Integrated Systems Europe ISE 2026 was held in Barcelona’s Fira de Barcelona Gran Via on February 3–6, 2026. The show was the epicenter of innovation in the audiovisual (AV), lighting, control, and integrated systems as industry professionals from across the globe gathered for Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2026. Widely recognized as the largest and most influential AV tradeshow in the world, ISE presents cutting-edge technologies and meaningful networking opportunities that shape how events, installations, entertainment venues, and spaces are designed and illuminated.
This year’s theme “Push Beyond” inviting visitor from emerging product innovations to revolutionary approaches in control, lighting, and smart spaces all under one incredibly busy roof. Behind the hustle and bustle of the Expo halls were countless breakthroughs and conversations that left attendees excited for the coming year.
We have the opportunity to visit such a show and we dive into the highlights of the show that we visited, including experiences to meet great innovator, leader and manufacturer for the AV and Stage Lighting and Staging.
The ISE 2026 Experience
ISE continues to grow bigger and more impactful each year. In 2026, it set new records with an expanded footprint and strong global attendance, hosting thousands of exhibitors from every corner of the AV, lighting, staging, and integration industry.
Over 1,700 exhibitors showcasing the latest in pro AV tech, lighting, staging, and integration systems. The exhibition hall divided to few category including Hall 6 for Lighting & Staging and Hall 7 for Audio. The Audio Demo Room and Outdoor Demo Area in Hall 8 and we have the opportunity to listen different speaker setup by various manufacturer. We listened to a few of them like d&b audiotechnik, Turbosound and L-Acoustics.
On the first day we cover Hall 2 which is for Unified Communications and Education Technology. The connected classroom powered by Logitech offering hand-on experience and insights into the future of education technology was great.
We also spend a bit of time venturing Hall 3 to 5 which is dedicated to Multi-Technology. Here we do meet a few player in our industry like Panasonic and Shure.
Most of the time and our meeting were spend in Hall 6 and Hall 8.1 for Lighting & Staging which is eye opening for so many products showcase under one roof.
Stage Curtain J&C Joel 8E640
We visited J&C Joel at Booth 8E640 and meet James Wheelwright is the CEO of the company and his sales team. J&C Joel is a leading stage engineering and stage drapery & fabric specialist took part as an exhibitor, showcasing solutions designed for theatres, auditoriums, broadcast studios, and live venues.
According to James for this year ISE show J&C Joel will concentrate on stage drapery, acoustic treatments, and rigging solutions. The stand also featured a collaboration with engineering partner Triple E, highlighting integrated solutions that combine fabrics, tracks, and drive systems for modern performance spaces
During the show, the company presented a range of acoustic and stage products, including acoustic banners and drapery solutions aimed at improving sound control in large venues. We were given samples and technical brochures allowing us and the visitors to better understand material quality, fire-retardant properties, and installation options.
J&C Joel has built an international reputation as a manufacturer of performance fabric and stage engineering systems. Its portfolio spans acoustic, masking, and decorative fabrics as well as mechanical solutions such as tracks, rigging, and variable acoustic systems. These products are widely specified in theatres, concert halls, houses of worship, TV studios, and educational venues worldwide.
In our products range we use mostly J&C Joel fabric range is our main product for system installation for stage and studio curtain system.
Lighting & Staging Hall 6 Spotlight
The Lighting & Staging Hall 6, bringing together the technologies and expertise that power modern live productions. As part of one of the world’s largest professional AV exhibitions, this zone attracted lighting designers, rental companies, system integrators, and venue operators seeking the latest solutions for concerts, theatre, broadcast, and immersive events.
We spend a lot of time in the span of 3 days here and talking to the industry expert and watching the live show. Hall 6 served as the main hub for live-event production technologies, showcasing everything from lighting fixtures and control systems to rigging, staging equipment, and show automation tools.
Visitors entering Hall 6 experienced a dynamic environment where visual creativity meets engineering precision. Exhibitors demonstrated advanced LED lighting systems, wireless control technologies, pre-visualization software, motion tracking, video mapping, and even holographic effects. These innovations are designed to transform stage environments and enhance audience engagement across venues ranging from major stadium concerts to smaller temporary stages.
A key highlight within the hall was the Live Events Stage, which hosted free presentations, panel discussions, and networking sessions throughout the exhibition. Industry experts shared insights on touring productions, automation, sustainability, and the evolving demands of live entertainment. This educational component provided visitors with practical knowledge alongside hands-on exposure to new technologies
We also see talk that push toward networked lighting control treating fixtures as intelligent devices within a larger programmable ecosystem. This shift is transforming how designers conceive lighting for integrated spaces and live events.
ISE 2026 Was Worth the Trip
Visiting ISE 2026 was an experience that we experiences with more discovery, professional growth, and community engagement. We saw few products opportunity for our Malaysia market and this show is worth the trip in our opinion. We also meet a few Malaysia industry player visiting the ISE 2026 as well.
The event reaffirmed ISE’s role not just as a tradeshow, but as a crossroads where technology meets imagination and practicality. As more professionals from around the world converge on this stage each year, it’s clear that the future of integrated systems from lighting to control, from automation to the cloud is being shaped in real time on these busy halls.