ISE bigger and better than ever

Net floor space at Amsterdam AV show larger yet sold out in advance

The Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) show in Amsterdam in early February has been estimated as the largest audiovisual trade show ever held in Europe.

According to Mike Blackman, managing director at organiser Integrated Systems Events, floor space and exhibitor numbers smashed records with overall attendance tipped to follow suit. Two new halls were added in late 2010, but exhibit space at the 1-3 February show sold out weeks beforehand.

“On top of our two new halls, we have taken extra space in the Europa Foyer to house additional exhibitors together with new features such as the GUI Gallery and IP Village, but even this has proved insufficient,” Blackman said.

Gross floor area was 11 per cent larger than in 2010 at 54,000 square metres. Net floor space was 17 per cent larger, equalling 26,650 square metres. About 700 exhibitors attended, Blackman said.

A dedicated 3D theatre was featured for the first time, along with a new or enhanced presence from organisations such as the KNX Association, AVnu Alliance and ISCE. The pre-show conference programme was three times larger than in 2010.

“[And] our parent associations InfoComm and CEDIA both added on-site certification testing to their education offerings, which were themselves more extensive,” Blackman said.

Unsurprisingly, Maverick Europe was in attendance meeting new potential resellers and promoting its blend of kit with logistical, e-commerce and financial services. The Hotlamps business was highlighted.

Arch-rival Midwich was also present, aiming to increase awareness of its portfolio and strengthen local channel relationships. It showed a large range, including IP CCTV security offerings from fresh acquisition Ubiqz.

“This will be the first time we have exhibited in Europe as a Group although our Whichlamps business has had a stand for the past three years,” a spokesman for Midwich said.

Other brands with a stand included Aquavision with its new waterproof LEDs, Teletask with its iPad, iPhone and Windows Phone 7 remotes, and Planar with what it claims are the industry most advanced large format pro monitors.

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