Las Vegas, October 11 — InfoComm 2026, a week-long event at the Las Vegas Convention Center, showcased the latest in multi-channel media players, video walls, enterprise edge systems, AI processors, and related technologies. The event, updated on August 4, highlighted how economic pressure, supply-chain strain, and rapid AI adoption are reshaping the Pro AV industry. Here’s what it means for ordinary consumers and businesses.
Michael Sullivan-Trainor, senior industry analyst at AVIXA, delivered a keynote titled ‘The Experience Economy Revisited.’ Sullivan-Trainor traced the concept from its origins in the 1998 work of management consultants Joe Pine and James Gilmore, who were inspired by Alvin Toffler’s 1970 book ‘Future Shock,’ to its current application in immersive, interactive, and personalized technology environments.
Three key highlights from the AVIXA buyer study were presented: Pro AV buyers’ expectation to increase budgets in Q3 2026, continuing a five-year trend despite economic shocks from trade tariffs, wars, and inflation; the emergence of the professional broadcasting grade workplace; and the evolution of agentic-driven experiences. AVIXA CEO David Labuskes stated that the show is evolving beyond a single AV channel, with increasing application of AV as a solution and delivery tool for experiences across retail, hospitality, events, transportation, and public venues.
Helen Matthews, senior market analyst at Futuresource Consulting, noted that AI is simplifying operational complexity in broadcast technology, reducing the need for specialized engineers and accelerating convergence between broadcast and Pro AV industries. Sam Phenix, CEO of Phenix Consulting, emphasized that effective retail environments use AV technology to support storytelling, personalize content, reduce friction, improve navigation, and create discovery, but require successful integration of tech stacks.
A section of the exhibition floor titled ‘The Pitch,’ powered by Diversified, demonstrated a fully integrated technology stack—including broadcast systems, control platforms, displays, collaboration tools, audio, and graphics—synchronized to support live game day production, dynamic sports and entertainment, and decision-making in media spaces. The event underscored the expanding role of Pro AV as an enabler of the Experience Economy across multiple verticals, driven by AI and integrated technologies.
As we look forward, the integration of AI and Pro AV technologies is set to revolutionize various industries, offering immersive, interactive, and personalized experiences. The Pro AV industry is evolving to meet these demands, with a focus on simplifying operational complexity and enabling seamless integration of tech stacks. Keep an eye on the convergence between broadcast and Pro AV industries, and the role of AI in shaping the future of the Pro AV industry.
About the Author
Erika Johnson is a seasoned human news journalist on the Technology/Artificial Intelligence desk at InfoPulse Today. She is known for her accessible and explanatory style, demystifying tech for ordinary readers while explaining the practical upshot of new developments. Her signature habit is explaining the ‘so what’ for ordinary readers, using one analogy per piece to make complex concepts easier to understand.
