Following the announcement earlier this week that ISE 2021 is going ahead as an in-person event, the organisation has emailed everyone on its database and posted on LinkedIn with the offer of a free in-person and online pass to the inaugural Barcelona event. At the same time, Tripleplay has withdrawn from the show, with others rumoured to be following suit.
ISE’s database email states:
“We know there’s a real appetite for seeing the industry come together again and we remain scheduled to take place 1-4 June 2021 in our new home at the FIRA Barcelona. Nothing beats a face-to-face event like ISE for doing business, finding out about the latest technologies and solutions and catching up with industry friends old and new.
“We also know that not everyone feels ready to commit to international travel just yet and that’s why we will be offering a digital component alongside the physical show, so that you can attend ISE from anywhere in the world.
“As a digital attendee you can access interviews, panel discussions, brand stories, product news, demos and more – either live or in your own time. There are plenty of opportunities to interact: chat with speakers, sponsors and other participants, join a roundtable, take part in polls, surveys and more.
“And right now we’re offering you the opportunity to attend either the physical show or the online event free of charge. Just go to our registration page and enter the [included] code. We look forward to seeing you in Barcelona – whether live or online! Stay safe.”
This year, all registration has to be carried out ahead of the event, as there is no registration on-site for health and safety reasons.
Meanwhile, manufacturers have voiced their support for ISE 2021 following the announcement that it will go ahead as an in-person event as planned. ISE has conceded that it understands not all of its exhibitors will feel able to commit to their original plans for the show in June, but that by “offering flexibility and options” as many as possible will exhibit.
“With passion and commitment we can move ahead, rebuild and help make our industry even stronger,” said a statement. “Thank you for your support.”
Some of the supportive comments from AV manufacturers are reproduced below:
“We are in for 2021 as we all need this show!” Tobias Lang, CEO, Lang AG
“ISE is providing outstanding support to the AV industry and the industry needs a platform to speak to its customers from the various vertical markets, including collaboration, digital signage, live events and many others. ISE is the sole event bringing key people from these areas together. Panasonic is not going to miss that, more than we want to utilise this opportunity to create a prosperous future for our business.” Hartmut Kulessa, visual systems business unit, Panasonic
“We welcome the opportunity to participate with our industry colleagues, partners and customers as we start the journey back to a world not only connected virtually but in-person. As we embark on a hybrid future we need to restore the critical in-person element to our interactions so essential to achieving success. ISE is the first step in this journey coming at the perfect time.” Rashid M Skaf, president and CEO co-chairman, Biamp
“syscomtec Distribution and our partners easescreen and Ledeca all agree it is a very good plan to participate in ISE 2021 in Barcelona this June and add regional exhibitions to the programme. Syscomtec and its partners are looking forward to being part of the shows in Barcelona and Germany.” Claus Lohse, CEO of syscomtec Distribution AG and member of the board of AV-Solution Partner e.V.
“The ISE organisation has worked hard – on every level – to address the ISE trade show in Barcelona this year. They have considered exhibitors’ and attendees’ needs as well as the existing challenges that the pandemic brings. With the current climate, ISE’s efforts to bring the global AV community together are commendable.” Arlonna Seymour, senior director, corporate marketing, Christie (a founding exhibitor of ISE)
