The Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) in Barcelona is considered the world’s leading platform for AV technology, system integration, and digital experience environments — a place where innovations are not only presented but made tangible and immersive. Those who want to remain leaders in live communication over the long term must not only recognize technological developments early, but also deliberately translate them into added value for customer experiences.
Sandro Thalmann (on the left), Michael Berger (on the right)
For Sandro, Team Leader Materials & Logistics, and Michael, Senior System Developer at Habegger, ISE is therefore a key component of their strategic development.
“The ISE is where the most important manufacturers, suppliers, and industry professionals come together. This is where I see what is shaping the future of live communication — I can test products directly and truly understand them in detail”, explains Michael.
Sandro adds: “It’s also important to observe trends on-site, discover new innovations, maintain a presence, and engage directly with manufacturers. Especially because at Habegger we cover such a broad spectrum — from event technology and system integration to creative concepts — the trade show is essential.”
The two experts use ISE to gain an overview of new technologies that could meaningfully complement Habegger’s portfolio.
“Sometimes there isn’t a specific product we’re looking for — but this year we came across a hazer that is powerful yet operates without CO₂ and could be exciting for future projects. Sustainable investments are key for us and our clients”, says Sandro. Michael adds: “For me, the focus was primarily on new technologies in video control and digital signage — in other words, products we use in fixed installations.”
The following developments stood out in particular:
Furthermore, advancements in projectors are evident: they are becoming smaller and more compact—without sacrificing performance. For example, the Panasonic PT-RQ45K, with 42,000 lumens, has the same housing size as its significantly less powerful predecessor with 30,500 lumens—yet it is approximately 38% brighter. This is a clear advantage for transportation and logistics.
For Habegger, innovation does not mean adding every new device to the portfolio — it means carefully selecting technologies that make projects more efficient, impactful, and sustainable. Michael explains: “LED displays are becoming more compact in design and easier to transport, while still enabling large-format visuals. This saves time during setup and installation and allows for interactive content.”
Interactive technologies, such as improved software solutions from Samsung like VXT and SmartThings, open up new possibilities for design and audience experiences. It becomes particularly exciting when manufacturers combine multiple devices and solutions into a single product. “One device can replace several functions — that’s efficient and enhances the guest experience”, says Michael. Especially in terms of reliability, less is often more.
The insights gained at ISE flow directly into Habegger’s project work:
“We evaluate each new product individually against the requirements of our client projects. Not everything is immediately applicable, but many innovations open up new possibilities for creative and emotional staging”, explains Sandro.
A key advantage of the trade show is the opportunity for personal interaction with suppliers.
“In the dry-hire sector, this leads to valuable partnerships, new business relationships, and direct exchange with suppliers. Many of them actively want to work with us because we understand the Swiss market and deliver quality”, Sandro adds.
Michael also sees the event as an important industry gathering with valuable insights and highlights the added value of the many parallel events:
“You learn how other countries deliver events, what challenges they face, and which trends are truly relevant. This helps us advise our clients more effectively and maintain the highest standards for live experiences in Switzerland.”
ISE once again demonstrates that Habegger is not just a service provider, but a driving force for innovation in live communication. Through continuous market observation, critical evaluation of new technologies, and close partnerships with manufacturers, we ensure that our clients don’t simply follow trends — but benefit from the right innovations.
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