Since 2012, Moscow has hosted the country’s most significant professional gathering for the entertainment technology sector: Light + Audio Tec. Formerly known as Prolight + Sound NAMM Russia, this international trade fair has cemented its position as the only Russian exhibition dedicated to lighting, sound, stage equipment, video technologies, and comprehensive AV solutions. As the industry prepares for the 2026 event, the show is undergoing a major transformation that promises to make it an even more central hub for professionals.
A New Era: The 2026 Merger and Relocation
The upcoming edition, scheduled for September 15-17, 2026, marks a pivotal moment for the industry. The organizers, Gefera Media, and the creators of the AV FOCUS forum series have announced a strategic merger. This integration means the Moscow AV FOCUS forum will be fully embedded into the Light + Audio Tec exhibition, creating a unified platform that will be a one-stop destination for industry professionals.
Adding to the excitement, the event is relocating to the Timiryazev Centre in Moscow, promising a modern and expansive setting for the 2026 edition. The AV Club will play a crucial role in the new format, providing expert navigation through the various solutions, exhibitors, and thematic zones to help different types of visitors make the most of their experience.
Key Figures: The Scale of the Event
The 2025 edition of Light + Audio Tec demonstrated the event’s substantial scale, drawing significant participation from both domestic and international players. According to official data, the event featured:
- 214 exhibitors from 3 countries (Russia, China, and Belarus).
- Over 15,000 square meters of exhibition space.
- 13,478 unique visitors.
- 83 hours of business, educational, and entertainment programming.
- Participation from 26 regions of the Russian Federation.
A Glimpse into the Expo: Lighting, Sound, and Effects
The exhibition floor is a vibrant showcase of the latest technologies that bring events to life. The 2024 and 2025 expositions highlight the breadth of innovation on display.
Leading Lighting and Sound: ACME Lighting made a powerful impression at the 2024 show, featuring fixtures like the SUPERNOVA and TORNADO. The company created an immersive experience where dynamic lighting effects were perfectly synchronized with live music, captivating visitors at their booth. The 2024 edition saw industry giant Anzhee debuting a new line of sound equipment alongside its PROСВЕТ lighting series, while veteran company A&T Trade used the event to strengthen partner relationships rather than just showcasing products. A major theme was the display of audio-visual integration solutions, with companies like ZABKZ demonstrating complete system packages and earning recognition for their innovative AV solutions.
More Than Just Light and Sound: The expo is also a hub for specialized equipment. Kreator AV focused on advanced video display solutions, including custom video wall panels and conference equipment. For those seeking spectacular stage effects, Showven, the inventor of the SPARKULAR cold spark effect, featured a range of pyrotechnic and atmospheric solutions, including flame generators, heavy smoke machines, and CO2 effect alternatives. Russian manufacturer GLOBAL EFFECTS also demonstrated its locally produced line of effect machines, from confetti blasts to snow and foam generators, underscoring the growing strength of domestic production.
A Rich Educational and Networking Program
The Light + Audio Tec exhibition transforms into the industry’s premier business platform through its extensive program of forums, conferences, and workshops. The 2026 program is already shaping up to be highly diverse, including key events such as the XII Theatre Forum, which unites equipment suppliers with cultural institutions. There is also a conference dedicated to integrators and end-users called “Corporate Multimedia and IT Solutions 2026” and a specialized track for those equipping sports facilities.
Sound professionals are catered to with the “Dialogues about Sound” conference, where renowned sound engineers share their expertise. Lighting designers can look forward to a basking tournament, providing a live competitive platform to showcase their skills, along with dedicated workshops led by leading lighting artists. Finally, technical tours offer a curated way for specialists to discover the newest innovations on the exhibition floor.
Looking Ahead
With its strategic merger, new venue, and continued commitment to a rich program of events, Light + Audio Tec 2026 is poised to be the most significant gathering yet for Russia’s entertainment technology industry. It offers an essential platform for suppliers and manufacturers, rental companies and system integrators, sound engineers, lighting designers, musicians, producers, and representatives from cultural and sports institutions to connect, learn, and do business. As one participant’s post-show review aptly noted, the event proved that the industry is not just surviving but thriving, with much to offer the market.
