The Managing Director of Integrated Systems Events discusses the international expansion of Latin American companies and previews an edition shaped by technological convergence, artificial intelligence and new opportunities for the audiovisual industry.
Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) is preparing to return to Barcelona from February 2 to 5, 2027, with an edition designed to reflect the transformation of the audiovisual industry. Under the concept When Worlds Unite, the trade show will focus on the convergence of technologies, disciplines and professional communities, in a landscape where the boundaries between audiovisual, IT, broadcast, live events and the creative industries are becoming increasingly blurred.
In this context, Mike Blackman, Managing Director of Integrated Systems Events, shared his perspective on the main changes taking place across the sector, the challenges accompanying ISE’s growth and the opportunities opening up for Latin American companies in the international market.
Latin America is expanding its international presence
The evolution of the Latin American audiovisual market features prominently in Blackman’s outlook. He views the growth of companies in the region and their expansion into new markets with optimism.
“It’s encouraging to see how many new companies are entering the industry, not just distributors but also manufacturers. And they’re not looking only at Latin America; they’re expanding all over the world,” he said.
For the executive, this expansion is a positive sign of the development taking place within the audiovisual industry, as companies begin to broaden their commercial horizons and participate in an increasingly globalized landscape.
When Worlds Unite: an increasingly connected industry
Under the concept When Worlds Unite, ISE 2027 offers a perspective on the transformation of the audiovisual sector and its growing integration with other industries.
“ISE is even bigger than before, and When Worlds Unite is about what’s changing in the industry. Audiovisual is now part of something much bigger,” Blackman stated.
The executive highlighted how information technology, broadcast, live events, smart buildings and education are converging, while an increasing number of projects are crossing the traditional boundaries between these sectors.
This evolution is also changing the way professionals collaborate, develop solutions and participate in projects that require expertise from different disciplines.
Spark and new connections between creativity and technology
One of the initiatives at ISE 2027 will be Spark, a program designed to connect the creative industries with audiovisual production technologies.
The upcoming edition will expand its presence to Fira de Barcelona Montjuïc, where Spark and EdTech Congress Barcelona will take place on February 3 and 4, complementing ISE’s main activities at Fira Gran Via.
For Blackman, the goal of these initiatives goes beyond showcasing new technologies. It also involves transforming relationships between the people involved in project development.
“We need to change what people do and who talks to whom,” he explained, referring to the importance of connecting content creators, project commissioners and end users.
This approach seeks to encourage conversations from the earliest stages of each initiative, bringing together creative, technical and commercial perspectives.
Artificial intelligence continues to transform the audiovisual industry
When analyzing the technological trends likely to have the greatest impact in the coming years, Blackman identified artificial intelligence as one of the main drivers of transformation.
“Artificial intelligence continues to be important. We’re seeing more and more developments and changes in software, and that’s having a huge influence on what’s happening in the audiovisual sector,” he noted.
The evolution of these tools is changing production, integration and technology management processes, while creating new possibilities for manufacturers, developers and industry professionals.
Against this backdrop, ISE 2027 is positioned as a platform for discovering the solutions driving these changes and exploring their applications across different industry segments.
ISE’s growth brings new challenges
The trade show’s expansion also presents significant organizational challenges, particularly as interest from new companies continues to grow.
“Our biggest challenge at ISE has actually been space. We’re already almost completely sold out, and we’re struggling to accommodate all the new companies that want to be part of the world’s largest audiovisual trade show,” Blackman acknowledged.
The addition of new spaces and initiatives is a response to the need to support this growth and expand participation opportunities for companies and professionals.
Among the planned initiatives is Innovation Park, a space dedicated to startups, new technology solutions and opportunities to connect with potential business partners and investors.
Barcelona 2027: an invitation to discover what’s next
With a program combining innovation, technological convergence and business opportunities, ISE 2027 is preparing to once again bring together manufacturers, integrators, distributors, developers and specialists from around the world.
For Blackman, one of the trade show’s main attractions is the opportunity to discover firsthand the latest developments that will shape the market’s evolution.
“If you want to see what’s new, discover thousands of product launches and explore new solutions, you need to come to Barcelona, to ISE,” he said.
Without a doubt, the next edition of Integrated Systems Europe is shaping up to be another meeting point for an expanding industry, where Latin American companies are looking to strengthen their international presence and explore new development opportunities.
Credits
Cover Photo: LATAM STAGE
Inside Photos: LATAM STAGE
The journalistic production, research, writing, editorial approach, and editing of this content are original works by LATAM STAGE and are protected by copyright.
No part of this content may be reproduced, copied, distributed, adapted, or published, in whole or in part, in any medium or format, without the prior written authorization of LATAM STAGE.
