Two free sessions at Integrate 2026 will examine two challenges increasingly intertwined across the AV industry: How artificial intelligence is changing the way work gets done and who will have the skills to do that work as technology becomes more sophisticated.

Running over the lunch break on the first two days of the show, the Lunch and Learn sessions will look at AI-powered collaboration before turning to the people and skills needed to support the industry’s future.

Exploring the Future of AI-Powered Collaboration will take place on Wednesday 2 September from 1pm to 1:50pm, with Microsoft’s Andrew Higgs and Mehryn Corrigan exploring how AI is reshaping meetings, collaboration and workplace technology.

The session will cover Microsoft Teams Rooms, intelligent meeting experiences and the growing role of AI-assisted workplaces, with a focus on how these technologies are being applied in everyday environments.

The following day, Building the AV Workforce of Tomorrow will tackle a different but closely related issue: The industry’s struggle to attract, develop and retain skilled workers.

Sponsored by AVIXA, the Thursday 3 September session will examine the widening skills gap across technical, creative and hybrid AV roles, as well as the role of apprenticeships, vocational training and on-the-job learning.

The panel will also consider how traditional training pathways need to evolve as AV increasingly overlaps with IT, AI, sustainability and digital experiences, and why greater collaboration between industry and education providers will be needed to develop relevant career pathways.

The Lunch and Learn sessions are free to attend and open to all show floor visitors, with no additional ticket required.