ISE 2026 Opens in Barcelona: The World’s Largest Pro AV Show Continues to Push Industry Boundaries
The first day of Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2026 in Barcelona was marked by strong momentum and high attendance, with several tens of thousands of professionals from around the world moving through exhibition halls filled with exhibitors and the latest AV, IT, and systems integration solutions. As noted by ISE Managing Director Mike Blackman, size alone is not a guarantee of long-term relevance; what truly matters is continuous adaptation to the real needs of the market and the industry. “We might be the biggest right now, but we have to work hard to stay there – we don’t decide what’s best, our customers do,” Blackman said ahead of the show’s opening.
This year’s edition of ISE is held under the Push Beyond theme, which, according to the organisers, symbolises breaking down boundaries between AV, IT, broadcast, and creative technologies, as well as moving beyond traditional industry silos. From day one, a strong emphasis has been placed on AV and broadcast convergence, particularly in Hall 4, where a significant portion of the space is dedicated to virtual production technologies and advanced LED applications.
Blackman also highlighted ISE’s deliberate evolution from a traditional systems integrator-focused trade show into a global platform for the exchange of ideas and innovation, warning that failure to adapt to change can seriously undermine the relevance of major technology events. This approach is reflected in new initiatives introduced at ISE 2026, including the Spark creative industries hub and the Cybersecurity Summit, both underscoring the growing importance of cyber security in increasingly connected AV and IT systems.
Once again, the show’s early position in the industry calendar allows manufacturers to present professional versions of technologies previously unveiled at CES, with a strong focus on live, immersive experiences. At the same time, the organisers continue to strengthen ties with the host city of Barcelona through public AV installations and events open to local citizens.
For first-time visitors facing the impressive scale of the show from day one, ISE has introduced AI-powered planning tools and guided “New to ISE” tours designed to improve navigation and help attendees use their time more efficiently. As Blackman emphasises, ISE today is no longer just a trade show, but a global meeting point where the future of technology is actively shaped – and the opening day of ISE 2026 clearly demonstrates why that enthusiasm continues to grow year after year.
Among the media present on site are the editorial teams of a&s Adria and a&s Middle East, reporting directly from Barcelona on the key trends, technologies, and messages emerging from the world’s leading pro AV event.
