ISE 2026 is inching closer, ready welcome the Pro AV world to Fira de Barcelona from Feb. 3-6. As a show prep, SCN conducted a series of short Q&As, to talk trends and pre-show buzz, plus give you an exclusive sneak preview of what you'll see on the show floor.
Today, Joel Mulpeter, senior director, product marketing at Crestron, talks how collaboration technology that delivers the same intuitive experience whether someone's in a huddle room, a large conference space, or anywhere in between is a must-have in today's world.
SCN: What technology or industry trend will be providing the most buzz on the ISE 2026 show floor?
Joel Mulpeter: AI will certainly generate significant buzz at ISE 2026, and rightfully so. We're seeing AI capabilities mature from novelty features into genuinely useful tools that enhance the meeting experience, from intelligent framing and audio processing to predictive space analytics.
However, the trend I'm seeing resonate most strongly with our customers is the demand for scalable, unified solutions that work consistently across all types of spaces. As return-to-office initiatives continue to expand, organizations are grappling with a practical challenge: They need collaboration technology that delivers the same intuitive experience whether someone's in a huddle room, a large conference space, or anywhere in between.
SCN: What is your company’s main focus at the show this year?
JM: We are highlighting our continued legacy in delivering solutions for content, collaboration, and control. We are uniquely positioned in our integration across all three of these areas. The modern workplace has evolved to where frictionless experiences have become vital, and our purpose-built solutions help to solve those challenges.
SCN: What makes ISE a unique trade show for the Pro AV industry?
JM: ISE is unique for our industry given its scale, and the global audience that it captures. The exhibitors on the show floor cover a large number of verticals, and for us—as a manufacturer in both the commercial and residential spaces—it is a special show that brings our whole company together.
SCN: When it comes to hybrid meetings, are we getting closer to meeting equity?
JM: The tools are certainly in place to help organizations achieve meeting equity in their spaces. The technology continues to improve with better camera functionality and improved audio quality, both of which help feed the AI-assisted tools that have come to the market. Solutions might not be one-size-fits-all, and so these experiences must be scalable to adapt to different workflows across departments and even global regions.
