoubtedly plays a key role in the event’s strategic development. Since taking office in 2016, she has worked on market expansion, optimizing the experience for exhibitors and visitors, and creating new networking and education platforms for the industry.
Her leadership has been instrumental in the restructuring of Prolight + Sound. She has created new specialized teams to maximize synergies between the new generation and the experience of long-standing figures within the Messe Frankfurt organization. This strategy has strengthened relationships with associations, exhibitors, visitors, and key communicators, optimizing business and collaboration opportunities within the sector.
With a background in International Relations and a career at Messe Frankfurt that began in 2005, her experience ranges from visitor relations to sales management at leading global trade fairs. Before taking over as head of Prolight + Sound, he played a key role at Musikmesse and other consumer goods trade shows such as Ambiente and Tendencia. His approach has been instrumental in consolidating Prolight + Sound as a benchmark event for show and entertainment technology, driving its growth and adaptation to industry trends.
A renewed classic
Prolight + Sound is not just a trade show; it’s a benchmark in the industry. For many, its name represents a special place in the annual calendar, a space where innovation, networking, and knowledge converge.
But what has made it a must-attend event for manufacturers and attendees?
“Prolight + Sound is the ultimate global platform for the event technology industry, ensuring its unparalleled position by covering the entire technological spectrum in five key sectors: Lighting, Audio, Theater & Stage, AV/Camera, and Events,” says Mira Wölfel. “No other trade show in this sector matches its reach and influence. It is the epicenter of the professional community, a beacon of innovation offering cutting-edge knowledge, inspiring experiences, and practical insights that empower attendees. The show connects global markets, fosters international cooperation, and stands as the premier platform for networking and community building. It is not just a trade show; it is the engine that drives the evolution of event technology worldwide.”
Thirty years of innovation and industry leadership deserve a worthy celebration, and Prolight + Sound 2025 is ready to offer a special edition with new experiences, redesigned spaces, and exclusive events.
What surprises await attendees at this historic edition?
“As part of Prolight + Sound’s 30th anniversary, the Theater area in Hall 12.0 will be completely renovated, integrating exhibition, education, networking, and product demonstrations,” Mira Wölfel reveals. “The new ‘Theatre Stage’ will host the ‘Theatre College,’ where experts will give specialized seminars, and the ‘Theatre Talk,’ a space for knowledge exchange between exhibitors and attendees. In addition, the ‘Networking Area’ will provide an ideal environment for meaningful connections in a relaxed setting.”
The trade fair will also strengthen its focus on image and video technology with an evolution of the Image Creation Hub, which will become an even more prominent focal point. “An expanded study area, an impressive video wall, and specialized workshops will open up new perspectives for participants,” explains Wölfel. “Over three days of the trade fair, we will host live shows with renowned guests, addressing the more key as technology, security and the future of the moving image. Furthermore, with interactive experiences such as the ‘Camera Future Congress’ and a tour of a modern broadcast van on the grounds, this area will consolidate its position as an epicenter for practical learning and networking.”
Another major innovation will be the restructuring of the prestigious Opus Award, which starting this year will be presented as the ‘Opus – International Stage Award,’ reinforcing the event’s global reach. And, of course, a celebration of this magnitude wouldn’t be complete without moments of encounter and celebration. “The anniversary will be the centerpiece of the Community Nights, three networking evenings at exclusive venues in Frankfurt, open to all fair participants,” comments Wölfel. “The highlight will be the grand ’30 Years of PLS’ party on Wednesday, April 9, at Depot 1899.”
To complete the experience, initiatives will include an anniversary campaign with free tickets, a special selfie spot within the fair, and a Happy Hour on the Theatre Stage, where all attendees are invited to share a toast on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays of the event.
Over three decades, Prolight + Sound has constantly evolved, establishing itself as a global benchmark in the event technology industry. “Prolight + Sound has been a leading force in the global event technology industry for 30 years. I think that’s truly remarkable.”
Since its first edition in 1995, the trade show has reflected industry trends, showcasing cutting-edge innovations in lighting, sound, stage design, and more. Among its greatest achievements, Wölfel highlights the success of Prolight + Sound as a standalone event following the challenges of the pandemic. “The 2024 edition welcomed nearly 25,000 visitors from 122 countries. By 2025, we aim to strengthen this legacy, celebrating the event’s 30th anniversary with an increased focus on sustainability, immersive technologies, and industry-wide collaboration.”
With the aim of aligning Prolight + Sound with the needs of the global entertainment technology sector, a new advisory board has been formed, comprised of representatives from leading companies, trade associations, and industry experts. This initiative seeks to strengthen the event’s international presence and sustainably expand its reach. “The board members not only bring in-depth specialized knowledge and market data, but also provide us with valuable insight into the global landscape,” explains Mira Wölfel. “With this concentrated experience at our side, we are ideally positioned to shape the future of Prolight + Sound in the coming years.”
Prolight + Sound 2025 will be structured around three main themes, defined through dialogue with exhibitors and strategic partners. “At Messe Frankfurt, one principle remains key: we listen to our customers,” she explains.
The first theme, ‘ProGreen,’ will highlight the most advanced green solutions and sustainability within the events industry. ‘FutureScapes,’ the second pillar, will explore the impact of immersive technologies and artificial intelligence on creating unique audience experiences. Finally, ‘MultiTech,’ will focus on smart, multifunctional technologies that optimize flexibility and efficiency in event production.
In the educational arena, the upcoming edition will feature an expanded training program focused on specialized technical knowledge. “The Prolight + Sound College conferences (ProAudio College, Camera College, and Theatre College) will offer high-level seminars and workshops in a bilingual format, addressing key industry topics,” highlights Wölfel.
In addition, for the first time, both experienced professionals and emerging talent will have the opportunity to give talks on their areas of expertise. The Prolight + Sound Conference will bring together essential topics for entertainment technology, including education and training, regulations and standards, event security, and more. The I-ESC (International Event Safety + Security Conference) will provide a space for international experts to analyze current security challenges at live events and shows.
The Manufacturers’ Forums, meanwhile, will offer exhibitors a platform to showcase their innovative products, use cases, and best practices. Attendees will be able to participate in talks, live demonstrations, workshops, and certification courses, with access to cutting-edge knowledge across all segments of event technology.
The VPLT Experience Zone will be an interactive meeting point where key industry topics will be addressed in a space equipped with advanced presentation technology, including an LED display and conferencing systems. “In this space,” the event manager explains. CIO, relevant issues such as the Green Deal will be discussed, and important meetings for the community will be held, including meetings with training examiners for event technology specialists,” says Wölfel.
Key Players
In line with its position as a leading event technology platform, Prolight + Sound 2025 has already received confirmation from prominent industry brands. “A large number of key players from all sectors have already secured their participation in the next edition,” notes Mira Wölfel.
Among them are Adam Hall, Ayrton Lighting, Chauvet, Clay Paky, Das Audio, Elation, Electronic Theatre Controls, Eurotruss, GLP, Harmonic Design, Highlite, igus, InEar, inoage, JB-Lighting, KV2, Lightpower, LMP, MA Lighting, MOVEKET, Novastar, Portman, RCF, Riedel, ROBE, Robert Juliat, Roxx, SBS, Serapid, SRV, Steinigke, TMB, Tronios, VisionTwo, and Waagner-Biro, ensuring a high-level edition with the participation of leading industry figures.
With numerous sound companies returning to Prolight + Sound in 2024, what new developments can audio professionals expect for the 2025 edition?
Mira Wölfel tells us that the ProAudio sector will continue to grow at the event, with a variety of new initiatives and areas dedicated to sound professionals. “In addition to the return of some iconic brands, we will offer an expanded range of educational opportunities and key areas for sound professionals,” says Wölfel. Among the key new features are two special areas: the ‘MixLab,’ where attendees can access the latest mixing technologies, practical workshops, and certified training; and ‘MusicOneX,’ a pioneering exhibition format that connects creativity with music and entertainment technology.
The professional lighting and rigging sector has always been one of the key pillars of Prolight + Sound. What makes it so relevant at the event?
According to Mira, “Prolight + Sound offers the widest range of lighting technology for the events and entertainment sector in the world.” With the confirmed participation of the industry’s leading players, the 2025 edition promises to continue being a key event. “In addition to having a wide variety of exhibitors, we attract numerous renowned suppliers and innovative startups, resulting in a comprehensive overview of the latest technologies and products.” Furthermore, the lighting sector is known for introducing new products and trends that influence the future of the industry, with many manufacturers taking advantage of the platform to showcase their innovations for the first time.
Present and Future
At Prolight + Sound 2025, the “Women in Lighting” initiative will continue to be an important pillar. Mira emphasizes: “We will definitely continue to support the initiative. This year’s edition will feature the ‘Women in Lighting Lounge,’ a central meeting space for professional women and those new to the industry. “It will also be a venue for interviews with inspiring figures and a source of information on professional scenarios,” adds Wölfel. “This platform represents a key commitment to providing greater visibility and opportunities for women in the events and technology sector, a project that the Prolight + Sound team is very excited about.”
Sustainability will be a central theme at the 2025 edition of Prolight + Sound, reflected in the “ProGreen: Driving Forces for a More Sustainable Events Industry” initiative. As Mira comments, “This initiative highlights green practices through activities such as the ‘Green Sessions’ in partnership with the European Association of Event Centres (EVVC), as well as keynote lectures and guided tours showcasing sustainable solutions.”
Prolight + Sound’s long-term vision builds on the trade show’s legacy of success, but with a look to the future filled with ambitious goals. The event firmly intends to remain at the forefront of innovation and evolution in the sector.
One of the key pillars is to continue advancing in technology. With rapid advances in AI-powered solutions, the trade show will seek to highlight the latest breakthroughs that are redefining the industry landscape, becoming the premier stage for showcasing transformative products and ideas.
Prolight + Sound is also committed to staying ahead of the times and market trends, constantly adapting to meet the changing needs of the global industry, with plans to refine its platform to ensure it remains relevant and indispensable to the international community that supports it.
Finally, strengthening its international presence is another key objective. The brand intends to expand its global footprint, increasing Its visibility and accessibility to professionals from all continents are key. Through stronger international collaboration, it aims to further unite the global community and consolidate its status as the ultimate platform for innovation, networking, and knowledge sharing.
“Prolight + Sound will continue to lead, inspire, and empower event professionals around the world,” is undoubtedly the conviction of Mira and her entire team.
What to Expect from Prolight + Sound – 30 Years
Prolight + Sound 2025 is implementing several strategies to attract both veteran exhibitors and innovative startups. According to Mira Wölfel, “Exhibitors can expect extensive opportunities for global visibility, as the event attracts a highly qualified and diverse audience with a strong international presence.”
Key platforms for exhibitors include the Live Sound Arena and the Live & Demo Box, which offer ideal environments for presenting product innovations. In addition, programs such as the Hosted Buyer Program and the Messe Frankfurt Business Club provide valuable networking opportunities, allowing exhibitors to interact with key decision-makers and industry leaders. For new brands, the Start-up Area offers an ideal platform to introduce themselves to an international audience of professionals.
Attendees from Latin America will find an ideal platform to introduce new opportunities to the domestic market. “The Latin American music events market is an essential segment within the global entertainment industry, characterized by its vibrant culture, diverse musical heritage, as well as a strong focus on live events, festivals, and technological advancements in event production.”
The 2025 edition of Prolight + Sound promises to be an exceptional experience for both exhibitors and visitors. According to Mira, “in 2024, more than 60% of attendees had decision-making authority, a figure we hope to match or exceed in 2025. Furthermore, 25% of our visitors are under 25 years old, representing the next generation of industry professionals.”
Everything is ready
If she had to define what this show is all about, Mira would put it this way: “The essence of Prolight + Sound can be boiled down to five key aspects: it is the home of technology for entertainment and events. Its five pillars cover all key aspects of the industry and set standards. The show creates experiences that inspire and engage visitors. It connects markets and promotes international cooperation. And finally, it offers engaging and far-reaching platforms for community and networking.”
Filled with anticipation, Mira, on behalf of her entire team, expresses a message of gratitude and appreciation to the industry professionals who have been part of Prolight + Sound’s growth: “The show has always aimed—and continues to aim—to be an event where the entertainment and events community feels at home. Seeing so many industry professionals who have accompanied us over the years and helped us make the show a must-attend event with their expertise means a lot to me. It fills me with pride and excitement because these people are the heart of the show, the ones who motivate us to work harder to continue elevating Prolight + Sound to the next level. Their loyalty and contributions are invaluable, so I want to say THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart to everyone who has been with Prolight + Sound all these years.”
But this is just the beginning!
The 2025 edition will be bigger, more innovative, and more exciting than ever. Without a doubt, a bright future awaits, and the events industry can’t wait to witness it. Messe Frankfurt and Prolight + Sound are waiting for you in April to celebrate 30 years of success and everything that’s to come.
