Following a virtual event in 2021, ISE is now ready to return in person in 2022. The event will take place from 1 – 4 February, at the Fira de Barcelona Gran Vía, in Barcelona, Spain. Meanwhile, the conference programme will take place from 31 January to 4 February 2022.
Blooloop spoke to Mike Blackman, managing director at Integrated Systems Events, to find out what attendees can expect from ISE 2022. We’ve also obtained an exclusive code for blooloop readers, allowing them to register for the event free.
ISE (Integrated Systems Europe) 2020 was one of the last in-person industry events to take place before the COVID-19 pandemic forced global lockdowns. Yet despite lower than usual numbers, attendees were still able to discover new products, services, and solutions at this key event in the attractions industry calendar.
ISE 2022 will be the destination for leading brands to showcase the latest technologies in pro AV. To date, there are more than 700 exhibitors already committed, including Barco, Crestron, KNX, Kramer, LG, Panasonic, Samsung, Sony and more. This year, the show floor has been redesigned to include a brand-new Discovery Zone. This will highlight 40 companies exhibiting making their ISE debut.
New product launches at ISE 2022
Speaking about ISE’s return in 2022, Mike Blackman says:
“After not being able to attend such important industry events for so long, we know people want to come to this show. ISE is an essential part of the calendar for the AV industry. It is where globally important brands launch products, where people come to see, hear and experience the products, services and solutions that are transforming attractions, retail, hospitality, education, the corporate environment, live events and so much more.
“It is a chance to meet people, do business and make connections that deliver real business benefits. And of course, it is a place to come to be inspired, to learn and develop skills. Plus, it is fun too – with plenty of opportunities to party and great places to eat and drink in Barcelona – who wouldn’t want to come and enjoy ISE?”
Leading event returns
After the hiatus, ISE promises to be back with a bang:
“We know the industry wants to get back together, but in a safe manner appropriate for these times,” says Blackman. “ISE 2022 has a rich programme of content through its conferences, show floor stages, demonstrations areas and, of course, we have the world’s leading brands committed to exhibiting at the show.”
“The large, modern facility that is the Fira de Barcelona Gran Via is ideal for the ISE experience. The show floor plan is looking very good, and we have 700 companies signed up to take part.
“With wide aisles, an easy-to-navigate layout and industry-leading brands showcasing technology innovations and more, ISE 2022 will provide both the AV channel and end-users with plenty of inspiration and solutions for transforming their businesses.”
AV is key for attractions industry
While live events may have taken a back seat during the pandemic, there is a pent-up demand for entertainment. When they return to in-person events, audiences will be just as demanding as before, if not more. As a result, attractions operators must turn to cutting-edge solutions. This enables them to give guests an immersive experience from the moment they enter a venue.
“The professional AV industry encompasses the solutions needed to create immersive, integrated experiences. This is a cornerstone of the visitor attractions industry,” says Blackman.
“Amusement parks, museums and cultural attractions and entertainment venues are all looking to raise the quality of the visitor experience. And it’s increasingly through the various kinds of audiovisual technology on display at ISE that they are looking to do this.
“Of course, many attractions and theme parks are also used as places for hotels, business meetings, conferences, and private events. So, they require all the technology solutions to ensure the venues perform successfully for these needs too. At ISE 2022, they will find all the technology that enables these elements within the wider theme park experience to be state of the art.”
Six tech zones
There will be six Technology Zones at ISE 2022, set over five large halls. These bring together exhibitors in the major technology areas. For attendees, this means that planning their visit will be easier than ever, allowing them to discover the huge range of solutions on offer for their individual needs.
Three of the six zones are new for 2022. These are Unified Comms & Education Technology (Hall 2) combining these zones for the first time; the Residential & Smart Building (Hall 2), again two zones that are brought together for the first time; and Lighting & Staging (Hall 7) which features a special Lighting Demo Zone.
The other three zones are the Multi-Technology Zone (Halls 3 and 5); Digital Signage & DooH (Hall 6); and Audio (Hall 7).
“Once again, we are using Technology Zones to group together exhibitors with similar technologies; this approach makes it easier for attendees to find and compare the solutions they are looking for and saves them time,” says Blackman.
“Previously, there were space limitations for some of these Zones. But this is no longer the case at the Fira, so more companies have been able to take stands in their preferred location. We are also welcoming many companies new to ISE this year.”
New features at ISE 2022
There are also some new features for 2022, including the innovative ISE Sound Xperience.
“This dedicated cinema complex is just a few minutes’ walk from the Fira Gran Vía. It offers twelve uniquely configured listening rooms to showcase audio with depth, accuracy and pin-point clarity,” says Blackman.
“This initiative, in partnership with Eventos Filmax Cinema Gran Vía complex, is the ultimate setting to sample the signature sound of the world’s leading audio brands.
“Another new development is that we have greatly expanded the technology demonstration areas. In addition to the ISE Sound Xperience, there will be two new demo areas. These will be covering lighting & staging and digital signage, plus there will be a lighting & staging technology showcase. Taking advantage of the expansive facilities at the venue, these new areas will allow visitors to experience these major multi-technology solutions in ‘real-life’ set-ups.”
In-depth conference sessions
Combining a mix of paid-for and free sessions, the ISE 2022 thought-leadership programme covers a wide variety of industry topics. Starting on Monday with two full-day conferences, the programme will take place on dedicated stages within Hall 5. There will also be Spanish content in the AV Experience Zone, produced with AVIXA. Meanwhile, the Catalan Pavilion, in association with ACCIO, promises a great experience for visitors from the local region.
Featuring expert speakers, presentations and panel discussions, the ISE Conference programme includes the Digital Signage Summit and the Smart Building Conference on Monday 31 January; the Control Rooms Summit and Smart Workplace Summit on Tuesday 1 February; the Digital Learning Summit on Wednesday 2 February; the Live Events Summit on Thursday 3 February and the Superyacht Technology Summit on Friday 4 February.
“We have a lot happening during the week, organised by ISE, AVIXA or CEDIA,” says Blackman. “There is also an interesting programme of sessions in Hall 5, in the Live Events Arena in Hall 7 and the Digital Signage & DooH Zone in Hall 6. Plus there are sessions in the show floor lounges, hosted by AFIAL, PLASA and WILM (Women in Live Music). And of course, the international Inavation Awards take place during the week.
“There’s certainly a great deal to look forward to. Details are constantly being updated, so keep an eye on the ISE website for details.”
Trends to watch
The AV industry has been at the forefront of many trends that have accelerated during COVID, across the world.
“Indeed, with so many of us forced to spend more time at home, smart home technology is expected to reach mass adoption at all levels of the market in the next few years,” says Blackman. “And it’s becoming much more than cinema rooms and giant screens. The trend is very much towards integrated solutions that read and respond to users’ needs. With minimal intervention by the occupant.”
“There has been increased demand in the Smart Building sector. Homeowners, property developers, architects, designers and of course integrators are creating hybrid spaces to live, work and play. They are creating connected homes featuring immersive spaces. There has also been a growth in ‘wellness’ solutions as organisations across the world recognise the importance of well-being and mental health.
“The pandemic has also increased the appetite for non-touch solutions in pro AV. We can expect to see more of these being launched next year.”
Showcasing innovation at ISE 2022
“As a physical, in-person event, we are in a unique place to bring all elements of the industry together under one roof. We cannot wait to see you all,” says Blackman.
“In the build-up to Barcelona, we have worked hard to ensure that ISE 2022 offers a safe, enjoyable and very worthwhile experience for the industry to showcase innovation, be inspired by some of the brightest in the business.”
“ISE is unique in that so many different elements that make up integrated systems and attractions technology are showcased in one place. For instance, projectors, displays, audio systems, media servers, and show control systems that tie all these elements into a great experience,” says Blackman.
“The attractions industry thrives on technologies that enhance visitor engagement. For example, projection mapping, touch interactivity, 3D and immersive audio, VR, AR and mixed reality, and much more.
“And ISE, as the world’s biggest show for the professional AV industry, is the place to come to find these technologies. We look forward to seeing you there.”
Blooloop readers can register for ISE 2022 for free by clicking here and entering the code SBVA4EEL
