Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) tradeshow is going to be held again in Amsterdam on February 9-12. ISE has become the perfect platform to showcase the technologies that will enhance the end-user experience and you can find some specialized areas for sectors such as audio, digital signage, residential solutions, smart building or unified communications among others... Then, if you are going to exhibit or you are simply thinking on visiting the Show, don't miss our interview with the organizers and get all the info you need to take the most of this international exhibition!
ISE Europe is the busiest system integration and communication exhibition in the world... but, what makes the show different from other of its kind?
It is the only international exhibition that focusses primarily on the business of systems integration for the installation of AV technology and services. Uniquely, it covers both the commercial and residential business sectors. We have found that as markets evolve we must evolve with it so the 2016 show will increasingly reflect the move to IP and IT-based solutions. It is also worth noting that ISE is co-owned by CEDIA and InfoComm International – the two most prestigious trade associations operating in the residential and commercial installation sectors.
Recently you announced a valuable addition to the show: FRDY@ISE. What is about?
As you know 2016 will be the first four-day ISE and as such we are working closely with our exhibitors to ensure that the extra day delivers added value for attendees. We’ve branded this initiative FRDY@ISE. On the Friday of the show you will see ISE hosting an M2D Networking Event for manufacturers and distributors; launching a special AV/IT Seminar Programme and showcasing leading business futurist Dr Michio Kaku’s Closing Keynote. Free attendee parking will also be available to the first 2,500 cars.
And what other novelties will we find compared with the 2015 edition?
I think that many people will be drawn to experience the Drone Arena at the back of Hall 8. The Drone Arena is being produced by Stampede Global and it will showcase leading manufacturers and the latest product innovations and will cover professional, commercial and consumer opportunities. It will feature educational sessions and live demonstrations on every day of the show and explore the full range of opportunities available through the usage of this innovative technology. Plus, we have, for the first time, a range of ISE Show Floor Theatre sessions being produced by the Digital Signage Summit. The Digital Signage Summit is a collaboration between ISE producer Integrated Systems Events and leading digital signage consultancy, individual consulting.
In 2015 it successfully produced three conference events in Europe, Russia and the Middle East. Each day in the ISE Commercial Solutions Theatre invites consulting MD Florian Rotberg will begin proceedings with a series of presentations. His chosen topics over the four show days include 1. The Future of Digital Signage – latest trends in the display, software and connected technologies; 2. Digital Signage and Technology Trends in Omni-Channel; 3. Best practice – Best of Digital Signage 2015/2016; 4. Turning Stores into Stories.
This will be followed in the ISE Commercial Solutions Theatre by presentations from representatives from other leading companies involved with digital signage.
Can you give some tips for those who are going to exhibit at ISE for the first time? Some rules of the venue, customs, protocol...)
If you have a professional interest in the business of AV, Electronic Systems and IT integration then ISE is the show for you! It’s a B2B show with a business culture with an as strong emphasis on recognising the need for networking and relationship building. It’s a friendly venue and exhibitors are always pleased to welcome potential customers. The Amsterdam RAI is an excellent, modern venue that has recently expanded and upgraded to meet the requirements of its clients. If you are thinking of attending check out the ISE website to see who’s exhibiting. I also strongly advise using our travel partner the RAI Hotel and travel Service to assist in the booking of your hotels.
Who can participate in the show?
ISE provides an ideal meeting place for technologies and people operating in overlapping market sectors. Many attendees at ISE operate in the commercial and residential AV, Electronic and IT systems integration markets. While attendees at ISE are largely focussed on fixed installation projects, increasing numbers serve the meetings, live events and experiential sectors. This fact makes ISE a unique ‘melting pot’ for AV professionals as well as IT Specialists. The table below shows who comes to ISE and breaks them down into either exhibitors or attendees.
Core AV industry channel attendees and exhibitors at ISE
Equipment manufacturers: EXHIBITORS: 11% Product distributors; EXHIBITORS AND ATTENDEES: 16% Audiovisual and technology consultants: ATTENDEES: 6% Systems integrators/installers: ATTENDEE: 25% Meeting and live-events professionals: ATTENDEES: 8% Content creators/end users: ATTENDEES: 18% IT dealer/reseller: ATTENDEE: 9% Construction industry: ATTENDEE: 7%
Give us, at least, three reasons to visit ISE 2016?
- ISE showcases the worlds’ leading vendors and service providers of AV products and technology. We have over 1,000 exhibiting this year. It is the international launchpad for countless new products and updates.
- ISE provides a comprehensive environment for individual personal development and learning. This is delivered through a wide and varied range of training sessions; conferences; keynotes; show floor theatres and manufacturer-led training sessions. These are produced by our partners; exhibitors and CEDIA and InfoComm International.
- Amsterdam! It offers exhibitors and attendees the perfect combination of creativity, commerce and conviviality. I can’t think of a better place in which to do business.
The show has a comprehensive programme of conferences and masterclasses; can you highlight some of the activities we can't miss?
Rather than highlight individual seasons, I would point you the ISE website to explore for yourself what’s on offer- which is a lot!. We have a wide range of pre-show events (Opening Panel Discussion and the Smart Building Conference) taking place the day before the show opens. Then, during the exhibition we have four days of training sessions being hosted by CEDIA; plus, two conferences, two masterclasses and numerous FlashTrack sessions being presented by InfoComm International. There are two additional conferences taking place on 11 Feb called the Sports Venue Technology Summit and the Capital Summit. The latter conference explores the investment, merger and acquisition side of the business. Finally, we have our four show floor theatres. The programmes across all four Show Floor Theatres feature presentations from exhibitors, end-users, trade associations, business consultancies and respected thought leaders. The Show Floor Theatres are used to host 20-minute, free-to-attend, presentations for all ISE attendees. Pre-booking is not required.
Finally, can you give us some participation details from the last edition (2015)?
Since its launch in 2004 ISE has grown year-on-year at a phenomenal rate with each event delivering higher numbers of exhibitors and attendees. At the close of ISE 2015, over 100% of this year’s sold floor space had been confirmed for the 2016 event. This provides a ringing endorsement for an exhibition that was attended by over 59,000 people, an increase in visitors of over 16% on the previous year. Over 1,000 companies exhibited at ISE 2015 and this rapid growth are one of the primary reasons for the decision to expand to a four-day event in 2016.