Microsoft keynote, inaugural Media Day, analyst briefings, and the launch of RESIDE set the tone
Las Vegas, NV – June 17, 2026 – InfoComm 2026 officially opened its exhibits today at the Las Vegas Convention Center, bringing together thousands of professionals from across the AV, IT, broadcast, and integrated experience industries to explore the technologies shaping the future of work, communication, and customer engagement.
The first day of exhibits featured a keynote presentation from Microsoft, the debut of InfoComm's first-ever Media Day, exclusive analyst, and media briefings.
Microsoft Keynote Explores the Future of AI-Powered Collaboration
In Wednesday’s opening keynote, Ilya Bukshteyn, Corporate Vice President for Microsoft Teams Calling, Meetings and Devices, outlined Microsoft’s vision for AI-powered communication, collaboration, and the workplace. He said intelligent systems can help make work more connected, productive and inclusive. Bukshteyn also introduced new voice agents for Microsoft Teams Phone. Among them is the Teams Phone Agent, designed to handle routine customer requests so representatives can spend more time on higher-value interactions. He added that organizations can build custom voice agents in Microsoft Copilot Studio for specialized tasks, including helping customers complete transactions by phone.
Beyond calling, Bukshteyn pointed to broader updates across Microsoft Teams for collaboration and workplace experiences. He highlighted a new meetings recap app, support for first and third party agents in chats and channels, and new Teams Rooms capabilities intended to improve hybrid meetings. Those additions include IntelliFrame people labels, which provide more context for remote participants. He also previewed new skills for the Facilitator agent in Teams Rooms, extending assistance before, during and after meetings.
“AI will help on our behalf,” Bukshteyn said. “By bringing together the details, context, and data we need in one place, AI will empower people to apply their own human creativity and ingenuity to drive better business outcomes while focusing on what matters most, both at work and in our personal lives.”
Media Day Debuts at InfoComm
InfoComm 2026 launched its first-ever Media Day, bringing together 19 exhibiting companies and 40 journalists for curated tours highlighting major product announcements, strategic partnerships, and innovations shaping the future of work and the future of experience.
"With Media Day, we wanted to create a more intentional way for media to experience the innovations and trends shaping our industry," said Jenn Heinold, Senior Vice President, Expositions, Americas, AVIXA. "Our goal is for Media Day to become the industry's launchpad for major announcements and the premier place for exhibitors to unveil new products, partnerships, and innovations while engaging directly with the media, analysts, and customers shaping the future of the AV industry."
AVIXA Research Highlights Industry Trends
Media attended an exclusive briefing featuring new AVIXA market intelligence. The presentation explored key trends impacting the industry, including AI adoption, workplace transformation, integrated experiences, and evolving end-user expectations. "The biggest trends shaping our industry today are being driven by end users' expectations for richer, more intelligent experiences powered by AI and broadcast-grade quality," said Mike Sullivan-Trainor, Senior Industry Analyst, AVIXA. "Our research shows the industry is actively working to meet those expectations by bringing together the data, workflows, and technologies needed to deliver more seamless, personalized, and engaging experiences across every environment."
Analysts Explore What's Next
InfoComm 2026 also brought together industry analysts for exclusive briefings featuring AVIXA research and a dedicated session with Microsoft focused on the future of AI-powered collaboration and workplace technology. Discussions explored the trends driving growth across the AV industry, including AI, workplace transformation, broadcast convergence, and emerging opportunities for technology providers and end users alike.
Looking Ahead: AVIXA Announces RESIDE
InfoComm 2026 also served as the launchpad for RESIDE, a new event dedicated to the residential integration market that will debut alongside Lightapalooza at InfoComm 2027 in Orlando, Florida.
Created through a joint venture between AVIXA, HTSA, and ProSource, RESIDE reflects the growing convergence of commercial and residential AV technologies and will bring together integrators, manufacturers, and service providers for education, networking, training, and hands-on product experiences. Together, HTSA and ProSource represent more than 750 of North America's leading residential integration firms.
"InfoComm is all about creating a better experience regardless of the space – workplace, retail, hospitality, healthcare, education, and more," said Jenn Heinhold of AVIXA. "By welcoming residential-focused communities to RESIDE, held alongside InfoComm, the show reinforces its role as the home for integrated experience professionals, whether they work in commercial, residential, or hybrid environments."
More to Come
InfoComm 2026 continues through June 19, featuring keynote presentations, education sessions, immersive show floor experiences, networking events, and hundreds of exhibitors showcasing the latest innovations in AV, broadcast, collaboration, digital signage, AI, and integrated experiences.
InfoComm 2026 is sponsored by Headline Partner Shure Incorporated and Premier Partners Audio-Technica U.S., Blackmagic Design, Diversified, FORTÉ, and Microsoft.
For ongoing conversations and news about the pro AV industry, visit the InfoComm room on AVIXA Xchange, a unique community for the AV industry that connects thought leaders, industry-leading solution providers, and innovative manufacturers with AV solution seekers.
Photos: https://www.infocommshow.org/media
About InfoComm
InfoComm is the largest technology exhibition and conference in North America focused on the pro AV industry. The exhibition is produced by the Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association (AVIXA) and currently ranks as the 37th largest trade show in the United States by Trade Show News Network. In addition, AVIXA and its partners produce a global portfolio of trade shows and conferences, including InfoComm América Latina; InfoComm China; InfoComm India; InfoComm Asia; Integrate (Australia); and Integrated Systems Europe.
About AVIXA
AVIXA is the Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association, producer of InfoComm trade shows around the world, co-owner of Integrated Systems Europe, and the international trade association representing the audiovisual industry. Established in 1939, AVIXA has more than 3,000 enterprise members representing over 20,000 AV professionals, including manufacturers, systems integrators, dealers and distributors, consultants, programmers, live events companies, technology managers, content producers, and multimedia professionals from more than 80 countries. AVIXA members create integrated AV experiences that deliver outcomes for end users. AVIXA is a hub for professional collaboration, information, and community, and is the leading resource for AV standards, certification, training, market intelligence, and thought leadership. Visit www.avixa.org.