News & Trends

This new year, a wave of momentum is upon us. From enhanced security to immersive displays, here are the AV trends expected to dominate 2026.

1. Enhanced Security

As audiovisual systems become increasingly connected to enterprise networks and cloud services, security can no longer be treated as an afterthought. Every networked display, microphone, or collaboration platform is a potential attack surface, introducing new risks alongside new capabilities. The real step forward lies in designing a secure ecosystem from day one. That’s why in 2026 and beyond, enhanced security will reign as a top priority.

2. The Convergence of AV and IT… and AI?

AI technology has already made leaps and bounds from a concept into reality. And this trend is only expected to accelerate in the years ahead. In AV, there’s a desire to leverage AI to reach audiences more effectively. As AV and IT environments continue to converge, the hope is that deeper integration with AI will allow systems to adapt in real time, streamline operations, and provide more intelligent, data-driven insights that improve both user experience and system management. 

3. Meeting Interoperability

Interoperability has begun emerging as a defining trend in video conferencing, driven by users’ expectations. With simplicity becoming more of a priority, interoperability will be central to enabling hybrid work and cross-platform collaboration. Organizations will increasingly value systems that let participants join calls from any service or endpoint with ease, ensuring that meetings are easy to start and manage regardless of conferencing tools.

4. Focus on Sustainability

In 2026, companies will be placing greater emphasis on eco-friendly materials and strategies. So, how can we reduce our environmental footprint across AV projects?

Reducing environmental impact starts with smarter design choices, such as interoperable platforms, energy-efficient hardware, and standardized components that extend system life. It continues with reducing truck rolls through remote monitoring, cloud management, and proactive maintenance, cutting both emissions and operational costs. From how products are sourced and packaged to how solutions are installed and managed, sustainable wins can be found at every stage. The biggest gains come when integrators, end users, and manufacturers all share responsibility, turning sustainability into a collective, practical outcome rather than a single checkbox.

Ready to take action? The Sustainability Advisory Group was created by the AVIXA Board of Directors to find resources and support the Pro-AV Industry in becoming more sustainable. Follow the group on Xchange to stay updated on events and resources. 

5. Immersive Displays

Moving forward, businesses and institutions are looking for more engaging methods to present information, leading to the growing presence of video walls and immersive displays in large venues and public spaces.

Video walls, made up of multiple screens combined to create a single large display, are already widely used in control rooms, airports, and corporate lobbies. But with advancements in technology and decreasing costs, these installations are likely to appear even more in settings such as classrooms, boardrooms, and retail environments. 

In Closing

From enhanced security to immersive displays, 2026 is expected to be a year full of change and excitement. We covered some major AV trends in this article, but there are still endless possibilities for innovation in 2026. Make sure to keep up with evolving trends on Xchange!