The Road to ISE 2024 with Paul CALES, CEO and Founder at Naostage

In the build-up to ISE 2024 in Barcelona, TPi speaks to exhibitors representing the live events sector to discover why the annual tradeshow is such a key date in their calendar and what they are looking forward to from this year's event.

What were some of your highlights from ISE 2023?

ISE 2023 was our very first time as an exhibitor and the show stands out as a decisive milestone for Naostage. Earning a Best of Show accolade and being shortlisted in the Inavation Awards not only brought us to the awareness of the industry but reaffirmed our commitment to pushing the boundaries of technological innovation. These achievements underscored Naostage as a pioneer in the audiovisual space and brought wecome recognition for all we’dbeen working towards for the last five years.

ISE 2023 also marked the pivotal moment when Naostage was propelled from being a local player to an international AV industry contender with K SYSTEM, our unique beaconless tracking and show control solution that redefines the norms of live event production.

Why was it vital that you returned for ISE 2024?

Our return to ISE 2024 is a strategic move driven by the importance of staying at the forefront of the ever-evolving audiovisual landscape. As one of the premier events globally, ISE provides a unique platform to showcase our latest advancements, engage with industry leaders, and foster collaborations. In an industry characterised by rapid transformation, our presence at ISE is key for forging new partnerships, discovering emerging trends, and reinforcing Naostage’s position as an industry leader.

How has the last 12 months been for Naostage as a company?

Reflecting on the past year, Naostage has navigated the dynamic events landscape to celebrate several notable achievements. The successful international launches of our products have solidified our market presence, and K SYSTEM .has proven itself on a number large-scale tours,  as well as enjoying its first successes in one-man shows, theatrical events and theme park attractions.

In a testament to the industry’s confidence in Naostage’s vision, we successfully concluded a financing round, securing  €1 million in investment, and expanded our talented team to support this impressive growth.

Have there been any notable releases you’re particularly excited to showcase at ISE 2024?

At ISE 2024, Naostage is set to captivate attendees with a groundbreaking showcase centred around our cutting-edge K SYSTEM technology. Serving as the cornerstone of our immersive experience, K SYSTEM will be at the heart of a captivating show constructed right on our stand.

In addition, we are thrilled to present a new version of Kratos, our innovative – and now free to download and use – show control software, which comes loaded with lots of powerful new features.

When it comes to live events, what have been some of the highlights for Naostage in terms of tour or festivals your products have been featured predominantly on?

Naostage’s technology has already contributed to the creation of great experiences for renowned artists such as Lorenzo and Gazo, played a crucial role in major tours like So Floyd and left a mark on iconic festivals including Poupet Festival and Les Vieilles Charrues. One notable highlight is our collaboration with the prestigious Puy du Fou, where Naostage technology seamlessly integrates into the spectacular new show Le Mime et l’Étoile. Since ISE 2023, Naostage has become synonymous with elevating live entertainment through innovation.

What are you most looking forward to for ISE 2024?

Our anticipation for ISE 2024 is multifaceted. Beyond the excitement of showcasing our innovations, we eagerly await the networking opportunities and collaborative discussions that define this global event.

There is also the grand finale of the Inavation Awards, for which we are once again finalists, this year with a major visitor attraction project where our K SYSTEM was the cornerstone of this mesmerising audio, visual and lighting show: Le Mime et l’Etoile at the Puy du Fou .

Have you noticed more people from the live events market making the trip to ISE over the last few years?

The surge in live events professionals attending ISE over the last few years is a testament to the event’s transformative influence on the entire AV industry. The creation of a specialised lighting hall further cements ISE’s must-attend status, attracting more decision-makers and potential clients. This trend aligns with Naostage’s commitment to engaging with key industry stakeholders and creating meaningful connections.

Lastly, what’s the next year looking like for Naostage?

Looking ahead, the coming year holds exciting prospects for Naostage. Our strategic objectives include continued revenue growth, development of further case studies, expansion of our distribution network, and the establishment of a solid K SYSTEM user community through the enhanced, open-to-all KRATOS software. Ongoing participation in awards and collaborations with distributors are also integral components of our roadmap, aligning with our overall commercial and marketing objectives.

www.naostage.com