How many times have you attended ISE, and in what capacity?
I have attended ISE six or seven times, always as an exhibitor. For the past five years, I have represented Absen, and each year I am genuinely impressed by the scale and ambition of the event. The stands continue to grow in size and creativity, and the overall energy of the show seems to increase year on year. ISE consistently raises the bar, and it is clear that the industry’s confidence and innovation are reflected on the show floor. Looking ahead, we are already planning to go even bigger in 2027.
Overall, how was ISE 2026 for you?
ISE 2026 was exceptionally successful for Absen. With our European team expanding, we were able to attend in full force, which significantly enhanced our engagement with visitors across multiple markets. The show provided the perfect platform to launch several new products, including exclusive unveilings tailored to different verticals.
Beyond the technology itself, we focused on creating a memorable experience for visitors. From sponsoring the drone show to the appearance of our Bee mascot, our presence was designed to combine innovation with impact. The result was a vibrant, high-energy space that attracted consistent traffic throughout the show and reinforced Absen’s position as a leading global LED display manufacturer.
Numbers were up again, so how was footfall for you, and what about the quality of leads?
Footfall at our stand was extremely strong, but what stood out most in 2026 was the quality of engagement. We have already seen purchase orders placed directly as a result of conversations and stand tours conducted during the show, which is a clear indicator of meaningful business impact. In fact, one end user commented that ours was “the best stand tour we’ve been on”, and that project has since progressed to order confirmation.
We also saw a significant number of repeat visits from system integrators who brought multiple end users to our stand to explore our solutions across a range of markets. There was particularly strong interest in our foldable all-in-one solution, the Absen X136F, as well as our MicroLED offering for residential applications, the Absen CLv3. The level of targeted enquiries and follow-up activity suggests that ISE 2026 will translate into sustained business growth over the coming months.
Did you engage with the ISE Daily, either by reading it or by contributing editorially or promotionally?
Yes, absolutely. I make a point of picking up a copy of the ISE Daily each day of the show. It provides valuable insight into industry highlights and peer activity. We also aim to contribute editorial content wherever possible, as we see it as an important platform to share product news and thought leadership with the wider AV community.
Did you nominate any of your products for the Best of Show awards? If not, do you have a particular reason?
Yes, we submitted two product entries for the Best of Show awards this year. While we would welcome the opportunity to nominate more products in future editions, participation must always be balanced with budget considerations. That said, recognition programmes such as these are an important way to celebrate innovation within the industry.
Is there anything you would like to see improved at ISE in 2027?
ISE continues to deliver an impressive and well-organised event, and the scale of its growth is a testament to its success. However, as the show expands, maintaining a strong focus on visitor and exhibitor safety will remain important. Ensuring that all attendees feel secure and supported throughout the event should continue to be a priority, particularly as the international nature of the show means many professionals travel alone. The initiatives introduced this year were positive steps forward, and continued attention in this area would be welcomed.
You can subscribe to Installation magazine for free here and the daily newsletter here.
