GLP (German Light Products) can reflect with complete satisfaction on the recent Prolight + Sound Show in Frankfurt. Both the quality and quantity of visitors – as was the case last year – were impressive, and despite prophecies of doom, it was particularly gratifying to note that 51% of visitors were international.
Stefan Wagner, GLP sales director EMEA, attributes its success, especially with regard to international customers, to the company’s high level of commitment in the run-up to the fair. “We invited global customers on a widespread basis,” he explains, “with the result that we received an unexpected number of visitors from Asia, including many new customers. From our point of view, the equal commitment of many of our distributors from other EU countries and the USA, who brought their customers to our booth, also contributed to the success of the fair, even though we admittedly had significantly fewer US guests than in previous years.”
In order to specifically address young lighting talent, GLP organised the Tech’n’Talents party for the first time this year as a side event alongside its trade fair participation. The hip Frankfurt party hotspot Fortuna Irgenwo served as the location – an appropriate venue, since it has a lot to offer in terms of lighting technology. Both the VLLV e.V. and the LD Talent Club supported the event, with the result that 200 young technicians and designers used the party for exchange of views and networking. In view of the positive feedback from participants, the GLP Tech’n’Talents party will certainly be repeated next year.
In terms of product showcasing, unsurprisingly the impression X5 family was the focus of interest. In addition to the impression X5 and the smaller impression X5 Compact, both of which have been available for some time, a prototype of the impression X5 IP Maxx could be seen at the trade fair for the first time. IP65-certified and equipped with 37 LEDs, the impression X5 IP Maxx will make the outstanding colour rendering qualities of the series accessible to large outdoor events and festivals.
The linear lighting solutions of the X5 series – the impression X5 Bar and impression X5 IP Bar – could also be experienced at the booth and were extremely well received by visitors.
GLP’s new X5 service platform, iQ.Service, could be seen in detail for the first time. Trade fair visitors were able to familiarise themselves with the associated app, which allows fixtures to be operated and configured, and usage data, such as the current mode or operating hours, to be read out. With iQ.Service, GLP is taking the next step towards cloud services for spots, which will offer customers more convenience, security and time savings in the future.
Also reflecting on a highly positive show was GLP key account director Oliver Schwendke. “Once again we were able to welcome many important decision-makers and designers and we are already excited about the upcoming Prolight + Sound 2024,” he says.
In conclusion, GLP’s managing director, Udo Künzler, adds his endorsement: “All in all, for us it was a successful Prolight + Sound. The Frankfurt trade fair remains close to our hearts – we have always been there and will undoubtedly be exhibiting again next year.
“The current shifts in the relevance of international markets are forcing all manufacturers to make critical cost-benefit considerations in the coming years. The trade fair knows what its duties are, and we are looking forward to celebrating our 30th anniversary at next year’s show.”