ISE 2026 launched Spark, a new four-day event dedicated to creative connectivity across sectors.
Conceived by Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) as part of its 2026 edition, held from 3 to 6 February at Fira de Barcelona, Spark became a meeting point for creative professionals, technologists and decision-makers looking to connect, share ideas and explore the future of creativity — from the power of convergence and cultural intelligence to new approaches in collaboration, immersive storytelling, AI and innovation.
Combining hands-on labs, immersive environments, thought leadership sessions and networking opportunities, Spark was designed to inspire both today’s and next-generation creative talent, offering a space to experiment with new tools, exchange perspectives and see creativity in action.
A focus on creative collaboration
Spark built on ISE’s track record in designing technology-focused events, expanding the show’s reach into the adjacent creative economy, where many disciplines overlap.
With the aim of addressing the so-called “connection paradox” — a hyperconnected yet increasingly fragmented world — Spark sought to bring together creative professionals around technologies, tools and platforms that empowered experience design, impactful storytelling and deeper audience engagement.
By combining the reach of digital technologies with the power of in-person experiences, attendees not only gained access to cutting-edge technology, but also to valuable resources, professional networks — including the investor community — and development opportunities that could accelerate projects and strengthen their creative practice.
Spark brought together the brightest minds in creativity and technology to push further, spark new ideas and redefine what is possible. With the boundaries between creative disciplines blurring, Spark showed how broadcast merges with gaming and how design integrates with live events, offering a direct vision of the future of cross-industry collaboration. By combining the seamless connectivity of creative technology with the immersive energy of live events, Spark was more than an exhibition: it was a blueprint for the future of creative innovation, explained Mike Blackman, Managing Director of Integrated Systems Events.
Where creativity inspired and boundaries disappeared
The boundaries between creative disciplines faded rapidly. At Spark, attendees discovered how areas such as gaming and broadcast, design and live events intersected, reflecting a broader shift towards convergence and collaboration over competition.
This evolution was reflected in immersive LED environments, spatial audio demonstrations, AI-powered production workflows and interactive storytelling — clear examples of how technology and creativity moved forward together.
Structured around four high-impact pillars — Broadcast, Live Events, Gaming and Marketing & Design — Spark fostered real-time collaboration between creatives and technologists, promoting cross-sector learning. Here, broadcast converged with gaming, design merged with innovation and AI enhanced human imagination through live demonstrations, installations, hands-on workshops, keynotes, panels, fireside chats and visionary debates.
Spark’s content programme provided creative leaders with the knowledge, resources and mindset needed to thrive in a converging creative economy, while connecting them with a global network of pioneers and celebrating diversity, sustainability and purpose.
Be part of cross-sector convergence at Spark 2026
Spark’s debut marked the beginning of a new alignment between the technological expertise of Integrated Systems Events and the creative industries. Set to grow into a standalone event in the coming years, it remained a space where boundaries dissolved, ideas ignited and creativity converged.
