Both numbers are the highest ever achieved by ISE, with the exhibitor total representing a 15% jump on 2011, while the attendee increase was just over 17%. The show also broke new ground in other areas, say the organisers, with net floor space exceeding 30,000sq.m, and the number of people registering for ISE's conference, education and pre-show event programme passing the 2,000 mark for the first time.
"ISE is now clearly established as the best-attended event of its kind anywhere in the world," comments Mike Blackman, managing director, Integrated Systems Events. "To be able to post record numbers in every key area against an uncertain economic backdrop is a fantastic achievement, not just for ISE but for the industry it serves.
"Beyond the statistics, the sheer excitement generated by so many professional people converging on a show full of dynamic new technologies created an atmosphere unsurpassed by any previous ISE."
ISE 2012's exhibitor total included almost 200 companies new to the show. Sam Verellen from one of them, Totem Acoustic, reported seeing "a strong range of new faces together with existing customers, all of them of good quality - we will definitely be returning in 2013".
The space-rebooking process for ISE 2013 began on the second morning of the 2012 show, and resulted in a total of 28,300 net square metres of exhibit space being reserved for next year - a 5% increase on the equivalent figure 12 months ago. Many companies have chosen to enlarge their stands, with Samsung, Sony, Digital Projection, Sennheiser, Barco, AVC Group and Optoma among those taking the opportunity to 'size up' in 2013.
(Jim Evans)
