ISE 2026 in Barcelona: A New Era of Integration, Innovation and Immersive Experiences
- mborsett
- 6 hours ago
- 5 min read
By M.B. @Studiostand

The Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2026 exhibition in Barcelona has just wrapped up, marking one of the most exciting editions to date. Held at the Fira Barcelona – Gran Via venue, the event occupied the expansive and newly enhanced exhibition complex; one of Europe’s most modern and functional fairgrounds. Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Toyo Ito, Gran Via stands out for its cutting-edge infrastructure, sustainability features, and flexible spaces that connect eight massive halls via an elevated visitor walkway. The venue’s state-of-the-art logistics and architectural presence provided the perfect stage for this landmark trade show, reinforcing Barcelona’s position as a global hub for innovation and business.
As one of the world’s largest and most influential events for audiovisual systems, smart building technologies, and integrated solutions, ISE 2026 brought together thousands of professionals, designers, manufacturers, and innovators from around the world ; Studiostand was there to witness it firsthand.
A Global Gathering for the AV and Smart Tech Community
From the moment the doors opened, ISE 2026 buzzed with excitement. The event drew an international crowd, from seasoned AV integrators and architects to emerging startups and global brands , all converging on Barcelona’s Fira Gran Via to explore the next wave of technological possibilities.
The exhibition halls were a dynamic mix of product launches, hands-on experiences, and forward-thinking demonstrations. What stood out most was not just the depth of innovation, but the way technology is increasingly converging across industries ; from audiovisual to building automation, digital signage to immersive experience design.





Key Themes and Trends Shaping the Industry
Throughout the show, several recurring themes defined the conversation:
1. Immersive and Experiential Technologies
From large-scale projection mapping to mixed reality environments, immersive tech was everywhere at ISE 2026. Exhibitors showcased experiences that blur the line between physical and digital, redefining how spaces can engage audiences ; whether in retail, education, entertainment, or corporate settings.

2. Sustainability and Smart Building Integration
Sustainability took center stage with a growing number of solutions focused on energy efficiency, intelligent building systems, and eco-conscious design. Smart building integration (combining AV systems with lighting, climate control, and IoT sensors) demonstrated how technology can enhance occupant comfort while reducing environmental impact.
From concept to build, these stands showcase how thoughtful exhibition design transforms square metres into powerful brand experiences, combining functionality, flow and striking visual impact
3. Unified Communications and Remote Collaboration
In a world still shaped by hybrid work and global collaboration, unified communications technologies were a major highlight. New platforms and hardware solutions emphasized seamless remote collaboration, with improved audio clarity, AI-powered features, and intuitive interfaces.

4. AI and Automation Across Platforms
Artificial intelligence appeared not as a distant concept, but as a practical tool embedded across multiple systems ; from predictive maintenance and analytics dashboards to adaptive AV experiences that respond to user behavior in real time.


A curated glimpse into the pavilion dedicated to audio, broadcasting and lighting: powerful sound systems, precision-engineered fixtures and immersive lighting schemes come together to transform each stand into a live experience. These images capture how thoughtful stand design, technology integration and atmosphere work in harmony to draw visitors in and showcase brands at their best.
Standout Exhibits and Notable Highlights
Several exhibits captured attention with breakthrough approaches and compelling design:
Next-gen displays with ultra-high resolution and flexible form factors.
Interactive environments that invited participation rather than passive viewing.
Collaborative workspaces featuring integrated systems for hybrid teamwork.
Sustainable product showcases emphasizing recyclability, efficiency, and low energy usage.
Additionally, keynote presentations and panel discussions brought diverse perspectives from industry leaders, fostering rich dialogue about the future of integrated systems and human-centric design.

Reflections from Studiostand
For Studiostand , ISE 2026 was a powerful reminder of how central exhibition stand design has become in shaping brand experience. Beyond the technology itself, what truly made the difference was how it was presented: the spatial narrative, the clarity of the message, and the ability of a booth to attract, engage, and guide visitors naturally through content.
Many of the most effective stands at ISE 2026 shared a common approach: strong architectural identity, clean and legible layouts, and seamless integration between physical structure and digital media. Exhibitors increasingly understand that a stand is no longer just a display surface, but a temporary architecture that must communicate values, innovation, and reliability within seconds.
From our perspective as designers and builders of custom exhibition stands, the fair confirmed a clear direction: successful booths are those that combine technical performance with spatial quality, storytelling, and attention to user experience. Designing and constructing exhibition stands today means creating environments that are flexible, sustainable, and emotionally engaging; spaces where technology supports the brand, rather than overpowering it.

Looking Ahead
ISE 2026 has set a high bar, but it also points toward thrilling opportunities on the horizon. As these technologies continue to evolve, we can expect even deeper integration in our daily environments ; from workplaces and public spaces to homes and cultural venues.
Stay tuned for more insights, photos, and stories from the event and, as always, thank you for following Studiostand as we explore the intersections of design, technology, and experience.

Sources:
Fira Barcelona – Gran Via Venue Official information about the Gran Via exhibition centre, including architecture, facilities, and sustainability features: https://www.firabarcelona.com/en/gran-via/
Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) – Official Website General information about ISE, its mission, scope, and international relevance: https://www.iseurope.org/
Fira Barcelona – Press & Events . Institutional updates and press releases related to major international trade fairs hosted at Fira Barcelona: https://www.firabarcelona.com/en/press/
Image credits: @MBA Photography






































































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