The commercial AV industry is in the middle of its most significant transformation in decades. As CEO of Crunchy Tech, I have a front-row seat to the changes reshaping how businesses think about audiovisual technology.
After attending InfoComm, ISE, and dozens of industry events, here are the seven trends I believe every business leader and technology decision-maker needs to understand in 2026.
1. AI Is No Longer a Buzzword — It’s Built Into Everything
Artificial intelligence has moved from trade show demos to production deployments. We’re seeing AI embedded across the AV stack:
- Camera systems with automatic framing and speaker tracking — eliminating the need for dedicated camera operators in meeting rooms
- Audio DSPs with AI-driven noise cancellation and automatic gain adjustment that adapts to room conditions in real-time
- Predictive maintenance platforms that flag equipment failures before they happen, reducing downtime by up to 40%
- Content intelligence that dynamically adjusts digital signage based on audience demographics and engagement data
The practical impact? Systems that are easier to use, require less training, and deliver better experiences with less human intervention.
2. AV-over-IP Has Won
The debate is over. AV-over-IP (specifically Dante for audio and NDI/SDVoE for video) has become the default architecture for new installations. The advantages are too compelling:
- Standard IT infrastructure instead of proprietary matrix switches
- Unlimited scalability — add endpoints without replacing the core
- Remote management and monitoring from anywhere
- Significantly lower cable costs (Cat6/fiber vs heavy-gauge HDMI/HDBaseT)
If your AV integrator is still proposing traditional matrix-switch architectures for new builds, ask them why.
3. The Huddle Room Explosion
Enterprise meeting spaces are getting smaller and more numerous. The data from AVIXA shows that huddle rooms (2-6 person spaces) now outnumber traditional boardrooms by 4:1 in new construction. This shift demands:
- Simplified, bring-your-own-device (BYOD) connectivity
- Audio systems optimized for small spaces — ceiling mic arrays and soundbars replacing table mics
- USB-C as the universal connection standard
- Cloud-managed room booking and usage analytics
4. Unified Communications and AV Are Merging
The line between AV and IT has effectively disappeared. Microsoft Teams Rooms, Zoom Rooms, and Google Meet hardware are now the primary AV platform for most enterprise meeting spaces. This means:
- AV integrators must be fluent in IT networking, security, and cloud platforms
- IT departments are increasingly making AV purchasing decisions
- Certification programs like CTS and Microsoft Teams certifications are both essential
My advice to business leaders: If your AV vendor can’t have a meaningful conversation with your IT team about network architecture, VLANs, and QoS policies — it’s time to find a new vendor.
5. Sustainability Is Becoming a Procurement Requirement
ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) requirements are filtering down to AV procurement. We’re seeing RFPs that now require:
- Energy consumption specifications and ENERGY STAR compliance
- Product lifecycle and recyclability documentation
- Carbon footprint calculations for installations
- Equipment take-back and recycling programs
The good news: modern LED and networked AV systems are significantly more energy-efficient than their predecessors. A well-designed AV-over-IP system can reduce energy consumption by 30-50% compared to legacy infrastructure.
6. The Workforce Challenge Is Real
This is the trend that keeps me up at night. The commercial AV industry faces a significant skilled labor shortage. AVIXA’s workforce research shows:
- Demand for AV technicians is growing faster than supply
- Average age of experienced AV professionals is increasing
- Competition from IT, electrical, and low-voltage trades for the same talent pool
At Crunchy Tech, we’re investing heavily in training programs, apprenticeships, and technology that makes our team more productive. We’re also advocating for AV technology programs in trade schools and community colleges.
7. Experience-Driven Spaces Are the New Normal
The most exciting trend: businesses are investing in AV not just for meetings, but to create experiences. We’re deploying:
- Interactive video walls in corporate lobbies that tell the company’s story
- Immersive training environments with surround video and spatial audio
- Customer experience centers with touch-interactive displays and AR integration
- Wayfinding systems with real-time navigation and accessibility features
The ROI conversation has shifted from “we need a display for meetings” to “how do we create spaces that attract talent, impress clients, and enable collaboration?”
What This Means for Your Business
If you’re planning AV investments in 2026, here’s my practical advice:
- Think infrastructure first. Invest in robust network infrastructure that can support AV-over-IP — it will serve you for the next decade.
- Standardize platforms. Pick a UC platform (Teams, Zoom, etc.) and standardize across your organization. Mixed environments create support nightmares.
- Plan for flexibility. The technology will change. Choose systems that can be updated remotely and expanded without ripping and replacing.
- Partner, don’t just purchase. Find an integrator who will be your long-term technology partner, not just a box installer.
The commercial AV industry is more dynamic than it’s ever been. The businesses that embrace these trends early will have a significant competitive advantage in how they communicate, collaborate, and create experiences.
Have questions about how these trends apply to your organization? Reach out to our team — we’re always happy to talk AV strategy.
