ISE Foundation Launched to Drive AV Industry Impact and Local Engagement

	"The ISE Foundation formalizes our commitment to the AV sector while strengthening ties with our host city," Blackman says.

Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) has announced the launch of the ISE Foundation, a new industry-led initiative aimed at creating lasting benefits for the AV and systems integration ecosystem. Beyond the annual exhibition, the foundation will enable year-round programs that connect industry professionals, support emerging startups, and strengthen local community initiatives in Barcelona and Catalonia, where the annual ISE Show takes place.

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 marks a strategic evolution of the show's role within the AV ecosystem. Moving beyond a yearly gathering for the channel, ISE joins with both AVIXA and CEDIA to deliver a year-round program for 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, chief executive officer of AVIXA; Daryl Friedman, global president/CEO of CEDIA; Raquel Gil, deputy mayor of Barcelona; and Miquel Sàmper, minister for business and labor for the Government of Catalonia.

Skills shortages continue to challenge manufacturers, integrators, and service providers across the AV landscape, and the foundation aims to address this gap through structured, scalable initiatives. The program Training the Trainers equips educators with industry-aligned AV competencies, using curricula developed by AVIXA and CEDIA. Following a successful AVIXA pilot in Catalonia in 2025, the program is now set to expand significantly, with plans to partner with up to 150 institutions. Complementary initiatives, including AV Career Days and the planned introduction of industry-aligned vocational pathways from 2027, are designed to create a clearer, more direct route from education into employment within the AV sector.

Building on the momentum of 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 and towards commercial viability. The objective is not only to showcase innovation on the show floor, but to actively nurture technologies that will shape the next phase of market development.

The foundation's third pillar centers on social responsibility. Strategic collaborations are being developed with organizations including Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Associacio Civica La Nau, and Fundacio Joan Miro, as well as projects connected to Casa Batllo. These partnerships aim to translate the capabilities of the AV sector into measurable impact across healthcare, education, and cultural engagement, further strengthening the industry's value proposition to public and private stakeholders.

"The ISE Foundation formalizes our commitment to the AV sector while strengthening ties with our host city," Blackman says. "By working closely with local institutions and the broader industry, AVIXA, CEDIA, and the ISE Foundation can build a lasting legacy that supports innovation, talent development, and community engagement year-round, further ensuring our impact is meaningful, sustainable, and beneficial for both professionals and the wider region."

"We're proud to join CEDIA to form this initiative, which strengthens the audiovisual industry by expanding career pathways, supporting emerging businesses, and fostering significant social impact," Labuskes says. "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."

Friedman adds, "The launch of the ISE Foundation reflects CEDIA's commitment to growing our industry through 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 system integration."