Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) has been in full force since 2019, but ISE 2022 set for Barcelona May 10-13 will do its best to let the world know the industry is on the comeback trail. The event will feature 800 exhibits, down from the 1,200 booths in 2020 and 1,400 in 2019, but still makes it the industry’s largest event.

According to Integrated Systems Events Managing Director Mike Blackman the change in the timeframe from February to May caused conflicts for some exhibitors, and the ongoing pandemic situation in the Far East has forced many Asian companies to stay home.

Blackman estimates nearly 300 exhibitors from China alone are unable to attend this year. He projects that the event will have 1,775 exhibitors by 2026.

Speaking during a pre-event press event, Blackman notes that pre-registration from southern Europe (France, Spain and Portugal) is strong with the move to Spain after 16 years in Amsterdam.

“We won’t know the final registration until after the show. Clearly in the past we had a lot of local attendance from northern Europe. We still have strong registration from the UK, while the Netherlands, Germany and Scandinavia are all showing good numbers. Attendees will not be required to wear masks and ISE organizers will not require proof of vaccination to attend. (Masks are still required on public transit in Spain.)

Barcelona’s ‘Real’ ISE Debut

The 2022 show, which covers both the residential and commercial markets, will finally mark the “real” launch of the event in Barcelona after an abbreviated event in 2021.

“I’m delighted, and honored, to be standing here today five years since Integrated Systems Events, and its co-owners AVIXA and CEDIA, decided to relocate the Integrated Systems Europe show to Barcelona. After 16 years in Amsterdam, it was time for us to find a new home for our show, and in just two weeks’ time, ISE 2022 will open its doors at the Gran Vía, Fira de Barcelona,” says Blackman.

There are six Technology Zones set across five halls of the Gran Vía. From the commercial AV sector, attendees will be able to explore the latest innovative AV technologies being produced for numerous market sectors operating in Learning, Live Events, Performance, Retail, Conferencing and Collaboration, Security and Healthcare, to name just a few. 

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Some of the brands exhibiting at ISE 2022 include Alfalite, Barco, Christie, Google, KNX, LANG, Microsoft, Panasonic, Samsung, Shure, Sony and Zoom.

On the residential side, visitors will be able to view the latest flat panel TVs, in-ceiling speakers, projectors, projection screens, cinema rooms, lighting, and security systems. Just some of the  residential brands exhibiting at ISE 2022 include Artcoustic, Crestron, L-Acoustics, KNX, Rako Controls, Sony, Storm Audio and many more.

The show also features a five-day conference program that runs throughout the week covering topics that range from retail technology, to control rooms, live events, education, and even superyachts. Over 150 thought leaders and experts are confirmed to participate in the daily program.

Professional development opportunities are provided through certification and learning programs, curated by AVIXA and CEDIA, both onsite and in the city.

“AVIXA is proud to be a co-owner of ISE with CEDIA and we could not be more excited with our new home in Barcelona,” says David Labuskes, CEO of AVIXA.

“We are looking forward to continuing our strong partnership with the city of Barcelona, as well as strengthening our relationship with the Fira de Barcelona. These relationships were formed before the pandemic and strengthened during it. I’m sure they will only grow stronger as we look toward an amazing future for the AV industry and the ISE show.”

Daryl Friedman, Global President and CEO of CEDIA, comments “In-person trade shows are truly a cornerstone of our industry and have been sorely missed these past two years. Yet at the same time, people around the world have discovered that their homes, through beautifully integrated technology, can be a central hub for every aspect of their lives – so the timing of ISE’s return couldn’t be better.

“What we’ve prepared for the CEDIA conference at ISE will satisfy the live education and connection we’ve all been craving since early 2020. So many people have told me that ISE will be their first in-person show in more than two years. Their excitement is palpable as is mine. I can’t wait to see you all in Barcelona.”

ISE Keynotes, Immersive Art

Keynote Day One is from Refik Anadol: ‘Exploring the Heritage of Tomorrow’ at 6 p.m. on May 10. Anadol is a world leading media artist and pioneer in the aesthetics of data and machine intelligence.

He will give the Opening Keynote Address at ISE 2022. A special event will also happen on the façade of Casa Batlló on the evening of Saturday 7 May because of the collaboration between Anadol and OFFF Barcelona, a festival of creativity, art and digital design – and ISE 2022.

Keynote Day Two will be from Alan Greenberg, entitled: ‘Next Generation Immersive Entertainment’ on May 11 at 6 p.m. As CEO and co-founder of Illuminarium, Greenberg heads up a breakthrough global experiential entertainment company created by worldwide leaders in cinematic immersion, interactive content, and theatrical design.

ISE will also present the ISE Immersive Art Experience. For this year’s show ISE has worked with award-winning company Exhibition Hub to curate a unique 650-aquare-meter virtual reality experience art installation at the Fira Gran Via which combines several immersive art experiences.

I RISE at the Plaça d’Espanya is a spectacular projection mapping show that will explore the themes of hope, regeneration, and renewal. This is being created and produced by Barcelona-based Flaix Studio and will run on Monday May 9 through to Wednesday May 11 at 9 p.m. each evening.  

Also taking place on May 10-11 in Hall 4 of the Gran Via is IOT Solutions World Congress (IOTSWC), an international event devoted to industry transformation through disruptive technologies. IOTSWC will bring to the table leading experts and companies working on Artificial Intelligence, Digital Twins, Internet of Things and Quantum Computing.

The goal of this co-operation is to highlight the common ground that offers new ideas and inspiration for attendees and exhibitors alike

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