These are the Leading Audiovisual Integration Industry Events
Snapshot of the leading audiovisual integration industry & pro AV events gives marketers an overview of where to spend their events budget.
Photo courtesy of Commercial Integrator (commercialintegrator.com)
Marketers working with companies, suppliers and integrators in the audiovisual industry are starting to return to in-person events after they had gone by the wayside or to virtual-only events in 2020 and the early part of 2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of the smaller shows have yet to return to physical environments, and even some of those that have may still go back to virtual events, following the lead of events in other industries, if the Delta variant of the virus continues to present a significant threat.
“We’re getting ready to get back to in-person events,” said Jon Bacon, vice president of marketing for SureCall. “We’re excited to be back in front of customers provided we’re able to do so in the ever-changing landscape. We’ve always liked in-person events. For a small company it’s an important tool to be able to get in front of key customers and potential new customers/partners.”
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“We went a year and a half without [physical trade shows],” said Justin Kennington, president of the SDVoE Alliance. “As much as business can be done on the phone, electronically and online, I think there’s always a real important place for face-to-face, human interactions. The reality is that people want to do business with their friends and that’s why people go to these Pro AV events.”
Manufacturers like to launch their latest projects at these shows, Kennington added. “So it’s helpful for integrators to be there so buyers can have one-stop shopping.”
That being said, below are the audiovisual events that those in the industry should prioritize their budgets for:
CEDIA Expo
The basics: CEDIA Expo is the most valuable trade event for home technology pros, media and residential technology partners and offers exhibitors a highly effective platform for showcasing their products and services.
Dates: Annually in September.
Location: Varies year-to-year
Event website: https://cediaexpo.com/
Infocomm
The basics: InfoComm, produced by AVIXA, is the most comprehensive event for audiovisual solutions that enable integrated experiences, with products for audio, conferencing and collaboration, digital signage, content, production and streaming, video capture and production, control, and live events. The show typically surpasses over 40,000 attendees. An InfoComm spokesperson said: “While COVID-19 has made the last year and half a challenge, we are excited and trending well toward InfoComm 2021.
“InfoComm is a way to engage AVIXA members, potential members, and the AV industry overall, by providing a space for them to launch new products, make new business connections, take education sessions and more.”
In addition to the U.S. show, AVIXA hosts regional shows in other parts of the world.
Dates: Oct. 23-29
Location: Orlando, Fla.
Event website: https://www.infocommshow.org/
Integrated Systems Europe
The basics: Integrated Systems Europe is the world’s largest audiovisual integration trade show. The show. There were 52,000 attendees in 2020, lower than the number of registrants, which show sponsors attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 149 countries were represented at ISE 2020, with the top 60 countries making up over 96% of the total attendance. from the AV channel at ISE 2020 provide technologies and solutions within a wide range of vertical market sectors.
Dates: Feb 1-4, 2022
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Event website: https://www.iseurope.org/
Integrate
The basics: From the show organizers: “Integrate is Australia’s leading trade show dedicated to helping businesses harness the power of AV to transform customer experiences. It is nexus for local and global brands to promote the latest AV solutions and products, as well as share insights and innovations to the region’s largest gathering of AV professionals and end users.”
Dates: Nov. 17-19
Location: Sydney, Australia
Event website: https://integrate-expo.com/
Other trade shows may be of interest to audiovisual professionals and integrators, but are not strictly designed for the AV industry, or have a more regional focus. Among those are:
CES
The basics: Though not strictly an audiovisual trade show, features AV equipment and suppliers as well as ancillary devices in addition to showcasing manufacturers, developers and suppliers of other consumer technology hardware, content and technology delivery systems.
Dates: Jan 5-8, 2022
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Event website: https://www.ces.tech/
AVX
The Basics: The 2021 Rocky Mountain Audio Video Expo (AVX) will feature over 100 manufacturers, with access to industry experts and local pros, along with workshops and seminars that focus on emerging pro AV and broadcast technologies.
AVX will highlight integrated systems that provide solutions for IT, AV, broadcast, satellite, digital signage and presentation technologies.
Dates: Nov. 3-4
Location: Denver, Colo.
Event website: http://www.avxpo.biz/
Enterprise Connect
The basics: The industry- expert-led conference program includes sessions the latest systems, software, services and applications for enterprise communications and collaboration, including a dedicated AV track. According to conference organizers: “Everything at Enterprise Connect focuses on helping optimize investments in communications and collaboration systems, services, apps and networks.”
Dates: Sept. 27-29
Location: Orlando, Fla.
Event website: https://www.enterpriseconnect.com/orlando
NAB Show
The basics: The NAB Show offers an exclusive display of advanced devices and gadgets, cameras, lenses, capture accessories, motion capture devices, lighting and grip devices, workflow solutions, ENG vehicles, antennas, transmitters and towers, satellite technologies, interactive television, management and systems services, outdoor media, media, post-production hardware and software products and more.
Dates: Oct. 9-13
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Event website: https://nabshow.com/2021
PLASA Show
The basics: The PLASA Show explores the cutting edge of pro audio, AV, stage lighting, rigging and staging, featuring more than 100 brands displaying their latest products and program seminars featuring industry thought leaders.
Dates: Sept. 5-7
Location: London
Event website: https://www.plasashow.com/
UC Expo/Digital Transformation EXPO Europe
The basics: UC EXPO is Europe’s largest unified communication and collaboration event and is co-located with Digital Transformation EXPO Europe (DTX) in 2021, the first time the shows have been held together. More than 300 speakers and panelists will shed light on their plans to navigate the new era of work in their industries.
Although technology remains the main focus for investment, digital transformation projects are also covered.
Dates: Oct. 6-7
Location: London
Event website: https://ucxevents.io/ucexpo/en/page/ucexpo-home