A number of exhibitors have pulled out of the rescheduled Prolight+Sound exhibition due to scheduling clashes. Yamaha, Nexo, d&b audiotechnik, Allen & Heath, Martin Audio, and German lighting manufacturer JB Lighting have so far announced they won't be exhibiting at the show, which was put back to 26-29 May due to the rapid spread of Covid-19 in Europe. A tweet from d&b audiotechnik states: “With the announcement of Prolight+Sound moving to May, we have decided we are unable to participate due to the logistics of the new date, including quality of experience for partners and customers. Apologies for any disappointment, we will reassess for next year.” In a joint statement, Nils-Peter Keller, senior director Pro Audio & AV Group, Yamaha Music Europe, and Nexo CEO Jean Mullor said: “As two of the leading brands in the professional audio industry, many staff and customers of both companies will be gearing up for the busy outdoor festival season during the show’s revised dates at the end of May. Therefore, it is with regret that we have now decided not to exhibit at Prolight + Sound 2020. Both Yamaha and Nexo are naturally very disappointed that we will not be present at the show this year and we look forward to an opportunity to return in 2021.” Also announcing its decision on Twitter, Allen & Heath said in a statement: tweeting: "With Prolight+Sound 2020 having moved to new dates (May 26-29), we’ve made the reluctant decision not to attend this year’s show as unfortunately the new schedule just doesn't work for our teams." Meanwhile, Martin Audio also confirmed on the social network that it has cancelled its participation, stating that the company will focus on welcoming clients to its open days, to be held on 17-19 March at its HQ in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire.
"The ongoing spread of Covid-19 in Europe called for a reassessment of the situation in close cooperation with the public-health authorities in Frankfurt who require that steps be taken to prevent event participants from high-risk regions coming to Frankfurt and visiting the fair when ill.”