Even though there was always hope, Integrated Systems Europe 2022 was successful beyond anyone's wildest dreams. AV Technology's Cindy Davis shares highlights of #AVtweeps at #ISE2022 through the lens of Twitter.
(Image credit: Future)
During the past two-plus years, exponentially more in-person trade shows were canceled than were hosted. The world and our AV industry have been on a roller coaster ride of on-again-off-again, on-again masking mandates due to COVID variants.
Last October, InfoComm 2021 was the first of our industry events to brave the waters and hold an in-person event. It was a great success by most accounts, albeit significantly smaller. We were clamoring for the chance to connect in person again, and for those who attended, it was the first step towards getting back to the AV life we love. The common refrain at the show's close was, "see you at ISE."
When the edict came down that because of another COVID surge, Integrated Systems Europe would be moving from its traditional February slot to May. The collective sigh was palpable. Was this the death knell for our industry shows?
At the press event the morning of the opening of the show, Integrated Systems Event's managing director, Mike Blackman (right), shared highlights of what to expect during the next few days. (Image credit: Future)
A Groundswell of Hope
There was a groundswell of hope leading up to the debut of ISE at the Fira de Barcelona, Gran Vía, from May 13, 2022. At the press event the morning of the show, Integrated Systems Event's managing director, Mike Blackman, shared early registration numbers which surpassed what most expected. The excitement was building.
Samantha Ward, @SamWildwoodPR
Kicking off with an inspiring projection mapping visual treat @Fira_Barcelona Montjuic tonight. A beautiful opening @GFlaix to a much anticipated week for #avtweeps#ISE2022(Image credit: Future)
Attendees waiting for the show to open packed the lobby as dense as any other year. Making my way from one booth appointment to the next felt as crowded as the last ISE in Amsterdam, with one marked difference—the Fira de Barcelona, Gran Vía was easy to navigate.
On May 13, the official final numbers were released: 834 exhibitors in 48,000 square meters of show floor across six technology zones, with 43,691 unique attendees from 151 countries, making 90,372 visits to the show floor.
The In-person Factor
The reason for attending industry trade shows is to kick the tires of new products and technologies announced. Many of us hadn't seen some of the new products announced during the past 18 months. But there's no denying that the people really make shows worth attending. Whether it's meeting someone for the first time that you've only corresponded with via email, reconnecting with old friends, or meeting new ones, nothing can replace the dynamic of an in-person show.
Following are only some of the highlights that tell the story of #ISE2022 through the tweets of the #avtweeps community.
We work hard on the #ISE2022 show floor, but then there’s the sunset over Barcelona… #SCNmag (SCN's content director, Mark Pescatore). (Image credit: Future)
SCN's content director (left), Not sure if there’s a competition for most crowded booth at #ISE2022, but @SamsungBizLED is definitely in the running. Be sure to get a look at the new models of The Wall LED displays. #SCNmag(Image credit: Future)
@KramerElec So excited to be part of ISE showcasing our new brand and an ecosystem of AVoIP solutions and audio-visual breakthroughs that connect the physical and digital worlds (Image credit: Future)
@Barco Have you seen our floating diamond yet? Created together with @DirtyMonitor, the diamond #projectionmapping shines as an example of how content and technology can complement each other in delivering an amazing visual experience
(Image credit: Future)
@gaby_rand AVIXA Diversity Council panel (Image credit: Future)
@NETGEAR Laurent Masia demonstrated new compact series of switchers. (Image credit: Future)
@shure demo n Microflex And Stem Ecosystems #ISE2022 - seeing MXA920 for first time - rapid deployment, tracking, MS certification, & improved audio.
(Image credit: Future)
@ISE_Mike The City of Barcelona really got behind and supported ISE. Thank you Barcelona for a wonderful welcome. See you again next year 31 January to 3 February 2023. (Image credit: Future)
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Cindy Davis is the brand and content director of AV Technology (AVT). She was a critical member of the AVT editorial team when the title won the “Best Media Brand” laurel in the 2018 SIIA Jesse H. Neal Awards. Davis moderates several monthly AV/IT roundtables and enjoys facilitating and engaging in deeper conversations about the complex topics shaping the ever-evolving AV/IT industry. She explores the ethos of collaboration, hybrid workplaces, experiential spaces, and artificial intelligence to share with readers. Previously, she developed the TechDecisions brand of content sites for EH Publishing, named one of the “10 Great Business Media Websites” by B2B Media Business magazine. For more than 25 years, Davis has developed and delivered multiplatform content for AV/IT B2B and consumer electronics B2C publications, associations, and companies. A lifelong New Englander, Davis makes time for coastal hikes with her husband, Gary, and their Vizsla rescue, Dixie, sailing on one of Gloucester’s great schooners and sampling local IPAs. Connect with her on LinkedIn.