China and the international market strengthen ties through Prolight + Sound Guangzhou

The China Entertainment Technology Association (CETA), which represents nearly 3,000 member companies, has joined Prolight + Sound Guangzhou (PLSG) as a co-organiser alongside Messe Frankfurt and STE.

The three partners have also signed a strategic agreement to strengthen connections between the Chinese and international professional audio, video and lighting markets. The 25th edition will take place from 27 to 30 May 2027 and will introduce new themed halls.

With CETA joining the event, Prolight + Sound Guangzhou is now jointly organised by Messe Frankfurt, Guangdong International Science and Technology Exhibition Co Ltd (STE) and CETA.

Why CETA matters

CETA is one of China's leading national associations in the entertainment equipment sector. Its nearly 3,000 member companies cover the entire value chain: professional audio and video, professional lighting, stage effects, Chinese and Western musical instruments and systems integration. It also has a network of more than 2,000 industry experts, 11 branch offices and 29 representative offices across China, helping to increase the show's visibility throughout the country.

This development comes at a time of market growth: in 2025, China's culture and related industries recorded record revenue, up 8.8% year on year.

By combining our resources in lighting, audio, video and stage machinery with our nationwide network of experts, the aim is to establish PLSG as a leading international showcase for Chinese innovation and manufacturing, said Gaowu Fu, Chairman of CETA.

Three roles in one show

Each partner brings different capabilities. Messe Frankfurt contributes its international network: its Event and Entertainment Technologies portfolio brings together approximately 4,500 international exhibitors and more than 270,000 industry buyers and experts, while its sales network reaches around 180 countries and regions. STE, a UFI member with more than 20 years of experience, contributes its knowledge of the local market. CETA adds its resources within the Chinese industry.

Jingfeng Cai, Executive Director of STE, commented: "More than two decades on, Prolight + Sound Guangzhou has grown into the world's largest and one of the most influential annual events for the professional AV industry, attracting leading global brands, distributors, contractors and buyers each year".

A two-way agreement

The strategic cooperation agreement signed by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, STE and CETA focuses on expanding access between domestic and international markets: helping leading international brands and technologies enter the Chinese market and supporting Chinese companies as they expand internationally.

Richard Li, Executive Director of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, commented: "Through our strategic cooperation on PLSG, we want to leverage Messe Frankfurt's global industry business network to help international technologies, products and brands gain access to the Chinese market, while giving high-quality Chinese products key access to international markets".

Together, these strengths offer comprehensive support for technical needs, international exhibiting and overseas expansion, helping Chinese manufacturing reach global markets faster, added Kerstin Horaczek, Vice President of Technology Shows at Messe Frankfurt.

What's new for 2027

For its 25th edition, taking place from 27 to 30 May 2027, PLSG will launch a series of new themed halls, including the Stage Machinery Brand Name Hall and the Lighting and Multi Brand Name Hall, expanding the range of content and opportunities available at the event.

Photos: © Messe Frankfurt