ISE 2027 Expands Floor Space, Adds Dedicated Digital Signage Summit
2026-09-23 · via AV Magazine
Integrated Systems Events has confirmed ISE 2027 will grow its exhibition floor space by 7% compared to 2026 and expand across two venues in Barcelona, with a new half-day summit dedicated to digital signage among the changes that matter most to screen operators and integrators.
The show, running under the theme "When Worlds Unite," will keep its main base at Fira Gran Via but add a new Outdoor Structure at the South Access and repeat last year's trial of exhibition booths in the East Access. Two additional events, Spark and EdTech Congress Barcelona, will run 3-4 February at Fira Montjuic, a separate site around four kilometres from Gran Via, according to the organisers. ISE says a single badge will cover all three exhibition floors plus Spark and EdTech Congress.
The site split is a direct result of delays to Hall Zero at Fira Gran Via, the release states, rather than a planned strategic move. For anyone budgeting time on the show floor, that means more walking or transport time between venues than in previous years.
Digital Signage Summit
Of most direct relevance to this publication's readers, ISE 2027 will include three dedicated half-day summits: Digital Signage, Cybersecurity, and Control Rooms. These sit within a wider content expansion that doubles the size of the paid Megatrends programme, covering AI, robotics and machine learning, cybersecurity, smart spaces, sustainability and what ISE calls Tradescape. The announcement does not detail speakers, topics or format for the Digital Signage summit specifically.
ISE is also introducing a free Open Content Programme, including a Live Event Stage, Investor Forum and Fast Forward Friday, alongside partner programmes such as AVIXA Xchange Live and a four-day CEDIA Smart Home Technology Conference. A new ISE Broadcast Enterprise Studio, powered by AVIXA TV, will run in Hall 4.
Two of three keynote speakers have been named. Mo Gawdat, former Chief Business Officer at Google [X], will deliver the Tuesday business keynote. Crestron will bring FC Barcelona's CIO Miriam Ferrando to the Wednesday partner keynote to discuss technology in sports and entertainment venues. A Thursday creative keynote, expected to tie into ISE's work with Casa Batlló, will be announced later.
ISE managing director Mike Blackman framed the convergence theme as a response to blurring lines between AV, IT, broadcast and creative technology sectors. The organisation is also launching an ISE Foundation, led by chief executive Gloria Boix, intended to operate year-round on talent, innovation and culture initiatives tied to Barcelona, separate from the annual show itself.
A new paid VIP Experience, including a lounge, dedicated meeting rooms and reserved keynote seating, will run as a pilot in 2027, with ISE saying it could expand in future editions depending on uptake.
The announcement in full
Reproduced from AV Magazine for reference. Digital Signage Magazine did not write the text below.
By AV Magazine in Europe , Industry events September 22, 2026 0
ISE 2027, which will have a When Worlds Unite technology convergence theme, will have a new outdoor structure by the South Access and events at Fira Montjuic.
Integrated Systems Events has unveiled a When Worlds Unite theme for 2027.
The theme reflects the increasingly fluid boundaries between AV, IT, broadcast, content production, creative technology and other sectors as technologies, expertise and ideas move across traditional industry lines.
“The most interesting opportunities increasingly exist at the points where different disciplines meet,” said ISE managing director Mike Blackman at a campaign launch event in Munich.
The ISE 2027 exhibition floor space is already 7% larger than 2026, with the show adding a new Outdoor Structure at the South Access and repeating last year’s successful trial of exhibition booths in the East Access.
ISE will also host two events in Hall 8 of Fira Montjuic, a separate site four kilometres away from the Fira Gran Via, due to the delayed arrival of Hall Zero at the Fira Gran Via: Spark and EdTech Congress Barcelona.
Spark returns as a two-day event from 3-4 February, with a significantly expanded programme. This initiative connects the AV industry with creators, commissioners and technologists in media, entertainment, live events, gaming and advertising.
The 2027 programme will feature two stages, an immersive pavilion and live showcases across an increased show floor.
EdTech Congress Barcelona will also take place on 3-4 February, bringing the education community further into the ISE ecosystem.
ISE is expanding its content programme in 2027. The paid content programme will be focused around a Megatrends programme, which will double in size, bringing together experts across AI, Robotics & Machine Learning, Cybersecurity, Smart Spaces, Sustainability and Tradescape.
Three dedicated half-day summits will focus on Digital Signage, Cybersecurity and Control Rooms while there will also be a four day CEDIA Smart Home Technology Conference.
Alongside the paid for content, ISE is introducing an Open Content Programme, which will include a Live Event Stage, Investor Forum, and Fast Forward Friday. This will also be complemented by free-to-attend partner programmes that includes the CEDIA Smart Home Technology Stage, AVIXA Xchange Live, Congreso AVIXA and ISE Insights.
ISE has also announced two of its three keynote speakers. On Tuesday, the business keynote will be given by Mo Gawdat: Former Chief Business Officer at Google [X], four-time international bestselling author, founder of One Billion Happy, Chief AI Officer at Flight Story and co-founder of Emma.Love.
For, the Wednesday Partner Keynote Crestron will bring FC Barcelona’s CIO Miriam Ferrando to the stage, exploring the role technology plays in one of the world’s most prominent sporting and entertainment environments.
The Thursday Creative Keynote will be announced at a later date and is expected to be given by an artist connected to ISE’s work with Casa Batlló.
ISE 2027 will also see an ISE Broadcast Enterprise Studio, Powered by AVIXA TV, in Hall 4.
Also new for 2027, is an ISE VIP Experience which is designed to create an environment where business connections can happen away from the main show floor. VIP benefits include a VIP Lounge in Tibidabo Suite and Garden, early access, hospitality throughout the day, dedicated space to work, meet and connect, all-access content pass, reserved seating for keynotes, VIP entry, and dedicated meeting rooms.
ISE VIP will be a pilot for 2027, with potential to develop further in future editions.
In addition, the ISE Foundation will extend the reach of ISE beyond the annual event, creating a permanent platform focused on Talent, Innovation and Culture. At the heart of the Foundation is Gloria Boix, Chief Executive Officer of the ISE Foundation who brings extensive experience across the public and private sectors. The Foundation’s work connects directly to Barcelona, supporting the city’s position as a hub for audiovisual technologies, creative industries and innovation.
Location: Fira de Barcelona | Gran Via and Montjuïc
Exhibition floor space 7% larger than 2026
Maximised Gran Via footprint: East Access show floor returning / New Outdoor Structure at South Access
Expansion into Fira Montjuïc: Spark & EdTech Congress Barcelona, 3–4 February
Three Keynotes spanning business, technology/sport and creative perspectives
Digital Signage, Cybersecurity and Control Rooms summits
Four-day CEDIA Smart Home Technology Conference
New ISE Broadcast Enterprise Studio, powered by AVIXA TV, Hall 4
One badge will grant access to all three exhibition floors, ISE, Spark and EdTech Congress