Messe Frankfurt Hong Kong, in partnership with VNU Exhibitions Asia Pacific, has announced the launch of Prolight + Sound Bangkok (PLSB), a new regional platform for the entertainment and professional AV sectors. Scheduled to debut from 30 September to 2 October 2026 at the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre (BITEC), PLSB will leverage the Thai capital’s strategic position at the heart of Southeast Asia, offering access to a broader consumer market of more than 670 million people.
The new industry show is backed by Messe Frankfurt’s global resources and industry expertise – through its flagship fairs Prolight + Sound Frankfurt and Prolight + Sound Guangzhou – along with VNU Exhibitions Asia Pacific’s deep regional expertise and well-established local network. As such, PLSB is poised to serve as a key gateway for international suppliers looking to enter and expand across ASEAN, while acting as a nexus for innovation and industry growth in the region.
Thailand’s growing entertainment, live events and tourism sectors present significant headroom for investment in audio, lighting, staging, professional AV integration and immersive experiences, while the new show will also capitalise on Bangkok’s exceptional regional connectivity. The latest expansion of the Prolight + Sound brand, first announced at a press conference at Music China on 22 October, further benefits from strong institutional and cross-industry support as one of nine fairs in Messe Frankfurt’s global Events and Entertainment Technologies network.
‘Our Events and Entertainment Technologies portfolio, including our Prolight + Sound trade fair brand, connects a worldwide network of industry pioneers, manufacturers and decision-makers,’ said Ms Kerstin Horaczek, Vice President, Technology, Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH. ‘Prolight + Sound Bangkok is a natural extension of the brand into Southeast Asia, bringing our vast resources and expertise in professional AV and entertainment technology to a region ready for transformation. Exhibitors can expect global exposure, high-calibre buyers and a powerful platform for growth.’
PLSB will pair Messe Frankfurt’s global strengths with Southeast Asia’s abundant opportunities and serve as a launchpad for cutting-edge international brands and suppliers to enter this vibrant market.
Mr Richard Li, Executive Director of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, said: ‘By utilising the worldwide innovation pipeline and global brand resources of Prolight + Sound Guangzhou, a premier industry showcase, the new Bangkok fair will help elevate Southeast Asia’s industry and give respected industry names, international exhibitors and forward-thinking SMEs a cost-effective, high-impact path into the region – including brand exposure, channel building and order generation. We’re enabling the world’s leading professional AV and entertainment players to enter ASEAN efficiently and scale with confidence, while paving the way for local industry growth.’
Serving as a two-way bridge, Messe Frankfurt will connect global innovation and international brands with ASEAN demand, while VNU Exhibitions Asia Pacific’s market knowledge sets the stage for smooth local partnerships and tangible results.
‘With decades of experience in organising successful exhibitions across ASEAN, VNU Exhibitions Asia Pacific provides deep market understanding, strong buyer networks and operational excellence,’ said Mr Justin Pau, CEO of VNU Exhibitions Asia Pacific. ‘Bangkok is well positioned to host a world-class entertainment technology show, thanks to favourable government policies and strong demand in Thailand and beyond. Our proven collaboration with Messe Frankfurt, including for Meat Pro Asia, demonstrates a shared commitment to delivering impact for exhibitors and visitors. Together, we aim to build Prolight + Sound Bangkok into the premier hub for ASEAN’s entertainment technology ecosystem.’
Tourism remains a key driver of the industry, and with both business and leisure travel on the rise, Thailand’s booming tourism sector makes Bangkok an ideal location for the debut show. The city welcomed over 35 million visitors and was ranked the world’s number one city for tourism in 2024. Visa-free and visa-on-arrival access, paired with excellent air connectivity, will make international participation convenient. Bangkok is also a leading MICE destination, ranking seventh globally and number one in ASEAN for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions.
Supporting this growth, government initiatives such as Thailand 4.0, the Creative Economy Plan, and soft power programmes are driving increased investment in the professional AV sector.
Global festivals such as Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) and Tomorrowland are set to launch in Thailand, setting the stage for further industry expansion. The night-time economy – from luxury hotels and rooftop bars to clubs and theatres – is also investing heavily in AV and lighting upgrades. Landmark venues such as ICONSIAM and Phuket Carnival Magic, alongside vibrant annual festivals like Songkran, highlight a strong need for integrated audio, lighting, staging and display solutions.
Amid this dynamic environment, Prolight + Sound Bangkok (PLSB) strives to become the region’s leading and most innovative professional AV and entertainment showcase, fostering greater sourcing and partnership opportunities. To realise this vision, core product categories have been thoughtfully curated to meet the needs of Thailand and the wider ASEAN market. These include:
Professional audio equipment and technology
Conferencing and AV equipment
Professional lighting equipment and technology
Stage equipment and technology
LED and display technology
Music and related equipment
This specialised spectrum of interconnected categories mirrors Southeast Asia’s end-market needs – from festivals, concerts and nightlife to hospitality, cultural attractions and corporate AV. By convening global brands and regional buyers, Prolight + Sound Bangkok aims to unlock boundless business opportunities for the professional AV and entertainment industry in a high-potential market.
Prolight + Sound Bangkok is organised by Messe Frankfurt and VNU Exhibitions Asia Pacific. For more details about the show, visit www.prolightsound-bangkok.com or email plsb@hongkong.messefrankfurt.com and plsb@vnuasiapacific.com.