Integrated Systems Events (ISE), with co-owners AVIXA and CEDIA, has announced ISE Live & Online, a series of local events in Barcelona, Munich, Amsterdam and London, which will take place instead of the traditional in-person large trade show format.

The event will be supported by a comprehensive digital offering powered by CISCO.

The decision was taken off the back of uncertainty surrounding the pandemic and ongoing global travel restrictions.

ISE managing director Mike Blackman says extensive discussions have taken place with exhibitors over the last number of months.

“All along, there has been a clear demand for a four-day ISE show in Barcelona in June. However, uncertainty surrounding the pandemic and international travel remains which means we are unable to run ISE 2021 in its traditional format.”

He adds that show’s exhibitors have made it clear that they want the industry to get together, but on a local level.

“In response, we are targeting Europe’s key markets across the AV sector and aim to deliver a quality audience who want to meet potential suppliers, existing customers and network with their peers.”

The schedule for the Live & Online events is: June 1-2 at Fira Barcelona; June 8-9 at MAC Forum, Munich; June 15-16 at RAI, Amsterdam; and June 23-24 at Evolution, Battersea, London.

Mike says they have a rich and exciting digital offering that will bring ISE to four cities in June, while also continuing the RISE Spotlight program throughout the year.

AVIXA chief executive David Labuskes says that the pandemic has taught the industry to listen more attentively to the market.

“I believe this approach reflects what we’ve heard, a strong desire for prudent and safe face-to-face gatherings that can reinforce business connections and initiate growth. We are honoured to be in a position to offer these to our community.”

CEDIA joint chief executive Giles Suotton says that ISE’s success has been built on broad industry support and that is the reason for taken the decisions they have.

“Everyone in the industry is missing the human interaction that is such a vital part of our industry – the opportunity not just to see, hear and touch new products and innovations in our sector but also everything that ISE brings in terms of learning, networking and that all important sense of community. The ISE team has worked tirelessly to ensure that guidelines could be in place to protect our exhibitors and visitors on-site. However, there remains uncertainty around current travel restrictions and the ability for our global audience to take part in person.”