The 17th edition of ISE will take place at its new home at Fira de Barcelona, Gran Via, from February 2-5, 2021. The global exhibition center plans to reopen for business in September. This follows the successful completion of a collaboration with risk mitigation consultancy AON and the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, which will determine the specific safety criteria for holding B2B events at the venue later this year.
More than 850 leading global technology and solutions providers have already committed to participating in ISE 2021. Over 55,000 square meters of exhibition space have been confirmed across nine dedicated technology zones. This represents a 5% increase over the total space booked for the 2020 show.
The state-of-the-art exhibition center will house a redesigned ISE with nine dedicated technology zones in an easy-to-navigate layout. These are: Audio Creation, Streaming & Content (new), Digital Signage & DooH, Education, Live Events (new), Residential, Smart Building, Unified Communications, and VR/AR/XR.
A significant development for ISE 2021 is the strategic partnership with The Next Web (TNW), a technology media brand with a broad reach among global startups and mainstream technology companies. In conjunction with ISE, TNW will present Growth Quarters: four days of keynote speeches and presentations covering all aspects of business growth and scaling, delivered by inspiring innovators and technology experts. TNW will also present Fast Lane, where startups create solutions that address specific pain points within AV businesses.
In addition, a five-day, 14-conference solutions series will cover a wide range of topics, including digital signage, design and construction, control rooms, and XR. The extensive program has been designed in partnership with ISE co-owners AVIXA and CEDIA. Both associations will also produce their own dedicated series of training sessions and themed events.
ISE will also expand the program's digital reach to help attract a wider audience than ever before. This will include a wide selection of multiplatform live ISE content, along with many other engaging digital opportunities to help attendees connect with the world's leading technology innovators and hear from leaders and experts.
Mike Blackman, Managing Director of Integrated Systems Events, commented: “ISE is committed to delivering an engaging in-person event in Barcelona and is taking all necessary steps to deal with the new post-pandemic reality that will affect exhibition attendees and the holding of international business events.
“Fira de Barcelona has partnered with AON, the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, and other experts to create a set of safety protocols designed to ensure health and safety regarding the adaptation of spaces and the regulation of visitor flows. This work began in April and involves risk assessment, the creation of mitigation strategies, and an action plan. Once completed, the guidelines will be communicated to event organizers and exhibitors.”.
“We are listening and adjusting to ensure the show continues to provide the connections the industry needs to grow brands and businesses. We are determined and confident that we can deliver a compelling show in a safe and secure environment.”.
