Due to the increased spread of the Coronavirus in Europe, Messe Frankfurt has postponed Prolight + Sound after intensive consultations. The sector’s international meeting place for technologies and services relating to entertainment, shows and events, audio-visual systems integration and content creation will take place in Frankfurt am Main from 26 to 29 May 2020. Existing visitor tickets will also be valid in May 2020.
The ongoing spread of Covid-19 in Europe called for a reassessment of the situation in close cooperation with the public-health authorities in Frankfurt who require that steps be taken to prevent event participants from high-risk regions coming to Frankfurt and visiting the fair when ill. Given that these participants could also be infected by Covid-19, it is necessary to conduct a health check to prevent the infection spreading even further. This is an important part of the infectiological risk assessment. Messe Frankfurt is not able to implement such measures. Additional factors behind the decision include the growing number of travel restrictions, which will make it difficult for many potential visitors and exhibitors to get to Frankfurt.
“The current situation represents a major challenge for fair and exhibition companies from all over the world. We regret that the 25th anniversary edition of Prolight + Sound cannot take place as planned. At the same time, we are delighted that numerous companies from the industry have emphasized the importance of holding the show as soon as possible so that they can use it for their product presentations and business development activities this year”, said Detlef Braun, Member of the Executive Board of Messe Frankfurt GmbH.
“We can do it! The German Entertainment Technology Association (VPLT) is pleased with this positive response to the challenges facing our sector at present. It is a good sign that Prolight + Sound is not being cancelled but only being postponed until a later time. The VPLT was in constant contact with our cooperation partner, Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH, to achieve a quick decision acceptable for all concerned about this year’s leading trade-fair for the sector, Prolight + Sound 2020. A variety of factors meant that this was not an easy decision to take. Now we have certainty: the sector will get together again in Frankfurt at the end of May 2020”, said VPLT director Linda Residovic.