In a special message to AVTE readers, Mike Blackman gives his views on the value that attending ISE provides for end users
The success of ISE has been, in part, due to its ability to service the needs of two distinct, professional, AV sectors: the ‘channel’ and the ‘end user’ communities. They enjoy a mutually dependent and dynamic relationship and one that continues to evolve.
In recent times ISE has seen a marked increase in the numbers of end users attending the show. Some of the core markets being represented include professionals working in a range of diverse areas such as corporate, healthcare, retail, entertainment, education, construction, agriculture and the military. This is obviously something that we are pleased about. It’s also something that we have worked closely with our exhibitors, associations and partners on engendering.
End users will know that at ISE they will see more new products and senior technical, management and marketing personnel than at most events they visit
So why are more end users coming to ISE?
It’s a simple answer to say that it’s because there are over 1,200 of the world’s leading technology companies situated in one location, in a great city. Certainly, this remains a big attraction for anyone looking to discover the latest AV products and services. End users will know that at ISE they will see more new products and senior technical, management and marketing personnel than at most events they visit. They also know that they will have a diverse set of technologies being showcased; from digital signage to unified communications or from live events to residential and education. ISE represents a great ‘bringing together’ of people, products and solutions. It’s one of a kind.
End users who come to ISE 2018 will have the opportunity to experience a range of conferences and events that seek to provide a business roadmap for all attendees
There has also been the gradual shift from companies selling ‘boxes’ to companies selling ‘technologies and solutions’. Broadly, this has happened as follows…end users have expressed a desire to see ‘real world’ applications of technology often presented in a collaborative manner involving a number of different providers. ‘Manufacturers’ have become sought to become the ‘Partners’ of the end user and in doing so provide a higher level of service. ISE has provided the venue and marketplace to enable this evolution. In doing so exhibitors, and ISE, are attracting more end user attendees as they know that their presence will be appreciated.
Another major factor in the increase of end users at the exhibition has been our investment and commitment to deliver a wide range of content, thus providing valuable business insight and market intelligence.
End users who come to ISE 2018 will have the opportunity to experience a range of conferences and events that seek to provide a business roadmap for all attendees. Areas being covered include; smart building and cities, sports venues, pro audio networking and digital signage/retail strategies. ISE co-owners CEDIA and AVIXA have also put together their largest ISE educational programmes so far, much of it targeted directly towards end users.
Some of the earliest adopters for new virtual, augmented and mixed reality solutions have been end users. In response to this we are proud to be launching The XR Summit ISE. This is a one-day B2B conference focused on the Virtual, Augmented and Mixed Reality industry. It will explore the latest in VR, AR and mixed reality business strategies and solutions and how they can be relevant for your company and market sector. There is also the launch of a new XR Technology area. This is a special feature based to showcase the latest AR, VR and mixed reality technology and B2B solutions.
On the last day of the show there’s the premier of blooloopLIVE@ISE. This half-day conference will explore how visitor attractions across the world, from theme parks to museums, zoos and heritage sites are increasingly creating nighttime spectaculars using the latest AV technology to draw in the crowds.
There’s a lot more on offer too so please visit the ISE website for full details.
On behalf of everyone here, we look forward to welcoming you to ISE 2018.
Mike Blackman
