Barcelona — In a year when the audiovisual industry is accelerating toward an unprecedented integration of technologies, content and immersive experiences, ISE 2026 is preparing for its most ambitious edition yet.
Under the concept “Push Beyond,” the show aims to transcend the present of AV and become the place where the future is anticipated.
Its CEO, Mike Blackman, explains it clearly: “ISE must be the place where the industry comes to see not only what exists, but what’s coming. Our commitment is to go further, break barriers, encourage ideas and take risks to define what lies ahead.”
Innovation, new zones and an expanding ecosystem
The 2026 edition arrives with a clear focus: dynamic innovation and strategic growth. Blackman assures that the goal is to offer a more precise reading of the market, its demands and its diversity. “The show is bigger because the industry is bigger. We are creating specialized zones oriented not only toward verticals, but toward applied solutions, so each visitor can navigate better according to their goals.”
The reorganization of entrances and sectors follows that same vision. With the venue at maximum exhibition capacity, ISE has implemented new entry points, differentiated flows and optimized signage. It is also strengthening its digital platform: “Our app, our bot ‘Dave,’ and our entire navigation system are designed so that each visitor can find exactly what they need, from live events to broadcast, education or collaboration.”
Among the strongest new features is SPARK, the new space for content creators. Blackman sums it up as follows: “More and more content creators are coming to ISE, and they were asking for a space of their own. SPARK was born for them: to showcase, learn and connect with those who are transforming how technology is communicated.”
The 2026 edition also expands its Tech Tours, integrating iconic buildings in Barcelona and immersive experiences in cultural institutions that open their doors exclusively for ISE visitors. “Seeing AV solutions in a real context changes everything. And Barcelona is fully open to welcoming the industry.”
Latin America in the spotlight: connections, opportunities and real growth
The Latin American presence continues to grow. Blackman acknowledges that behind this phenomenon are strategic factors: accessibility, language, the quality of the offering and an increasingly connected European ecosystem. “We saw how many professionals were coming from Latin America, and we understood there was already a foundation built long before: offices in Spain, accessible travel, no visa required, and a huge interest in seeing what’s next.”
That assessment drove the return of the European–Latin American AV Forum, a space that strengthens alliances and technological development. “There are European Union investment funds aimed at LATAM for solution development. Our role is to facilitate that meeting, show who is working on both sides and catalyze real opportunities.”
Cultural—and even gastronomic—connection also plays a role: “Yes, the language helps. Yes, the weather helps. And yes, the food helps too,” Blackman jokes, before emphasizing what matters: ISE is now the world’s largest AV gathering, and unique launches are presented there that the Latin American community wants to see firsthand.
Regarding the role of technology in this edition, he is clear: “AI is a mega-trend. It’s in broadcast, in collaboration, in design tools, in lighting simulation. ISE is the place to see how all of this converges into real AV.”
A clear message for LATAM: “prepare, plan and enjoy”
Blackman leaves a direct message for the Latin American community: “ISE is the place where you won’t miss anything: new technologies, industry leaders, global trends. But to truly take advantage of it, you need to plan. Four days aren’t enough. Use the website tools, the app, organize your schedule… and enjoy the show.”
ISE 2026 is shaping up to be an edition that not only showcases progress: it provokes it.
With “Push Beyond” as its guiding theme, the show reaffirms its role as a global AV engine, a space where innovation, education, content and experiences converge to shape what comes next.
For Latin America, it represents a strategic opportunity: to connect, learn, invest and grow.
And for the global industry, the confirmation that in Barcelona, the future is not awaited—it’s designed.
