ISE is expanding its long-term commitment to Barcelona and the wider ProAV industry with the creation of the ISE Foundation - a new initiative designed to foster innovation, develop talent, and build a sustainable workforce for the AV sector in Spain and beyond. invidis spoke to ISE Managing Director about the Foundation's agenda.
Mike Blackman: How ISE Aims to Build Spain’s AV Workforce
For ISE Managing Director Mike Blackman, the new ISE foundation has one clear and ambitious goal: “ISE wants to fuel innovation and strengthen the AV talent pool,” he said in an interview with invidis. “We see enormous potential to bring new people into the industry and to give them the skills they need to succeed.”
The Foundation, headquartered in Barcelona, will be co‑financed by Integrated Systems Events – the organizers of the ISE trade show – along with industry partners and public institutions in both Catalonia and the Spanish federal government.
Supporting the next generation of AV talents
In its first phase, the foundation will focus on catalyzing job creation in Catalonia, with expansion planned across Spain in the medium term. A central element of the strategy is talent development. Initial vocational training initiatives have already been launched, including “train‑the‑trainer” programs carried out in partnership with the Catalonian Ministry of Education. The goal is to upskill young adults and provide structured pathways for individuals outside the AV sector to transition into professional AV roles.
Turning Barcelona into a cultural and digital hub
The ISE Foundation is also designed to complement Barcelona’s broader digital media ecosystem. It aligns closely with the Three Chimneys creative agenda, which the city has positioned as a hub for digital media and cultural innovation. Beyond talent development, ISE continues to integrate itself into the cultural fabric of Barcelona. The yearly trade show already sponsors several high‑profile initiatives, including the Fundació Miró, the Casa Batlló digital mapping experience, and the Llum Barcelona festival, bringing digital art and immersive creativity to the wider public around the time of ISE each year.
But ISE’s engagement extends beyond culture and economic development. The organization has supported flood‑affected communities near Valencia after the 2024 storms and contributes to local social initiatives, including support for a hospital in Barcelona. In a more sustainable gesture, ISE also coordinates the collection of furniture and AV equipment from exhibitors after the show, redistributing it as donations to organizations in need.
With the new Foundation, ISE is taking its commitment a step further – moving from an annual event to an ongoing force for professional development, innovation, and community impact. As Mike Blackman puts it, the goal is not only to grow the industry but to ensure that the next generation has the skills, support, and opportunities to shape its future.
