1. Convergence of pro AV will continue with adjacent fields

AV is mission-critical and fully integrated in the unified communications and conferencing solution. This was the first adjacent technology area that converged with AV. Next is corporate broadcast, part of broadcast AV – the use of media technology beyond media companies to create immersive and interactive experiences across industries.

This convergence will continue to accelerate in 2026 and beyond. The democratisation of broadcast production tools, enabling organisations to create high-quality content in-house, provides market opportunities for AV and broadcast integrators.

The deepening IT integration will be advanced by further reliance on AI and cloud technologies in AV/IT use cases. AI will, of course, bring significant opportunities and is already doing so in content customisation and signage; in smart automation tools like AI camera switching, multilingual translations and real-time captioning.

2. Managed services adoption will advance, accelerated by AI and cloud

AI, cloud and AVoIP will also facilitate interoperability and software-oriented solutions. These technologies will enable robust managed services and cater to the desire for organisations to lower CapEx.

Starting with remote monitoring and hybrid workspaces, AI and cloud will enable advanced content storage and virtualisation, creating a more automated solution that will best be managed and optimised by an integrator or service provider.

3. More industries will become pro AV power users

As pro AV solutions like digital signage and broadcast AV become better at engaging users, industry executives are taking notice. Management in transportation, retail, hospitality and other vertical markets will become advanced users of AV solutions to attract, engage and motivate customers.

Investments are being made in displays, audio equipment and AI that provide immersive and personalised experiences in these industries. We are just at the beginning of these use cases.

Sustainability will continue to be a global focus with increasing legislation, regulations and reporting requirements. Energy efficiency in use, as well as materials and manufacturing, will align AV with ESG goals and reporting.

4. Pro AV is recognised as essential by executive management

From meeting rooms that require reliable, high-fidelity and interactive experiences to virtual production rooms and broadcast studios, AV has become embedded in the infrastructure and workflow of organisations and is understood to be essential by executive management as crucial to productivity, brand identity and value differentiation.

One effect of this shift is that pro AV buying decisions are increasingly made by business executives and HR as much as IT managers. The impact on AV will be to upgrade from product and technology feature selling to presenting solutions and use cases, emphasising business value and ROI. Workplace design and experience are critical for attracting talent, particularly in a highly competitive market and in industries where innovation, collaboration and values are market differentiators.

Hybrid working and flexibility support the attraction of talent globally, and AV ensures collaboration, productivity and efficiency. In a hybrid working environment, learning and development are of even greater emphasis, with virtual classrooms and on-demand training libraries key. AV communications ensure inclusion and accessibility.

For example, multilingual translation and assistive learning systems ensure equitable access and participation for all employees. Even greater emphasis is being placed on the design and experience for inclusive working spaces for in-office and remote employees using video conferencing technologies in multiple in-person and remote locations to ensure all participants feel an equal opportunity to contribute and be heard, no matter their location.

5. The experience economy will survive global headwinds

Macroeconomic disruptions such as trade wars and inflation will not stop the experience economy. First, despite economic challenges, consumers remain resilient, seeking improved entertainment and buying experiences.

Second, pro AV technology continues to improve in its value proposition of enhanced or even transformational experience in the office, retail aisle, or show floor. These two factors driving this trend will unify to accelerate its further development. Prices may be higher, and goods may move more slowly through the supply chain, but consumers and pro AV providers will find a way to continue their synergistic journey to new experiences.

The AV industry is robust, innovative and very quick to adapt. It has proven its essential role in how we communicate, learn, entertain, collaborate and engage. This demand will always drive businesses to stay relevant and competitive, and the AV industry to meet these needs.

The AV industry has always been at the intersection of human connection, experience and technology. With innovation accelerating across immersive media, experiential design and collaboration, AV continues to shape the future.