Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) is the world's leading exhibition for professional audiovisual and systems integration, organized by Integrated Systems Events Ltd. at Fira de Barcelona Gran Via. The event focuses on audio-visual technology, intelligent displays, conference systems, and stage equipment manufacturers from around the globe, with venue management standards that exemplify the high safety and refined management of Spain's exhibition industry.

Fira de Barcelona Gran Via

The following key points are compiled from the official Event Manual and are intended to help international exhibitors prepare effectively.

1. Booth Design Submission and Approval Process

All custom-built stands (Space-Only Stands) must submit design plans, structural drawings, and safety assessment reports in advance, and be approved by the official safety consultant Abraxys Global.

Submissions should include:

  • Floor plans and elevations (scale not less than 1:50);
  • Material specifications and load calculations;
  • Rigging points, lighting trusses, banner dimensions and positions;
  • On-site contact person and contact information.

Important Note: Only booths that have received "Permission to Commence Build" may officially begin construction.

All structures must comply with Spanish Building Technical Code (CTE – Código Técnico de la Edificación).

2. Booth Height and Space Restrictions

Maximum Height Limits:

  • Standard booths: maximum 7 meters;
  • Two-story booths or large structures require additional engineering certification.

Space Restriction Regulations

  • Adjacent booth partition walls must not exceed 4 meters in height; sections above 4 meters must be at least 1 meter from boundaries
  • Closed wall proportion must not exceed 50% to maintain exhibition hall transparency
  • Booth exterior facades must be neat and attractive; rear sides facing neighboring booths must use neutral colors (white or gray)

3. Electrical and Safety Facilities

Electrical services are provided by the venue's official service provider Servifira, and all wiring must be installed by certified electricians from the Catalonia Autonomous Region.

Electrical Safety Requirements

  • Power boxes, cables, and grounding systems must comply with local regulations; self-made extension cords or non-certified plugs are prohibited
  • Booths exceeding 50kW power consumption require a technical design project signed by an engineer
  • All booths with metal structures must be grounded
  • Venue floor load capacity standard: 3000–5000kg/m²; heavy equipment requires advance approval

4. Setup and Dismantling Management

Special Reminder: 24-hour construction is prohibited inside the venue; night-time operations require advance application.

Logistics and Construction Regulations

  • All loading and unloading vehicles must register through SOT Buffering Zone (designated buffer area) and obtain access permits; overtime parking will result in vehicle removal
  • Only official logistics provider CEVA Showfreight is authorized to use forklifts, cranes, and electric pallet trucks inside the venue
  • Early entry during dismantling is not permitted; staged dismantling procedures must be strictly followed

5. Safety and Fire Prevention Regulations

Safety and Fire Prevention Requirements

  • Each booth must be equipped with at least one dry powder fire extinguisher (ABC type)
  • Open flames, fuel-powered equipment, or flammable gases are prohibited
  • Welding, cutting, and grinding operations are prohibited
  • Booths with two-story structures must have emergency evacuation signs and guardrails
  • All construction personnel must wear high-visibility safety vests, hard hats, and slip-resistant shoes
  • Booth decoration materials must have fire rating certification

6. Rigging and Suspended Structures

Rigging services are exclusively executed by Servifira Rigging Team.

Rigging Regulations

  • Suspended objects must not exceed 7 meters in height and must maintain at least 1 meter distance from adjacent booths
  • Each rigging point has a maximum load capacity of 150kg (including self-weight)
  • Rigging structures must be reviewed by Abraxys engineers and submit load calculation reports
  • Suspension across aisles or connection to other booths is prohibited

7. Complex Structures and Two-Story Booth Regulations

The following structures are defined as "Complex Structures" and require additional certification:

  • Height exceeding 4 meters;
  • Including walkable second-floor platforms;
  • Stages or platforms higher than 0.5 meters;
  • Outdoor installations exceeding 16㎡ in area.

Engineering calculation reports, fire evacuation diagrams, and structural specifications must be submitted and filed with professional associations before construction may begin.

All complex structures must be able to withstand wind speeds of up to 100km/h.

8. Booth Details and Visitor Access

Booth Design Detail Requirements

  • All doors and windows must open inward and must not intrude into aisles
  • Platforms higher than 5cm must include accessible ramps with slopes not exceeding 1:10
  • Glass structures must use laminated safety glass and display clear warning signs
  • Guardrails must be at least 90cm high and continuous without gaps
  • Booth carpets or flooring materials must be flame-retardant; direct adhesion to venue floors with glue is prohibited

9. On-Site Management and Prohibited Behaviors

On-Site Management Regulations

  • Distribution of materials, posting of advertisements, or placement of floor decals outside booths is prohibited
  • Placement of displays in aisles or public areas is prohibited
  • Sound levels must not exceed 70 decibels; short-term presentations may reach 85 decibels
  • Activities within booths require advance application and hiring of security personnel
  • Smoking, alcohol consumption, and use of any prohibited substances are prohibited

10. Spanish Exhibition Culture and Regulatory Characteristics

Spanish Exhibition Characteristics

  • Strict Approval Process: All construction, rigging, and electrical work requires filing
  • Strong Environmental Focus: Single-use materials are prohibited; booths must be recyclable
  • Disciplined Schedule: Daily construction time slots are automatically assigned by Fira systems
  • Language and Cultural Differences: Spanish and English are used in parallel; bilingual materials are recommended
  • Etiquette and Standards: Work pace is slightly slower than Northern Europe, but documentation requirements are extremely rigorous

Starrise Insight｜Barcelona Exhibition Professional Standards and Management Details

ISE's regulatory system represents the high maturity of exhibition management in Spain and Europe:

  • All aspects are centered on safety and responsibility;
  • Construction, transportation, and approvals are fully digitally managed;
  • Clear responsibilities between exhibitors, contractors, and organizers;
  • Emphasis on the combination of design and environmental protection, reflecting the humanization and institutionalization of European exhibitions.

For Chinese companies preparing to enter the European market, familiarizing themselves with these venue rules and safety standards in advance is an important prerequisite for successful exhibition participation.

Source

This article is compiled from the Integrated Systems Europe official Event Manual and Fira de Barcelona Technical Regulations, edited and published by the Starrise Expo Design Team.

Copyright Notice

This article is based on official exhibitor manual and is intended solely for exhibition information dissemination and industry learning reference. Please cite "Starrise Expo · Global Exhibition Rules Insight" when sharing or quoting. ISE, Integrated Systems Europe, Fira de Barcelona and related logos are the property of their respective owners.