ISE 2026 to innovate with new themes, immersive audio suites, and a focus on AI and cybersecurity
ISE 2026 is set to elevate the audiovisual and systems integration industry with a bold new thematic focus and a range of innovative initiatives designed to drive the sector forward. Returning to Fira de Barcelona from 3–6 February 2026, the event will embrace its theme, "Push Beyond," not merely as a slogan but as a movement embodying the spirit of innovation and progress shaping the future of AV technology and integration.
Already at full capacity, Integrated Systems Europe 2026 has confirmed over 1,400 exhibitors, including 184 first-time participants, reflecting the event's growing influence and reach within the global AV community. The exhibition is expected to cover an extensive area, with some reports highlighting over 90,000 square meters dedicated to showcasing the latest advances. These figures underscore ISE's continuing role as a vital platform for industry leaders, creatives, and innovators to converge and share cutting-edge technology and ideas.
One of the major new attractions at ISE 2026 will be the introduction of High-End Listening Suites located in the newly refurbished CC2 hall at Fira Barcelona. These suites promise to provide an immersive experience with state-of-the-art acoustics and innovative design, offering audio brands an exceptional environment to demonstrate premium sound quality beyond traditional pro audio setups.
Looking ahead, the announcement of Hall Zero, a purpose-built venue at Fira de Barcelona, points to a significant future milestone for the event. Originally slated for completion before 2026, the hall's opening has been postponed to 2028 to ensure it fully meets the highest construction and safety standards. Hall Zero is envisioned as a transformative space that will enhance the ISE experience by fostering creativity and innovation on an unprecedented scale, reinforcing Barcelona’s status as a global AV hub.
Keynote sessions at ISE 2026 will also draw significant attention. Sol Rashidi, the world’s first Chief AI Officer for enterprises and a recognized leader in AI technology and corporate innovation, will headline the event with a keynote address. Rashidi's distinguished credentials—including holding ten patents and authoring "Your AI Survival Guide"—position her to provide valuable insights into the intersection of artificial intelligence and business strategy, underscoring the increasing importance of AI in AV and related industries.
Cybersecurity will be front and centre with the inaugural ISE Cybersecurity Summit, chaired by Pere Ferrer i Sastre, a seasoned public executive specialising in digital transformation and critical infrastructure governance. The summit aims to address the evolving security challenges faced by AV technologies in an era where digital risks intersect with essential public services such as healthcare, transport, and government. This spotlight reflects rising industry concerns about resilience, regulation, and integration as AV systems become more interconnected and exposed to cyber threats.
Education technology is another pillar of ISE 2026’s expanded programme. In partnership with EduTech Cluster and Fira de Barcelona, the event will co-host the EdTech Congress Barcelona 2026. This congress will explore forward-thinking applications of AI in education, helping decision-makers embrace transformative technology that reimagines learning environments and pedagogical approaches.
SPIKING broader industry collaboration, ISE will launch Spark, a cross-vertical initiative designed to unite visionaries from across the creative industries. This new platform seeks to ignite innovative ideas and creative breakthroughs, fostering connections that transcend traditional sector boundaries to promote integrated and pioneering approaches within the AV sphere and beyond.
Mike Blackman, Managing Director at Integrated Systems Events, encapsulates the event’s ambition: “ISE has always been more than just about technology on display; it’s where industries come together to inspire, to create, and to challenge what’s possible.” The Push Beyond ethos invites all stakeholders to partake in shaping the next chapter of AV and systems integration innovation in Barcelona.
ISE 2026 continues to set the standard for industry gatherings by marrying growth, technological advancement, and thematic diversification—highlighting its ongoing commitment to leading the AV sector into a future rich with opportunity and innovation. Registration for the event opens in October 2025, promising another year of significant engagement for professionals and companies worldwide.
![image_8652688[1].jpg](https://www.associationexecutives.org/static/f262b6a4-0ce4-4028-9540022be1f70b43/resourcegridlistingimagedefault_089d75eaa525ed03c6be497f1bd0342c_4a7c7e45a350/image86526881.jpg)