After announcing in December that ISE 2015 would be the last three-day event, attendance at this year’s show comprehensively demonstrated why ISE has made the move to expand the duration of the exhibition.
In what was Europe’s largest-ever AV and systems integration exhibition, 59 350 registered attendees (196 South Africans) went to the show, which represents an increase of 8 347 registered attendees (16.4%) on ISE 2014. 1 052 ompanies exhibited at the show.
“The volume of attendance confirmed ISE’s position as the destination of choice for anyone involved in professional AV and systems integration,’ says Mike Blackman, Integrated Systems Events managing director. “In addition to the ongoing attendance success story,’ he continued, “the announcement that ISE has entered into a joint venture with invidis consulting to develop its highly successful Digital Signage, conference demonstrates our commitment to growing ISE’s profile in key market sectors.’
Attendees by position in value chain were as follows; consultant 6%, product distributors 16%, equipment manufacturers 11%, content creators and end-users 18%, systems integrators and installers 25%, IT dealers and resellers 9%, construction industry professionals 7%, and meeting and live events professionals 8%. ISE 2015 attendees are responsible for purchasing and specifying a wide range of audiovisual and related technologies. The top five core technology interests of the attendees were: audio systems 58%, digital signage 49%, and video displays, video projectors and projection systems 42% each. The top five end customer visitors by market sector were education 32%, IT 30%, meetings and live events 28%, corporate 20% and theatre or large performance venue 18%.
Attendees that have the authority to authorise, recommend and influence purchasing for themselves and or their company were divided as follows: authorised purchasers 55%, purchase recommenders 28%, and purchase influencers 17%. Attendees by spending power, in Euros, were as follows: less than €10 000 (15%), €10 000 to €50 000 (12%), €50 000 to €100 000 (11%), €100 000 to €500 000 (11%), €500 000 to €1-million (14%), €1- to 5- million (18%), €5- to €10-million 6%, and more than €10 million (6%).
As well as a buzzing show floor, ISE 2015 also offered visitors a wide range of personal development and training programmes provided by ISE co-owners InfoComm International and CEDIA. These sessions attracted more than 700 people, also a record for the show. Both associations also contributed to the three vibrant Showfloor Solutions Theatres dedicated to Residential, Commercial and Unified Communications. Over 3 000 appreciative visitors attended 90 sessions presented by ISE exhibitors. On site free-to-attend conferences such as the Capital Summit and Sports Facility Integration Summit offered expert insight into securing investment for companies operating in the AV marketplace and sports venue system integration.
David Labuskes, executive director and CEO, InfoComm International comments: “Everyone at InfoComm International is proud to be associated with another record-breaking ISE show. Our Guest Membership scheme, which made its debut at this year’s event, attracted almost 1 200 sign-ups, and we are looking forward to giving these ISE attendees a taste of InfoComm membership that extends beyond the education and hospitality they received in Amsterdam to the delivery of a range of post-show benefits.
“Our industry is on the rise globally and nothing reflects that trend more succinctly than the continued growth of ISE and of our association’s membership internationally,’ he continues.
Don Gilpin, executive director and COO, CEDIA, was equally as upbeat about ISE 2015: “ISE has become the most important platform for the CEDIA channel outside of North America and the 2015 event was the best edition yet.’
ISE’s pre-show events programme kicked off on 9 February with the Smart Building Conference and AudioForum, both drawing their highest ever attendance figures. Professionals from every sector of the systems integration value chain attended the Opening Keynote, given by Future Matters business consultant and futurist Lars Thomsen. He presented his thought-provoking opening address of 520 Weeks into the Future: Trends and Tipping Points in the Electronic Systems Industry until 2025.
Looking ahead to next year, exhibitor stand space re-bookings for the new four-day show are at an all-time high. When the exhibition doors closed on 12 February, bookings for the 2016 event stood at 41 200 square metres sold space. This represents 106% of the total sold space for the 2015 event and 94% of the total space available for 2016.
ISE 2015 saw increased exhibitor space provided by the addition of the Diamond Lounge. This expansion will continue at ISE 2016 with the opening of the Amtrium new building, which is adjacent to Hall 4. Also, there will be four Showfloor theatres, plus additional conferences and initiatives undertaken with exhibitors, trade bodies and media partners.
The next ISE will take place at the Amsterdam RAI on from 9 to 12 February 2016. ISE 2016 – Four days: for you, for your business, for the better…
