ISE show to move to Barcelona in 2021
Annual AV trade show Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) will move to Gran Via in Barcelona in 2021 after outgrowing its venue of 14 years at the RAI Amsterdam, its organisers have announced.
Gran Via is part of the Fira de Barcelona exhibition and conference centre, which has more than 400,000 square metres of floor space across 14 halls.
Mike Blackman, managing director of show organisers Integrated Systems Events, said the growth in the international AV market, demand from exhibitors and the rise in attendees in recent years meant it was time to find a venue that could accommodate the show’s future growth and development.
He said: “The RAI and Amsterdam have provided a fantastic location, been great partners and contributed to the success of the show. But, demand from exhibitors, and the continued increase in the numbers of attendees, showed us that limited floor space was in danger of putting a brake on the show’s development. In spite of all our best efforts, this was not an issue we felt could be solved by staying at the RAI Amsterdam.
“By announcing our move to one of Europe’s largest and most prestigious convention complexes, we can now continue to focus on creating a unique experience for everyone and confidently plan for long-term development. At the same time, we will ensure that the remaining two editions of ISE at the RAI Amsterdam are the best in its illustrious history and a fitting way to bring our 14-year relationship with the venue and city to a close.”
Blackman said that ISE 2018 show attracted almost 90,000 attendees, of which 22,000 were visiting the show for the first time. There were 1,296 exhibitors, filling 53,000 square metres of floor space.
He called these numbers “record-breaking” and said ISE 2019 (February 8-9) was expected to be even bigger.
Tabatha O’Connor, global president and chief executive of the show’s co-owner Cedia, said: “Not only is the new venue a state-of-the-art home for our show, but the city of Barcelona is one of Europe’s most vibrant and exciting. It’s the perfect choice for an exhibition and growing industry that engenders creativity and commerce.”
