Last week saw the return of ISE, held in-person in Barcelona alongside a digital programme, both of which saw great success.
Organisers made the decision back in March to hold a hybrid event, consisting of a digital channel plus four local events in Barcelona, Munich, Amsterdam and London, having to later cancel the Munich and Amsterdam shows.
The combination of live and digital content achieved 1,431 in-person attendees on day 1 of the show in Barcelona and 990 on day 2. Over 8,000 registered for ISE Digital, which had 120 live sessions and generated 13,759 unique views, 107,718 minutes watched (1,778 hours) and 442 online chats.
On the opening of the hybrid event, Integrated Systems Events managing director, Mike Blackman, said: “This event is important for the AV and live events industries, and for the city. It’s been a 17-year journey to get to Barcelona so it’s bittersweet not to make the big bang we’d hoped for our debut, but we know the value of live events for forging trust, deeper business relationships and driving business. I hope this sends a message of confidence to cities around the world that live events can be safe and successful. We’ll be back in Barcelona, with all our might, in February 2022.”
Ensuring the event was held safely and within Covid-19 guidelines, all attendees were required to provide a negative Covid-19 anti-allergen test result prior to entry and had to wear FFP2 NR facemasks within the venue.
Organisers say that they have had positive feedback from the AV industry and the exhibitors at the physical event itself.
“Barco attended ISE 2021 in Barcelona to connect with our customers,” said Peter Pauwels, VP sales EMEA at Barco. “We have been in virtual, in video sessions for too long and we needed to meet face-to-face. The future is hybrid which means there will be some video, there will be some conference calling but there’s going to be a lot more face-to-face. Meeting back with our partners is what gives us energy.”
Giles Sutton, CEDIA interim Co-CEO added: “In a week that celebrated Global Exhibitions Day, it was fantastic to see ISE return as a hybrid event. The live show provided attendees with the opportunity to engage with the industry and network amongst colleagues and friends – something that we have all missed out on recently. The positive atmosphere that was felt in and around the show floor was a sign that both exhibitors and visitors were pleased to be back.
“ISE Digital worked very well alongside the live event, providing those who were unable to attend, with a platform that was packed full of content. This hybrid event was a big step towards the industry getting back to normal and we look forward to returning to Barcelona once again in 2022.”
ISE Digital content is available to view on demand, including sessions from the Main Stage at the Fira de Barcelona, business leadership and product news, as well as keynotes, roundtables, and interviews with over 100 speakers. The channel is available until the end of the year.
ISE will return to London for its final live event of 2021 from 23-24 June. ISE Digital will return alongside the event with more content for those who cannot attend. Registration for the event is open now.