The Institute of Sound and Communications Engineers reported increased attendance and much enthusiasm for its annual exhibition and seminar day, ISCEx 2017, which took place last week. The one-day exhibition and seminar programme was held at Coombe Abbey Hotel and Country Park near Coventry.
Open to members and non-members, the ISCEx exhibition and seminar programme was preceded by the Institute’s annual general meeting and networking dinner events, held the previous day.
The ISCEx 2017 seminar programme was kicked off by Alberto Fueyo, acoustic engineer from AMS Acoustics, highlighting the technical considerations required when designing PA-VA sound systems with digital amplifiers – and in particular the expected maximum sound pressure levels (SPL) compared to those traditionally experienced with analogue amplifiers.
The day’s second seminar of the day, presented by Dr Peter Mapp, required the drafting of additional seating for an enlarged audience. Participation was encouraged as Dr Mapp demonstrated acoustic side-effects of ultrasonic PA system monitoring, highlighting examples with researched data, real-life scenarios and live demonstrations.
Dr Gillian Rollason, social policy manager for Action on Hearing Loss (the charity formerly known as the RNID) concluded the day’s seminars presenting a hot topic entitled ‘Taking Noise off the Menu – Changing the acoustic environment for diners in commercial settings’. Once again, audience participation proved to be lively around this highly emotive topic.
Jim Gilroy, Protec Fire Detection commented: “Dr Peter Mapp’s presentation was a highlight of the day for me. ISCEx is a very well planned and executed event, a credit to the Institute”.
“To have a large number of suppliers with the time to discuss products at length was very beneficial”, added Dudley Simpson from Simpson Sound and Vision Ltd who dedicated the entire day to attending the event.
Alongside the seminar programme, 32 exhibitors were on hand in the exhibition room and were reporting very positive engagement from ISCEx attendees. A number of the audio industry’s women also took the opportunity to gather in recognition of International Women’s Day 2017.
“Coinciding with International Women’s Day, it was lovely to see a greater number of women attending ISCEx 2017, supporting the sound industry and ready to celebrate our presence. I plan to actively encourage the Institute’s increasing diversity,” commented Helen Goddard, vice-president of ISCE.
“ISCEx remains a very personal event and lends itself to creating a very intimate and informal environment. Throughout the day discussions took place between visitors and exhibitors in and around the exhibition room and throughout the hotel and grounds in various relaxed seating areas”, said Ros Wigmore, event organiser for ISCE.
“The feedback for ISCEx this year has been really positive and we’re already looking forward to ISCEx 2018 next year,”she concluded.
ISCE President Phil Price added: “Over recent years, ISCEx has grown steadily and for sure is an important networking event for the sound and communications industry. The response to our 2017 event has really been positive from both visitors and exhibitors. We will return to Coombe Abbey again in 2018. Look out for the event announcement date soon.”
