Since its founding in 2004, Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) has established itself as the world’s largest audiovisual and integration systems exhibition.
Led by Mike Blackman, who with more than 35 years of experience in the technology sector and in the organization of international events, has guided ISE towards new horizons, moving the event to Barcelona in 2018.
Recognized as the most influential person in the audiovisual industry in 2020, Blackman highlights the importance of adapting to a constantly changing environment and anticipating the future of technology.
With the arrival of ISE 2025, the audiovisual community is preparing for an event that promises to be a milestone in innovation and networking.
But what awaits us in the next edition?
In an exclusive chat with the general director of ISE, we will learn all the details and news.
“The current location offers numerous advantages for ISE. “Barcelona is a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage, excellent infrastructure, strategic geographic position and favourable climate making it accessible to attendees from all over the world,” says Mike Blackman, adding: “Barcelona’s strong technological and innovative ecosystem aligns perfectly with the cutting-edge nature of the audiovisual industry.”
As for the specific event venue, the Fira de Barcelona Gran Via, it is an exceptional venue in terms of space and logistics. Its expansive layout accommodates large-scale exhibitions such as ISE in a fluid manner, ensuring ample space for both exhibitors and attendees. Mike Blackman highlights that “the venue’s wayfinding system is intuitive and user-friendly, making it easy to navigate the different halls, and sustainability is a key feature of the venue, with environmentally friendly operations aligning with the growing importance of green practices within the industry.”
Looking ahead to ISE 2025, Blackman anticipates major advancements in both technology and attendee experience. “In 2025, there will be an increased focus on AI-powered solutions, immersive experiences and sustainable technologies. More interactive and personalised sessions, greater networking opportunities and a seamless integration of digital tools will facilitate learning and participation.”
This year’s content programme has been expanded to include a broader range of topics and sessions. One of the highlights will be the new “ISE Tracks”, which will offer deeper insights into key trends such as AI, audio, cybersecurity, retail and sustainability.
Technological innovation between Europe and Latin America is creating unprecedented opportunities for collaboration and trade between both regions, something that ISE seeks to enhance at the second edition of the European Latin American AV Forum (ELAF) on February 5, 2025.
According to Mike Blackman, “after the success of our inaugural summit at ISE 2024, where government officials and business leaders from both regions met, this upcoming event promises to deliver high-value content to strengthen relations between Europe and Latin America. The forum will be supported by ACCIO-Catalonia Trade & Investment, the Government of Catalonia and the Barcelona City Council, consolidating the city as a key point for this type of meeting.
In this next edition of ISE, in addition to the key topics that will be addressed, such as innovation and development in audiovisual technology, Blackman emphasizes a new opportunity: the ELAF Matchmaking, which will take place on February 6, 2025. “It will be an exciting opportunity that will bring together Catalan and Latin American companies in tailor-made matchmaking sessions,” he explains. Organised by ACCIO, this programme will help attendees connect with the most suitable partners, maximising the value of their visit and fostering meaningful collaborations between the two markets.
From an organisational perspective, Mike Blackman reveals that “the initiative to print your badge in advance, which reduced the time to enter the venue, was a great success in the 2024 edition and we will reinforce it this year. And the number of accesses will be increased, with the South, East and North entrances open, allowing attendees to access the exhibition floor as quickly as possible.”
In addition, there will be “new and innovative management strategies, such as the use of AI to personalise the attendee experience and collaborative spaces for networking. And the ISE app will provide a more interactive navigation system to facilitate movement within the venue.”
The 2025 edition will offer varied activities for different interests and professional needs, where attendees will be able to enjoy conferences Keynotes, practical workshops and interactive panels.
There will also be training sessions on the latest technologies and trends, plus one-on-one consultations with experts.
The programme will be designed to provide practical, work-appropriate knowledge.
• AV Broadcast Summit: Explores how brands and broadcasters are using tools such as AI, virtual studios, augmented reality and streaming to tell their stories more effectively.
• Control Rooms Summit: Addresses the optimal use of real-time data streams for critical decision-making, with case studies and presentations from experts across different sectors.
• Digital Signage Summit: Brings together experts and leaders in digital signage technology to discuss trends such as omnichannel retail, sustainability in signage and the future of the sector.
• Education Technology Summit: Explores how educational technology is evolving in a challenging global environment, covering learning strategies and models for schools, universities and businesses.
• Smart Workplace Summit: Presents the latest technologies and strategies for smart offices, with a focus on post-pandemic planning for enterprises, integrators and suppliers.
• Smart Building Summit: Analyzes the latest trends in smart buildings, with case studies and presentations highlighting how technology can improve efficiency and generate ROI.
• ISE Tracks: Five thematic streams (AI, Audio, Cybersecurity, Retail and Sustainability) that offer specialized sessions for a deep dive into these megatrends during the three-day event.
In addition, as a scoop, Mike advances that “there will be a world-renowned Keynote Speaker, whose identity will be announced soon, to inspire and bring more value to the event.”
At ISE 2025, artificial intelligence (AI) will play a fundamental role in the audiovisual solutions that will be exhibited. “This year, we will see AI being integrated into areas such as content creation, audience analysis and personalised experiences,” describes Mike Blackman, “AI-powered tools will help to optimise interactions, provide detailed insights into user behaviour and deliver more relevant content. Mike recommends not missing out on this aspect, as AI will be a key focus with an ISE Track dedicated to exploring its transformative potential.”
At the 2025 trade show organised by Integrated Systems Europe, the tradition of offering unique artistic experiences that complement the technological exhibits will be maintained. “Attendees can expect live performances, interactive art installations and multimedia displays that fuse creativity and innovation. This year, a world-renowned digital artist will create a stunning projection-mapped presentation on the iconic Casa Batlló, marking the third consecutive year of this collaboration. Furthermore, sponsorship of the BCN LLUM festival will be another highlight, along with many other inspiring installations that can be experienced as part of the ISE 2025 Tech Tours. These artistic experiences will not only showcase the latest in audiovisual technology, but will also offer memorable and immersive moments to attendees.”
ISE 2025 anticipates a notable participation of Latin American visitors, reflecting the growing importance of the Latin American market in the audiovisual industry.
“We are working hard to offer engaging and useful content for the region. This year, ISE will present dedicated sessions and exhibitions that will highlight the specific needs and trends of the Latin American market, providing valuable insights and networking opportunities. In addition, these activities are expected to foster significant cultural and commercial exchange, helping to consolidate the relationship between Latin America and the global audiovisual ecosystem” says Mike Blackman.
The Latin American market is experiencing rapid adoption of new technologies in the audiovisual industry, driven by the growing demand for high-quality content and immersive experiences. Key trends include, according to Blackman, “the rise of digital signage, the adoption of AI and machine learning, and the growth of virtual and augmented reality applications. Despite challenges such as infrastructure limitations and economic fluctuations, the region presents great potential for growth and innovation.”
And this is how trends influence the new editions of ISE, which will undoubtedly be influenced by several global technological trends that are setting the course for the audiovisual industry.
Mike Blackman acknowledges that “another key aspect will be the increased importance of sustainability in technological development. This approach “This is not only reflected in the products that will be presented, but also in the practices of companies, seeking to reduce their carbon footprint and promote a more responsible use of resources. In addition, the integration of immersive technologies, such as virtual and augmented reality, will offer new ways to capture and maintain the attention of the public, allowing for richer and more interactive experiences that can transform the way content is presented. These trends will not only mark this year’s event, but will also have a significant impact on the future of the audiovisual industry.”
At the upcoming edition of ISE, which is only a couple of months away, special emphasis is being placed on “smart building technologies, a segment that has gained importance in the context of connected spaces. The integration of audiovisual solutions with these systems is essential, as it allows for innovations in energy management, security and user experience.”
On the other hand, AV Broadcast is emerging as an area of notable growth. The creation, storage and distribution of video content has been considerably simplified, thanks to “the reduction in technological costs and the increase in public appetite.” In this sense, sectors such as corporate, education and retail have begun to adopt content production to effectively connect with their audiences. In Hall 4, an area dedicated to AV Broadcast technology will be set up, where attendees will be able to explore “providers of solutions such as cameras, tracking equipment, switchers and virtual sets.”
Finally, the five ISE Tracks are also key areas for ISE 2025: AI, Audio, Cybersecurity, Retail and Sustainability. These areas represent significant growth and relevance for the audiovisual industry. Each Track will include specialized sessions and exhibits that delve into the latest trends, challenges and innovations in these domains, offering attendees valuable insights and opportunities for their professional development.
The anticipation for ISE 2025 in Barcelona is palpable, and with good reason.
Mike Blackman, visionary leader of this event, has made it clear that this edition will be a milestone in the evolution of the industry.
The innovations that will be presented at ISE 2025 not only reflect technological advances, but also a deep commitment to sustainability and the creation of immersive experiences that connect industry professionals in unprecedented ways.
From artificial intelligence-driven solutions to interactive artistic experiences, every corner of the event is designed to inspire and foster collaboration. This is the perfect time to be part of a gathering that highlights the latest trends and offers unique networking and learning opportunities, with forums, workshops and interactive sessions that promise to enrich the experience of each attendee, allowing professionals to connect and share ideas that could define the future of the industry.
Visiting ISE 2025 is not just a matter of attending a fair; it is an opportunity to witness the transformation of the audiovisual world. It is the place where innovation meets creativity, where every interaction can open doors to new collaborations and opportunities.
As part of our community, you have an exclusive code to get your free pass: LATAMSTAGE.
We look forward to seeing you in Barcelona to explore the future of the industry together!
