RAI Amsterdam hosted the trade exhibition Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) from 6 to 9 February, attracting over 80,000 AV and multimedia international visitors to the Dutch capital.
Over the years, ISE has grown into the RAI’s largest business-to-business event. For several weeks leading up to ISE, Amsterdam’s skyline was lit up by a competition in new projection mapping. On the initiative of the RAI, ISE and the Amsterdam Light Festival, five international video artists projected their displays on the EYE Filmmuseum.
ISE 2018 was the largest and busiest Integrated Systems Europe in our 15-year history. Across all 15 halls, visitors experienced a vibrant showcase of the latest AV and systems integration technologies, products and solutions, confirming the show’s position as as the international destination of choice for AV professionals.
The number of exhibitors totalled 1,296, of which 294 were exhibiting at ISE for the first time. They filled 53,000sqm of exhibition floor space. Floor space already confirmed for ISE 2019 currently stands at 103% of the total booked for ISE 2018. The number of registered visitors by the end of the show had reached 80,923, an increase of 10.8% compared to ISE 2017. Almost 20,000 visitors attended the last day of the show and over 30% of the total attendees were visiting ISE for the first time.
A hub for business in the city
Amsterdam's deputy mayor Udo Kock was present at the opening of the exhibition: “Amsterdam has been a magnet for scientists, entrepreneurs and investors for years. The city welcoming the 13th edition of ISE is an illustration of this appeal.
“Everyone will be able to see how the latest technologies – already presented at previous ISE editions – are now being applied in Amsterdam. And the exhibition will have an impact on the city that goes far beyond the four days during which it is officially held.
“The aim will be to help visitors connect with start-ups, established companies and research institutes in Amsterdam. A good example of a relevant initiative is the Dutch VR Days, which are also being organised,” said the deputy mayor in his speech.
Video art at EYE
A unique project linked to ISE is the World Masters of Projection Mapping. Since mid-January this event has given thousands of Amsterdammers and tourists the chance to enjoy art projections on the facade of EYE Filmmuseum. A special challenge for the artists was to create projection mapping that suits the EYE’s distinctive three-dimensional facade, which includes surfaces visible from several angles.
Textbook example of making connections
“The RAI brings together people, ideas and visions,” underlines RAI Amsterdam COO Maurits van der Sluis. “By linking our network to ISE, the city and the Amsterdam Light Festival, we developed an initiative with genuine impact outside the venue and before the actual exhibition began. The World Masters of Projection Mapping has also led to new partnerships, making it a textbook example of how to make connections.”
A rousing success
Mike Blackman, MD of Integrated Systems Events, agrees. “Although we have had a relationship with the city of Amsterdam since 2005, most of our activities were focused on and situated around the RAI. The new World Masters of Projection Mapping presentation held during the Amsterdam Light Festival is a showcase of the world’s best creative, technical and production projects. Moreover, we are proud that the event is so highly appreciated by exhibitors and visitors to ISE 2018.”
The award ceremony took place on the final day of the exhibition. “Working on this new adventure with the RAI and the Amsterdam Light Festival has been a real pleasure. Both organisations are highly proficient in organising events in Amsterdam and we have enjoyed joining forces to make the World Masters or Projection Mapping such a success,” added Blackman.
