ISE audiovisual fair to celebrate 'biggest ever' edition in Barcelona

The world's largest audiovisual trade show, Integrated Systems Europe (ISE), will celebrate its 20th anniversary between January 30 and February 2 in Barcelona with its biggest edition ever.  

Some 1,340 exhibitors will take part in the exhibition at Fira Barcelona's Gran Via site, across an 82,000-square-meter space, 30% bigger than last year. 

Organizers hope the number of visitors will exceed last year's edition, when over 58,000 attended. 

Most of the attendees will be from Spain, but there will also be significant attendance from countries such as China, the United Kingdom, Germany and Italy. In fact, organizers are expecting more Chinese attendees looking to export their products, as the Chinese economy is slowing down. 

Barcelona's unique blend

Barcelona has the chance to become the leader of the European audiovisual market and the fair's "permanent headquarters," the event's managing director Mike Blackman said on Tuesday. 

"Barcelona, with its unique blend of culture, talent, and innovation possesses all the essential elements to be our long-term home," Blackman said, adding that he hopes to “cultivate a long-lasting relationship with the city and the local community."  

This year is the fourth year the fair is being held in Barcelona, after more than a decade in Amsterdam. 

Exceeding previous editions 

Organizers hope this year's edition, which also includes conferences with prominent audiovisual artists, will exceed all previous editions, both in terms of size and number of attendees. 

Some of the companies that will exhibit at the trade show include international giants like Samsung and Panasonic, as well as Spanish LED screen manufacturing company Alfalite and Catalan broadcasting and production company MEDIAPRO.

Some 80 companies will exhibit for the first time, including Fluge, Simon, Sono andTelevés. 

Seven technology zones 

The exhibition space will be divided into seven different zones: Audio, Content Production & Distribution, Digital Signage & DooH,  Lighting & Staging, Multi-Technology, Residential & Smart Building, and Unified Communications & Education Technology.