The doors to ISE 2026 have officially opened at Fira de Barcelona Gran Via, marking the start of what promises to be the most ambitious edition in the show’s history. In his opening remarks, Mike Blackman, managing director of Integrated Systems Events, set the tone for the event with a clear and powerful message: “Push Beyond.”
“This year, we’re not just bigger — we’re more ambitious,” Blackman told the audience of media personnel at a press briefing this morning. “Push Beyond reflects the mindset of our exhibitors, partners, creators and the entire AV community — pushing beyond limitations, beyond expectations and beyond traditional boundaries of technology.”
Courtesy / Dan Ferrisi
ISE 2026 is already breaking records, with over 101,000 square meters of show floor space — a 10% increase from last year — and 1,750 exhibitors, an 8% growth year-over-year. Pre-show registrations have surged, with attendees from across the globe, including Spain, China, the U.K. and the United States. “This early momentum shows just how much anticipation there is for this year’s show,” Blackman said.
The event’s theme, “Push Beyond,” is evident in every corner of the show. Innovation Park, which debuted last year, returns with over 130 promotional pods, a pitching stage and an expanded investor forum. Meanwhile, Spark, a 1,000-square-meter creative hub in Hall 8.1, highlights the intersection of technology, storytelling and immersive experiences.
Education and knowledge sharing remain central pillars of ISE. This year’s program includes six summits and trend-driven tracks on topics like AI, cybersecurity and sustainability. The launch of the Cyber Security Summit and the return of the European Latin American AV Forum further underscore ISE’s commitment to addressing the industry’s most pressing challenges.
Blackman also took a moment to acknowledge the media’s role in amplifying the event’s impact. “With more than 800 journalists, editors and creators registered, your engagement ensures what happens in Barcelona this week doesn’t just stay in Barcelona but resonates far beyond the show floor,” he said.
Beyond the exhibition halls, ISE’s influence extends across the city. Highlights include nightly drone shows featuring 600 synchronized drones, the LLUM BCN Light Art Festival, and the Connected Classroom initiative, which showcases how digital tools can transform education. Sustainability also takes center stage with the Better Stands program, encouraging exhibitors to adopt reusable structures, and the ISE donation room, which redistributes items to local social organizations.
“This is the most comprehensive, curated show floor we’ve ever delivered,” Blackman said. “Everywhere you turn this week, you’ll see innovation at scale.”
As ISE 2026 unfolds, it’s clear that the event is not just a showcase of technology but a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and the future of the AV industry. Or, as Blackman put it, “ISE 2026 is built to inspire — and the best part is, this momentum starts today.”
Follow along with Commercial Integrator as we compile the latest news for ISE 2026. Check out (or bookmark) our ISE 2026 hub page today!
