Canadian Music Trade - October / November 2020 | Page 13

Prolight + Sound Details Health & Safety Measures for April 2021 Return Despite the difficult situation for the events industry , Prolight + Sound organizers say they ’ re on track for the coming edition from April 13-16 , 2021 , in Frankfurt , Germany . Messe Frankfurt says it ’ s responding to the industry ’ s desire to meet up in-person for the first time since the lockdown , to present new products , and to jointly send out positive and constructive signals for the event industry . They also say a comprehensive hygiene concept ensures safe participation and can be flexibly adapted to current requirements . The next MI-focused Musikmesse trade fair , which is usually held concurrently with Prolight + Sound , is instead being held from Oct . 22-24 , 2021 .
In consultation with health authorities , Messe Frankfurt has drawn up a detailed concept for the resumption of its events , which includes hygiene , medical , and organisational measures . Dispensing with the one-way street principle in the halls , the organisers have opted for corridors with a minimum width of 5 m , which can be walked on in both directions . In addition , there will be a spacious entrance area and additional waiting , communication , and lounge areas . Messe Frankfurt ’ s ventilation system supplies the exhibition halls with around 75 m ³ of fresh air per hour and person during the event , which , for comparison , it says is four times more than in open-plan offices and more than eight times as much as in normal hotel rooms . There are also adjustments in visitor management , including regulated ticketing with pure online advance booking and full registration . Messe Frankfurt is also implementing contactless access controls and is intensifying the cleaning of heavilyfrequented areas and spaces . As well , masks and disinfectants will be provided in sufficient quantities .
As far as stand planning is concerned , exhibitors will receive detailed information on special building regulations and recommendations in order to enable as many people as possible to visit their stands while maintaining the minimum distance of 1.5 m . Meeting and lecture areas can also be realized under certain conditions .
Up-to-date information about special requirements and measures is available at www . prolight-sound . com / hygiene .
PHOTO : MESSE FRANKFURT EXHIBITION / JOCHEN GUNTHER
Furch Guitars Gets Greener with Boost in Renewable Energy Czech acoustic guitar manufacturer Furch Guitars has expanded its environmental activities by boosting its use of green energy . Starting this year , all electricity used in the making of Furch guitars is from fullyrenewable sources , which the company says will reduce its total carbon footprint by up to 60 % yearly .
While last year a quarter of all electricity supplied to Furch came from renewable sources , this year it is as much as 100 %. Most of the green energy is solar , followed by biogas , water , wind , and biomass . In addition to a sustainable approach to obtaining green energy , its manufacturing will also significantly reduce its amount of CO2 . Therefore , Furch expects that while maintaining the same level of electricity consumption , its carbon footprint will decrease by up to 83 % yearly . When gas and automotive fuels are included , which are part of operating energy consumption , the total CO2 reduction should be around 60 %. As an example , the average carbon footprint created during production of one guitar will be reduced from the 35.3 kg to 14.1 kg of CO2 .
“ I have been trying for a long time to find a really effective way to reduce our company ’ s carbon footprint ,” says CEO Petr Furch . “ I have considered many options , including producing our own electricity ; however , this path is not generally beneficial even in a healthy economic environment and , without subsidies , not effective … I have gradually come to the conclusion that the motivation for large energy suppliers to invest in carbon-free resources will play a key role in this regard . This can benefit all customers , from large companies to individual households .”
Furch Guitars is distributed in Canada by Stonebridge Guitars International . For more information , contact Furch Guitars : support @ furchguitars . com , www . furchguitars . com .
PETR FURCH
CANADIAN MUSIC TRADE 13