ISE is the leading technology trade show in Europe in the first half of the year, once again setting a record with more than 90,000 visitors on site — including agencies, planners, designers, and numerous production companies. Inspiration was everywhere, across every step of a project.
One clear trend at this year’s show: the boundaries between integration (installation), broadcast, and live events are increasingly dissolving. Not only technically, but also in the solutions themselves. Smart integrations and automation are proving to be resource-efficient — especially for recurring formats.
Everyone is talking about sustainability goals. Events should be environmentally responsible. Socially sound. And, in order to last, economically sustainable as well. Traditionally, ISE has not been known as a sustainability-focused show. Yet this year, sustainability felt like the common thread running through it all — from informal conversations in the aisles to expert presentations, product launches, and real-world applications.
Evolution Instead of Revolution
Technical innovation was not the primary focus this year. The motto was clear: evolution instead of revolution. Intelligent refinement and smarter application of existing technologies.
A realization echoed repeatedly in hallway conversations: the technology we already have offers far more potential than we are currently using. With better lead times and a clearer understanding of actual needs, there is enormous opportunity to execute events in a more resource-conscious way.
Unclear or overly broad requirements often lead to over-delivery: added flexibility and built-in reserve. Of course, “better to have it than need it.” But is that still contemporary? In an industry that constantly emphasizes sustainability goals? Especially when hindsight often shows that things could have been simpler — or achieved with less.
Anyone working in touring or fixed installations knows the value of detailed planning and smart integration. Less manual work. No unnecessary steps. Reduced logistics and build times. We talk constantly about automation and AI — but usually in office environments. The same potential exists in the control systems and automation of live events. It requires technology — and experts who understand what is possible and how to apply it. But above all, it requires clear briefings and sufficient lead time.
Last but not least: collaboration. Not in meeting rooms, but in execution. Well-maintained partnerships and open, reliable communication. Partnerships that allow companies to leverage their native strengths — whether that is technical expertise in specific areas, a strong team (and not simply a large database), or simply geography.
AMBION enjoys working in such constellations — and we know exactly with whom.
Hardware vs. Software
Whether it’s Shure with the ANX UHF system, Brompton with the SQ LED processor series, Panasonic with the Kairos platform, or AV Stumpfl and Pixera — just to name a few across different segments — there is a clear shift toward licensing models.
More and more manufacturers are developing new hardware platforms that decouple functionality from traditional hardware-based limitations. This may not be economically viable at every scale. However, it allows for far greater flexibility in responding to actual needs — without increasing the number of devices, required space, or handling costs one-to-one.
Examples include scalable UHF receiver channels within a small footprint, configurable from 1 to 24 channels; specialized LED processing features that might only be needed three times a year; integrated audio matrices in broadcast mixers to reduce external hardware; or additional media server outputs that can be purchased on demand rather than permanently installed.
It would be encouraging to see the lighting sector move in the same direction with its consoles. That would eliminate the need to stack towers of processors, redundant chassis, network cards, power supplies, and more.
LED + Displays
LED continues to move seamlessly between rental and installation — virtually every pixel pitch is now available for every application. From 1.x mm outdoor solutions to >6.x mm indoor products, the range covers it all.
What stands out in particular is the growth of transparent LED solutions. Increasing levels of transparency now enable creative applications in touring and rental just as much as in permanent installations and trade show environments. Whether self-supporting systems (such as ROE Vanish AIR, LANG AG’s Liam, or Muxwave) or transparent films that can be applied to glass surfaces of virtually any shape — the possibilities continue to expand.
In the rental market, the focus is increasingly shifting toward mechanics. While there were historically significant differences in image quality, leading manufacturers now differentiate themselves primarily through handling — resulting in more personnel-efficient products. Standardized transport solutions, integrated flying and stacking mechanics have become key selling points. Attention is turning to the back of the product. This also applies to flexible systems, which are growing in popularity, now available in finer pixel pitches and with stepless adjustability.
Displays tend to stand somewhat in the shadow of large-format technologies. Yet niche technologies exist that can deliver significant added value: 3D displays with dual image planes that genuinely create a sense of depth for the viewer, and color ePaper displays — even in larger formats — that allow for extremely low power consumption.
In the field of drone applications, indoor drones could become a game changer. Many current systems struggle with spatial navigation, which significantly limits creative potential. Fully functional 3D navigation and sensor systems for indoor environments would unlock entirely new possibilities and use cases. The combination of ultra-lightweight drones and a fully controllable environment could spark many creative high flights 😉. Coupled with year-round usability, this may even prove sustainable — in more ways than one.
Projectors
In the projector market, the guiding principle is clear: brighter, higher resolution, more flexible. Barco, Panasonic, and Epson all presented new flagship models in the high-brightness segment.
Our personal highlight — and a key reason for investment: Epson introduced a 30,000 ANSI lumen UHD projector with a footprint (weight, size, noise level, and power consumption) comparable to previous 20,000-lumen units. A game changer.
Because the reality remains: for certain applications, projection is simply indispensable. Even more importantly, for many other image surfaces, projection is the most resource-efficient solution. Setup and dismantling times, transport volume, material costs — all speak in its favor.
Many standard corporate applications can be realized at a very high level using projection.
Control Rooms / Image Processing
In the field of control room and image processing technology, the landscape continues to expand. Analog Way has further extended the range of its Aquilon platform and introduced the new Cmini — a step AMBION very much welcomes, as we are now fully committed to the Aquilon platform and greatly value its scalability and flexibility.
The development of the Chinese platform Pixelhue is progressing steadily, positioning itself in many areas as a genuine alternative to the established European players. In contrast, Barco’s E3 platform maintained a relatively low profile at the show. Panasonic, meanwhile, continues to consistently develop its GPU-based Kairos platform as a counter-concept — introducing new software, new input/output boards, and full IPMX certification.
This is excellent news for us, as we operate two Kairos systems in our inventory and regularly leverage the advantages of GPU architecture: complete flexibility while maximizing hardware utilization. Hybrid image processing and screen management applications, in particular, can be implemented with exceptional efficiency.
And efficiency ultimately means economic viability.
Content – Live Image, Moving Image
Greater flexibility is at the forefront. New camera systems from Panasonic and Grass Valley feature large sensors, compact form factors, sliders, dollies, and robotics in the broadest sense. We are seeing a noticeable increase in more diverse and aesthetically refined visual storytelling options.
To address time and budget pressures in live events, these developments are increasingly combined with smart automation and integration into existing workflows. No workstation is complete without a Stream Deck and Companion. Panasonic integrates autofocus into its broadcast cameras and ensures compatibility with the extensive Skaarhoj product ecosystem.
Playback from computer-based systems is also evolving. Traditional PC-based playback solutions can now drive massive display surfaces in a wide range of resolutions, while media server systems are becoming easier to handle. The key differentiator is often scalability: processing power, storage, and output capacity.
There is something for every requirement — but in the event industry, the real art lies in balancing flexibility (performance) and budget. There is always room for idealization, yet hindsight tends to bring clarity.
And AMBION?
Over the past few years, we have deliberately invested early in technologies and products — always knowing that we cannot truly predict future demands or developments, only anticipate them. Or, to borrow a hockey analogy for a change:
we try not to skate to where the puck is, but to where it will be.
Our lighting inventory has been fully LED-based for quite some time. In certain areas, we were very early adopters and, as technology progressed, transitioned into second-generation systems. We maintain a strong core inventory and own all key components — but we don’t need to own the 500th unit of a specific fixture. That’s what partners are for. What matters is having, knowing, and mastering smart solutions for a wide range of applications.
Tools that enable straightforward, aesthetic stage design while reducing structural and therefore personnel effort. Remote follow systems, intelligent front lighting in large quantities, and an extensive portfolio of Portman fixtures as visual highlights — just to name a few. A broad range of creative possibilities for large and small stages alike. And why not bring a bit of rock ’n’ roll to a conference stage? Or achieve the look of a follow spot under a 4-meter ceiling? The message immediately feels different — intentional.
Audio is the invisible discipline — yet the one with the greatest impact on an event’s success. Sound conveys both information and emotion. Our long-standing partnership with CODA Audio enables us to deliver exceptionally lean solutions for any challenge — often with a significantly smaller footprint than competitors, resulting in reduced handling effort while achieving the same outcome. Less weight in the roof, less truck space, fewer crew members. And now also cardioid solutions.
Shure’s new ANX platform brings similar advantages to compact FoH and backstage environments: less handling, less space required, greater flexibility. Yamaha is pursuing the same goal, which we welcome. Over the past few years, Yamaha products have integrated functionalities that, a generation ago, would have required complex outboard gear, plug-ins, or expansion cards. In the corporate sector, Yamaha is the standard for good reason — and we are pleased to offer the full range to match any format.
In rigging, the greatest potential lies in preparation and standardization. Intelligent packaging solutions for efficient transport. The right product for each specific challenge — no oversizing, and certainly no undersizing. Weight-optimized components. From 20 cm two-point truss to MLT systems and heavy-duty truss structures, including various ground support options — we cover it all. Our strength lies not only in the available solutions, but above all in the people who understand and apply them.
One of the most significant changes we experience daily is sustainable set construction using modular exhibition systems. As one of the largest beMatrix users, we consistently implement environmentally responsible solutions. The message is clear: it works. Almost everything is possible. With beMatrix as an innovative partner who continuously develops new solutions, and with our experience from countless exhibition and set construction projects. It takes commitment and expertise. We are committed — and we know what is feasible. And on the client side, the willingness is growing. Sustainable set and exhibition construction can no longer be ignored.
We perceive the world through screens. Smartphones shape our visual habits. In live events, we aim to break away from that — to create distinction. Non-standard screen formats require more complex control systems and playback solutions. The expectation of high-end camera imagery carries over into live environments, demanding equally high-end camera technology. Short-term changes and dynamic content-creation workflows challenge us with increasing volumes and revisions. That is one end of the spectrum.
At the other end lies standardization and optimization — combined with high operational reliability and multifunctionality. No conference without streaming, remote participation, recording, and cameras. But ideally not with ten devices and four operators. The growth of hybrid control systems provides an excellent foundation. As always: resource efficiency matters. Modern camera systems, tracking solutions, and integrated control platforms offer the best conditions for this. Even complex and unconventional setups can be implemented intelligently.
The course has been set in many areas — now it simply requires conscious implementation.
Ideally, together.
