Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) has announced the launch of the ISE Foundation, a new initiative aimed at creating lasting benefits for the AV and systems integration ecosystem. Beyond the annual exhibition, the Foundation will enable year-round programmes with the intention of connecting industry professionals, supporting emerging startups, and strengthening local community initiatives in Barcelona and Catalonia, as it has claimed in a statement.

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.

This was revealed on the opening day of ISE 2026 under the theme “Powering On, Together. Moving beyond a yearly gathering for the channel, ISE is joining with both AVIXA and CEDIA to tr y 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 Labour for the Government of Catalonia.

Foundation¡s pillars

A central pillar of the Foundation is talent development. 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. Its ‘Training the Trainers’ programme equips educators with industry-aligned AV competencies using curricula developed by AVIXA and CEDIA. Following an AVIXA pilot in Catalonia in 2025, the programme is now set to expand, 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 and more direct route from education into employment within the AV sector.

Innovation forms the second core focus. Building on the momentum of Innovation Park at ISE 2026, which hosted 130 startups, the Foundation will focus on providing 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 Foundation’s third pillar centres on social responsibility. Collaborations are being developed with organisations including Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Associació Cívica La Nau and Fundació Joan Miró, as well as projects connected to Casa Batlló. These partnerships aim to translate the capabilities of the AV sector into measurable impact across healthcare, education and cultural engagement.

“The ISE Foundation formalises our commitment to the AV sector while strengthening ties with our host city”, affirms Mike Blackman, Managing Director of Integrated Systems Events. “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”, shares David Labuskes, CTS, CAE, RCDD, Chief Executive Officer 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”.

Daryl Friedman, Global President & CEO of CEDIA 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”.

Further details regarding governance, programme rollout and operational timelines will be announced in the coming months as the ISE Foundation moves into its implementation phase.