After detailed consultation with exhibitors and with Amsterdam’s RAI convention centre, the organisers of Integrated Systems Europe are to remodel next year’s show. The move follows unprecedented demand for stand space, which even an extension to the 2008 layout could not have met.
“Quite simply, we had no alternative but to change our layout,” comments Mike Blackman, Managing Director, Integrated Systems Events. “Even by taking the whole of Hall 7 at the back of the RAI, we would have sold out of space within a matter of weeks. With another 10 months to go before our 2009 event, we have acted quickly to ensure that all our exhibitors have plenty of opportunity to familiarise themselves with the new layout, and can prepare for it accordingly.”
The new layout sees ISE abandoning the rearmost Halls 6 and 7 of the RAI. Instead, the show will occupy Halls 9, 10 and 11, which are at the front of the convention centre, close to the train station. These will be connected to the existing Halls 1-5 by the new Expo Foyer, a centrepiece walkway that is scheduled for completion later this year.
In addition, the two ‘wings’ of the show will be further connected by conference and seminar rooms – bringing the additional benefit of a more integrated education and exhibition space.
“The new layout effectively gives us two main entrances – one closer for visitors arriving by train, the other nearer to the drop-off points for buses and taxis,” adds Blackman. “While it is not intended as conventional exhibition space, the Expo Foyer will be an attractive, state-of-the-art walkway – a great way of connecting the halls, and the perfect showcase for some of our industry’s products, such as digital signage.
“Another bonus of the new layout is the integration of our training rooms. This will make it much easier for those attending seminars and conferences to go back and forth to the exhibition area, as and when their schedules dictate.”
After a few, frantic days of behind-the-scenes activity, all existing ISE exhibitors now have their new locations for 2009. “Our in-house team did a great job of organising the changeover, and I would like to thank all our exhibitors – particularly those who had pre-booked space in Halls 6-7 – for their understanding,” concludes Blackman.
“The changes we’ve made will help us make ISE 2009 the biggest and best event in our short history, and also give us the opportunity to create many more special features – more details of which will emerge as the months go by. Watch this space!”