Prolight+Sound 2020 postponed until May
- Details
The annual entertainment technology tradeshow was initially scheduled for 31 March - 3 April, but organisers have now said it will take place on 26-29 May. Musikmesse, the music industry show that runs alongside Prolight+Sound, has also been postponed, with new dates yet to be released.
Messe Frankfurt said in a statement: "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. 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."
Detlef Braun, member of the executive board of Messe Frankfurt, comments: “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.”
Concerns about Prolight+Sound's fate first surfaced in late February when the rapid spread of the novel coronavirus caused the postponements of Italy's MIR Tech (formerly Music Inside Rimini) and the Messe Frankfurt-organised Light+Building.
Prolight+Sound, which is due to mark its 25th anniversary in 2020, was further plunged into doubt after two key exhibitors - Vari-Lite and Strand and Germany's Adam Hall - pulled out of the 2020 exhibition on health grounds.
From the planned events, the only two that will take place as planned will be the Musikmesse Plaza, a pop-up market scheduled for 3-4 April, and Musikmesse Festival, running from 31 March to 4 April.
