With ISE just around the corner, CEDIA encourages the smart home community to visit the 2026 edition of the show. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, networking opportunities, or hands-on demonstrations, ISE promises an unmatched showcase of key features that will shape the future of the smart home industry.

“ISE 2026 isn’t just a showcase for the latest audio-visual technologies; it’s a hub of innovation, creativity, and career development,” comments Daryl Friedman, Global President and CEO of CEDIA. “This year’s event offers a vibrant line-up of activities designed to engage and inspire attendees from every corner of the industry, and we look forward to exploring these features with our members.”

 

Here’s CEDIA’s guide to some of the most exciting features taking place alongside the main exhibition halls.

 

AI Trailblazing Keynote: Sol Rashidi 

Sol Rashidi, the world’s first Chief AI Officer for enterprises, will headline ISE on Wednesday 5 February 2026. Her keynote, ‘The AI Reality Check: What It Takes to Scale and the Future of Leadership,’ will expose the realities of AI beyond the hype, offering practical frameworks and highlighting the importance of AI governance and cybersecurity for successful scaling. She will also share how to assess AI initiatives and protect data, staff, and competitive edge.

 

The Best in Residential Audio: Listening Suites 

 

Making their debut at ISE 2026, the Listening Suites, located in CC2, offer an unparalleled opportunity to experience state-of-the-art audio technology in purpose-built, acoustically optimized settings. These suites allow visitors to hear premium sound systems side by side, compare innovations, and engage directly with eight premium audio brands. They promise an inspiring, immersive experience and plenty of opportunities for learning and discovery.

 

Talent in Action: ISE Hackathon

 

Tech enthusiasts and creative thinkers converge at the ISE Hackathon, where teams of students from participating universities race against the clock to develop solutions to real-world challenges. This high-energy event runs from 8 a.m. on Thursday 5 February to midday on Friday 6 February, followed by project presentations and an awards ceremony on the Pitching stage. It offers a unique opportunity to witness innovation first-hand as participants prototype new ideas, collaborate with industry mentors, and present their concepts to a panel of expert judges. If you’re a coder, designer, or simply curious, the Hackathon’s infectious energy makes it a must-see highlight for anyone passionate about technology’s future.

Igniting Creativity: Spark 

New for 2026, Spark is a four-day creative industries event at ISE, designed to kindle fresh thinking and inspire the next generation of AV leaders. In an age of technological hyperconnectivity, the industry faces increasing fragmentation, where access to endless tools and platforms sometimes creates silos instead of unity. Spark is designed to break down these barriers, seamlessly integrating advanced technology with meaningful human interaction. This convergence enables ideas, industries, and innovation to move together, rather than apart, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose among AV professionals, creatives, and thought leaders. It’s the perfect space to exchange ideas and spark new collaborations.

More to Explore 

Whether you’re seeking to expand your professional circle, discover the latest innovations, or simply be inspired, ISE truly has something for everyone. Be sure to immerse yourself in all that ISE 2026 has to offer; with so many opportunities to learn, connect, and be part of the industry’s future, it’s an unmissable event. What’s more, with the Visitor Benefits Program, ISE attendees can enjoy exclusive discounts at top Barcelona attractions, making it even easier to experience the city’s rich culture and entertainment during their stay.

 

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