Organised by Recolight, Circular Lighting Live 2026 is the event where those questions get answered. Taking place on 8th October at The Minster Building in the City of London, the conference brings together designers, specifiers, manufacturers, and supply chain professionals to explore the practical realities of a low-carbon future. Alongside the multitrack conference programme is an exhibition of sustainable lighting innovation.

Keynotes
The day opens with Vision 2040, in which John McRae, director of Orms, pictures a lighting industry beyond the take-make-use-waste model. A second keynote, Beyond Fast Lighting, sees Sabine De Schutter, founder of Studio De Schutter, argue for upcycling as design strategy.

Following the keynote presentation, delegates can choose from six specially curated sessions to get the most out of the day.

Data & Compliance: Alexander Flekler (WAGO) and Flavie Lowres (Recolight) unpack what EPDs mean for the supply chain; Neil McLean (Lutron Electronics) uncovers the tidal wave of circular economy legislation from Europe.

Innovation & Material: Niclas Thulin (Fagerhult) and Dean Skira examine how material choices and AI-driven design are cutting embodied carbon in new products.

Disruptive Design, the Role of Designers: Explores how independent lighting designers are shifting specification habits in response to regulation and client demand.

Projects Uncovered, Real World Lessons: Ryan Bean (CBRE) and John Bowden & Brendon Airey (Light Projects Evolve) present the remanufacture of Leadenhall Market’s historic fittings, offering lessons in heritage-sensitive circular practice.

Carbon Literacy: Sojan Johny (The Carbon Literacy Project) introduces the Carbon Literacy framework; Chris Newman (Albis) surveys the latest low-carbon and bio-based polycarbonates.

Confronting Cat A, Six Ways to Cut Waste: examines leasing models and design-for-reuse approaches to reduce waste from Cat A fit-outs.

The day also hosts the Build Back Better Awards 2026, celebrating creativity, innovation and environmental leadership in lighting.

Early Bird rate for manufacturers ends on 31st July
Manufacturer tickets are available at a reduced price, with an early bird rate available to end of July, plus a further discount for Recolight WEEE Compliance Scheme Members. Manufacturers are urged to secure their place now before the early bird deadline passes.

Free places for specifiers
Support from event sponsors means attendance is free for lighting specifiers. This includes independent lighting designers, architects, consulting engineers, wholesalers, and end-users. Specifiers are encouraged to reserve their complimentary delegate place as spaces are limited.

Circular Lighting Live 2026 is a timely opportunity for the whole lighting supply chain, specifiers, end users, manufacturers, remanufacturers, distributors, and contractors to understand the forces reshaping the products being made, stocked and specified, and the companies that supply them, as the industry moves toward a low-carbon, circular economy.

Book your place at www.circularlighting.live.

The conference is sponsored by Light Projects Evolve, Albis, Fagerhult, Thorlux Lighting, and WAGO.

A1 Lighting magazine are proud media supporters of Circular Lighting Live.

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Launched in 2022, LiGHT has rapidly established itself as one of the UK’s leading events for the lighting specification community. Bringing together architects, interior designers, lighting designers, engineers, specifiers and leading international lighting brands, the exhibition has become a valued platform for product discovery, learning, collaboration and networking.

The acquisition adds LiGHT to Messe Frankfurt’s globally recognised Light + Building portfolio and reinforces the organisation’s long-term commitment to supporting the lighting industry through world-class trade fairs and industry platforms. The portfolio includes established events in Frankfurt, Buenos Aires, Dubai, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Istanbul, Kuala Lumpur, Las Vegas, Mumbai, New Delhi, Shanghai, and Tashkent.

Messe Frankfurt UK will build on the strong foundations created by [d]arc media, while preserving the event’s distinctive community-focused identity and commitment to the lighting specification market. [d]arc media will remain closely involved, continuing to support the event through promotional activity and the curation of its highly regarded content programme.

Messe Frankfurt UK CEO, Simon Albert said of the deal, “LiGHT has become one of the most important meeting places for the UK lighting and design community in a remarkably short space of time. We have long admired what the [d]arc media team has built and the passionate community that has grown around the event.

This acquisition represents an exciting opportunity to support LiGHT’s continued growth as part of Messe Frankfurt’s international lighting portfolio, while carefully preserving the qualities that have made it such a success. We are committed to investing in the event for the long term and ensuring it continues to deliver exceptional value for exhibitors, visitors and the wider lighting industry.”

Paul James, MD of [d]arc media echoed the sentiments, “When considering the future of LiGHT, it was important for us to find a partner that not only had the scale and expertise to support the event’s growth, but also genuinely understood the lighting industry and the community we have built around it.

Messe Frankfurt UK shares our commitment to the sector and brings significant experience in delivering high-quality international events. We are excited to support the next chapter of LiGHT’s journey and look forward to seeing the event continue to flourish.”

LiGHT is part of Messe Frankfurt’s Light + Building Technology fair portfolio headed by the biennial Light + Building event in Frankfurt, Germany. The next edition will be held from 5th – 10th March 2028. Messe Frankfurt organises several trade fairs for the light and building technology sectors in Asia, Argentina, China, the UAE and the USA.

For more information on Light + Building shows worldwide, please visit www.light-building.com/brand.

Image courtesy of Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH/Jean-Luc Valentin.

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Johannes Möller, Vice President, Building Technologies Shows at Messe Frankfurt, to whom Marie Servais will report in future, welcomes the new colleague to the team: “With Marie Servais, we are gaining an industry expert with extensive trade fair experience. She brings with her both strategic expertise and a deep understanding of international event formats. Together with the experienced Light + Building team, she will continue to drive the successful development of the brand.”

Marie Servais is very much looking forward to her new role: “Light + Building is the world’s leading platform for lighting and building technology and, more than almost any other trade fair, stands for innovation, networking and the industry’s key future themes. I am very much looking forward to playing an active part in shaping the brand’s international development, together with partners, exhibitors and the team.”

As Project Director at DLG Markets GmbH, Marie Servais was responsible for Agritechnica, the world’s leading trade fair for agricultural technology, as well as for international event formats abroad. Most recently, the business graduate worked as Managing Director of Seligenstadt Marketing & Tourismus GmbH and as Economic Affairs Officer for the town of Seligenstadt. She therefore brings with her many years of experience in the international trade fair sector, as well as specialist knowledge in collaborating with industry partners.

The world’s leading trade fair for lighting and building services technology will take place from 5th to 10th March 2028 in Frankfurt am Main.

Image credit: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH/Pietro Sutera. 

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Key Figures from GILE and GEBT 2026:

• Visitors: 210,128 from 164 countries and regions
• Exhibitors: 2,802 from 18 countries and regions
• Scale: 210,000 sqm across Areas A and B of the China Import and Export Fair Complex

Ms Lucia Wong, General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, shared: “Our 2026 edition centred on five application pillars: Biological, Emotional, Digital, Ecological and Immersive, showcasing a wide range of lighting solutions, fixtures and intelligent technologies. We were delighted to see the lively atmosphere of exchange at the show and the cross-sector collaboration that followed. We look forward to welcoming you back to Guangzhou next year!”

Exhibitors’ comments
“GILE is an essential trade fair for the global lighting industry, serving as a place to spot new developments, showcase new products, and build international cooperation. The new China Lighting Capital Hall built on this by giving global buyers a unified view of what Guzhen has to offer. As a regional sales platform, we organised a shared display with five brands to highlight the strength of the area’s supply chain, its extensive product range, and our streamlined sourcing process. The event attracted large crowds and generated a significant number of enquiries from around the globe, and we fully expect to return for the next edition,” said Mr Boson Chen, Director, C&D • Star Alliance.

“We have participated in GILE for over a decade. For this edition, our company showcased smart health lighting applications for office, residential, and commercial spaces, along with high-efficiency outdoor lighting products and smart street lighting. The show drew strong international participation, offering an excellent platform for exchange among supply chain partners, distributors, designers, end users, and project clients. I also noticed that visitors this year were more willing to sit down for detailed discussions about products, applications, and technology, which helped us to identify client needs more quickly and accurately,” said Mr Quan Li, Director of Branding, Guangdong PAK Corporation Co Ltd.

“We presented our first smart urban lighting system at GILE 2026, alongside streetlights with emergency storage, solar power, and AI features. Leveraging the fair’s strong industry reputation, we aim to further expand our customer base, particularly in overseas markets. Previous editions have brought us many new clients, and GILE remains our preferred platform for launching future technologies and solutions,” said Mr Leo Li, General Manager of the Product R&D Centre, Hangzhou Hpwinner Lighting Equipment Co Ltd.

“Our company made a strong showing at GILE 2026 with several new products. Our new Meta ecosystem lineup covers a wide range of hardware, including Meta smart panels, smart drives and dedicated controllers. When we first exhibited here, we had just a standard 9 sqm booth. We have since grown to occupy more than 100 sqm, and over the years, visitors’ awareness and recognition of the Ltech brand have grown steadily,” said Ms Cissy Yang, Marketing Director, Zhuhai Ltech Technology Co Ltd.

“GILE is widely recognised for its reach across the industry, making it an ideal platform for connecting with overseas buyers. On the opening day of the exhibition, we welcomed several European clients and established contact with buyers from Japan and South Korea. Since May 2026, Europe now requires all new buildings in the region to be equipped with intelligent building control systems as standard. In response, Kegu is advancing the integration of its LED power supplies with smart control systems and will continue to use GILE to grow our presence in overseas markets,” said Mr Evan Pan, Domestic Sales Manager, Kegu Power Electronics Co Ltd.

“For GILE 2026 we took a different approach for our display, presenting products that combine the aesthetic appeal of home décor with the functionality of commercial lighting. As the industry’s premier annual exhibition, GILE remains the first choice for professionals seeking new technologies and the latest product trends. Covering the entire lighting fixture supply chain, from electrical components and light sources to optics, GILE offers an efficient one-stop sourcing platform for the industry,” said Mr Cheng Peng, Deputy Marketing Director, Seity Light (Zhongshan) Co Ltd.

Visitors’ insights
“I work in electrical design at the Huizhou Architectural Design Institute and frequently liaise with the fit-out department, so I am particularly eager to learn first-hand about the latest lighting control technologies. For major projects such as cultural and tourism developments, lighting requirements are extremely high, and we cannot afford to fall behind. With so many cutting-edge products on display, GILE provides a valuable opportunity to stay up to date with industry trends,” said Mr Honghui Liu, Deputy Chief Engineer, Huizhou Architectural Design Institute Co Ltd.

“I’ve been coming to GILE for many years and have never been disappointed. I am mainly looking for indoor and outdoor industrial lighting, specifically products integrating sensors and remote controllers that expand product functionality. While exploring the fair, I’ve had some fantastic experiences with local suppliers and even got a chance to chat face-to-face with some of our existing suppliers. Meeting in person is a great way to signal that we are heavily invested and involved in the industry,” said Mr Kenneth Pedersen, CEO, NORDIKLED (Denmark).

“One major reason why so many overseas professionals travel to Guangzhou for GILE is the inherently competitive nature of the modern lighting industry. Because the market has become so fast-paced, you absolutely have to be at the forefront of where technology is heading and where product development is moving. I have found the hospitality from exhibitors and the community this year to be overwhelmingly welcoming, perhaps even more so than in previous years, and that is something you can really only find here at GILE,” said Mr Marc Rudman, Global Product Manager – Lighting, Luceco Group (United Kingdom).

“We came to GILE for the first time this year because the fair is known for defining the absolute latest global trends, introducing breakthrough products, and debuting cutting-edge technology. My first impression has been great – excellent, actually. Everyone involved in setting up the booths, the concurrent events, and the exhibition themes deserves immense recognition for what they’ve achieved,” said Mr Danjel (Dani) Biturku, Purchasing Manager, AHF (Albania).

Industry perspectives align to shape future applications 
GILE 2026 hosted over 100 forums and seminar sessions, bringing together industry professionals across sectors to exchange ideas on topics ranging from AI-driven lighting, health lighting, and residential aesthetics to urban applications. The programme reflected the evolving boundaries of the industry, as lighting continues to intersect with health, design, and the built environment.

For the “Luce e Design International Design Forum”, GILE once again welcomed leading Italian design magazine Luce e Design as co-organiser. The forum explored the relationship between light and interior design, architectural design, industrial design, lifestyle, and culture.

“Lighting can perform miracles. It can elevate an ordinary space or transform a poorly designed one. Designers attending a forum like this should leave feeling inspired, empowered, and thinking, ‘Yes, this is absolutely something we can achieve.’ What keeps me coming back to GILE year after year is a deep sense of tradition and the strong network the fair has built. It serves as a phenomenal, constructive platform for professionals to gather, socialise, and reconnect with long-time industry peers and trusted suppliers,” said Mr Hen-Chao Shih, General Manager & Design Director, J+B Studios Architectural Lighting

At the deLIGHTed Talks Asia Forum, guests from around the world came together to discuss future trends and applications in health lighting, covering topics from science and market development to industry standards.

“GILE 2026 is truly ahead of the curve. Through collaborations like this panel, organised by the Good Light Group Asia, we are building a movement to promote healthier lighting. I hope it will gain even broader support from international scientists and major corporations alike, advancing the global lighting market toward real, scientifically validated well-being solutions. Beyond the discussions, I was also encouraged to see exhibitors developing new scientifically validated eye care solutions,” said Dr Anne Berends, CEO/CTO and Co-founder, SunLED Life Science (Netherlands).

The Lighting Design Forum for Rural Hotels and Guest houses focused on how lighting design can enhance the living environment and improve the guest experience in rural hospitality settings.

“My work spans traditional cultural performance and immersive productions, and I have worked with venues such as art galleries, restaurants and teahouses. Guest houses are an area I would like to explore further. After hearing case studies on lighting design for such spaces, I have become more aware of the emotional value that lighting can bring. In the future, whether staying in a hotel or working with art spaces and cultural venues, I will pay closer attention to lighting design,” said Ms Honglie Zhang, Founder, Si Chuang Lu Kunqu Club.

The next editions of Guangzhou International Lighting Exhibition and Guangzhou Electrical Building Technology will be held from 9 – 12 June 2027. Both shows are part of Messe Frankfurt’s Light + Building Technology fairs headed by the biennial Light + Building event. The next edition will be held from 5 – 10 March 2028 in Frankfurt, Germany.

Messe Frankfurt organises several trade fairs for the light and building technology sectors in Asia, including smarteX Malaysia, International Smart Space Exhibition, Shanghai Intelligent Building Technology, Shanghai Smart Home Technology and Parking China. The company’s lighting and building technology trade fairs also cover the markets in Argentina, India, Türkiye, the UAE and the US.

For more information on Light + Building shows worldwide, please visit http://www.brand.light-building.com.

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Headline sponsored by Robe and supported by official sponsors Absen, A.C. Entertainment Technologies and Leisuretec, the UK’s market-leading trade event for live entertainment technology will once again bring together leading brands, breakthrough products, practical training, live demonstrations and invaluable face-to-face connections across lighting, audio, AV, staging, rigging and production.

Taking place as Olympia enters an exciting new chapter of redevelopment, PLASA Show 2026 will offer visitors an enhanced experience both inside and around the venue, with refreshed facilities and new destination spaces set to elevate the show for exhibitors and attendees alike.

Leading brands and new names join the show floor

PLASA Show 2026 will welcome a wide range of established manufacturers, distributors, service providers, and emerging brands from across the live entertainment technology sector.

Visitors will be able to explore the latest lighting, audio, AV, staging, rigging, control, production and software solutions from companies including A.C. Entertainment Technologies, Ambersphere Solutions, ETC, Chauvet Professional, GLP, Highlite International, Prolight Concepts, Area Four Industries, Doughty Engineering, Total Solutions Group, TAF, Sixty82, Sennheiser, Audio-Technica, d&b audiotechnik, L-Acoustics, KV2 Audio, RCF UK, Nexo, EM Acoustics, Adamson Systems Engineering, POLAR, FBT Audio, PSCo Group, ROE Visual, Epson, Vectorworks UK, Rentman, Current RMS, Solotech, Leisuretec, Entedi, BeamZ, AED UK, Canford Audio, Link UK Solutions, Neutrik, Sound Devices, Solid State Logic, TiMax Spatial and many more.

The 2026 show floor will also feature a strong line-up of new exhibitors, including 10K Used Gear, Arcane Wizards, Alustage, CableJoG, DAS Audio Group, DTS Lighting, FLIKO, MaestroDMX, MODE, Nosya Electronics Company Limited, Gloshine, Hong Kong Acme Electric, hyper.space, J-Power International, Mission Control, ModTruss, Naostage, PixelLogic Solutions, Raycom, Roadie Reboot, Smoke Factory, Spotrack, Sunbelt Rentals, Taylorleds UK/Audiotek and Visualization.

Together, the exhibitor line-up reflects the breadth of today’s entertainment technology industry, from major global brands to specialist suppliers, creative tools, technical services, and emerging product innovators.

Live demos, training and technical discovery

Over three days, visitors will be able to get hands-on with the technology shaping live events, theatre, concerts, installations, broadcast and production.

Headline sponsor Robe will return with live show-floor performances, giving visitors the chance to experience its latest lighting technology in action.

The show will also feature dedicated demo rooms from Absen, RCF UK, KV2 Audio and Barco, giving visitors the opportunity to experience the latest technologies in focused environments away from the busy show floor. Further details will be shared soon.

Popular show features will also return, including Classic Gear Live, the Innovation Gallery, the Careers and Networking Hub, and the PLASA Awards for Innovation.

A programme built around the industry’s biggest conversations

The PLASA Show seminar programme will return with expert-led sessions exploring the ideas, challenges and opportunities shaping the industry.

Designed for professionals at every stage of their career, the programme will offer practical insight for technicians, designers, engineers, production teams, freelancers, business owners, students and senior decision-makers.

Olympia’s next chapter elevates the visitor experience

As Olympia continues its major transformation, PLASA Show 2026 will take place at a particularly exciting moment for the historic London venue.

The redevelopment is set to bring improved facilities, new hospitality spaces and a more connected destination experience, helping visitors make even more of their time at the show.

For the entertainment technology community, PLASA Show remains not only a place to discover products, but a vital meeting point for collaboration, conversation and industry connection.

Celebrating innovation

The PLASA Awards for Innovation, run in association with LSi, will return to recognise the most forward-thinking products launched over the past 12 months.

Entries are now open, with an early bird deadline of 31st July 2026 and a final entry deadline of 21st August 2026. The awards are judged by an independent panel of industry experts, recognising genuine innovation in entertainment technology.

All nominated products will be displayed in the Innovation Gallery, giving visitors the chance to explore the technologies, tools and ideas pushing the industry forward. Winners will be announced during a special presentation at the show.

A vital gathering for entertainment technology

Sophie Atkinson, Head of Events at PLASA, comments:

“PLASA Show is where the entertainment technology industry comes together, to discover new products, share knowledge, strengthen relationships and celebrate the people behind live events and production.

With Robe returning as headline sponsor, a strong exhibitor line-up already confirmed, and Olympia entering an exciting new phase of redevelopment, 2026 is shaping up to be a standout year for the show.”

Register for free

PLASA Show 2026 takes place at Olympia, London from 6th – 8th September 2026.

Registration is free for a limited time. From 1st – 5th September, visitor registration will cost £15 + VAT, with on-the-door registration priced at £20 + VAT from 6th – 8th September.

To make planning a visit even easier for international attendees, the PLASA Show website is now available in Dutch, German and Swedish, alongside English.

Find out more and register for your free badge: www.plasashow.com

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“For a project of this scale, we were looking for a partner capable of combining the highest standards of lighting quality with the operational requirements of a global traveling event,” explains Jessica Gauvin, managing director of Expomobilia. “ERCO convinced us not only technologically, but also supported the process collaboratively from the beginning.” 

At art fairs, lighting plays a decisive role in how artworks are perceived. It directs attention, supports spatial orientation, and influences the appearance of colors, materials, and surfaces. Particularly in the context of commercial galleries, the demands are exceptionally high: exhibitions change frequently, presentations need to remain flexible, while consistently ensuring the highest quality of light. ERCO contributes decades of experience in lighting galleries, museums, and cultural institutions worldwide. At the core is a lighting approach that combines precise optics, flexible light distributions, and high efficiency.

The requirements of Art Basel extend far beyond conventional exhibition lighting. The infrastructure must operate reliably at different venues worldwide, allow for rapid installation, and withstand the logistical demands of an international fair operation. Together with Expomobilia, ERCO therefore developed a modular lighting system featuring spotlights with interchangeable optics and durable LED technology. In addition, a dedicated transport and logistics concept with specially developed flight cases was created for repeated worldwide use. “Art Basel is not a static venue, but a global platform,” says Jessica Gauvin. “The solution therefore had to be equally flexible, robust, and efficient.”

Sustainability considerations also played a key role in the development of the new lighting infrastructure. The luminaires are designed for long-term use over a period of more than 20 years and across multiple international editions of the fair. ERCO follows an approach that focuses not only on energy efficiency, but also on high lighting effectiveness with minimal spill light. Precise light distribution directs the light specifically onto the artworks, enabling the applied light output to be used efficiently. “Reducing our ecological footprint is an important objective within our sustainability strategy,” explains Lea Matern, Sustainability Manager at MCH Group.

The partnership with Art Basel further underlines ERCO’s expertise in the field of commercial gallery lighting. Unlike traditional museum settings, lighting solutions in this sector must respond to changing exhibitions, variable hanging arrangements, and short conversion cycles. ERCO’s current “Guide to Lighting Design for Art Galleries” demonstrates how lighting can be strategically used to support curatorial quality, flexibility, and efficient operation. Following Art Basel in Basel 2026, ERCO will document the project in a detailed case study, offering further insights into technical implementation, logistics, and global fair operations.

Image © ERCO GmbH, www.erco.com; photography: Gavriil Papadiotis.

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Run in association with LSi, the awards are independently judged by a team of trusted industry experts. Entrants will have the opportunity to present their products to the judges on-site at PLASA Show 2026, with the winners announced at the show on the evening of Monday 7th September.

All shortlisted products will be showcased on the Innovation Gallery, at the heart of the PLASA Show, from 6th – 8th September, and online in the show’s Virtual Innovation Gallery.

The Awards for Innovation are open to everyone, whether you’re a PLASA member, exhibiting at PLASA Show, or simply have something truly innovative to share.

If you submit your entry by Friday 31st July, you could save up to £220 with the Early Bird rate. Plus, your entry will benefit from inclusion in LSi’s PLASA Show Preview in the bumper September issue. Winners will also receive coverage in the October issue.

“Winning a PLASA Award for Innovation was a proud moment for our team, giving real recognition to the creativity behind our product and raising its profile across this unique industry,” comments Lois Williams of Luminous Showtech, who took home an award in 2025 for the innovative Hydra-Storm Rain Machine. “Launching the Hydra-Storm Rain Machine at PLASA Show 2025 and being able to call it ‘award-winning’ from the start was the perfect introduction.”

He continues: “We’d highly recommend entering the PLASA Awards for Innovation. It’s one of the few platforms that truly celebrates innovation in our industry and gives new ideas the spotlight they deserve. Beyond the recognition, it’s a unique chance to showcase your product in the Innovation Gallery, letting visitors see the product for themselves and sparking conversations.”

Up to eight products will be selected for a coveted Award for Innovation, and one standout could be honoured with the Gold Award. There’s also a dedicated Sustainability Award available for products that demonstrate meaningful environmental impact.

2025’s winners included a mix of boundary-pushing brands from across the industry – including Sennheiser, which won Gold for Spectera – the world’s first wideband, bidirectional wireless ecosystem. Other winners included:

• Disguise for its AI-powered Ask Ald3n software

• Powersoft for its NOTA 142 lipstick-size amplifier

• Doughty Engineering for its UK-manufactured Light Weight Quick Trigger

• Robe for its hyper-innovative ProFrost

• Vari-Lite for its next-gen luminaire, VLHive 151 Digital FX

The final deadline for entries is Friday 21st August 2026. 

To find out more and submit your entry, head to: www.plasashow.com/awards

The post 2026 PLASA Awards for Innovation open for entries appeared first on A1 Lighting Magazine.

This year’s expanded edition welcomed 2,909 attendees, including 2,311 visitors and 598 exhibitor personnel, with overall visitor numbers up 2 percent and exhibitor attendance up 3 percent on 2025. Across both days, the show recorded 3,658 visits, with many people returning for both days.

The show continued to attract a strong cross-section of decision-makers, technical professionals, creatives, students, freelancers, and business leaders. Directors, owners and chairpersons accounted for 16.8 percent of attendees, while 37.3 percent held final purchasing responsibility. Students represented an increased 13 percent of the audience, underlining the event’s growing role in supporting the next generation of industry talent.

A broad spread of sectors were represented, including live events, theatre and performing arts, concert and touring, festivals, corporate events, commercial AV, venues, education, broadcast, installations and more.

Visitor interests were also balanced across core technology areas, with audio, lighting, AV/video, rigging, stage engineering and power all strongly represented.

“PLASA Focus Leeds has always been about creating a space where people can connect properly, have useful conversations, and get hands-on with the technology shaping our industry,” said Sophie Atkinson, Head of Events at PLASA.

“This year’s expanded footprint allowed us to welcome more exhibitors and features, while keeping the friendly, focused atmosphere that makes Leeds so special. The quality of attendance, the engagement across the show floor, and the response from students and early-career professionals all show just how important this event continues to be.”

A focused show floor with more to discover

For 2026, PLASA Focus expanded further into the Royal Armouries, welcoming 211 exhibitors across lighting, audio, AV, rigging, staging, power, control, production services and more.

The show floor remained true to the Focus format, combining practical access to new technologies with a relaxed, easy-to-navigate environment. This year hosted a strong line-up of UK debuts and new releases across lighting, audio, rigging, control and connectivity.

Visitors could see products including Roxx’s UK debut Icon series, Ayrton’s MagicBlade Neo, Claypaky’s Arolla Aqua fixtures, Chauvet’s COLORado PXL Curve 1, HH Audio’s TNi-WX speakers, Neutrik’s True1 Data Connector Series, d&b audiotechnik’s U-Series speakers, ChamSys’ MediaMaster 26, RCF’s EVOX J9 and J11, Robe’s GigaPointe and EM Acoustics’ CS Series cardioid subwoofers.

Manufacturers, distributors, suppliers and service providers were able to meet visitors directly, compare products across disciplines, and discuss real-world applications with the people behind the technology.

“Every year PLASA Focus Leeds exceeds expectations with the quality of visitors, and this year was no exception. As always, the heart of PLASA is the people, catching up with old friends and making new connections.” said Bernie Marsh, Business Development Manager, Prolight Concepts Group.

“PLASA Focus Leeds 2026 was a fantastic show for Penn Elcom. It was great to reconnect with so many familiar faces from across the industry while also meeting plenty of new customers,” said Paulina Parda, Sales Support, Penn Elcom.

“PLASA Focus Leeds was once again a fantastic event for us this year. It remains an important meeting point for the industry, bringing together manufacturers, partners, customers and friends in a very relaxed and positive atmosphere,” said Eva Gerlach, CEO, Indu-Electric.

“With UK operations having been handled from Harrogate since KV2 Audio’s inception – PLASA Focus on ‘Home Turf’ is always valuable and an important part of our calendar,” said Tom Weldon, UK Sales Manager, KV2 Audio.

Industry support across the show

PLASA Focus 2026 was once again proudly supported by headline sponsor Ambersphere Solutions, alongside café sponsor IPS, courtyard sponsor LANG UK, video sponsor AV Matrix, and lanyard sponsor Leisuretec.

Official sponsors for 2026 included Adamson Systems Engineering, BeamZ, Disney Cruise Line, HH Audio, IPS, Link UK Solutions, PixelLogic Solutions, and RCF.

Their support helped shape a dynamic visitor experience across the venue, from the IPS-sponsored café and LANG UK’s courtyard presence to brand visibility, technology showcases and networking spaces throughout the show.

New features bring fresh energy

Among the new additions for 2026 was Speed Networking, which made its Leeds debut following the success of its London edition.

Delivered in collaboration with The Power of Events, Production Futures, and Access Industry, the feature offered students, freelancers and early-career professionals a structured way to meet people working across lighting, audio, AV, rigging, staging and live production.

Taking place in the IPS-sponsored café, where IPS marked its 20th anniversary, the sessions reflected the wider spirit of PLASA Focus in Leeds: approachable, practical, and centred around meaningful industry connection.

LANG UK also brought its Road to PLASA experience to the outdoor courtyard, with a custom-built demo truck offering visitors the chance to explore advanced video switching and compositing workflows in a mobile studio environment.

Meanwhile, EM Acoustics hosted a dedicated audio demo room, giving visitors a focused listening environment for its latest systems, including the CS15 subwoofer and Reference Series loudspeakers. KV2 Audio also returned with its popular audio demonstrations, while ChamSys delivered hands-on lighting control training across the show.

Learning, training and industry insight

Sponsored by LSi, the PLASA Focus seminar programme offered a wide-ranging mix of technical content, career advice, business insight and future-facing discussion.

Sessions explored key themes including technical skills development, AI, cyber security, sustainability, freelancing, employment law, funding, career pathways and industry best practice.

Together with hands-on demos and training, the programme gave visitors the opportunity to learn directly from industry experts while engaging with the wider conversations shaping entertainment technology.

Supporting new talent

The 2026 audience included a strong student and early-career presence, with students making up 13% of total attendees. Alongside the seminar programme and Speed Networking, the show provided a welcoming entry point for those looking to build confidence, ask questions, explore career routes and connect with employers, suppliers and industry professionals.

“PLASA Focus Leeds gave me a great opportunity to network with some of the biggest companies in the industry to explore employment options that are open to me post University. Everyone was happy to listen to my questions and give me great guidance and opportunities to help with my career progression,” said Callum Foy.

“It was such a brilliant show! I saw so much new equipment and learnt so much as a student. The variation in equipment was huge. I will definitely be attending next year!” said William Biker.

“A perfect place to network and speak with willing industry professionals… and walk away from the event being confident in my next steps regarding my professional future.” said Rummanah Promi.

Strong app engagement

The official PLASA Focus app continued to support the visitor experience, particularly across the expanded venue.

For 2026, the app recorded 2,023 unique logins, representing around 70% of total attendees. It also generated 513,364 impressions and 5,019 bookmarks, helping visitors browse exhibitors, save sessions, plan schedules, and navigate the show more efficiently.

Looking ahead

PLASA Focus returns to the Royal Armouries in Leeds on 11th – 12th May 2027, continuing its role as one of the UK’s most focused, friendly and practical meeting points for the live entertainment technology sector.

To register interest for next year’s edition, visit:
www.plasaleeds.com

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The 2026 edition is centred on the concept of “Light-Enhanced Living”, exploring five application pillars, Biological, Emotional, Digital, Ecological, and Immersive, as a framework for understanding light’s role across daily life, public space, commerce, agriculture and culture. Across the show floor, this range is presented through a variety of regional industry pavilions, application-led exhibition zones, curated installations and technology showcases.

China Lighting Capital Hall
New for 2026, the China Lighting Capital Hall (Area A, Hall 8.1) is dedicated to the town of Guzhen in Zhongshan city, Guangdong Province. With sales accounting for more than 70 percent of China’s domestic lighting market and half of the global market,^[1] Guzhen has developed into one of the world’s most significant centres for the industry.

Organised under the advisement of the Bureau of Commerce of Zhongshan City and the Guzhen Town People’s Government and co-organised by Guzhen Town Federation of Industry and Commerce (Chamber of Commerce), Zhongshan City, Zhongshan Lighting Electric Appliance Industry Association, Yang Lighting, Zhongshan Lighting Factory Cross-border Spot Alliance and Zhongshan Sima Cross-border Network Technology Co Ltd, this pavilion brings the expertise of the “Lighting Capital of China” to GILE. It connects project buyers, designers, cross-border e-commerce platforms and trade distributors with the town’s manufacturers and traders across a wide range of lighting categories, while giving local lighting enterprises a point of entry into international markets.

Household and Commercial lighting
For the home, lighting touches nearly every aspect of how a space is designed and lived in. Area B, covering household and commercial lighting (Halls 9.1 – 11.1, 9.2 – 11.2 and 9.3 – 10.3), approaches residential lighting across four areas: technology, health, aesthetics and sustainability. Smart controls and full-spectrum lighting are increasingly designed to align with daily routines, while recycled and low-carbon materials support more sustainable production. Aesthetically, minimalist and concealed lighting continues to define modern interiors, while natural materials and standalone fixtures serve as design focal points.

In commercial spaces, lighting has evolved from a basic operating expense into a practical business tool.  AI-enabled fixtures can respond to their environment in real time, adjusting office lighting based on natural light levels and occupancy or directing shoppers towards specific retail displays. Across both home and commercial applications, combining automated controls with circadian lighting enables users to fine-tune the mood and character of a space.

The area also hosts Design Aesthetics Exhibition III (Hall 10.1), presented in partnership with Italian magazine Luce e Design. Continuing an annual series that began with “East Meets West” (2024) and “A Tale of Two Circles” (2025), the 2026 edition, “Light, Space and the Future”, draws on art and nature to lead visitors through contrasting spatial experiences, tracing how light shifts in character as it moves between open, communal environments and quieter, more enclosed settings.

Urban & Cultural Tourism lighting
Urban and cultural tourism lighting occupies Area A (Halls 1.1 – 5.1), sitting at the intersection of technology, culture and sustainability. Projection mapping, intelligent dimming and scene programming are changing how historic buildings and regional landmarks are experienced after dark, extending their appeal late into the evening. Coordinated lighting schemes create visual continuity from major landmarks to residential streets, while AR technology allows visitors to access cultural and historical context as they move through these night-time environments.

Within Area A (Hall 1.1) the The Cultural Tourism Visual Show brings together leading companies across landscape lighting, interactive projection, stage effects and digital multimedia. It also features Visual Magic Box 2026, a curatorial project by Aladdin that unites directors, lighting designers, artists and engineering firms to create immersive experience spaces for the night-time tourism economy.

Growth categories in 2026: AI lighting, health lighting, power and components

Several product categories are emerging as major growth drivers for the industry, represented across both Area A (Halls 2.2 – 5.2) and Area B (Halls 9.2 – 10.2, 10.3).

AI lighting systems are increasingly designed to do illuminate. By sensing environmental conditions, responding to occupant behaviour and connecting with building IoT infrastructure, they create adaptive, personalised environments. The data they generate also supports “Light as a Service” as a viable commercial model, where lighting is no longer bought outright, but delivered as an ongoing, managed service.

AI health lighting applies the same capabilities to human health and wellbeing. Fixtures use AI data analysis to adjust light conditions in response to occupant needs, supporting health and comfort while also contributing to the low-carbon performance of the buildings they sit within.

Meanwhile, Power supplies and chip packaging (Area A: Halls 2.2 – 4.2) highlights the components that enable these advancements. Co-packaged light engine modules, combining drivers and chips into a single unit, are increasingly becoming the foundation on which AI-enabled lighting products are built.

Bio-optics and Smart Agricultural Lighting

Also making its debut at GILE 2026, this zone covers bio-lighting across six application settings: home gardens, office greenery, controlled-environment cultivation, smart seedling propagation, industrial collaboration and research commercialisation. Two concurrent events run alongside: the 2nd Guangya Smart Agricultural Lighting Award, recognising innovative and commercially viable agricultural lighting technologies, and the Guangya Digital Intelligence Forum in Agriculture, connecting early-career researchers, industry partners and practitioners to share findings and support pathways from the laboratory to the field.

Commenting on the vision behind this year’s edition, Ms Lucia Wong, General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd stated: “GILE gives the industry a platform to act on market opportunities and push forward with the innovation and transformation the sector needs. We remain committed to that purpose, and to working alongside our industry partners as the show continues to grow.”

Guangzhou International Lighting Exhibition and Guangzhou Electrical Building Technology are part of Messe Frankfurt’s Light + Building Technology fairs headed by the biennial Light + Building event.  The next edition will be held from 5th – 10th March 2028 in Frankfurt, Germany.

Messe Frankfurt organises several trade fairs for the light and building technology sectors in Asia, including smarteX Malaysia, International Smart Space Exhibition, Shanghai Intelligent Building Technology, Shanghai Smart Home Technology and Parking China. The company’s lighting and building technology trade fairs also cover the markets in Argentina, India, Türkiye, the UAE and the US

For more information on Light + Building shows worldwide, please visit http://www.brand.light-building.com.

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Peter Heath is stepping away from his role as managing director of the Professional Lighting and Sound Association (PLASA) to enjoy a well-earned retirement. He will remain in the position while a replacement is found and intends to continue to represent the Association through the #WeMakeEvents campaign and in a consultancy capacity post-retirement.

Since joining in 2016, Peter has helped transform PLASA’s industry perception – making it more approachable and collaborative while strengthening its financial position, supported by staff, the managing governing body (MGB), and the executive team.

Over the past decade at MD, Peter has overseen a number of significant developments for the Association, including the successful relocation of the PLASA Show from Excel London to Olympia. He also guided the organisation through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, during which he played an active role in championing the industry and supporting the #WeMakeEvents campaign.

Alongside his work with PLASA, Peter has contributed to the wider industry as a trustee of Backup Tech and is a regular participant in events such as BikeFest, activities he plans to continue.

In a career that spans over 35 years, prior to his time with PLASA, Peter was a well-known senior figure at Roland Corporation, where he ultimately became head of pro AV for Europe.

Reflecting on his time at PLASA, Peter comments: “Heading up PLASA has been a real privilege and a challenge. On the outside PLASA seems uncomplicated, however in reality it’s a very diverse business covering many areas within the industry and requiring a really strong team to make it work. The current PLASA team does that in spades. I’ve always focused on working together and expanding our reach and collaborative efforts – this is needed now more than ever if we are to achieve adequate understanding and recognition from governments.

I recognise that all journeys must end and mine is no exception. I’ve really enjoyed learning and shaping the business. Our members are absolutely core to everything PLASA does and they are an amazing diverse group that make all the effort absolutely worthwhile.”

Matt Lloyd, Chair of the PLASA board, adds: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank Peter for his energy, dedication and humility during his time as MD of PLASA. I was already on the board when Peter was appointed at what was a very tough time for PLASA – both from a reputation and financial standpoint; we really were against the ropes. It is fair to say that Peter embraced that challenge head-on, in the determined way that is so characteristic of him.”

He continues: “Around 2018, we joked about needing to wear hard hats when speaking to people in the industry in case they wanted to throw something at us! Peter has since developed and led the team to where we are today – the best financial health PLASA has ever been in, allowing us to do a record amount of work across the industry in supporting it. I hope Peter can look at what we have achieved and feel enormous pride in how he nurtured PLASA back to health, supported by an amazing team and board. We wish him all the very best in his next chapter, whatever that may bring.”

Peter concludes: “The bonds and relationships formed during my tenure will stay with me for the rest of my life and I look forward to staying connected where possible. Thank you to the staff, the executive board and the MGB, the members, other associations and all those who supported my efforts. It’s been a really great decade.”

Alongside consultancy and Backup Tech involvement, Peter plans to spend retirement “playing more music, playing more golf, and enjoying more time with family and grandchildren”.

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