Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2026 returns to Fira de Barcelona Gran Via, 3-6 February, with a forward-looking theme: Push Beyond. As buildings evolve into intelligent, connected environments, electrical professionals are increasingly at the centre of this transformation, and ISE is positioning them to take the lead.
For electrical contractors, smart buildings represent more than a technological upgrade; they are a major commercial opportunity. Demand for integrated lighting, energy management, automation, security, and networked control systems continues to surge across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. ISE 2026, co-owned by CEDIA, The Association for Smart Home Professionals, will showcase how these technologies converge and how contractors can expand their skillsets, services, and revenue streams as a result.
A look at the future of connected infrastructure
A cornerstone of the event is the Smart Building Summit, taking place Wednesday 4 February, 08:30-12:30, where industry leaders will explore the realities of designing and delivering intelligent environments. Discussions will focus on systems interoperability, AI’s growing influence on building management, the long-term maintenance of connected infrastructure and how these changes will impact project workflows. For contractors, the Summit provides valuable context for aligning services with the evolving expectations of clients and building operators.
Elevating residential expertise
The CEDIA Smart Home Technology Conference is designed to broaden professional knowledge, sharpen practical skills, and drive business growth for electrical contractors and industry professionals. With a strong focus on actionable strategies and peer-driven insights, the conference will help delegates master project delivery, harness the latest advances in AI and emerging technologies, and foster a robust business culture. Attendees can expect practical takeaways and expert guidance from industry leaders, ensuring they return with real-world solutions and a competitive edge in the evolving smart home sector.
Technology at the heart of the Residential & Smart Building Tech Zone
ISE’s Residential & Smart Building Technology Zone, in Halls 1 and 2, brings together the technologies electrical professionals encounter more frequently on residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects. The zone showcases IoT-based building management platforms, advanced lighting and shading systems, energy monitoring tools, integrated security solutions, and multi-protocol control infrastructure. It’s an opportunity to speak directly with manufacturers, explore installation methods, and understand the integration requirements behind next-generation smart building systems.
Integration and interoperability in action
ISE 2026 will demonstrate how integrated systems can transform buildings into responsive, efficient ecosystems. Expect to see real-time demonstrations where lighting, power, audio, and security systems interact seamlessly.
Key exhibitors at ISE 2026 include Technology Integration Partners (stand 2J500), who will be presenting design-focused technologies from brands such as Domotz, Russound, and D-Tools, with particular emphasis on smart power management and network monitoring. ADI / Snap One + Control4 (stand 2J150) will introduce robust platforms designed for networked control, automation, and remote management, supporting a wide range of connected devices and applications. Meanwhile, the KNX Association (stand 2J300) will showcase the latest advancements in building control standards, setting benchmarks for interoperability, automation, and personalisation.
Megatrends – Smart spaces and sustainability
One of ISE 2026’s defining megatrends is smart spaces, a concept describing buildings that react intelligently to occupants, integrate data from multiple systems and balance energy performance with user comfort. At the heart of these spaces lies robust electrical and low-voltage infrastructure. As buildings become increasingly software-driven, the contractor’s role expands accordingly – shaping not just the physical power distribution but the digital backbone on which automation, analytics, and optimisation depend.
ISE also identified sustainability as a megatrend for 2026, where sessions will cover how sustainability presents opportunities to develop eco-friendly technologies, energy-efficient systems, and greener manufacturing processes – reducing environmental impact and attracting eco-conscious clients.
AI Trailblazing keynote
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.
Registration for ISE 2026 is open now – don’t miss your place at the forefront of connected living. Use our code ‘ecnews’ for free registration by clicking here.
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