Germany - The 30th anniversary of Prolight + Sound is all about fresh impetus. From 8 to 11 April 2025, the expo will present a newly designed and expanded area for theatre and stage technology that combines four central aspects: exhibition, education, knowledge transfer and networking. Visitors can expect an inspiring platform for exchange between generations and industry experts, as well as a comprehensive range of innovative products and services.
An integral part of the concept is the ‘Theatre College’, which offers expert knowledge on relevant topics with high-quality, bilingual seminars and workshops – realised in collaboration with leading industry associations. The new Theatre Stage is the centrepiece, where presentations and the Theatre Talk invites exhibitors and the trade audience to exchange ideas. The Networking Area, with daily events and a café, creates a setting for networking in a relaxed atmosphere.
Mira Wölfel, director Prolight + Sound, comments: “For three decades, Prolight + Sound has been an indispensable meeting place for all those who see theatre and stage technology not only as a profession but also as a passion. Our trade fair is much more than just an exhibition – it is a place where innovations are born, partnerships are formed and visions for the future of theatre are developed.
“For the anniversary, we are creating a stage for the entire community: this is where the planners, technicians and designers of today and the talents of tomorrow meet to jointly redefine the industry's standards. Prolight + Sound is home to all those who love and shape theatre.”
The Guided Tours Theatre & Light focus on product innovations and new developments that are particularly exciting from a technical and planning perspective. The tours, curated and moderated by experts, give participants a compact overview of what these areas have to offer on all four days of the fair – and it's free of charge.
Based on numerous conversations with exhibitors, Prolight + Sound 2025 will offer three top themes. These will also be reflected in the specialist programme and in product solutions from the theatre and stage technology sector.
The focus will be on multifunctional technologies and their influence on the theatre industry (MultiTech: Flexible and smart) as well as the use of immersive technologies and artificial intelligence in modern stage productions (FutureScapes: Worlds of experience between immersion and AI). Furthermore, trends and developments in sustainability and energy efficiency (ProGreen: Impulses for a more sustainable event industry) will also be highlighted.
The shortage of skilled workers remains not only one of the most pressing issues for the theatre and stage sector, but also for the event industry in general. To counteract this together, Prolight + Sound will continue to focus on promoting young talent and recruiting in 2025. The Future Hub (Hall 11.0) will once again be at the centre of this. At the campus of the area, renowned educational institutions will provide information about training and further education opportunities in the event sector. At the Career Centre, visitors can make direct contact with companies that have vacancies. In the Start-up Area, new brands present themselves, while the Networking Lounge invites visitors to relax and connect.
On Future Talents Day (Friday, 11 April), young professionals will have the opportunity to learn about the career diversity in the industry and to network.
