ISE 2024 barcelona featured AI digital art and high-tech novelties

ISE 2024: a 20-year anniversary show to remember

The 20-year anniversary of Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) went down as the largest and most well-attended event in its history. The 2024 edition featured the most extensive content program to date with Artificial intelligence (AI) being one of the major talking points. Besides participating leading brands like Google, Samsung, Bang & Olufsen, LG, and many more, the fair also included three keynote sessions featuring Oscar-winning director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy (Star Wars: New Jedi Order) and digital artists Jeroen van der Most and Sofia Crespo, while the renowned light arts festival Llum BCN took over Barcelona.

the 20th anniversary of the Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) show went down as the largest and most well-attended event in its history

(banner) the exclusive mapping of Casa Battló, titled ‘Structures of Being,’ by Argentinian artist Sofia Crespo

The 2024 edition delivered the largest content program yet as the regular ISE conferences were augmented with the inaugural European/Latin American AV Summit – the first of its kind to explore the synergies between the two regions – and a rich Free-to-Attend program that included the ever popular Tech Talks. AVIXA and CEDIA, co-owners of ISE, contributed industry expertise and focus on market growth and community connection with AVIXA TV and in-person sessions at AVIXA Xchange LIVE, while CEDIA emphasized advocacy, connection, and education, addressing workforce challenges and promoting the value of working with integrators.

‘In the illustrious 20-year journey of ISE, we have witnessed the transformative power of innovation and collaboration within our community. ISE 2024 not only reflects the cutting-edge technologies defining our industry but also serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of creativity and camaraderie. As we celebrate this milestone, alongside our co-owners AVIXA and CEDIA we look forward to continuing our commitment to being a global platform for industry professionals,’ comments Mike Blackman, Managing Director of Integrated Systems Events.

a time-travelling Tech Tour to Tutankhamun, The Immersive Experience at IDEAL Barcelona

from a time-travelling metaverse to ai art at casa battló

The weekend prior to the show, ISE delivered a projection mapping of Sofia Crespo’s ‘Structures of Being’ on the façade of Gaudí’s Casa Battló, in what it said was a gift to the city of Barcelona. Meanwhile, the permanent installation of a new 193sqm transparent LED display at the South Access of the Gran Via hosted various content throughout the week, including two performances of ‘Bee Barcelona’ from Jeroen van der Most, a diverse range of activities including the America’s Cup Challenge Land Yacht, virtual studios, and Samsung’s global launch. Additionally, the much-anticipated Tech Tours certainly stole some of the spotlight. Open to the public, ISE took visitors behind the scenes of major AV installations at some of the city’s most iconic venues, including the ISE Audio Museum, The Great Library of Tomorrow at Aribau Immersive Space, Tutankhamun: The Immersive Experience at IDEAL Barcelona, L’illa Mall Barcelona and more.

ISE delivered a projection mapping of Sofia Crespo’s ‘Structures of Being’ on the façade of the Gaudí’s Casa Battló | image © Claudia Maurino

ISE 2024 was a testament to the innovation of the pro-AV and systems integration community. Exhibitors from around the globe presented state-of-the-art solutions, ranging from advanced display technologies and immersive audio systems to smart automation and collaborative communication tools. The diverse array of products and services reflected the industry’s commitment to pushing boundaries and enhancing user experiences. The event offered a dynamic platform for manufacturers, integrators, distributors, end-users, and industry enthusiasts to engage in a comprehensive showcase of cutting-edge products, solutions, and leadership.

the diverse array of products and services reflected the industry’s commitment to pushing boundaries

the keynote speakers that stole the show

Amidst the exciting AV booths and stands, three keynote sessions took center stage. Having undertaken projects for prominent organizations like NVIDIA, NH hotels, and Nike-Footlocker, Jeroen van der Most’s work not only explores creative possibilities of new technologies but challenges and redefines our understanding of it. During his speech, the Dutch-designer offered insights into the evolving cutting-edge art technologies, from AI to quantum computing and NFTs, inspiring new perspectives on creativity in an interconnected world. As part of the exhibition titled ‘Bee Barcelona,’ he further mesmerized audiences with a live performance broadcast on the South Access Screen, constructing an AI-based replica of his creative mind and merging it with that of a bee, transforming Barcelona into a ‘hive’.

‘The key motivation for me to work on the bee mind mix is again to step away from ‘ordinary’ supercharged AI for mere productivity and profit, but to design an AI that’s about being closer to nature, more modesty, and more surprising infinding design ideas,’ mentioned Jeroen van der Most.

Jeroen van der Most’s immersive projection

The exclusive mapping of Casa Battló, titled ‘Structures of Being,’ was a convergence of AI technology, teamwork, and art, created by Argentinian artist Sofia Crespo and her Entangled Others studio team, including technical collaborator Feileacan Kirkbride McCormick. Discussing the complexities on the ISE Show Floor Stage, Crespo highlighted the challenge of projecting organic images onto the intricate façade of Gaudí’s architecture. Utilizing microscopy, collaborations with scientists, simulations with the Barcelona Supercomputing Center, and generative systems, the team created motion and form, while Unreal Engine simulated how light would interact with the façade, addressing complexities and unknowns in the projection process.

‘My previous work was on flat surfaces and I wanted to honour Gaudí’s explorations around the natural world and spirituality,’ expressed Sofia Crespo.

Sofia Crespo’s artwork immersed the public in the nature contained in Gaudí’s creative universe | image © Claudia Maurino

Recipient of two Oscars and four Emmy Awards, Pakistani director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy talks of the crucial role of storytelling plays in inspiring, informing, and shaping the future of audiovisual innovation and its diverse markets by bringing her impactful career experiences to the forefront. Obaid-Chinoy’s career reflects her commitment to creative action for societal change, notably contributing to the passing of Pakistan’s honor killing bill after her Oscar win. Her ventures into narrative filmmaking include directing pivotal episodes of Marvel’s ‘Ms. Marvel’ series in 2022, focusing on the MCU’s first Muslim character, Kamala Khan. In 2024, she made headlines as the first woman announced to direct a Star Wars film, scheduled for release in 2026.

‘We are thrilled to have Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy give our Opening Keynote at ISE 2024; she promises to be a compelling, thought-provoking speaker. As an innovator, trailblazer, and advocate for positive change, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy has made a great impact in her industry and in wider society,’ said Mike Blackman, Managing Director, Integrated Systems Events.

director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy talks of the crucial role of storytelling plays in inspiring, informing, and shaping the future of audiovisual innovation

HIGH-TECH NOVELTIES take over the fair

With a main focus on the company’s new high-end cinematic range, Bang & Olufsen showcased the world’s most powerful soundbar Beosound Theatre, the wireless stereo loudspeaker Beolab 28 and the powerful and compact speaker Beolab 8. Further down, global leader in IP access control systems, 2N, served both the residential and commercial markets, covering the full range of solutions in the field of security, access control systems and door communication within buildings. In Hall 5, the screens got bigger and more transparent. The 30-inch touch Micro LED display by AUO Corporation is as see-through as it is customizable, showing adaptation for various venues including commercial displays, corporate meeting room/partitions, residential interiors, vehicle windows in transportation, and other applicable areas.

Bang & Olufsen’s Beolab 8 & Beosound Theatre

technology in the workspace

World-famous brands also took comfort into the work environment, where cutting-edge monitors, highly sensitive sensors, massive screens, and dynamic audio systems elevate any office experience. d&b audiotechnik offered visitors the opportunity to explore the endless possibilities of audio technology, giving them the chance to hear first-hand from industry experts how they are unleashing the power of sound in different projects and across a wide range of sectors – from fitness, theme parks, stadiums, to nightclub and live performances. Meanwhile, Logitech and Google teamed-up for enterprise-grade video conferencing through Google Meet, and a seamless, fully-integrated solution for customer and employee facing kiosks.

All of this while Samsung took up an expansive exhibition area of 1,728m². The leader in the display commercial market introduced an era of hyper-connectivity in the B2B space with SmartThings for Business that allows transformation of store operations through personalized automation ensuring top-notch security through real-time store monitoring and instant alerts. Just around the corner, LG lit up the room with a giant LED display featuring kinetic technology in sync with customized media art content.

the d&b audio demo room