Despite fears among the industry that Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) might not go ahead as planned next year due to new Covid-19 regulations, organisers have announced that planning for the show’s Barcelona debut is well underway.
Integrated Systems Events, the organisers of ISE, has reassured the industry that it is committed to delivering a compelling and safe exhibition for the world’s audio visual integrated systems community.
Next year marks the 17th edition of the show and the first to take place in its new home at the Fira de Barcelona, Gran Via, on 2-5 February 2021. The exhibition centre plans to reopen for business in September following the successful completion of a collaboration with risk mitigation consultancy AON and the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona which will determine the specific security criteria for holding B2B events at the venue later this year.
Promising to be its biggest show yet, over 850 technology and solutions providers have already committed to participate at ISE 2021. Over 55,000 sqm of exhibition floor space has already been confirmed for nine dedicated technology zones, representing a five percent increase on the total floor space booked for 2020’s edition.
The nine dedicated technology zones will be: Audio, Broadcast and Content Creation (new), Digital Signage & DooH, Education, Live Events (new), Residential, Smart Building, Unified Communications, and VR/AR/XR.
For 2021, Ise has entered a strategic partnership with The Next Web (TNW) who will present Growth Quarters in conjunction with ISE. Growth Quarters are a series of keynotes and presentation addressing all aspects of business growth and scale-up and will take place over four days. They will be presented by inspiring technology innovators and experts. TNW will also present Fast Lane, where start-ups create solutions that address specific ‘pain points’ within AV businesses.
Across the five-day show, visitors will also be able to attend a solutions-themed series of 14 conferences covering a wide range of topics including digital signage, design and build, control rooms, and XR. The extensive programme has been devised in association with ISE co-owners AVIXA and CEDIA. Both associations will also provide their own dedicated series of training sessions and themed events.
Also new for 2021, ISE will be developing its digital reach to help engage with a bigger audience. This will take form through a wide selection of cross-platform live ISE content being made available, along with other engaging digital opportunities to help attendees connect with various technology innovators as well as hear from thought-leaders and experts.
“Ise is committed to delivering an engaging in-person event in Barcelona and is taking all necessary steps to deal with the new post-pandemic reality that will impact those attending exhibitions and conducting international business,” said Mike Blackman, managing director of Integrated Systems Events.
“The Fira de Barcelona has partnered with AON and the Hospital Clinic de Barcelona and other experts to create a set of safety protocols that are designed to guarantee health and safety around the conditioning of spaces and the regulation of visitor flows. This work started in April and involves risk evaluation, the creation of mitigation strategies and an action plan. Once completed, guidelines for event organisers and exhibitors will be communicated.”
He continued: “We are listening and adjusting to ensure the show continues to provide the connections the industry needs to grow brands and business. We are determined and confident that we can deliver a compelling show in a safe and secure environment.”