This June, ISE – the world’s leading exhibition for AV and systems integration – will be ready to make its debut at the Fira de Barcelona, Gran Vía. In an industry that is eager to ‘get back to work’, the event provides a much-anticipated milestone for the AV world and signals a safe, yet cautious return to in-person events.
Behind the scenes, ISE and its co-owners AVIXA and CEDIA have been working closely with the City of Barcelona, the venue and relevant authorities to ensure the event can proceed smoothly and safely. ISE recently shared A Guide to Safe Visiting, to provide helpful guidance for exhibitors and visitors. This includes physical safety measures that will be deployed at the venue, the behavioural changes that attendees will be encouraged to adhere to, and the extra facilities and digital features that will be in place.
Travel stamp
In early January, Fira de Barcelona received the ‘Safe Travels’ global stamp from the World Travel Tourism Council (WTTC) for its safety protocol against the transmission of Covid-19. The set of measures implemented has been developed in collaboration with specialist risk management consultancy Aon and the advice of the Hospital Clínic de Barcelona.
Safety measures during ISE 2021 will include dedicated entry points with temperature checks required for all prior to entering the venue; pre-printing and self-scanning of entry badges; clear digital signage; on-site testing and quarantine facilities; cameras in and around the venue as well as on the metro system to monitor distancing, physical distancing and crowd control measures; greater ventilation, additional cleaning and sanitising; and enforced face mask wearing in and around the venue.
ISE and its partners will continue to monitor the situation and keep the protocols under review to ensure alignment with the latest advice, guidance and international event industry best practice.
“It’s time to connect and get back to business,” says ISE managing director Mike Blackman (interviewed on page 12) . “With four months to go before we open the doors at the Fira de Barcelona, Gran Vía in June, it’s time to prepare and look forward to delivering a great show. For us at ISE, the health and safety of our attendees is a priority, and we must all work together and play our part.”
Situation updates
As the situation develops, the information in A Guide to Safe Visiting will be updated and re-presented in line with best practice.
ISE is optimistic that there will be an in-person event this June in Barcelona. To complement the in-person show there will also be a digital accompaniment, which will also include compelling content, exciting exhibitors, and essential industry networking for virtual visitors. More news on what’s in store for 2021 will be released soon, and we’ll run it online and in the mag when we hear more.
