Due to a drop in international demand caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Prolight + Sound Shanghai (PLSS) will no longer take place as a stand-alone trade fair. PLSS has a reputation for providing domestic exhibitors with access to the export market, with the 2019 fair attracting trade visitors from 71 countries and regions. However, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, recapturing a high level of internationality has been deemed unachievable for the foreseeable future amid business disruption and travel restrictions.
Discussing the withdrawal, Judy Cheung, Deputy General Manager, Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, said, “Foreign buyers have been a big part of Prolight + Sound Shanghai’s success since its launch in 2003, and have always been an indispensable attraction for the fair’s exhibitors. With international AV buyers struggling due to the pandemic, it is currently impossible to give our exhibitors a good enough return on their investment at the Shanghai show. Therefore, in consultation with the fair’s key stakeholders, we have arrived at this difficult decision to remove PLSS from the calendar. Although difficult, the decision will allow Messe Frankfurt to channel its resources more effectively towards its other industry related events in China. PLSS has exerted a hugely positive influence on the industry, and I would like to thank all of the fair’s stakeholders – both amateur and professional – for their support of the fair over the years.”
Messe Frankfurt retains its commitment to China’s Pro AV industry
With four sister events situated around the world, Messe Frankfurt remains one of the world’s leading organisers of trade fairs for the professional audio visual industry. In China, Prolight + Sound Guangzhou holds a market leading position as the biggest event of its kind, with close proximity to China’s manufacturing base. With more than 1,300 exhibitors in attendance, the 2021 edition is set to take place from 16 – 19 May in areas A & B of the China Import and Export Complex.
Prolight + Sound Shanghai is organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd and the Shanghai Intex Exhibition Co Ltd (Intex), and is a brand event of the leading trade fair Prolight + Sound in Frankfurt, Germany.
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