Outside the brand-new Hall 8.1, physical proof of the continued expansion of the ISE Show, Mike Blackman, managing director of Integrated Systems Events, is enjoying the Catalonian sunshine.
Speaking to the ISE Daily as stands across the Fira de Barcelona Gran Via get a last lick of paint before the show opens, Blackman is confident that everything is on track for another very successful ISE.
“We’re on schedule, and everything is looking good. Our main concern is always ensuring all the stands are ready, but it’s all coming together well. We’ve expanded again this year with a new hall, and we’re really enthusiastic about the growth of ISE – it’s been phenomenal,” he says.
Several new elements have been introduced to make this year’s show even more engaging. “There’s the Drone Arena, AVIXA TV, and for the first time, an Esports Arena,” he adds. “This is our most ambitious feature to date; we’ve put a lot of investment into it and found a really strong partner to develop and deliver it. We’ve collaborated with LVP, part of the MEDIAPRO Group, which specialises in live esports broadcasts and professional events, one of the most experienced partners we could find to create this. The Esports Arena will not only showcase live matches between professional esports teams, with Twitch streaming, but also include conferences and discussions on the business of esports.”
So how does this fit into ISE’s traditional audience?
Blackman says there are two aspects to this: “First, there’s the business opportunity – many attendees are looking for ways to expand their business, and esports is a fast-growing sector. Second, it highlights the entertainment aspect of the AV industry. ISE always aims to inspire attendees by showcasing what’s possible with state-of-the-art technology. We always want to create that ‘wow’ effect when people walk through the show.
“ISE is a place where people return year after year to reconnect – with partners, with the industry, and with emerging technologies. The show is a hub for discovering what’s new and where the industry is heading,”
There’s also a notable increase in partnerships this year.
“We’ve developed strong collaborations with several business and industry associations,” Blackman says. “Locally, we work with the AV Cluster of Catalonia, as well as business organisations like PIMEC, which supports small and medium-sized enterprises, and Foment del Treball, which represents corporate businesses. We also partner with the Catalan government through its investment arm, ACCIÓ, as well as the investment arm of the Barcelona City Administration. Additionally, we’re engaging with the Spanish government and even the European-level EIT (European Institute of Innovation & Technology). These partnerships help us broaden ISE’s reach and bring the right audience to the show.”
“Our goal is to bring buyers and sellers together,” Blackman continues. “Exhibitors are looking to connect with the right people, and the more we can outreach into different industries, different associations, and different channels, the better we can serve them.”
And what is Mike Blackman personally most excited about this year?
“Everything! the Esports Arena, the Connected Classroom, it’s all fantastic,” he says. “I’m a tech fan, so I love seeing all the new innovations. That’s what excites me every morning about ISE. I’m like a kid walking into a giant toy store.”
