New ISE initiative focused on talent development, innovation and community projects across the sector.
Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) has announced the launch of the ISE Foundation, an industry-led initiative designed to create lasting benefits for the audiovisual (AV) and systems integration ecosystem.
Beyond the annual exhibition, the foundation will enable year-round programmes that connect industry professionals, support emerging startups and strengthen local community initiatives in Barcelona and Catalonia.
Established alongside its co-owners, AVIXA and CEDIA, and supported by the Barcelona City Council and the Government of Catalonia, the foundation creates a formal structure to extend ISE’s contribution to the industry well beyond the four days of the annual exhibition.
Announced on the opening day of ISE 2026 under the theme Powering On, Together, the foundation represents a strategic evolution of the show’s role within the AV ecosystem. Moving beyond its function as an annual gathering for the channel, ISE is joining with AVIXA and CEDIA to deliver a permanent programme focused on workforce development, startup acceleration and industry-led social impact.
The announcement was made at a press conference attended by Mike Blackman, Managing Director of Integrated Systems Events; David Labuskes, CTS, CAE, RCDD, CEO of AVIXA; Daryl Friedman, Global President & CEO of CEDIA; Raquel Gil, Deputy Mayor of Barcelona; and Miquel Sàmper, Minister for Business and Labour of the Government of Catalonia, highlighting the shared commitment of industry leaders and local institutions to the Foundation’s long-term impact.
One of the foundation’s central pillars is talent development. The shortage of qualified professionals continues to affect manufacturers, integrators and service providers across the AV landscape, and the foundation aims to address this gap through structured and scalable initiatives. Its Training the Trainers programme equips educators with industry-aligned AV competencies using curricula developed by AVIXA and CEDIA. Following a successful AVIXA pilot in Catalonia in 2025, the programme will expand significantly, with plans to partner with up to 150 institutions. Complementary initiatives such as AV Career Days and the planned introduction of industry-aligned vocational pathways from 2027 are designed to create a clearer and more direct route from education into employment within the AV sector.
Innovation constitutes the second strategic focus. Building on the momentum generated by the Innovation Park at ISE 2026, which hosted 130 startups, the foundation will provide greater continuity and post-event support for emerging companies. Through structured mentorship, investor engagement and access to industry networks, early-stage ventures will receive support to move beyond proof of concept toward commercial viability. The objective is not only to showcase innovation at the exhibition, but to actively drive the technologies that will shape the next phase of market development.
The third pillar focuses on social responsibility, reinforcing the broader societal value of AV and integrated technologies. Strategic collaborations are being developed with organisations including Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Associació Cívica La Nau and Fundació Joan Miró, as well as projects linked to Casa Batlló. These partnerships aim to translate the capabilities of the AV sector into measurable impact across healthcare, education and cultural engagement, strengthening the industry’s value proposition to public and private stakeholders.
The ISE Foundation formalises our commitment to the AV sector while strengthening ties with our host city. By working with local institutions and the wider industry, AVIXA, CEDIA and the ISE Foundation can build a lasting legacy that advances innovation, talent development and community engagement throughout the year, ensuring that the impact is meaningful, sustainable and beneficial for both professionals and the wider region, said Mike Blackman, Managing Director of Integrated Systems Events.
“We are proud to join CEDIA in driving this initiative, which strengthens the audiovisual industry by expanding career opportunities, supporting emerging businesses and fostering meaningful social impact”, said David Labuskes, CTS, CAE, RCDD, CEO of AVIXA. “As the global trade association for the AV industry, our mission is to advance the profession, and efforts like this are essential to shaping its future”.
The launch of the ISE Foundation reflects CEDIA’s commitment to growing our industry by nurturing new professionals and companies, while ensuring a sustainable environment. CEDIA is proud to help lead this effort to secure the future of AV and systems integration, concluded Daryl Friedman, Global President & CEO of CEDIA.
