'World's largest' audiovisual trade fair kicks off in Barcelona with record attendance expected

For the sixth year in a row, Barcelona is host to Integrated Systems Europe, the world's biggest trade fair for professional audiovisual technology.

Held at the Fira de Gran Via venue from February 3-6, ISE showcases innovations in the audiovisual industry aimed at event organizers, experience creators, and private users.

The show features major names like Samsung, LG, and Microsoft, among more than 1,700 exhibitors present, including 89 from Catalonia – a 5% increase in local representation.

The organizers are expecting a record attendance, surpassing the 85,000 visitors of 2025, with attendees traveling from all over the world, including Europe, China, and the United States.

Many are here to network and explore the latest innovations. As one visitor told Catalan News, she came to "research and get inspired."

Large audiovisual companies such as Lang are showcasing how screens can be integrated directly into architectural structures, while others like Samsung are focusing on ultra-thin panels. 

Epson, meanwhile, has unveiled large-scale installations that simulate the movement of photons that make up light, alongside innovations such as a 30,000-lumen projector, described as "the most compact and lightweight in the world."

Similarly, companies like Panasonic are presenting their latest developments aimed at making projectors "more compact, easier to transport and easier to install."

"For us, this is an opportunity to listen to the market. Of course, we present new products, but what we really want to know here is where the market is heading," said Oriol Massagué, marketing director at Panasonic Connect Europe.

Growing sector

The event continues to grow, with this year's edition occupying 10% more space than last year, reaching over 101,000 square meters.

One of the trends visible at the fair is the integration of artificial intelligence in other technologies such as robotics, which are increasingly present in audiovisual productions.

"Combined with AI, robotics creates increasingly complex content that was once impossible, all in a highly automated way," Miquel Rutllant, President of the Catalan Audiovisual Cluster, explained in an interview with the Catalan News Agency (ACN).

"More people are working in the sector, there are more career opportunities, and new companies are emerging to provide audiovisual solutions. It impacts our streets, stores and train stations, screens are everywhere, and audiovisual content is increasingly present," Rutllant said.

Catalan audiovisual companies have generated nearly €4.3 billion in additional revenue since ISE has been held in Catalonia, according to estimates by Catalonia Trade & Investment.

The audiovisual sector is growing and now accounts for nearly 3% of Catalonia's GDP.