The Broadcast & Entertainment Technology Industry as Seen in 5 Trade Fairs Around the World

Technology never sits still for one minute and the broadcasting and entertainment industries are the ones to show some truly leaps and bounds. From the proliferation of streaming and even more importantly livestreaming to the adaptations the events industry had to make during the pandemic, there’s always some new market niche opening.

We’ve selected five of the most-visited and important trade fairs, which dictate current trends and give exhibitors the best vantage point to create the most qualified sales leads.

We begin with a must-see trade show for the lighting and sound industry. Prolight + Sound gears towards the needs of the event industry as a whole and in turn sees all the most important buyers in the industry. Editions are held annually in April and often serve as a popular launch pad for new technologies across effects, fixed installations, laser, live sound, media technology, microphones, mobile sound system, object creation, show lighting, stage lighting and studio technology.

Innovations are really big and important part of the trade fair. What’s stage and studio technology going to look like in the next five years? Who is going to lead the revolution? The Future Hub is one of the areas at Prolight + Sound where you can meet up with startups, discover new jobs at the Career Centre and seek further education by meeting up with universities and colleges.

Again in Germany, there’s Photokina – the major trade fair for the entire photographic and imaging industry. Rather than just be open to trade visitors, Photokina welcomes the general public as well and encourages exhibitors to create personal connections with consumers at all levels. As a result, the trade fair is the best litmus test for customer reactions to new products. That’s why product launches across all categories are so popular.

Photokina sharpens its eye towards innovations in cameras, lenses, flashes, tripods, storage, input, transfer, treatment and processing. The entire value chain lives and breathes in high definition at Koelnmesse in Cologne. Visitors are encouraged to interact with cameras and equipment by going to one of the many photo shoots, video and photography workshops. The action zone is a must to see the full potential of what’s on display.

In the world of broadcasting and broadcast technology, the one trade show you certainly have to add to your calendar is IBC. This major show is held in Amsterdam, Netherlands and enjoys one of the most influential audiences. We’re just going to mention the impressive Accelerator Media Innovation programme, which pushes the envelope when it comes to AI, sustainability, real-time workflows and remote production. BBC, Cartoon Network, Huawei and other major corporations are involved.

But that’s only one highlight. You definitely want to position yourself in the foot path of buyers and investors from 150 countries around the world. The IBC conference pulls some of the key technology suppliers and experts. The content programme is out of this world. Walkthrough tours, debates and keynote speeches from the likes of Adde Granberg and Kelly Day.

The UK offers another contender for the entertainment technology industry that can easily match Prolight + Sound. The PLASA Show bills itself as unmissable and the hype doesn’t lie. You’re able to see the entire spectrum of entertainment technology ranging from stage to light to sound. Even better you get to experience it all.

The PLASA Show has one of the best live stages, where bands and performers like Life Like Charlie, Mercy Lee and Hedara give unforgettable thrills and chills to music goers. Additional programming is available at the three Theatres - d&b Soundscape Theatre, PLASA Show Seminar Theatre and Product Training Theatre.