I am just back from participating at Prolight + Sound – one of the world’s most important entertainment tech shows all about audiovisuals (AV), sounds, lighting, and more.

Organised by and at Messe Frankfurt, Mira Wölfel, the Director of Prolight + Sound, kindly invited me to deliver a keynote on regenerative event production. This gave me the opportunity to explore what is happening with sustainability in the AV world, an area of event production that is frequently overlooked by sustainability and AV professionals.

First of all, kudos to Messe Frankfurt for leading through sustainability by introducing a dedicated sustainability education track, raising awareness on key sustainability issues and organising Green Tours on the show floor.

One of the most powerful moments came from fellow keynote speaker Claire O’Neil, CEO of a Greener Future, who shared insights into Massive Attack’s Act 1.5 concert – a groundbreaking event that redefined what a low-emissions live show can look like. The tour embraced everything from rethinking how to power and travel to a concert, to a 100% vegan menu and in-depth carbon reporting. The event in Bristol, UK, won recognition from the Guinness World Records for the concert with the lowest carbon footprint. (Read more via NME: Massive Attack’s Act 1.5)

Other artists like Coldplay and Billie Eilish are also taking bold steps to rethink touring, integrate low-carbon systems, and hold themselves publicly accountable, inspiring the live events sector to rethink what’s possible when it comes to more sustainable live music.

I participated in a Green Tour that introduced me to suppliers innovating in energy efficiency, circular design, and zero-emissions tech. Thanks to Laura Fähndrich, Sustainability Management Officer, EVVC e.V. (Europäischer Verband der Veranstaltungs-Centren, or European Association of Event Ventures), for highlighting some inspiring examples highlighting current trends in sustainable AV:

• Energy efficiency: Cameo (Adam Hall) – Their latest P6 LED Profile Spotlight cuts power consumption by 70%, replacing traditional halogen fixtures with high-performance efficiency. Likewise, VisionTwo ‘s Relite Kits provide the same number of Lumens of their previous halogen light but for 85 – 90 percent less energy.

• Creativity: VeloConcerts – A stage packed into a cargo bike running entirely on batteries and made from sustainably-sourced materials. It boasts zero emission energy transfer, is ultra-mobile, and ready to rock ‘n roll in seven minutes.

• Holistic thinking: Mott Mobile System – Champions of circular furniture and fighting. They are aiming for full CO₂ and waste neutrality by 2030. They have a holistic sustainable manufacturing operation revolving around sustainable and local supplier and material sourcing, renewable energy in their facilities, and reuse/repair of their furniture.

• Circular design: Vari-Lite – Introduced a new VL2600 light that extends fixture lifespan and cuts down on waste and material turnover by allowing for upgrading of the LED Engine in the light. Simple but brilliant.

Most Images (c) Messe Frankfurt – Jochen Günther

The Green Tour was awesome, and there are some pioneering suppliers, but, in general, the sustainability story on the showfloor was much harder to make out. Many vendors lacked clear messaging or information about their products’ environmental features. I asked a couple of companies that had green claims on their screens, and they could not tell me what they meant. In general, it felt like a missed beat in what could have been a full chorus of climate-forward innovation.

While the show must go on, it’s helpful to remember that it’s not solely the efforts of the entertainment tech sector that transform its impacts. Batteries delivering low- or no-emissions energy transfer are made from rare earth minerals, metals, and persistent chemicals, all taken from nature and, in their current form, have a limited shelf life before having to be discarded. The evolution of battery technology will energise the event sector’s transition and it’s one we eagerly await.  Until then, reuse and recyclability of these products depend on a myriad of factors, require conscious design, and are not commonplace yet.

AV sustainability is often overlooked by event organisers. The next time you plan your event, need to upgrade your AV systems, or design a show or conference, consider your sustainable audiovisual opportunities. Ask your AV suppliers and team:

At the end of the song we opened this post with, Marvin’s twist turns the tables to say, “I’ll tell you, what’s going on”, so here’s my take:

Right now, the AV sector ‘s sustainability practices are shifting tempo in a cool way. Pioneers such as Frankfurt Messe, a Greener Future, some progressive bands and a lot of passionate professionals are showing the way, and demonstrating that good practice is sustainable, resilient, and good business. If we are to find our regenerative rhythm, all members of the sounds and light band need to work better together, up their game, and communicate better.