1. Enhanced security

As audiovisual systems become increasingly connected to corporate networks and cloud services, security can no longer be treated as an afterthought. Every connected display, microphone, or collaboration platform represents a potential attack surface, introducing new risks alongside new capabilities.

"It's no surprise that cybersecurity is becoming increasingly important due to the rise—and growing sophistication—of attacks targeting corporate networks. This strengthening of security measures often puts AV equipment in an awkward position, as it is often perceived as outdated and vulnerable from a cybersecurity perspective," says Martín Corró, Operations Manager at AVI-SPL.

“For this reason, it is essential to maintain fluid and early communication with our clients' IT departments from the earliest stages of AV projects. This allows us to consider any security restrictions that may arise and how they impact our design, as well as identify which equipment can be connected to their network and which cannot, VLAN requirements, or even assess the advisability of replacing certain devices or implementing a separate network so as not to compromise the corporate infrastructure."

The real breakthrough lies in designing a secure ecosystem from day one. That's why, in 2026 and beyond, enhanced security will be a top priority.

Corró adds: "We can't just show up with the AV equipment and ask where to plug it in: acting that way would compromise the project from the outset. We must provide IT teams with all the necessary information so that they can correctly assess the risks and implications of integrating our devices into their network. In many cases, it is even necessary to involve manufacturers and their specialists to resolve advanced queries and ensure that AV solutions comply with established security requirements."

In conclusion, cybersecurity has become an essential aspect of any AV system design. Considering it from the initial stages of the project not only reduces risks, but also ensures compatibility, operational continuity, and customer confidence," Martín concludes.

2. The convergence of AV and IT... what about AI?

Artificial intelligence has already made the leap from concept to reality, and this trend is expected to continue accelerating in the coming years.

In the AV field, there is a clear interest in leveraging AI to reach audiences more effectively. As AV and IT environments continue to converge, deeper integration with AI will enable systems to adapt in real time, optimize operations, and generate smarter data-driven insights, improving both the user experience and system management.

The convergence of AV, IT, and AI is not just about technological evolution, but a structural change in the way organizations collaborate. Today, audio and video systems not only connect people: they interpret context, optimize dynamics, and transform every meeting into actionable information. When these spaces integrate AI agents, they cease to be meeting rooms and become productive environments capable of analyzing data in real time and accelerating decision-making," says Julián Sánchez, Market Development Specialist for Latin America at Shure.

It is no longer about hearing or seeing better, but about optimizing the way we collaborate. This redefines the role of the integrator and the manufacturer: value no longer lies solely in hardware and commercialized services, but in the ability to design experiences that drive productivity and efficiency as competitive advantages. To achieve this, and to get the most out of AI in collaborative spaces, accurate voice capture becomes essential. This requires the right audio solutions with advanced processing, in which AI plays an important role, to eliminate noise and echoes, automatically calibrate the audio according to the acoustics, and adjust gain levels depending on different types of voices. This ensures excellent collaboration for the user," he concludes.

3. Interoperability in meetings

Interoperability is becoming a key trend in video conferencing, driven by user expectations.

With simplicity as a priority, interoperability will be essential to enable hybrid working and cross-platform collaboration. Organizations will increasingly value systems that allow participants to join meetings from any service or device with ease, ensuring meetings are simple to start and manage, regardless of the tool used.

“At Audinate, we see interoperability as key to frictionless hybrid meetings. Technologies such as Dante enable the integration of professional audio and video, as well as control across platforms and devices, facilitating consistent experiences regardless of the tool used,” says Miguel García, Senior Technical Training Manager, EMEA, at Audinate.

In line with AVIXA's vision, we believe that by 2026, simplicity and compatibility will be decisive factors in maximizing collaboration and productivity.

Ehud Bejarano, Director of Product and Solution Development at Kramer HQ, added: "At Kramer, we fully agree with this vision: interoperability is no longer a competitive advantage, but a market requirement. Our solutions integrate various technologies, including HDBaseT for signal distribution, Dante for network audio transport, and native support for H.264/H.265 codecs, among others, enabling organizations to build flexible AV ecosystems that seamlessly connect any video conferencing platform—whether Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Meet, or any emerging conferencing service—from any device. In an increasingly hybrid work environment, simplicity in the user experience is the direct result of a well-thought-out technical architecture, and that is exactly the approach that guides the development of our products.

4. Focus on sustainability

In 2026, companies will place greater emphasis on eco-efficient materials and strategies. So how can we reduce the environmental footprint of AV projects?

Reducing environmental impact begins with smarter design decisions, such as interoperable platforms, energy-efficient hardware, and standardized components that extend the useful life of systems. It continues by reducing technical travel through remote monitoring, cloud management, and preventive maintenance, which lowers emissions and operating costs.

Juan Carlos Rodríguez, ProAV BDD at Absen Mexico, explains: "Nowadays, it's fashionable to be green, but beyond this trend or marketing strategy, we must be more efficient, profitable, and practical, which leads us to make an important commitment. Our designs must be durable, remotely operable, and energy-efficient."
 
At Absen, this commitment has been fulfilled by reducing the need for frequent replacements and the generation of electronic waste. "For example, Absen's A25 Series is proven to offer operational stability for up to 10 years, reuse of existing structures, and simplified maintenance. It is also designed to generate more than 50% energy savings compared to standard solutions and consumption below 1 kWh/m² per day," he adds.

From product sourcing and packaging to solution installation and management, there are sustainable opportunities at every stage. The greatest advances are achieved when integrators, end users, and manufacturers share responsibility, making sustainability a collective and practical outcome, not just a box to tick.

Juan Carlos goes further: "Broader initiatives under the Absen Green strategy incorporate eco-compatible materials, low-impact manufacturing processes, and reduced emissions during production. These initiatives have generated significant energy savings over several years, contributing to carbon neutrality in corporate operations. In conclusion, adopting LED technologies over LCD, which consume more energy and generate a significant carbon footprint, is a necessity for improving our environment."

Ready to take action? Here is an additional resource: The Sustainability Advisory Group was created by the AVIXA Board of Directors to provide resources and support the Pro-AV industry on its path to sustainability. Check out their best practice guides for AV consultants, manufacturers, and system integrators.

5. Immersive displays

Looking ahead, companies and institutions are seeking more attractive ways to present information, driving the growing presence of video walls and immersive displays in large venues and public spaces.

Video walls, composed of multiple screens that form a single large-format surface, are already widely used in control rooms, airports, and corporate lobbies. However, thanks to technological advances and cost reductions, these installations will begin to be seen more frequently in classrooms, boardrooms, and retail environments.

Digitizing spaces that were previously graphic transforms static surfaces into dynamic communication assets. Immersive LED screens allow content to be updated in real time, messages to be segmented, and greater visual impact to be generated. High technology not only modernizes the environment, but also opens up the possibility of strategically leading communication spaces. Today, we are competing for the attention of our audience and making an impact through the format and content we communicate. Dinalight is a technology partner for immersive projects that seek to communicate differently," said Gabriel Pasiha, Commercial Manager of Dinalight Mexico.

Conclusion

From enhanced security to immersive displays, 2026 promises to be a year full of change and dynamism. We have touched on some of the major AV trends, but the possibilities for innovation remain vast. 

But that's not all. Absen, Audinate (Dante), AVI-SPL, Dinalight, Kramer, and Shure have already confirmed their participation in InfoComm América Latina . We look forward to seeing you in Mexico to continue the conversation!