The Pro AV market is on a rapid growth trajectory, with global revenue expected to jump from $306.4 billion in 2023 to $325 billion in 2024. This trend is set to continue, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.35% over the next five years, pushing the market to an estimated $422 billion by 2029. This robust expansion truly highlights how dynamic and growing the professional audiovisual industry is, a fact echoed by AVIXA’s Industry Outlook and Trends Analysis (IOTA) report. (AVIXA IOTA Report)
Given this fast-paced evolution, staying ahead means more than just keeping up with daily tasks; it means actively participating in key industry events. For AV professionals, these trade shows aren’t just an option—they’re essential. They provide unmatched chances to uncover groundbreaking technologies, gather crucial business intelligence, and build connections that truly last. Looking ahead to 2026, the U.S. will be a hotspot for several premier AV industry events, each tailored to different market segments, from large-scale professional integration to specialized high-end consumer audio.
InfoComm 2026: The Premier Professional AV Event
When it comes to professional audiovisual trade shows in North America, InfoComm 2026 stands out as the undisputed leader. Organized by AVIXA®, The Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association, this event is a magnet for AV and IT integrators, enterprise-level purchasers, event and entertainment specialists, and decision-makers from a wide array of industries.
Event Details:
- Dates: June 13-19, 2026 (Exhibits: June 17-19, 2026)
- Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada
- Scale: Over 800 exhibiting companies and an expected 30,000+ attendees from all 50 states.
Why You Can’t Miss InfoComm 2026:
InfoComm is truly where the cutting edge of integrated audiovisual experiences comes alive. Visitors will find thousands of products spanning a wide range of categories. Think advanced audio solutions, seamless conferencing and collaboration tools, the latest display technologies, video and streaming innovations, sophisticated control systems, dynamic digital signage, comprehensive Enterprise IT integrations, security systems, immersive virtual reality (VR), solutions for higher education, and state-of-the-art live events technology.
But InfoComm offers much more than just a massive exhibit hall. Its educational program is exceptional, featuring over 100 sessions organized into 11 distinct tracks. This structure allows professionals to delve deep into crucial subjects like:
- AI in AV: Exploring the integration and impact of artificial intelligence.
- Audio and Broadcast AV: Advanced techniques and emerging trends.
- Business & Project Management: Strategies for successful AV operations.
- Conferencing & Collaboration: The latest tools for hybrid work environments.
- Design & Integration: Best practices and innovative approaches.
- Enterprise IT: Bridging the gap between AV and IT infrastructure.
- Digital Signage: Creative applications and content management.
- Events & Entertainment: Cutting-edge solutions for live productions.
- Diversity & Accessibility: Fostering inclusive AV experiences.
- Learning Spaces: Technology for modern educational environments.
- Sustainability: Eco-friendly practices and products in AV.
The involvement of official event partners like Shure, Crestron, and Diversified speaks volumes about the quality and influence of the companies you’ll find there. This comprehensive agenda firmly establishes InfoComm as a premier venue for advancing your career, identifying critical market trends, and uncovering invaluable business insights you simply won’t find anywhere else.
Other Important Audiovisual Trade Shows in the US for 2026
While InfoComm is undeniably a cornerstone for professional AV, several other notable audiovisual trade shows in the US for 2026 provide specialized insights and valuable networking opportunities. Making a strategic choice about which events to attend is key, depending on your specific needs and target markets.
Here’s a look at some other significant AV-related events:
| Event Name | Dates | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Florida International Audio Expo 2026 | Feb 20-22 | Sheraton Tampa Brandon, Tampa, FL |
| AXPONA Audio Expo North America 2026 | April 10-12 | Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel, Schaumburg |
| AWE USA 2023 | June 15-18, 2026 | The Westin Long Beach |
| Enterprise Connect 2026 | March 10-12, 2026 | Caesars ForumLas Vegas, NV |
| E4 Experience | Sept & Oct 2026 | Hyatt Regency Santa Clara, California |
| EDUCause | Oct 2026 | Nashville, TN |
| Total Tech Summit | November 2026 | Orlando, FL |
How to Strategically Pick the Right AV Shows for Your Needs
Deciding which professional AV events to attend in 2026 should be a thoughtful process, tailored to your individual role, industry segment, and core business objectives.
- For Integrators and IT Managers: InfoComm remains essential for uncovering new products, tackling integration complexities, and finding solutions for enterprise AV, conferencing, and digital signage. Don’t overlook CES either; it can offer valuable glimpses into future display technologies and smart home/office integrations that will eventually influence professional applications.
- For Live Event Production & Broadcast AV: InfoComm provides direct access to the newest audio, video, and control technologies crucial for staging and broadcasting. Additionally, SXSW blends creativity with technical innovation, making it particularly relevant for those in music, film, and interactive media production, where groundbreaking AV often makes its debut in artistic settings.
- For Business Development & Market Research: Attending major events like InfoComm gives you a real-time read on market trends, what competitors are doing, and how new products are received. This is an unparalleled way to gather crucial market intelligence.
- For Technicians & Certification Seekers: Events with strong educational tracks, such as InfoComm, are perfect for pursuing certifications like AVIXA CTS, which are vital for boosting your professional credibility and career trajectory.
Beyond the Booth: Maximizing Your Trade Show Investment
The real benefits of attending these AV industry events in 2026 go far beyond merely browsing the exhibit floor. To truly get the most out of your investment (ROI), keep these crucial elements in mind:
- Learning Opportunities: Trade shows are dynamic learning environments. InfoComm, for example, features specialized workshops and provides a direct path to earning globally recognized AVIXA CTS certifications for audiovisual professionals. These sessions offer in-depth explorations of technical skills, effective business strategies, and emerging trends that can directly shape your work and career path.
- Meaningful Networking: Instead of just collecting business cards, aim to forge authentic, long-term connections. These events gather an unmatched concentration of fellow professionals, potential collaborators, and prospective clients from every corner of the industry. Strike up conversations on the show floor, attend planned networking sessions, or even chat spontaneously over a cup of coffee. The insights you gain from talking to peers can be just as valuable as any formal presentation.
- Spotting Market Trends: Trade shows serve as critical intelligence-gathering missions. By observing your competitors’ approaches, seeing how new products are received, and picking up on major themes from speaker presentations, you can identify industry trends early, before they become widespread. This kind of foresight is vital for adapting your business or career to future market demands. Pay close attention to how certain technologies or solutions are featured—are sustainable AV options gaining traction? Is AI for AV integration moving past theoretical concepts into practical applications?
- Focus on Emerging Technology: In 2026, anticipate a strong focus on several groundbreaking technologies across these events. Look for advancements in AI for AV, poised to streamline operations, automate systems, and deliver richer data insights, influencing everything from content delivery to predictive maintenance. The drive toward sustainable AV solutions will be evident in eco-conscious product designs and energy-efficient systems. Furthermore, the growth of immersive experiences, encompassing virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), will continue to open up new possibilities in event production, education, and interactive installations. Finally, expect significant leaps in enhanced collaboration tools, further blending the boundaries between physical and virtual meeting spaces, propelled by the ongoing shift to hybrid work models.
Practical Tips to Minimize Your Trade Show ROI
To get the most out of your professional AV exhibition experience, consider these practical steps:
- Plan Before You Go: Clearly define what you want to achieve. What are your learning goals? Which exhibitors are non-negotiable? Are there particular sessions or speakers you absolutely want to catch? Utilize the event’s online planner to thoughtfully map out your time.
- Engage, Don’t Just Observe: Be an active participant. Ask insightful questions, join in discussions, and try to schedule meetings beforehand with crucial contacts or vendors.
- Follow Up After: Your efforts shouldn’t stop once you leave the venue. Make it a point to systematically follow up with new connections, process the information from sessions, and integrate new ideas or product insights into your ongoing strategies. Turning those connections into real opportunities and transforming knowledge into actionable steps is fundamental to achieving genuine ROI.
In Conclusion
The top AV shows in the US for 2026 truly offer a rich and varied landscape for professionals looking to explore, learn, and network. Whether you’re interested in the broad professional reach of InfoComm, the niche appeal of consumer audio expos, or the wider tech innovations showcased at SXSW and CES, each event brings its own distinct opportunities. By attending these AV industry events in 2026 with a strategic mindset—and by looking for value beyond just the exhibit booths—you can ensure a highly productive and impactful experience that directly fuels your professional advancement and business achievements in the ever-evolving world of commercial audiovisuals.
