Cisco keynote, immersive activations, and the AVIXA Women's Breakfast highlight a dynamic second day at InfoComm 2026.
Las Vegas, NV – June 18, 2026 – The second day of exhibits at InfoComm 2026 brought the industry's biggest trends to life as attendees explored AI-powered workplace technologies, immersive entertainment environments, next-generation retail experiences, and leadership insights shaping the future of AV, IT, broadcast, and AI-powered experiences.
From Cisco's vision for Connected Intelligence to hands-on experiences at The Pitch, Smart Workplace, and Retail Experience, Thursday's programming demonstrated how integrated technologies are transforming the way people work, communicate, and engage with the world around them.
“InfoComm is where the future becomes tangible,” said Jenn Heinold, Senior Vice President, Expositions, Americas, AVIXA. “We’re entering an era in which intelligent experiences will define every interaction, whether it’s in the workplace, a retail environment, a stadium, or a classroom. The innovations showcased this week demonstrate how AI, connected technologies, and immersive experiences are moving beyond concepts to solve real-world challenges and creating meaningful outcomes for organizations around the world.”
Cisco Explores the Era of Connected Intelligence
Thursday's keynote featured Espen Løberg, Vice President and General Manager, Collaboration Devices, who outlined Cisco's vision for the future of work through Connected Intelligence—an approach that brings together people, places, and purpose through AI-powered collaboration technologies. Løberg described the industry as being at a pivotal moment, evolving from AI assistants and chatbots that enhance productivity to agentic AI, or digital co-workers, and eventually to intelligent physical systems. He noted that while AI capabilities are advancing rapidly, today's meeting spaces often lag behind, with employees still spending valuable time troubleshooting technology instead of collaborating and working.
Løberg shared Cisco's vision for creating workplaces where intelligent hardware serves as the "last mile" of AI infrastructure, enabling seamless experiences that make coming into the office "worth the commute." He introduced the concept of "Distance Zero," where technology removes the barriers between remote and in-person participants, so everyone feels equally present and engaged. Live demonstrations of Cisco's AI-powered Director Agent, which automatically produces meetings with broadcast-quality camera angles and transitions, illustrated how intelligent systems can create more natural and immersive collaboration experiences without requiring users to manage the technology themselves.
The keynote also highlighted Cisco's commitment to open collaboration ecosystems, demonstrating interoperability with platforms including Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, and Zoom. Microsoft's Ilya Bukshteyn joined Løberg on stage to reinforce the growing partnership between the two companies, underscoring a shared vision of AI-powered workplaces that are more connected, intelligent, and collaborative.
Smart Workplace Brings the Future of Work to Life
At the Smart Workplace, powered by FORTÉ and supporting partner Shure, attendees experienced how AI-enabled collaboration, workplace analytics, and integrated communications technologies are reshaping modern work environments.
The immersive activation demonstrated how connected systems can reduce friction, improve collaboration, and deliver more personalized workplace experiences across meeting rooms, individual workspaces, and enterprise communication environments.
The Pitch Highlights the Evolution of Live Experiences
The Pitch, powered by Diversified with support from Shure, continued to draw attendees with its immersive look at the convergence of sports, broadcast, entertainment, and fan engagement.
Featuring collaboration spaces, production environments, premium hospitality experiences, and interactive activations, The Pitch showcased how integrated AV technologies are creating more engaging and dynamic experiences for audiences both inside and outside the venue.
Retail Experience Demonstrates What's Next for Customer Engagement
At the Retail Experience, attendees explored how AI, digital signage, content strategy, and connected systems are transforming customer engagement and in-store experiences.
The activation showcased how brands are leveraging immersive technologies, personalized content, and integrated platforms to create more responsive, measurable, and engaging customer journeys. The Retail Experience was supported by Bluesound Professional, BrightSign, Poppulo, and Samsung.
Women's Breakfast Focuses on Authentic Leadership
The AVIXA Women's Breakfast welcomed hundreds of attendees for a morning focused on leadership, connection, and professional growth.
Keynote speaker Mariana Atencio, Peabody Award-winning journalist, entrepreneur, and bestselling author, delivered her presentation, "Real Matters: Building Trust in an Unreal World," exploring the importance of authenticity, trust, and human connection in an era increasingly shaped by AI and digital transformation.
The annual event brought together professionals from across the AV industry to celebrate leadership, share perspectives, and foster meaningful connections.
The Women's Breakfast is sponsored by Sony Electronics and Supporting Sponsors AVI-SPL, FORTÉ, and Q-SYS. The AVIXA Women’s Council, the association’s largest council with more than 1,200 members, is sponsored by Diversified and Shure.
Looking Ahead
InfoComm 2026 concludes tomorrow with continued education sessions, show floor experiences, networking events, and technology demonstrations spanning AI, collaboration, broadcast, digital signage, integrated experiences, and emerging technologies.
The final day will also feature specialized tours, certification programs, and additional opportunities for attendees to explore the innovations shaping the future of the AV industry.
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.