ISE audiovisual fair postpones 2022 edition for three months due to Covid-19

The world's largest audiovisual fair, Integrated Systems Events (ISE), has postponed its 2022 edition for three months due to the impact of the Covid-19 Omicron variant.

The event was scheduled for February 1 to 4, but will in the end take place on May 10 to 13 at Barcelona's Fira Gran Via exhibition center.

In an official statement, Mike Blackman, Managing Director of ISE, said that "a balance health and safety concerns with the need for commerce and in-person interaction" is being sought after.

"By moving the event to the spring, it provides time for our community to rebalance and for confidence in international travel and meetings to resume. We will be working closely with all our exhibitors and stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition to the new dates. We look forward to hosting the global audiovisual community at ISE 2022 in May in our new home in Barcelona," he added.

Daryl Friedman, the CEO of partner company CEDIA also said that they want to "ensure ISE 2022 will be a great success for visitors and exhibitors alike as it has been for nearly two decades."

"We know the entire home technology industry is enthusiastic about coming together in-person, and we are confident this move to May will ensure the most vibrant return for all participants. We cannot wait to connect with all of you in Barcelona this spring."

First edition in Barcelona disrupted by virus

The event was held in the Catalan capital for the first time in June 2021 –after a four-month delay –, in a much smaller edition than usually as many coronavirus restrictions were still in place.

ISE 2021 was one of the first large-scale congresses taking place since the pandemic in the city, despite being downsized to a "local event."

Usually the fair hosts over 1,000 exhibitors and almost 100,000 attendees.

Another major event scheduled for February, Mobile World Congress (MWC) is, as of yet, going ahead.