1. It’s the largest AV tradeshow ever held in Europe
Over 50,000 people from 150 countries are expected to come to the Amsterdam RAI between 10 and 12 February, when in excess of 36,000sqm of net floor space will be taken by more than 1,000 companies, which are launching a plethora of new products. Whatever aspect of audiovisual or electronic systems integration you’re interested in, you won’t find a better selection of it anywhere else in Europe.
2. Dedicated themed areas
As in previous years, there will be particular emphasis on four key technology areas: Digital Signage, Residential Solutions, Unified Communications and Smart Building. If you work in any of these areas, you’ll find all the key companies you need to talk to in one place.
3. Get a view of the future
If you’d like to find out about the major changes ahead over the next ten years in AV and electronic systems, come to ISE’s Opening Keynote on 9 February, the day before the show. This will be given, by Lars Thomsen, a respected and influential futurist and international speaker whose consultancy Future Matters has advised 40% of companies on the German stock exchange on their strategic planning. Thomsen specialises in identifying disruptive opportunities, or ‘tipping points’, that cause significant shifts in economic, political and social trends. His presentation, entitled ‘520 Weeks into the Future: Trends and Tipping Points in the Electronic Systems Industry until 2025’, will cover areas such as artificial intelligence and robotics 2.0, alongside expected shifts in media, marketing and consumer expectations.
4. Largest ever Professional Development programme
ISE’s co-owners CEDIA and InfoComm International are presenting an even wider range of courses at ISE 2015. Both associations will be offering more of their popular technical and business education, as well as on-site certification, allowing attendees to gain globally recognised qualifications without leaving the show venue.
5. Grasp the potential of smart building
Smart building technology represents a major opportunity for the AV industry, but capitalising on this requires an understanding of how other parts of the construction industry approach the subject. The Smart Building Conference – which returns to ISE for its third Amsterdam edition – provides a forum for learning about the latest smart technologies and a networking opportunity for the wider smart building community. On this occasion, the conference has two key themes: smart lighting control and the Internet of Things.
6. Learn on the showfloor
You don’t even have to leave the exhibition floor to boost their knowledge of key industry topics. The ISE Showfloor Theatres, which offer case study-based presentations, return in an expanded format: this year there are three theatres, covering Residential Solutions, Commercial Solutions and Unified Communications. All three theatres have been given striking, distinctive designs that allow the technology to shine without dominating the proceedings.
7. Discover new companies
Returning to ISE for a second year is the Discovery Zone, which provides a dedicated showcase for companies that are new to the show. Here you can simply and quickly find new ideas, new products and new solutions from companies that you won’t have seen before at the show.
8. Specialist conferences to attend
The second annual SVG Europe Sport Facility Integration Summit enables all stakeholders engaged in venue technology projects to find out more about everyone’s roles and responsibilities. This free-to-attend conference offers a far-reaching programme that addresses every aspect of sports venue integration.
If your company is looking for capital investment, or you just want to find out more about the AV industry from a financing perspective, don’t miss the Capital Summit, which has been created to bring together investors and companies with growth plans.
9. Learn more about audio tools
Another free conference returning to ISE is AudioForum, on 9 February – ahead of the exhibition. Organised by media partner Connessioni, this edition of the conference will look at the digital tools that audio designers and systems integrators can use in the creation of audio systems, installations, speakers and components. Seminars will be held by representatives of the largest companies in the sector and by experts from the most important associations in the market, including AES, the Audio Engineering Society.
10. And relax…
Extra areas have been created to give you a chance to relax during the show. There are additional catering areas in the Park Foyer and Ruby Lounge, while the Business Lounge – located on the fly-over between Halls 7 and 8 – will be back, offering WiFi access, charging stations, and the opportunity to take a much-needed break in comfortable seating. The lounge will be an informal yet professional environment where you can take a break from the showfloor and relax, work or network.
To learn more about the events and exhibitors at ISE 2015, read the ISE Daily Preview Edition.
