For decades, innovation in the AV and collaboration industry has largely followed a familiar path.

Manufacturers build products. Consultants and integrators assemble those products into systems. End users compare and evaluate the proposed solutions, and eventually deploy what the market has made available.

Over time, that model has arguably become even more linear. As enterprise collaboration scaled, the industry moved further toward standardization, repeatability, and solutions designed for the “average user” and the “typical” room. That shift had good reasons behind it.

Standardization helped the industry scale. But it also made it easier to forget how differently real people and real organizations actually work.

More and more, the opportunity to contribute innovation value moved away from the many and into the hands of the largest and most resourced players, where scale and efficiency were greatest. And I’d propose that it is both a problem and an opportunity as we move further into an AI age of change and uncertainty.

I have never sat in the chair of an end-user technology manager, but I have spent much of my career pushing back against the status quo in how our industry operates and builds business models that serve more than the transaction itself. From that vantage point, I believe one thing very strongly in this moment: the end user community has more power to shape the future of collaboration than it exercises today.

The entire industry is hungry for direction. Manufacturers are trying to understand where AI-enabled value will actually land. Integrators are trying to determine how their role evolves. Consultants are trying to rethink what guidance looks like when best practice itself is changing. Everyone is trying to see around the corner of transformative shifts that may only be 12 to 24 months away in a legacy that operates on five-plus-year lifecycles.

Of course, that makes the role of a collaboration technology leader incredibly difficult. As the future of work, collaboration, and workplace experience becomes more intelligent, adaptive, and critical to organizational success, collaboration technology leaders cannot simply wait for the supply chain to bring them tomorrow’s answers.

They need help, but more importantly, they also need to help shape the answers. In this unprecedented environment, particularly where AI is shifting many elements of best practice back from ‘standardization’ and toward hyper-personalization, customer clarity can become a true force for innovation.

But my argument for deeper end-user engagement and leadership goes beyond specific problem-solving. Across the end-user community, there are organizations whose entire market position is built on the foundation of their capacity for transformative innovation. They have world-class research and development capabilities, defined digital transformation teams, data scientists, formal AI programs, innovation infrastructure, and cultures built around a mandate to fail fast, learn quickly, and move forward with intent.

And yet, too often, that innovation muscle is applied outward to the products, services, and markets the organization serves, while rarely being applied with the same intent to the internal operational ecosystems that power the organization. And as we well know, that very much applies to their collaboration infrastructure. Not only do we spend too little time fully understanding the needs and workflows of these collaboration power users to serve them, but we also fail to leverage the opportunity to learn from the innovation capabilities and best practices they maintain.

That matters because we, as the collaborative enablement industry, need those skills. From vendor to integrator to technology manager, innovation is not deeply embedded in our DNA. If we are going to remain relevant in the AI era, we need to learn, understand, and apply innovation far more deliberately.

Deliberate Innovation

So, I ask you to imagine an enterprise collaboration leader proactively convening three groups.

A combination of internal modern workplace stakeholders: real estate, HR, IT, AI, security, procurement, learning, workplace strategy, and others, with organizational context, technical imagination, and human workforce insight.

The most progressive external partners from across the supply chain: mainstream vendors with scale, emerging vendors with agility, integrators with delivery knowledge, consultants with strategic perspective, and service partners with operational understanding.

A selection of the organization’s own innovation leaders, both as catalysts for innovation itself and as users with lived experience of what is broken, missing, or possible in their own collaboration workflows.

Not for a one-off workshop. But as contributors to an ongoing strategy, structure, and process of ideation, experimentation, validation, and iteration. A group that could explore critical questions, such as whether AI has created new opportunities to:

>> Allow collaboration spaces to adapt more intelligently to equip different meeting types?

>> Offer utilization data, employee experience signals, and business workflows that could be interpreted together to build entirely new operational models?

>> Enable support models that become predictive and proactive rather than reactive?

>> Reduce many of the frictions and effort we currently face before, during, and after people come together?

This is where the process of innovation becomes less like procurement and more like chemistry. The point is to create an environment to “play” with different technology and human ingredients. To discover catalytic combinations that, when brought together, might release transformational new energy into the collaboration process.

Of course, just as in chemistry, not every combination will create a useful reaction. Most will fail—that’s the nature of innovative explorations. But occasionally, that experimentation will create something far more valuable than the sum of its parts. It may even become the foundation for a whole new line of exploration and opportunity that serves every participant well beyond the original initiative.

The Broader Collaboration Ecosystem

The challenge, of course, is that this is not an insignificant undertaking.

There are models that point in this direction. Microsoft’s Hive is one well-known example. So, there is precedent and business case. But examples like this remain too rare across the broader collaboration ecosystem.

In my recent conversations across the end user community, very few reject the value or need for this kind of approach. Their hesitation is rarely because the concept lacks merit. More so, it is because of everything that would need to change internally to make it viable.

Undoubtedly, this type of innovation model requires the supply chain to evolve. But frankly, we all know most manufacturers, integrators, and consultants would jump at the opportunity to support a serious initiative like this with their best customers if a true win-win partnership is on the table.

The AV and UC supply chain has for years sought to offer more service-centric models, risk-sharing models, managed lifecycle approaches, and outcome-based relationships. We know AI now makes many of those models far more viable than ever. Some past efforts absolutely fell short because the offerings were immature. But many also struggled because customers were simply not ready or equipped to buy, fund, govern, or evaluate them differently.

That is why I would argue the first work starts with the internal foundations on the customer side. Procurement approaches. Capital planning models. Security review processes. Real estate strategies. Support expectations. Sustainability priorities. Risk tolerances. Departmental silos.

So, if we believe that collaboration powers innovation and innovation creates competitive advantage, in a world where the rate of change in markets has never been faster, and amid all the other priorities the AI era is creating, is enhanced innovation capability seen at senior executive level as a distraction, or as an imperative?

That matters because that executive sponsorship is where the silos driving the lack of confidence in the models I describe can be overcome.

It’s here that the leadership opportunity begins! Building consensus, finding advocates, identifying the internal and external thought leadership to create momentum, connecting collaboration enablement to the bigger organizational priorities already on the table.

None of that is easy. But what is new is that there may never have been a stronger story to tell, or a moment of greater willingness across organizations to listen to progressive ideas for change. This is a moment of leadership opportunity and strategic relevance that many in this industry have been seeking for their entire careers.

So the practical challenge I put to the end user community is this: in moments of uncertainty, the party that controls demand has more power to lead than it often recognizes. You have an opportunity to build a plan, articulate a vision, and start designing the conditions and initial steps required to drive the experimental collaborations that will underpin the future of your career, of this industry, and of your organization.

I do not pretend there is a single recipe or destination for this shift. Each organization will have different risk profiles, cultures, governance models, and collaboration patterns. But the message is clear.

For leaders within organizations where innovation, change, and human collaboration are central to future success - do not wait for the market to define your future. Let’s find the ways to invite the right people into the room, bring the real challenges and opportunities to the table, and create the conditions for better answers to emerge.

In the AI era, the most valuable end user collaboration leaders may not be those who simply buy the best technology, but those who become the best collaborators in shaping what that technology, and the human and digital innovation ecosystem around it, need to become.

For an industry still learning how to innovate, let alone at the speed of AI, that kind of customer leadership may be exactly the catalyst we collectively need.

First, I would like to define the workplace. It is wherever you work. That could be in a corporate environment, a home office, a classroom, an auditorium, a sports venue, a museum, a government office, a transportation facility, a control room, a healthcare environment, hospitality, on the road, or in the field—you name it.

Hopefully, your environment is controlled with the optimal acoustics for speech intelligibility (near and far) and has the ideal lighting so the images on displays are clear. Yes, I know that’s a bold statement, but this is our industry, and if we want our collaboration spaces to enable positive outcomes and enhance productivity, it’s something to continuously work towards.

There’s no doubt that collaboration in the workplace has dramatically changed in the past few years. But this is no longer a conversation about the percentage of employees who are hybrid or remote, or how many days they work in the “office.” Remote participants could be vendors or invited speakers. Collaboration also means sharing content so everyone in the room can clearly view it on the displays, hear all participants, and share ideas.

Collaboration and The AI Factor

Artificial intelligence is a massive topic. It’s akin to talking about the impact of the World Wide Web in the late '80s and '90s, only bigger and more unknown.

At AV Technology, we’re going to home in on the potential and ever-evolving impact AI can have on collaboration in the workplace. My goal is to share ideas, inspire, educate, and sometimes challenge conventional thinking.

We’re launching the AV Technology Thought Leader Series on Collaboration and AI with Byron Tarry. He is the founder and chief transformation officer of NΞXXT, which helps individuals and organizations build collaboration-centric transformation that is measurable, responsible, and built to last. Tarry has more than 30 years in the AV and collaboration technologies realm, including nearly a decade as CEO of global AV integrator GPA. He brings a rare combination of strategic perspective and hands-on understanding of what makes innovation and change stick at scale. He will regularly contribute thought leadership articles for us. And, having spent some time with him, I am sure he will get you thinking outside the box.

Tarry is a frequent speaker on AI and collaboration and will be presenting The SPRINT at InfoComm, a hands-on innovation experience designed to help the AV and collaboration industry learn how to turn AI opportunities into practical outcomes. We connected at Integrated Systems Europe, where he presented on the topic of AI. I invited him to deliver our keynote at the AV/IT Summit in New York City on Aug. 5, The AI Moment for the Collaborative Workplace.

We’re thrilled to welcome Tarry into our circle of trusted contributors.

NOW AVAILABLE! AV Technology Manager’s Guide to AV in The Cloud

24 AV/IT Thought Leaders' insights and trends on AV in the cloud. What are the benefits? Are there any cautions?

AV/IT Team: A historic Louisiana casino recently replaced its fragmented legacy systems with a unified AV-over-IP infrastructure, resulting in scalable audio control, video distribution, and digital signage across a $144 million redevelopment.

6 Case Studies Put Cloud to the Test: AV Distribution That’s Above Par | The NFL Draft: Built from Scratch and Broadcast Live | Youth Worship Gathering Gets Pro Studio Production | Supplying Cloud-Based Spaceport Communications | Optimizing Logistics with Video Wall Solutions | Transforming Campus-Wide Classroom Management

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Read The Guide Here!

There’s nothing better than a successful deployment of new AV when everything is running smoothly. New auto-framing audio and video conferencing hardware and software connect in-person and remote participants, and a control system automatically initiates a meeting and starts the presentation on display. Participants collaborate, sharing content and video that is seamlessly switched to different displays. It’s AV/IT nirvana.

Until it’s not. We asked AV/IT industry thought leaders about how their company’s products and solutions help ensure interoperability and connectivity not only on the day of deployment, but also on Day 2 and beyond. Below are some excerpts.

For the full interviews, check out the sidebar on the right.

Omer Brookstein, CEO and co-founder at Xyte, said, “The real goal isn’t simply to connect devices. It’s to make AV easier to manage, easier to support, and easier to improve over time. Open cloud connectivity helps organizations monitor mixed fleets more consistently, move data between systems, automate routine tasks, and adopt new tools without rebuilding everything around a single vendor’s stack.”

“We focus heavily on open standards and network-based solutions, said Emma Eagle, manager of Marketing at Hall Research. “When AV technology works the same way other IT systems do, it becomes easier to deploy, manage, and scale across an entire organization—from small meeting rooms to large conference spaces.

“Established customer deployments may require upgrades to maintain long-term interoperability, as the protocols themselves are often evolving,“ Amy Zhou, director of Sales at Magewell, added. “For example, the popular NDI connectivity technology has changed over the years; it’s now on version 6.3 overall, and media formats within it have gone from NDI High Bandwidth to NDI HX, NDI HX2, and NDI HX3. This makes the upgradability of our products crucial for continued interoperability and compatibility.”

Joel Mulpeter, senior director of Product Marketing at Crestron, said, “Our products always need to work with the network—not against it. When we get deployed in a facility, the network exists, and we’re part of that ecosystem, so we ensure that we’re good citizens on that network.”

“By combining manufacturer-agnostic interoperability, robust management, and scalable design, Audinate’s solutions help ensure connectivity that works without friction, every day, at any scale,” said Jim Kidwell, principal product marketing manager at Audinate.“

“At ViewSonic, we approach product development with the full ecosystem in mind,” said Shane Roma, technical product manager of dvLED and Commercial Displays at ViewSonic. “A unified API structure reduces programming complexity, accelerates deployment, and minimizes support calls across diverse installations.”

Effi Goldstein, President of the HDBaseT Alliance, added, “Our commitment to an open, vendor-agnostic standard empowers businesses with exceptional flexibility. Organizations can mix and match products across multiple brands without risking compatibility issues, supporting business continuity, easier maintenance, and long-term investment protection.

“Sennheiser’s commitment to interoperability—across Dante, open APIs, alliance partnerships, and secure cloud management—helps organizations build AV ecosystems that are connected, scalable, and ready for whatever comes next,” said Jakub Kolacz, manager of Product Management Software at Sennheiser.”

Adam Sowers, senior manager of Business Development at Sony Electronics, added, “As a founding member of Open AV Cloud, we help to drive best practices around open ecosystems and interoperability for IP-based integrations, control, and monitoring that work across environments.”

“By prioritizing interoperability at every level, Shure empowers IT teams to deliver collaboration environments that are consistent, intuitive, and scalable wherever work happens,” added Justin Ramirez, senior director of Software Sales at Shure.

Introducing the Jabra PanaCast U30. This USB videobar was designed for bring-your-own-device (BYOD) collaboration in small meeting spaces and huddle rooms for up to six people. Combining intelligent video technology, professional audio performance, and simplified deployment in a compact device, it delivers a simple and affordable way to equip more small rooms for high-quality hybrid meetings.

[Jabra Answers the Call for Hybrid Work]

Many organizations want to support video collaboration in every meeting space, but equipping smaller rooms can be difficult due to cost and complexity. As a result, many rooms still lack the technology needed for effective hybrid meetings.

“Small meeting spaces are where many of the most important conversations happen,” said Holger Reisinger, SVP, Jabra Video Business Unit. “As teams look to support hybrid work, there’s a growing need to make more of these spaces meeting-ready. With the Jabra PanaCast U30, we’re delivering intelligent video and professional audio in a compact, easy-to-deploy solution that makes it easier to equip more small rooms for video meetings.”

A Simple BYOD Experience

The system is designed for a better BYOD experience that allows users to walk into a room, connect their own device with a single USB-C cable and start the meeting using their preferred platform, including Microsoft Teams and Zoom.

Before they even connect, the room display shows built-in wallpapers with clear on-screen instructions, guiding users so meetings can begin without delay and reducing support requests. In an upcoming release, customers will be able to create and upload their own custom wallpaper to the systems home screen through Jabra Plus.

Wide Coverage and Intelligent Video for Small Rooms

Video performance is optimized for small spaces through a wide 120-degree field of view (FoV), ensuring participants around the table are fully in view, even in more compact room layouts. Features such as Intelligent Zoom, Virtual Director and Dynamic Composition automatically follow the conversation in the room, adjusting the view as people speak to keep participants clearly in frame.

Combined with a built-in speaker and six microphones, the system delivers full-duplex, room-filling Jabra audio so conversations feel natural and fluid, with every voice clearly heard both in the room and on the call.

Simplified Use and Deployment

Rolling out video collaboration across multiple small meeting spaces requires solutions that are fast to install and easy to support. Multiple mounting options, including wall, VESA and table stand, allow the system to adapt to different room layouts and requirements. The packaging allows key components to be accessed and configured without removing the device from the box, while integrated cable routing and on-device guidance help ensure clean, repeatable setups across rooms.

Ongoing management is equally simple. With Jabra Plus, IT teams can monitor device health, deploy updates and manage multiple rooms from a single interface. The PanaCast U30 can be managed over the network or directly via USB, giving IT teams flexible control depending on their environment. For settings that require offline control, firmware updates can also be performed locally, supporting security-conscious organizations without adding operational complexity.

Einstein was clearly ahead of his time on many fronts, but even he may not have fully understood the future relevance of this quote to today’s realities: “Imagination is more important than knowledge.”

In an AI-driven world, where knowledge is abundant and instantly accessible, the differentiator shifts to how it is used, how ideas are formed, challenged, and ultimately turned into something real.

At a business level, I’d propose that the activation of imagination shows up as innovation. Innovation is the engine of change, the mechanism through which organizations adapt, differentiate, and compete. Whether the goal is growth, efficiency, resilience, or market leadership, the path almost always runs through the ability to turn ideas into outcomes.

That has always been true. What is changing is the speed - and the expectation. For years, innovation has been constrained, not by a lack of ideas, but by the ability to pursue them. Time, cost, risk, and structure meant only a small subset of ideas could be explored, typically by small “expert” groups tasked with doing so on behalf of the organization. AI is removing much of that constraint. It is compressing the distance between idea and implementation, accelerating experimentation and iteration, and expanding who can participate. What was once limited is becoming abundant.

However, despite how we often describe it, innovation has never really been a solo act. While initial ideas may originate with individuals, they are refined, validated, and scaled through interaction, through the exchange of diverse perspectives, the testing of assumptions, and the realities of execution. If innovation at its core is not an individual capability, then as it becomes more distributed, more continuous, and more central to competitiveness, the quality of the collaboration behind it becomes a defining factor in whether organizations succeed or fail.

And this is why the role of the collaboration industry needs to be reconsidered.

Moving Beyond Tactical

Historically, we have defined our value in terms of enabling communication. We build the rooms, deploy the platforms, and integrate the systems that allow people to connect, and we have done that well. (Indeed, so much so, it has become increasingly tactical and commoditised). But in an environment where innovation is central to performance, and collaboration is central to innovation, that definition is no longer sufficient.

We know that simply bringing people together does not guarantee better thinking. It does not ensure better decisions, faster learning, or more effective outcomes. We see that every day in the variability of meeting quality across organizations. Those outcomes require something more deliberate. Historically, delivering that has been difficult, but AI is now providing the most intelligent, collaborative, and adaptive foundation for change that we have ever had. We are at the dawn of an opportunity to build environments, physical, digital, and increasingly intelligent, that do not just host interaction but can actively contribute to and improve it.

The Dawn of Opportunity

To be clear, AI is expanding what is possible, but it is also exposing a gap. While most organizations have invested heavily in collaboration technology, they are still not equipped to consistently turn an abundance of ideas into outcomes at speed. If organizations need to build innovation as a core, distributed capability, that requires more than technology. It requires the ability to enable effective, repeatable, collaborative innovation across the business.

That is both the challenge and the opportunity in front of the industry. It is the shift from delivering collaborative environments that are passive… to enabling systems that are actively supportive. Systems that can potentially help guide discussions, structure decision-making, surface relevant insight, and help teams move more efficiently from conversation to action. Systems that embed best practices of collaboration and innovation rather than leaving “good” to chance.

While collaboration will always extend beyond innovation, in an era where innovation becomes THE primary driver of value, helping organizations improve how they innovate, how they move from idea to decision to execution, creates impact that is not just incremental, but compounding. The result? Not just efficiency, but meaningful differentiation. Real competitive advantage. And ultimately, sustained economic impact.

And that is where our relevance as an industry should expand. Not because collaboration is new, but because its role is fundamentally changing. If we recognize and act on this opportunity, it shifts the industry’s model, from one defined by transactional delivery and competitive pricing, toward one aligned with accountability for outcomes and participation in value creation.

But to achieve this vision, there is a parallel truth we need to confront. The model through which our industry has historically innovated is not built for this moment. Innovation has largely originated at the vendor level, been delivered as features through the supply chain, and presented to customers as capabilities to adopt. That linear model struggles when the real challenge is not access to tools, but how those tools are applied, integrated, and evolved within complex, real-world environments.

So, if collaboration becomes the infrastructure of innovation, then the way we innovate as an industry must reflect that. It must become more collaborative. And that means moving beyond a model where innovation is created for customers, toward one where it is created with them. Where end user organizations play a more active role in shaping solutions. Where integrators extend beyond deployment into orchestration and continuous refinement. And where vendors enable more open, adaptable platforms that support this shared process.

In other words, the industry must embrace the same collaborative innovation discipline that our customers are now being forced to develop. Because the connection is direct. The more effectively we build this capability within our own ecosystem, the more proficient, credible, and valuable we will become in helping organizations do the same. The opportunity is immense. But it will not be realized through incremental change, or by any one part of the industry acting alone. It will be defined by how effectively we come together to build what comes next.

AI is Compressing the Very Premise of Time

We know there is a natural tendency to overestimate the impact of technological change in the short term and underestimate it in the long term. In our industry, that often leads to inertia, a tendency to wait and see. But in this moment, even that framing feels unstable. The pace of AI is compressing the very premise of time. In the CAPEX-driven cycles we are used to, what once felt like a normal horizon now feels like an eternity. Now is not the time to wait.

While certainly there are many in that camp, I also believe that for many across the industry, the “why” behind the need for transformation ahead is not the real challenge. Amid infinite commentary and rhetoric around AI-driven change, the harder questions, the pressure to act is far more practical. It’s about “where to begin”:

• What actually needs to change, across both technology and human capability, to move beyond the constraints of the past?
• Who will lead the necessary shifts in mindset, in how we define value, and in how we build the operational capabilities required across vendors, integrators, and customer organizations?
• How do we fund and scale new skillsets, new models of experimentation, and new business approaches that move us from project-based delivery, bound to the speed of the physical, toward continuous, outcome-driven services that evolve at the speed of digital?
• And perhaps most critically, when do these shifts move beyond early adopters and begin to scale?

This article is the first of a series intended to explore those questions in practical terms, what the gaps actually are, where capability needs to be built, and how the industry can move from delivering collaboration… to enabling innovation at scale.

Like the organizations we serve, we need structured environments to explore ideas for industry transformation. We need real investment in experimentation. We need more collaborative and diverse partnerships, within and beyond the industry. And so hopefully this series can play some part, be some form of catalyst to that.

Because if innovation is the engine of competitiveness, and collaboration is the engine of innovation, then the conclusion is hard to avoid. We are closer to the center of value creation than ever before. The question is whether we are ready to take the steps to operate there.

It’s clear that in 2026, manufacturers are elevating their workplace collaboration hardware and software solutions to focus on ease of use, ease of deployment, management and monitoring, flexibility, and the end-user experience. This statement might appear to be “more of the same,” but look closer, we’ve entered a new era with AI changing the game.

Twenty-five AV/IT thought leaders shared their insights on workplace trends and predictions. Below is a snapshot from a few. Check out the sidebar for the complete 22 interviews.

“The strategic shift is not just toward new devices but toward architectures—modular, wireless, and platform-agnostic approaches that accommodate both Bring-Your-Own-Device (BYOD) and fixed-room setups,” said Oliver Van Camp, product director, Meeting Experience at Barco. “When meeting rooms adapt to people instead of the other way around, collaboration becomes natural, inclusive, and sustainable in a hybrid world.

Steve Wingo, manager of Technical Applications Engineering at Sennheiser, added, “Looking ahead, workplace innovation will be defined not just by flexible spaces, but by connected ecosystems. The organizations that thrive will be those that invest in collaborative technologies designed to grow with them—secure, scalable, easy to manage solutions that make communication and control effortless and effective from anywhere.”

Ken Eagle, Chief Executive Officer at Hall Research, said, “We believe the future workplace is defined by balance—between remote and in-person participation, between flexibility and consistency, and between powerful capabilities and ease of use. Organizations that get this right will create environments where people want to engage, collaborate, and do their best work.

Workspaces are becoming more flexible. John Kruse, senior field solutions architect at ViewSonic, added, “Single-purpose rooms are giving way to environments that support team meetings, training sessions, and larger gatherings throughout the day.”

Artificial intelligence is no longer just the buzz. Joel Mulpeter, senior director of product marketing at Crestron, said, “Interconnected intelligence is driving the next wave of practical AI applications in AV. Unlike generic AI implementations, these systems leverage domain-specific insights about spatial acoustics, visual optimization, and human interaction patterns.”

Jason Metcalfe, business manager, Crystal LED at Sony Electronics, added, “Just as advancements in AI are supporting new business operations, collaborative AV technologies support productive teamwork and unlock a brand’s potential.”

Petro Shimonishi, director of new business development at Panasonic Projector & Display Americas, cited two trends that are dominating corporate space re-designs. “Demand for immersive, highly visual meeting environments and the need for flexible spaces that can easily convert from a presentation room to a roundtable meeting space.”

“Culturally, organizations will move toward collaboration norms that prioritize participation, clarity, and faster decision-making,” added Tyler Troutman, senior manager of Collaboration Ecosystem and Engagement at Shure. “From a space planning perspective, meeting environments will be designed to support hybrid-first experiences, where in-room and remote participants are equally seen, heard, and understood.”

Jennifer Cheh, senior vice president of Display Marketing and Product Management at Sharp Imaging & Information Company of America, said, “Overall, successful workplace AV/IT strategies in 2026 will prioritize experience over hardware. Organizations that invest in AI-ready infrastructure, usability, and security will be best positioned to support productivity, collaboration, and employee well-being in an evolving workplace.”

AVT Question: Please share insights into the trends and solutions shaping the modern workplace and collaboration spaces.

Thought Leader: Firat Ozkan, Co-Founder, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at Mount-It! PRO

One emerging workplace trend often overlooked is physical adaptability. As organizations redesign offices for hybrid work, flexibility is no longer optional; it’s a structural concern.

As collaborative spaces evolve, technology must support constant reconfiguration. Meeting rooms shift purposes, displays move locations, and environments evolve faster than traditional fixtures were designed to handle. Mounting infrastructure is becoming a silent enabler of agility.

We expect to see increased emphasis on modular hardware that allows spaces to transform without reconstruction. Adjustable mounts, mobile installations, and ergonomic positioning will support healthier and more dynamic work environments.

There’s also a growing awareness of the physical relationship between people and technology. Screen height, viewing angles, and accessibility aren’t minor details; they influence fatigue, posture, and engagement. Ergonomics is becoming part of workplace strategy—not just facility planning.

Technology shouldn’t lock a space into a single purpose; it should empower teams to adapt to their environment as quickly as their work evolves.

AVT Question: Please share insights into the trends and solutions shaping the modern workplace and collaboration spaces.

Thought Leader: Jeff Vandehoef, Co-Owner at CableEZ

We see the trend shifting from technology adoption to less technology friction. The modern office isn’t short on tools; it’s short on simplicity.

One of the most overlooked trends is operational ergonomics, or how technology physically integrates into the workspace. Employees are returning to offices that must compete with the comfort and efficiency of home setups. If cables are messy, connectivity is unreliable, or desks require troubleshooting just to start a meeting, then adoption drops fast.

The next phase of workplace design is about removing micro-friction. Clean cable management, intuitive connections, and durable physical infrastructure may sound small, but these details shape the daily experience. When systems feel seamless, employees engage more confidently with shared technology.

We also expect to see sustainability influence infrastructure decisions. Reusable, serviceable, and modular connectivity solutions are gaining attention as organizations rethink waste and technology lifecycle costs.

Technology that disappears into the environment allows people to focus on collaboration—not cables. Sometimes the most powerful innovation is simply making things easier to use.

AVT Question: Please share insights into the trends and solutions shaping the modern workplace and collaboration spaces.

Thought Leader: Natalie Appleton, Vice President of Korbyt Workplace at Korbyt

2026 will not be defined by a single workplace trend, but by a broader shift toward intelligent efficiency across every aspect of the workplace. Organizations—especially those in banking, legal, and enterprise environments—are moving beyond feature-driven purchasing decisions and demanding measurable outcomes. This means that workplace platforms must now improve operational productivity, reduce day-to-day burden on IT and facilities teams, and deliver clear ROI at scale. As hardware commoditizes, differentiation has shifted decisively toward software intelligence, analytics, and integrated services that create operational clarity instead of fragmentation.

We will continue to see accelerated consolidation around cohesive workplace platforms that unify room booking, digital content, and device management into streamlined operational models. The most successful systems will be ambient, operating inside tools employees already use, like Outlook, Teams, and mobile devices, rather than forcing adoption of siloed solutions. AI will move from a headline feature to an embedded operational layer, reducing booking friction, enabling predictive workflows, surfacing actionable occupancy data, and shifting teams from reactive troubleshooting to proactive oversight.

Physical spaces will continue evolving into adaptive environments powered by real-time booking data and actionable analytics. But the real differentiator will not be the technology itself; it will be how intentionally organizations align that technology with culture, governance, and operational discipline. Ultimately, the goal is to make work more predictable, inclusive, and focused, allowing teams to spend less time managing systems and more time driving collaboration and performance.

AVT Question: Please share insights into the trends and solutions shaping the modern workplace and collaboration spaces.

Thought Leader: Holger Reisinger, Senior Vice President, Enterprise Video Business Unit at Jabra

2026 will mark a shift from “return to office” to “rethink the office.” With most RTO strategies already in motion, enterprises are now reassessing whether their meeting spaces—and the collaboration technology that powers them—truly reflect how people work today.

Video collaboration is front and center in how we work, communicate, and drive productivity. Hybrid meetings are standard, which means every room must deliver consistent, equitable experiences for remote and in-room participants. Yet, many spaces remain under-equipped to facilitate this collaboration. In 2026, we’ll see organizations rework their meeting spaces around three priorities: inclusivity, simplicity, and scale.

First, organizations need to create meeting experiences that feel balanced and inclusive from every seat in the room. Intelligent audio, multi-camera layouts, and intelligent features help to give every participant a front-row meeting experience, regardless of where they join from. Second, IT teams need true plug-and-play solutions that are easy to deploy and simple for users to walk in and use. And, they need simple device management at scale to reduce support time, ensure consistent experiences, and keep collaboration tools running smoothly. Finally, organizations need solutions that can grow as business needs change.

Companies that invest in simple, scalable meeting room technology—solutions that can be customized across spaces and evolve as workstyles change—will be positioned to drive more natural, intuitive, and productive collaboration experiences in the year ahead.

AVT Question: Please share insights into the trends and solutions shaping the modern workplace and collaboration spaces.

Thought Leader: Chris Teguh, Product Manager at Epson America

Today’s workplaces need intuitive, accessible tools that support global collaboration and inclusive meetings where everyone can participate. With corporate offices now supporting on-site, hybrid, and remote employees, it’s essential that workplace technology supports collaboration, regardless of employee location.

Interoperability is also critical. Employees expect to use their preferred platforms without sacrificing performance. When companies achieve seamless integration across their tech ecosystems, workplaces are better positioned to scale efficiently and adapt smoothly as the environment evolves.

There’s a growing need for display solutions that can adapt to any room size, deliver clear viewing for everyone, and integrate seamlessly with the surrounding technology. With ultra-wide, immersive visuals, projection uniquely adapts to diverse environments while ensuring consistent, inclusive viewing. In addition, today’s projectors are more compact, versatile, and feature-rich, delivering vibrant, detailed images for presentations and virtual meetings. There are also mobile options like the Mobi mobile projector cart that add more placement flexibility. Wireless display tools such as Miracast and Apple Airplay make it easy to share content from compatible devices, while Epson Projector Management Software provides centralized monitoring and management of multiple projectors, helping streamline setup, maintenance, and day-to-day administration

In 2026, large displays will continue to grow in popularity within workplaces as meetings, training, and planning sessions benefit from life-size visuals and versatile aspect ratios. When designing communal spaces in today’s workplaces, projection technology can also transform almost any wall into an engaging environment that fosters creativity and draws employees in.

I also expect to see more versatile display solutions integrated into the workplace that are both easy to use and adaptable. Versatile projection technology will help workplaces collaborate effectively, train more efficiently, and support employee engagement regardless of location.

AVT Question: Please share insights into the trends and solutions shaping the modern workplace and collaboration spaces.

Thought Leader: Mark Corbin, President at Vanco International

Many people hear the term “workplace” and automatically think “office,” but that’s a narrow point of view. Around half of American workers are frontline employees, meaning that instead of sitting at a desk, they perform in-person, customer-facing, or operational work. These tasks cannot be offshored or replaced by AI. Solutions designed to both support the needs and acknowledge the realities of frontline work will deliver ROI for years to come.

Frontline work is often very fast-paced—across verticals ranging from retail and hospitality to education and healthcare. No one has time to navigate complex menus or preconfigure a room prior to a meeting or event; simplicity, reliability, and user friendliness are paramount.

That’s doubly true given that frontline workers experience far higher turnover rates than white-collar employees. You can’t assume a stable user base; AV systems must be totally self-explanatory. That starts with clear system labeling, uniform control interfaces, and standardized rack designs that reduce troubleshooting complexity, but also includes smart audio presets, remote monitoring, and user-friendly tools that don’t require retraining every time the team changes.

In 2026, I expect to see more workplace AV designed to prioritize the needs of frontline workers. These systems will be consistent, reliable, and simple enough for seamless adoption. By delivering digital signage, video distribution, and audio systems that frontline workers can understand and operate on day one, you can help businesses succeed at exactly the point where they interface with their own customers.

AVT Question: Please share insights into the trends and solutions shaping the modern workplace and collaboration spaces.

Thought Leader: Dana Corey, Senior Vice President and General Manager at Avocor

Today’s AV displays have progressed dramatically, emerging as essential, interactive communication systems rather than the passive screens they once were. As architecture and IT converge, organizations now require display solutions that exceed standard specifications and perform reliably across a wide range of environments, including corporate offices and retail spaces.

With many workplaces shifting toward hybrid models and retail spaces competing for in-person engagement, display hardware is being redefined to deliver higher performance, durability, and flexibility. The focus is no longer solely on delivering visual content but on enabling strategic business signage that strengthens brand presence, supports operational efficiency, and ensures consistent, high-quality information delivery across increasingly connected spaces.

Visual impact is the cornerstone of effective signage. Avocor recognizes that different signage environments require different compute needs. Our product range has been designed to address changing requirements around performance, sustainability, and visual integration in professional environments. Whether engaging employees, informing travelers, or captivating shoppers, we are empowering organizations to communicate in ways that truly transform their environments.

Digital signage is evolving from static displays into dynamic, intelligent platforms that do far more than just broadcast content. In a crowded marketplace, impact comes from relevance and engagement, and today’s signage is becoming context-aware and deeply integrated into broader digital ecosystems. The challenge for the future isn’t saturation; it’s differentiation. We’re committed to shaping this future, creating signage solutions that empower connection, creativity, and growth—and this is where innovation in hardware, software, and user experience is making all the difference.

AVT Question: Please share insights into the trends and solutions shaping the modern workplace and collaboration spaces.

Thought Leader: Zec Voislav, Product Development Director at WyreStorm Technologies

In 2026, collaboration is less about getting people onto a call and more about removing the small frictions that waste time and attention. Culture is shifting toward outcomes and inclusion. Teams want meetings that feel equally natural for in-room and remote participants, and spaces that support quick transitions from a two-person huddle to a customer presentation without technical resets.

That expectation is reshaping space planning. Offices are investing in fewer generic rooms and more purpose-built environments: focus pods for 1:1s, flexible project rooms with reconfigurable layouts, and larger spaces designed for hybrid town halls. The common thread is consistency. People want the same experience in every room, with familiar connection options, predictable camera behavior, and dependable audio quality, because uncertainty is what makes participation drop.

Technology is catching up with that reality in three big ways. First, AI is moving from novelty to utility. Meeting summaries, action capture, live translation, and intelligent framing are becoming baseline features, which raises the bar for clean audio and reliable multi-camera video. Second, infrastructure is consolidating. USB-C continues to standardize the table, while AV over IP becomes the backbone for scaling video across rooms and buildings, supported by centralized monitoring, analytics, and remote device management to keep spaces healthy without constant site visits. Third, control is becoming more open and adaptable. Low-code, visual automation, and API-driven integration are replacing rigid programming cycles, making it easier to evolve workflows as teams and needs change.

The workplaces that win in 2026 will treat collaboration like a product: designed, measured, and continuously improved so people can focus on the work—not the room.

Jasper Engines, an Indiana-based leader in remanufacturing automotive components, regularly hosts extensive facility tours for clients and internal teams. These eight-hour tours take place in a bustling manufacturing plant environment filled with CNC machines, routers, and other loud equipment, creating significant audio interference.

Jasper Engines’ previous tour communication system was severely outdated, leading to frequent disruptions and frustrating experiences for everyone. Impressed by a responsive customer service and educational approach, Jasper Engines’ team, including Shayne Guinn, inside sales and group leader, and Andrea Ingle, inside sales administrator, selected Tripp Communications Systems (TCS) to provide a modern, reliable, user-friendly solution that could withstand the demands of a busy tour schedule.

The upgrade was a dramatic success, transforming the quality and efficiency of the company’s tours.

The Challenge of Outdated Tech

Jasper Engines’ previous communication system presented several critical challenges that undermined the effectiveness of its plant tours.

Durability was a primary concern. The old clip-on units were fragile, shattering if dropped and often needing repairs. Poor battery life was also a constant disruption. Guides were occasionally forced to interrupt their presentations mid-way through to replace disposable AA batteries.

Additionally, on the plant floor, the RF-based system was susceptible to constant audio interference. A complex channel system required meticulous coordination to prevent crosstalk between groups, creating a cumbersome experience for the guides.

“If we did a corporate and a commercial tour with the old equipment, we had to make sure that one guide was on channel three, for example, and everyone would be on channel five,” Ingle said. “If not—if you were too close in that building—you would pick up the other guide’s information. And that’s not anything that we have to worry about anymore.”

Modern Solution, Immediate Impact

TCS proposed the ListenTALK two-way communication system by Ampetronic | Listen Technologies to directly address every challenge Jasper Engines faced. It provided a suite of cutting-edge features that immediately improved the tour experience.

The first major benefit was all-day battery life; headsets could now last for the entire eight-hour tour. Disruptive mid-tour battery changes were suddenly all but eliminated, and the team at Jasper Engines enjoyed a renewed professional flow to their presentations.

With near-bulletproof durability, the new headsets were built to withstand even the toughest manufacturing environments, marking a dramatic improvement over the fragile legacy audio equipment.

“The old units would fall off and shatter,” Guinn recalled. “With the new ones, we’ve dropped them several times, and they keep working. Ted told us they were basically bulletproof—and he wasn’t kidding!”

The ListenTALK headsets provided crystal-clear, fully encrypted audio, eliminating the crosstalk from other tour groups and interference from machinery. Intuitive, user-friendly features like simple, tap-to-connect pairing and the elimination of channel management also made the system easy to use, empowering more associates to lead tours confidently.

[Exclusive Interview with Listen Technologies’ President and CEO]

The newfound efficiency reduced preparation time while accommodating larger tour groups. The system also introduced other capabilities that enhanced the tour experience, such as the ability to designate sub-leaders within a group.

“We’ve never had that before,” Guinn said. It’s great to have that option to add in different sub-leaders so everybody can get a chance to talk to the group.”

From very early on in the research phase, TCS stood out to Guinn, who spearheaded the project. He noted that it was the only company that responded personally to educate him on the ListenTALK technology and its benefits.

That same high level of customer service continued post-purchase, with prompt support and proactive check-ins. The feedback from tour attendees and the company’s outside sales representatives was also overwhelmingly positive. The clarity and reliability of the new Ampetronic | Listen Technologies system significantly improved visitor satisfaction, leaving a lasting, professional impression.

“One customer said they actually took a tour of GM and that our equipment was better than what they used,” Ingle said. “We have gotten tremendous feedback about this new system that I’m really happy with.”

The transition to Tripp Communications and ListenTALK not only solved Jasper Engines’ immediate technical problems but also elevated the quality, efficiency, and professionalism of their highly valued plant tours.

AVT Question: Please share insights into the trends and solutions shaping the modern workplace and collaboration spaces.

Thought Leader: Jennifer Cheh, Senior Vice President of Display Marketing and Product Management at Sharp Imaging & Information Company of America

In 2026, workplace technologies will deliver intelligent, network-based systems that support hybrid work and data-driven decision-making. Rather than operating as isolated tools, AV and IT will function as integrated platforms where artificial intelligence, cloud management, and analytics are standard components.

AI will play a central role in workplace technology. AV systems will use AI to automatically manage camera framing, audio levels, lighting, transcription, and summarize meetings, reducing friction for users and improving equity between in-person and remote participants. AI-driven analytics will also enable IT teams to monitor performance, predict maintenance needs, and optimize space utilization based on real usage data.

The traditional divide between AV and IT will continue to disappear as AV-over-IP, cloud-native control, and open ecosystems become the norm. AV systems will be treated like any other networked IT service, requiring strong cybersecurity, governance, and seamless interoperability with collaboration platforms such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom.

Hybrid work will remain the dominant model, even as office attendance patterns vary. As a result, offices will increasingly be designed as collaboration hubs rather than individual workspaces. Technology will adapt dynamically to how rooms are used, supporting more engaging and inclusive meetings through intelligent displays, spatial audio, and smart cameras.

Overall, successful workplace AV/IT strategies in 2026 will prioritize experience over hardware. Organizations that invest in AI-ready infrastructure, usability, and security will be best positioned to support productivity, collaboration, and employee well-being in an evolving workplace.

Sharp is focused on delivering the best customer experience with our high-quality display technology and solutions portfolio, while also offering an agnostic, modular, future-proof approach in order to simplify deployment and maximize content impact.

AVT Question: Please share insights into the trends and solutions shaping the modern workplace and collaboration spaces.

Thought Leader: Chris Merrill, Director of Product Management and Engineering at Panasonic Connect

“How do we make our communication and content look like we’ve hired a full broadcast crew—without having to hire a full broadcast crew?” At Panasonic, we hear this question regularly from customers who understand that production quality sends a powerful message about their brand and the importance of their content to an often easily distracted audience.

Audiovisual technology is evolving to meet this challenge head-on. With efficiency at its core, audiovisual solutions must be fully integrated systems that improve how people work. It’s critical that organizations stay equipped with interoperable technology that reduces technical barriers and makes it easier for teams to connect and communicate across locations.

AI-driven capabilities are accelerating this shift. Auto-tracking adjusts shots based on who is speaking, eliminating the need for manual camera control and allowing hybrid participants to feel more connected to the conversation. Emerging facial recognition capabilities support more personalized, consistent experiences by recalling preferred camera layouts or room configurations.

In audio systems, AI-powered noise suppression and echo cancellation filter distractions in real time, while voice leveling keeps speech clear, even in crowded environments. Audio can also trigger camera switching to help follow the live action narrative, creating a better experience for participants and for future playback.

Switchers play a role by bringing video and audio sources together into a centralized system. While not always AI-driven, they streamline workflows, enable consistent layouts, and simplify content management. In conferences or large meetings, switchers elevate traditional presentations into broadcast-quality experiences.

Together, these advancements allow AV technology to fade into the background, freeing teams to focus on creating high-quality content rather than managing the tools that support it.

AVT Question: Please share insights into the trends and solutions shaping the modern workplace and collaboration spaces.

Thought Leader: Joe da Silva, Vice President of Marketing at Extron

We continue to see growing demand for Bring Your Own Meeting (BYOM) across a wider range of spaces, driven by users who want to collaborate locally while seamlessly including remote participants. Employees expect to use familiar UC platforms such as Teams and Zoom to connect with remote colleagues while gathering in conference rooms, meeting spaces, or classrooms. A critical requirement is the ability to use the room’s camera, microphone, and speakers so local participants can be clearly seen and heard, and remote attendees can fully engage with everyone in the room. At the same time, users want this experience to run from their own laptops without the need to rely on complex or costly room-based systems.

Advances in collaboration switchers have made this model increasingly practical. These solutions allow a single USB-C connection from a laptop to route video and audio to the room display, while also providing access to the room’s camera, microphone, and speakers, and providing power to the local laptop. With one connection, a meeting organizer can present content locally and share high-quality room audio and video through Teams, Zoom, or other UC platforms running on their laptop. BYOM enables users to quickly connect their own devices to room AV systems using a familiar interface, making it easier to collaborate both in person and remotely. As collaboration technologies continue to mature, BYOM is becoming simpler to deploy, more cost-effective to maintain, and easier for users to adopt. As a result, we expect more meeting spaces to be designed to support both traditional UC systems and BYOM.

AVT Question: Please share insights into the trends and solutions shaping the modern workplace and collaboration spaces.

Thought Leader: Samuel Recine, Vice President of Global Strategic Partnerships at Matrox Video

When discussing AV/IT technologies—what they are and how they’re used—it helps to think in cycles. In some cycles, the focus is aspirational: what the technology should accomplish and how it can create value. That value may come through experiential AV and entertainment, improved communications, faster decision-making, or other mission-driven outcomes.

In other cycles, the focus shifts to calibration, or evaluating whether the investment is delivering as intended: Did the technology perform as promised? How easy or difficult was it to install? How much effort did customization require for a specific project or site? How manageable is ongoing maintenance? These calibration cycles create the reality check that informs the next round of planning.

This cycle matters because it shapes future goals and budgets. Consultants, manufacturers, and integrators can now be assessed against actual results—not just expectations. And users play a central role. They deserve systems that meet their needs, but they can also unintentionally create friction: scope creep, misalignment among stakeholders, major late-stage changes to deliverables or budgets, and decisions driven more by taste than process or decision science.

Right now, this cycle is especially important because the AV/IT industry is undergoing a sustained shift toward moving and processing audio, video, I/O, and data over Internet Protocol (IP). This includes reach-based applications, such as conferencing platforms, as well as high-end experiential AV, such as synchronized content systems powering immersive LED wall environments.

One key insight from this cycle is that preserving the flexibility to mix PC/IT equipment, Pro AV signal management and automation, and media production workflows—similar to what HDMI and SDI enable today—requires two things to complete the transition to IP-based workflows: open standards such as IPMX, and new converter technologies that bridge legacy equipment into IPMX-based systems and translate media/protocols from other proprietary AV-over-IP ecosystems.

AVT Question: Please share insights into the trends and solutions shaping the modern workplace and collaboration spaces.

Thought Leader: Irene Kondos, Global Inside Sales and Customer Success Manager at Ampetronic | Listen Technologies

Audio has always played a role in how people experience shared spaces, but I think we are starting to look at it differently. Assistive listening is still very much needed, yet the conversation around it is expanding. We are beginning to recognize that these systems support more than a single group, and that how sound is delivered can shape who feels comfortable, engaged, and included.

For people who are hearing impaired, access to clear, reliable audio makes it possible to fully participate in classrooms, workplaces, houses of worship, cultural spaces, healthcare settings, and public venues. That foundation matters, and it always will. At the same time, there is growing awareness that sound affects far more people than we once acknowledged. In environments where background noise, echo, or competing audio are simply part of the space, listening can become tiring or overwhelming, especially for those with sound sensitivity, sensory overload, or different ways of processing audio.

What excites me about where technology is headed is the flexibility we now have. Traditional assistive listening solutions such as hearing loops, RF, and IR systems continue to play an important role, while newer approaches, including networked audio and broadcast options like Auracast, offer additional ways to deliver sound directly to personal devices.

Across education, transportation, corporate environments, museums, healthcare, and large venues, this shift gives people more control over their own experience. It also allows designers and AV teams to support a broader range of needs without treating accessibility as an afterthought.

We are widening the lens of inclusivity. When we design audio with intention and empathy, we create spaces where more people can listen, process, and participate in ways that respect their individual needs.

AVT Question: Please share insights into the trends and solutions shaping the modern workplace and collaboration spaces.

Thought Leader: Joel Mulpeter, Senior Director of Product Marketing at Crestron

Traditional AV cloud deployments focused primarily on device management and remote monitoring—essentially digitizing existing workflows. Today's evolution centers on contextual awareness, where endpoints understand not just their operational status but also their role within the broader spatial ecosystem. This shift from device-centric to workflow-centric intelligence represents the next frontier.

The convergence of real-time data analytics with machine learning is enabling unprecedented automation. Cloud platforms now correlate multiple data streams—occupancy sensors, audio levels, network performance, and user preferences—to create predictive models that enhance both user experience and operational efficiency.

This interconnected intelligence is driving the next wave of practical AI applications in AV. Unlike generic AI implementations, these systems leverage domain-specific insights about spatial acoustics, visual optimization, and human interaction patterns. The result is AI that doesn't just respond to commands but anticipates needs, resolves issues before they impact users, and continuously learns from each interaction.

AVT Question: Please share insights into the trends and solutions shaping the modern workplace and collaboration spaces.

Thought Leader: Tyler Troutman, Senior Manager of Collaboration Ecosystem and Engagement at Shure

As hybrid work stabilizes, organizations are entering a new phase defined by shifts in collaboration culture, space planning, and technology priorities. In the coming year, success will be measured less by office attendance or tool adoption and more by the quality of collaboration outcomes.

Recent research conducted by IDC and sponsored by Shure reveals that collaboration—not just technology—is the true driver of return on investment (ROI). Collaboration is no longer a supporting act; it’s the engine of competitive advantage. Enter “collaboration quotient”: a research-backed metric redefining workplace intelligence and setting a new standard for thriving in the AI-powered workplace.

Culturally, organizations will move toward collaboration norms that prioritize participation, clarity, and faster decision-making. From a space planning perspective, meeting environments will be designed to support hybrid-first experiences, where in-room and remote participants are equally seen, heard, and understood.

Technologically, this means a shift from deploying more tools to improving the quality of those collaboration tools and inputs. As AI-powered capabilities like transcription and translation become the standard, clear and natural audio and video will be essential to both human interaction and AI performance.

In 2026, CQ will increasingly serve as a benchmark for workplace effectiveness. Organizations that intentionally design for high CQ will reduce friction, improve engagement, and unlock greater value from their collaboration ecosystems; those that don’t risk continued investment without meaningful impact or outcomes.

AVT Question: Please share insights into the trends and solutions shaping the modern workplace and collaboration spaces.

Thought Leader: Petro Shimonishi, Director of New Business Development at Panasonic Projector & Display Americas

Organizations have started to think differently about collaboration. It’s not just about providing technologies to support lively discussions; rather, the focus has shifted to creating shared experiences.

As organizations navigate more complex workflows and hybrid realities, they’re reimagining corporate spaces to support deeper collaboration and enhance productivity. Two trends are dominating these re-designs: demand for immersive, highly visual meeting environments and the need for flexible spaces that can easily convert from a presentation room to a roundtable meeting space.

Projectors are key to powering this shift. Large-format visuals move teams beyond passive viewing and into more intuitive, immersive experiences that drive creative thinking. When content is presented at scale, with clarity and visual depth, it becomes easier to drive meaningful discussion. Panasonic’s partnership with Igloo Vision exemplifies this approach by powering 360-degree immersive spaces. Imagine stepping into a conference room where every wall comes alive—mountain peaks stretching overhead, terrain unfolding beneath your feet—to create an experience so real it feels like you’ve traveled there. The vivid, life-like quality of these visuals is so impactful that we’re seeing interest from the public sector and defense industries. Our TAA-compliant projectors combined with Igloo’s software can create simulated training environments where teams practice collaboration skills together in risk-free environments.

As offices make the most of their physical space, the ability to deploy high-quality visual experiences without permanent installation has become a strategic advantage. That’s why we partnered with Artome to design the Artome PT-VMZ-AVCART, integrating power, AV, and network connectivity into a single mobile unit so teams can efficiently adapt spaces as needs evolve.

High-performance, flexible projector and display solutions will be key to powering this future of immersive, dynamic collaboration.

AVT Question: Please share insights into the trends and solutions shaping the modern workplace and collaboration spaces.

Thought Leader: Jason Metcalfe, Business Manager, Crystal LED at Sony Electronics

In 2026, our world is changing faster than ever. As we look at the corporate landscape, we see additional businesses adopting next-gen technologies to help deliver their products and solutions and to drive commerce in ways that were unthinkable just a few years ago. Despite the new ways of working, it is abundantly clear that the tools rely on the power of people to function, and we see this evidenced by organizations refining their office experiences and providing new ways for their employees to collaborate with each other.

Just as advancements in AI are supporting new business operations, collaborative AV technologies support productive teamwork and unlock a brand’s potential. Direct-view LED (dvLED) is the latest display technology to support the important work of a number of industries through advanced performance. In visualization labs and infrastructure-monitoring applications, highly accurate image representation through industry-leading contrast and accurate low-black-level and color representation can make all the difference in important decision-making situations. Automobile manufacturers employ large, vehicle-scale systems for design teams to represent their collaborative work and allow for an experience that enhances creativity.

In 2026, we will see dvLED costs continue to decrease and more cost-efficient options, such as Sony’s Crystal LED S Series, come to the forefront, helping to democratize display technology. This allows implementation in applications squarely out of reach just a few short years ago—and with greater power efficiency than other leading display types—making maintenance and operation feasible for organizations of any size.

AVT Question: Please share insights into the trends and solutions shaping the modern workplace and collaboration spaces.

Thought Leader: Matt Morgan, Market Development Manager of Broadcast AV at Ross Video

In 2026, collaboration will be defined less by where people work and more by how organizations communicate.

Hybrid communication is now assumed. Employees, stakeholders, and public audiences expect to be included, whether they are in the room or remote. At the same time, expectations for clarity, quality, and credibility have risen sharply. Leadership updates, town halls, and critical announcements are no longer judged like meetings; they are judged like productions.

Many organizations are feeling the strain. Traditional meeting tools were built for conversation—not for controlled, repeatable communication at scale. As a result, teams struggle with inconsistent visuals, awkward handovers, and content that does not translate well beyond the live moment.

A key workplace trend is the growing separation between participation and production. Everyday collaboration can continue on familiar platforms, while professional communications require dedicated tools that manage cameras, audio, branding, and flow. Importantly, this does not mean forcing cultural or behavioral change. Remote contributors should be able to join as they always have, while production teams maintain control behind the scenes.

This shift reflects a broader cultural reality. Communication is now part of the employee and stakeholder experience. How messages are delivered affects trust, engagement, and understanding. In the collaborative workplace of 2026, organizations that treat communication as a professional discipline—not just a meeting—will be better equipped to lead, align, and connect.

AVT Question: Please share insights into the trends and solutions shaping the modern workplace and collaboration spaces.

Thought Leader: John Kruse, Senior Field Solutions Architect at ViewSonic

The Pro AV market in 2026 will be shaped less by flashy new technology and more by how organizations adapt their spaces to evolving work habits. As companies refine return-to-work strategies, the focus has shifted from simply bringing people back to the office to making in-person time more intentional and worthwhile.

Hybrid work is no longer an experiment; it’s the baseline. Meeting spaces are being designed to support collaboration rather than occupancy, with equal consideration for participants in the room and those joining remotely. This is driving demand for better camera placement, clearer audio, and displays that enable natural interaction without added complexity.

Some organizations are taking this even further. The new JPMorgan Chase headquarters is a clear example of how workplace design is being rethought—intentionally built with collaboration, technology, and employee experience in mind to ensure commuting to the office feels valuable, and, ideally, desirable. This mindset influences how AV is specified, integrated, and experienced across industries.

Workspaces are also becoming more flexible. Single-purpose rooms are giving way to environments that support team meetings, training sessions, and larger gatherings throughout the day. Pro AV solutions that scale easily—from interactive flat panels to dvLED—allow organizations to adapt without constant redesign.

Cloud-based management continues to gain importance as AV systems expand across multiple locations. Centralized monitoring, analytics, and remote updates help lean IT teams maintain performance while lowering the total cost of ownership. AI is settling into a practical role, improving everyday work-life productivity and experiences rather than serving as a novelty.

In 2026, successful Pro AV strategies will be defined by how effectively technology supports people, purpose, and modern work.

AVT Question: Please share insights into the trends and solutions shaping the modern workplace and collaboration spaces.

Thought Leader: Ken Eagle, Chief Executive Officer at Hall Research

Over the past few years, the workplace has undergone a fundamental reset—and that evolution will continue in the year ahead. The most successful organizations are no longer asking whether people will return to the office, but how the office must evolve to remain relevant.

Culturally, we’re seeing a shift toward intentional presence. Employees are coming together less frequently, but with greater purpose. That means collaboration spaces must work flawlessly every time and support meaningful interaction—not just occupancy.

From a space-planning perspective, flexibility is now table stakes. Fixed conference rooms are giving way to adaptable environments that support hybrid meetings, ad hoc collaboration, and technology-enabled teamwork. Spaces are being designed around experiences—not square footage.

Technology is where these trends converge. In the coming year, we’ll see continued demand for solutions that are reliable, intuitive, and easy to deploy at scale. IT teams want systems that integrate cleanly into existing networks, while end users expect simple, wireless interaction from any device. Complexity behind the scenes is acceptable; friction at the user level is not.

At Hall Research, we believe the future workplace is defined by a balance between remote and in-person participation, between flexibility and consistency, and between powerful capabilities and ease of use. Organizations that get this right will create environments where people want to engage, collaborate, and do their best work.

The workplace isn’t disappearing; it’s becoming smarter, more intentional, and more human—and the technology supporting it must evolve accordingly.

AVT Question: Please share insights into the trends and solutions shaping the modern workplace and collaboration spaces.

Thought Leader: John Kozlowsky, Channel Manager at Absen

In 2026, the workplace won’t be defined by any single technology; it will be shaped by how organizations bring together people, space, and digital tools in more intentional ways.

Hybrid work is no longer a temporary adjustment. Even as some companies encourage employees back into offices, flexibility remains an expectation. This puts pressure on workplaces to serve dual roles: collaborative hubs for in-person teams, and reliable connection points for remote participants. For AV/IT leaders, this means creating environments where communication feels natural, equitable, and frictionless, regardless of where employees are located.

At the same time, we will be seeing AI entering a more practical phase. After a year of rampant experimentation, many organizations are shifting towards redefining existing workflows rather than adopting entirely new platforms. The focus is moving toward standardization, governance, and training as companies recognize that productivity gains depend on how well employees understand and apply these tools; it’s about more than simply having access to them.

Culturally, trust and alignment are emerging as critical priorities. Employees are looking for clarity, flexibility, and purpose, and they notice when workplace experiences don’t match leadership messaging. Organizations that invest in transparent communication and people-centered environments will be better positioned to retain talent and build stronger teams.

Ultimately, the modern workplace is becoming an ecosystem—one that blends physical spaces with digital collaboration. Success will come to organizations that design their environments to reduce friction, strengthen the collaborative spirit, and help their people do their best work together.

AVT Question: Please share insights into the trends and solutions shaping the modern workplace and collaboration spaces.

Thought Leader: Steve Wingo, Manager of Technical Applications Engineering at Sennheiser

In 2026, the modern workplace continues to evolve, driven by hybrid work, distributed teams, and rising expectations around device management and security. Real transformation is happening to enable centralized AV device control and management across locations. With remote management now foundational to how businesses operate, the message is clear: To ensure timely problem resolution and ongoing security enhancements, organizations must have a centralized view and control of solutions implemented around the globe.

To support this shift, organizations are prioritizing scalable, cloud-based technologies that are secure, intuitive, and easy to manage. Centralized platforms like Sennheiser’s DeviceHub enable IT teams to monitor, manage, and update collaboration devices across multiple rooms and locations—even around the globe—from a single interface. This level of control reduces operational complexity while ensuring consistency and uptime.

At the same time, intuitive, cloud-based meeting room solutions simplify deployment while delivering premium audio performance. When paired with centralized management, these solutions allow companies to scale collaboration environments efficiently without sacrificing quality or security.

Looking ahead, workplace innovation will be defined not just by flexible spaces, but by connected ecosystems. The organizations that thrive will be those that invest in collaborative technologies designed to grow with them—secure, scalable, easy to manage solutions that make communication and control effortless and effective from anywhere.

AVT Question: Please share insights into the trends and solutions shaping the modern workplace and collaboration spaces.

Thought Leader: Oliver Van Camp, Product Director, Meeting Experience at Barco

Despite years of investment in hybrid work, collaboration inside many offices remains more complicated than it should be. Meeting rooms, which should support fluid teamwork, often bring challenges instead. The Omdia’s Universe: Smart Collaboration Device 2025 report highlights the scale of this challenge: Less than 25 percent of meeting rooms globally are equipped with video conferencing. This is not due to a lack of intent, but rather to traditional approaches that make deployment complex, costly, and difficult to scale.

Modern collaboration is no longer tied to a single location or device. People move between laptops, meeting spaces, and remote environments throughout the day, expecting technology to adapt seamlessly. When meeting rooms rely on rigid configurations and specialized setups, they fail to reflect this reality. As a result, many small and mid-sized meeting spaces remain underutilized, despite representing the bulk of everyday collaboration demand.

Omdia’s research shows the market responding with a clear shift toward flexibility. Android-based conferencing solutions are forecast to grow at a 23 percent compound annual growth rate through 2029, driven by simpler deployment, lower total cost, and easier management. With roughly 50 vendors offering similar hardware, the differentiators are no longer featured checklists, but instead management efficiency, ease of use, and adaptability. This is where strategy replaces configuration; enterprises are favoring approaches they can standardize, scale, and govern over time.

The strongest momentum is in solutions that prioritize simplicity and adaptability. The strategic shift is not just toward new devices but toward architectures—modular, wireless, and platform-agnostic approaches that accommodate both Bring-Your-Own-Device (BYOD) and fixed-room setups. Wireless meeting room systems such as ClickShare demonstrate how flexible meeting rooms reduce IT complexity and turn previously underused spaces into productive collaboration spaces. When meeting rooms adapt to people instead of the other way around, collaboration becomes natural, inclusive, and sustainable in a hybrid world.

Today's collaboration spaces seem to be evolving at a lightning-quick pace—and it has not been an easy task to keep both remote and in-person employees happy. As Keith Yandell, EVP of innovation, FORTÉ, explained, there has been a consistent market disconnect, leading companies to struggle with delivering reliable and dependable meeting experiences.

[AV/IT Technologies Supporting A Culture of Collaboration]

That disconnect is what prompted FORTÉ's research on collaboration, which began last November. The company commissioned a proprietary digital survey to understand the current state and future direction of meeting room and collaboration space technology, with a heavy focus on AI solutions in the conference room. The State of Modern Collaboration Spaces report compiled the insights of 512 U.S.-based C-level and AV/IT leaders who contribute to decisions about meeting room and collaboration space technology within their organizations.

In short, this was not taken lightly. What was discovered was that AI-enabled collaboration is very prevalent in modern meeting spaces; however, problems still arise. These problems, explains the report, are not necessarily feature-driven, but focus more on reliability and predictable performance.

"While AI-enabled collaboration tools are widely deployed, meetings still fail too often due to reliability issues, join friction, and reactive support," Yandell said. "This was a trend that FORTÉ saw repeatedly across customer engagements and support data. Organizations are investing more and upgrading more frequently yet are still struggling to deliver dependable meeting experiences. We wanted to provide the Pro AV community with real-world feedback, shifting the conversation from feature adoption to reliability, execution, and measurable outcomes."

There were six key findings in the report regarding the modern collaboration space today and in the future. Many are focused on reliable and dependable technology, as well as understanding how AI-enabled solutions can enhance the conference room experience with proper integration and employee training.

The report also revealed that, despite AI being arguably the biggest buzzword in Pro AV for years, there are still reservations in full AI adoption, including security concerns, integration, and of course, cost. However, AI-enabled collaboration is no longer a trend or differentiator; AI is becoming a collaboration standard, and it is doing so much sooner than later.

Yandell spoke to three findings that stood out in the report.

• Reliability is the biggest barrier to productive meetings. "Nearly half of respondents cited technology not working properly as the top reason meetings fail," Yandell said. "Productivity is most often lost before meetings begin. Fixing failure points delivers greater value than adding more tech features."
• AI investment is shifting toward operational intelligence. "IT leaders are reframing AI’s role, prioritizing AI capabilities that work in the background to prevent failures, monitor room health, and reduce manual IT intervention," he noted. "AI is increasingly viewed as operational infrastructure."
• Meeting room failures are an IT efficiency problem. "Leaders estimate IT teams could reclaim an average of 52 hours per month if meeting-room issues were eliminated," Yandell explained. "Reactive troubleshooting is a recurring drain on IT resources. Proactive monitoring affords more time for higher-value initiatives."

The report reveals that there is currently a gap in collaboration technology between expectations of what is promised and what that technology delivers on a day-to-day basis. It provides several authoritative insights into how organizations can close that gap and turn their investment in collaboration into a competitive advantage by using AI solutions to help alleviate conference room challenges.

Yandell concluded that AI can do much for collaboration spaces of the future, but the foundation must come first. "The future of AI in the meeting room is quieter," he added. "Success will come from environments that detect issues before meetings start, reducing human and IT intervention. Aside from management, collaboration itself is heading toward a reality where AI is an active participant. The key to success will rely on user adoption and meeting spaces that foster co-creation between human and machine."

The State of Modern Collaboration Spaces is now available for download at FORTÉ's website.

NOW AVAILABLE! AV Technology Manager’s Guide to Collaboration: Workplace Trends 2026

30 AV/IT Thought Leaders shared their insights on workplace trends and predictions for the coming year.

AV/IT Team: Learn from the AV/IT team at Jasper Engines how a durable, interference-free audio helped the automotive remanufacturing plant transform its tours from perennial frustrations into engaging educational experiences.

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24 Products That Connect Us: Cloud-based software platform, complete audio and video conferencing systems, MicroLED and dvLED displays, hardware and software approach for collaboration systems, data extender kits, all-in-one video bars, and so much more!

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I’ve been a remote worker since 2014, but oddly enough, it wasn’t until the pandemic that I felt more connected to my colleagues. Today, no matter where workers are located, it’s rare for a meeting not to be “face-to-face.” Connecting via a camera has made a positive and significant difference in helping me feel more connected to individuals and the team. Rather than bumping into someone in the hallway or lunchroom, I’ll have a quick huddle via Slack.

But it takes an overall company culture to embrace videoconferencing technologies and collaboration platforms to help ensure remote and hybrid workers are integrated into the workflow. More than the feeling of inclusion, this is important for workplace efficiency and productivity.

We asked AV/IT industry thought leaders to share their insights into the elements and culture of creating productive collaboration environments near and far. Some excerpts are below, and you can read the responses from all 45 respondents here.

TYLER TROUTMAN,
Strategic Market Development,
Shure

In modern workplace and education environments, collaboration extends beyond physical boundaries. Teams are not defined by a single office, campus, or time zone. Instead, we are experiencing hybrid, global collaboration daily. To keep people connected and engaged, organizations and educational institutions must prioritize spaces that foster meeting equity, ensuring every participant can contribute, whether they are in person or remote.

Meeting equity begins with clarity. This includes clear communication, clear visibility, and clear participation. Too often, poor audio leaves remote participants struggling to keep up, which directly impacts engagement and productivity. High-quality audio and intuitive conferencing tools are essential so that everyone in the room can hear and be heard without distraction.

Creating productive collaboration environments also means designing spaces that adapt to evolving working styles. Some teams thrive in open huddle areas, while others need structured, presentation-style rooms. The most effective collaboration culture acknowledges that no two meetings are alike, and provides reliable, scalable technology that works across spaces.

Ease of use is also critical, especially when it comes to those responsible for set up. Technology should empower people to focus on the conversation at hand. For IT leaders, this means access to solutions that are simple to deploy and manage, while delivering a consistent experience for those in the meeting. For end users, it means technology that fades into the background, so communication feels effortless.

When every voice in a room is heard, everyone in the room feels connected, and teams unlock stronger engagement and decision-making abilities. By integrating intuitive, high-quality audio solutions into adaptable spaces, organizations and higher education institutions can cultivate cultures of collaboration that thrive regardless of where people are joining a meeting from.

SKYLER BOWDEN,
Senior Marketing Manager,
Mersive

The traditional meeting setup feels outdated. The default one-presenter-at-the-front approach, where someone clicks through slides while the room half-listens, is familiar, but doesn’t invite participation. And let’s be honest—meetings often start with a scramble to get the AV working before anything productive happens.

This structure is familiar because it reflects how many of us were taught: lecture-style, passive, and linear. But effective collaboration demands more than just taking turns at the front of the room; it asks for space, both physical and psychological, for contribution.

Room layout plays a bigger role than we give it credit for. Can content be shared from anywhere? Can everyone see the display—not just those at the head of the table? Do the tools invite participation or require a technical specialist to operate?

Some organizations build rooms with fully equipped workstations with individual displays and audio setups for every contributor. In the right context, this is a powerful way to invite interaction. But for many IT and AV teams, that level of design and support isn’t realistic. Overengineered spaces become more burden than benefit when the goal is simply to work better together.

That’s why the best rooms often offer the simplest design—a blank creative slate. There is no dominant display, no obvious “front”—just intuitive, flexible tools that allow people to share content, brainstorm, and collaborate however they work best. These spaces don’t dictate how meetings should run; they invite people to create their own way of working.

That’s especially critical now. Asking employees to return to the office is no longer a default; it’s a request. If the workplace is going to compete with the flexibility of remote work, it has to offer more than just a desk and a whiteboard; it has to offer value.

F. JOSEPH POMPEI,
Founder and Chief Executive Officer,
Holosonics

Collaboration has become the defining skill of modern organizations. Whether people are huddled up in an open office, gathering in a conference room, or connecting virtually across time zones, success rests first with the participants—their insight, attentiveness, and capacity to work together. Optimizing this depends greatly on the environments and technologies that enable it, and building a culture that embraces real communication.

We often focus on access and connectivity, making sure everyone can log in, join, and participate. Yet, the quality of the environment itself—how it looks, feels, and, critically, how it sounds—determines whether collaboration truly works. Even with the best tools, it is difficult to share ideas when overlapping conversations compete for attention, voices blur, and important details are lost in background noise.

Productive collaboration requires clarity of purpose, communication of ideas, and sound. The way we design for listening determines how well people understand one another and stay engaged. When sound is clear and distractions are minimized, attention improves, creativity rises, and every participant has a chance to contribute meaningfully.

This is not just a technical consideration, but a cultural one. When an organization invests in environments where every participant can hear and be heard, it sends a powerful signal: that every voice matters. It is saying that collaboration is not simply about proximity or platform, but about presence, equity, and shared understanding.

As workplaces continue to evolve, one principle remains constant: Productivity starts with connection, and connection starts with clarity. The future of collaboration will belong to environments designed not only for access, but for understanding. When people can truly hear one another, everything else falls into place.

EMMA EAGLE,
Manager of Marketing,
Atlona

I’ve learned that creating productive collaboration environments, whether in person or spread across distances, starts with a foundation of trust, clarity, and respect. Teams work best when they know their voices are valued and when everyone has a clear understanding of goals and expectations. That sense of alignment allows people to focus less on logistics and more on contributing their best ideas.

Another key element is intentional communication. In today’s hybrid and global environments, it’s not enough to rely on casual touchpoints; structure matters. Setting regular check-ins, using the right tools, and encouraging both formal updates and informal conversations help keep connections strong. At the same time, flexibility is important; recognizing different work styles, time zones, and cultural perspectives makes collaboration more inclusive and resilient.

Finally, I believe the most successful collaboration comes from creating a culture of shared ownership. When individuals feel empowered to take initiative and understand how their work impacts the bigger picture, collaboration becomes less about assigning tasks and more about building something meaningful together. Near or far, it’s about creating an environment where people feel supported, accountable, and motivated to contribute—not just because it’s their role, but because they truly care about the outcome.

GEORGE BORDEN,
Senior Reseller Account Manager, Central Region,
Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America

Creating a culture of effective collaboration means ensuring that every participant—whether seated in the office or joining remotely—has an equal voice, clear visibility, and seamless access to shared resources. The foundation of this culture begins with software. Unified chat platforms replace isolated email exchanges with searchable, topic-driven conversations, creating an archive of organizational knowledge. When integrated with video conferencing, teams can shift from chat to face-to-face discussions instantly with high-definition video, AI-generated transcriptions, and virtual breakout rooms supporting deeper engagement.

Beyond communication, centralized file management ensures that projects move forward without version confusion. Cloud-based solutions like OneDrive or Google Drive enable real-time co-authoring of documents, spreadsheets, and presentations, while app integration brings business tools such as Salesforce directly into the collaboration platform. This single-pane approach streamlines workflows and reduces wasted time toggling between apps.

The physical workplace also continues to evolve for successful hybrid collaboration. Modern meeting rooms are designed for inclusivity, with intelligent audio and video systems that employ speaker tracking, noise suppression, and group framing to give remote participants the same presence as those in the room. Layouts such as Microsoft Teams and Front Row further bridge the gap, placing remote attendees at eye level and integrating chat, reactions, and shared content in one cohesive view.

Finally, interactive digital canvases, such as Sharp’s AQUOS BOARD, extend collaboration into the creative realm. These large-format displays allow dispersed teams to brainstorm, annotate, and ideate together as though standing side by side. Pairing this with one-touch meeting join solutions like Sharp’s Synappx eliminates technical barriers and ensures meetings start smoothly.

These advances result in a collaborative ecosystem that is inclusive, frictionless, and designed for how teams truly work—near and far.

GEORGE TRUONG,
Vice President of Operations,
Black Box

Modern AV collaboration platforms have evolved into mission-critical business infrastructure, requiring almost zero downtime. This evolution demands sophisticated service delivery that ensures consistent, reliable collaboration between end users and the integrator.

Collaboration environments build upon four pillars: user experience optimization, proactive monitoring support, and continuous improvement on efficiency and utilization. Service reliability extends beyond traditional uptime metrics to encompass experience quality indicators across all locations. This requires establishing global SLAs that account for regional variations while maintaining or exceeding standards on compliance. User experience optimization focuses on reducing friction in collaboration workflows, implementing one-touch join, automated room configurations, or an intuitive but simple interface that reduces support requirements.

The current demand emphasizes shifting from reactive service to preventive service models with proactive self-health. Operational capabilities that can identify degradation patterns before they impact users. This proactive stance requires cultivating analytical mindsets within operations teams, teaching them to analyze usage data and identify optimization opportunities. Organizations implementing "partnered solutions" services that provide full 24/7 remote and onsite support for customer ecosystems build user confidence while gathering insights into service improvement.

Scaling operational excellence requires establishing a culture to drive excellence that defines best practices and disseminates knowledge across the organization. Successful implementation of tiered support models that balance responsiveness with global consistency. The enabling factor for operational excellence is a sophisticated monitoring platform that provides real-time visibility into collaboration performance, enabling rapid response to issues while building historical data for trend analysis and capacity planning.

JOHN KRUSE,
Senior Field Solutions Architect,
ViewSonic

The most effective collaboration environments today are not defined by a single technology or meeting room; they are built at the intersection of space, tools, and culture. As organizations reimagine how people connect and create, successful collaboration strategies must focus on removing friction and enhancing human interaction, regardless of location.

Intentional design is the starting point. Physical environments should support a variety of work modes—from brainstorming sessions to hybrid meetings—and incorporate fundamentals like optimized acoustics, visibility, and comfort. Equally important is flexibility: Modular furniture, adaptable displays, and scalable AV systems allow spaces to evolve as teams, technologies, and workflows change.

Frictionless technology is another essential element. Solutions should integrate seamlessly across platforms, enabling intuitive, one-touch connectivity and interoperability with conferencing, control, and content systems. When technology disappears into the background, creativity and collaboration come to the forefront.

Beyond hardware, culture is the true driver of productive collaboration. Spaces and systems must support meeting equity, making remote participants feel as present and valued as those in the room. Features like AI-powered framing, spatial audio, transcription, and translation can level the playing field and ensure every voice is heard.

Looking ahead, collaboration environments will become increasingly intelligent and persistent. Cloud platforms, data analytics, and AI will not only support meetings but actively shape them—anticipating needs, connecting content, and extending collaboration beyond physical boundaries.

Ultimately, the future of collaboration isn’t about creating rooms; it’s about designing ecosystems that inspire creativity, foster connection, and empower teams to work together—anytime, anywhere.

OLIVER VAN CAMP,
Product Director, Meeting Experience,
Barco

In the rush to adopt the latest collaboration technologies, organizations often chase flashy features while overlooking the fundamentals that ensure long-term success. The most effective meeting room solutions prioritize three core elements: ease of use, trust, and smart technology.

Even the most advanced technology fails if employees struggle to use it. Collaboration tools must be intuitive, flexible, and consistent across meeting rooms and devices. When participants can connect, share content, and engage seamlessly, meetings start faster, adoption increases, and teams focus on collaboration—not on troubleshooting technology.

Collaboration technology frequently handles sensitive content, making trust a critical factor. Robust security, configurable access levels, and regular updates protect data and ensure compliance. In hybrid workplaces, teams depend on consistent performance across rooms and devices. Systems that fail or require troubleshooting disrupt meetings, erode confidence, and reduce productivity. Investing in reliable technology ensures meetings run smoothly, builds trust among users, and supports higher adoption rates.

And last, but not least, the role of intelligence in the meeting room cannot be denied. AI can enhance collaboration when applied thoughtfully. Features like automated transcription, intelligent facilitation, and real-time insights can add value when they complement existing workflows rather than creating complexity.

Technology should empower teams to work smarter, freeing them to focus on discussion, creativity, and decision-making rather than constantly adapting to new systems.

Successful technology adoption requires a clear strategy. Evaluate solutions based on usability, security, reliability, and scalability first—then consider advanced features. By focusing on the fundamentals, organizations can ensure that collaboration tools truly enhance productivity and engagement, both now and in the future.

TERRENCE BOYD,
Senior Strategy and Business Development Manager, Alliance and Technology Partnerships,
Sony Electronics

In today’s dynamic environments, collaboration is no longer confined to meeting rooms; it happens across campuses, hospitals, production floors, and retail spaces. The most productive environments connect people, content, and ideas with ease, no matter where they are.

At Sony, we believe collaboration thrives when technology works together—not in isolation. And we’re not alone; our customers and partners maintain that same philosophy. Sony’s Alliance and Technology Partner ecosystem plays a vital role in shaping environments where people create, communicate, and collaborate. Through alignment with leading partners across digital signage, AV control, unified communications and collaboration (UCC), remote management systems (RMS), and hardware and mounting solutions, we deliver seamless, end-to-end experiences that make teamwork effortless and inclusive, and remove barriers and guesswork for our customers.

Having an open ecosystem, as Sony does, gives customers the freedom to choose the technologies that best fit their needs, whether the goal is a hybrid meeting space, a digital signage network that informs and inspires, or a control system that simplifies complex workflows. Together with our partners, we integrate these solutions that enhance Sony’s core offerings and bring added value to every project because customers expect robust, turnkey options.

This collaborative approach ensures that every solution meets current requirements while remaining ready for the innovations ahead. By combining Sony’s strengths with the expertise of our partners, we create spaces that adapt to people rather than asking people to adapt to technology.

In a world that continues to change rapidly, success depends on partnership. Through collective innovation, Sony and its partners are delivering human-driven collaboration experiences that help people work smarter, connect more deeply, and achieve more together.

CHARLIE JONES, Global Partner Relations Manager,
Sennheiser

Building effective collaboration spaces relies on conferencing technology that reduces complexity to deliver a seamless user experience. Intelligent automation is driving this evolution, transforming meeting rooms into intuitive environments that enhance communication without distracting participants. The goal is a smart conference space where microphones, cameras, and control systems work together automatically to keep the focus on productivity.

To reduce complexity, IT and AV professionals can take advantage of the advancements in interoperability of audio, video, and conferencing platforms, as well as insights drawn from years of audio expertise and knowledge of meeting dynamics. For example, beamforming microphones have redefined sound quality by isolating voices from background noise, which is coupled with robust networks delivering low latency. The result makes it easier for both in-room and remote participants to follow conversations without disruption.

Building these rooms goes beyond simply deploying technology and relies on robust central management. Software and cloud platforms that tackle room planning and device management can allow for faster, more scalable deployments to meet today’s substantial workplace demands. These virtual room design tools that also monitor and manage the interoperability between AV protocols ensure consistent, high-quality user experiences across entire organizations with effective planning and reduced manual setup.

As AI and automation continue to advance, meeting environments will only become more intuitive and adaptive. While fully autonomous conference rooms are beyond the horizon for the moment, the innovations available today are already paving the way toward a future where technology supports collaboration seamlessly, freeing teams to concentrate fully on their work.

NANCY KNOWLTON,
Chief Executive Officer,
Nureva

There really are no secrets to productive collaboration; it all comes down to people, process and technology.

Productive collaboration—whether across the hall or across continents—starts with people. Valuing individuals and their experiences is foundational to any successful collaborative environment. When people feel respected and empowered, they bring their best selves to the table. That’s why the first step is to give them the tools and environments they need to create and collaborate. Comfortable spaces, intuitive platforms, and access to the right resources signal that their contributions matter.

Next comes the process. Collaboration doesn’t just happen; most often it needs to be taught, then nurtured and refined. Teams must learn how to work together effectively, understanding when group work accelerates outcomes and when individual effort sharpens focus. A well-designed process for collaboration clarifies direction, roles, and expectations, and it enables teams to work faster and better. Nobody is born knowing how to collaborate, so setting out some guidelines can be enabling, not restrictive. It helps people see how their work fits into the bigger picture and how they can contribute meaningfully to shared goals.

Technology is the final layer—the enabler that makes collaboration seamless and scalable. From cloud-based applications and unified communications platforms to high-quality audio systems and smart cameras, technology removes barriers and connects people in real time. But it’s not enough to simply deploy tools. Organizations must relentlessly research and observe: Is the combination of people, process, and technology delivering the results the business needs? Is it making teams more productive, more creative, and more aligned?

Ask. Observe. Refine. The most productive collaboration environments are those that evolve—driven by the needs of the people within them and the outcomes they’re working to achieve.

JOHN HENKEL,
Product Marketing Director,
NETGEAR Enterprise

The convergence of broadcast, unified communications, and AV infrastructure is accelerating rapidly. Creating productive collaboration environments starts with building unified IP ecosystems that don’t distinguish between near and far work; instead, they treat all collaboration as equal, regardless of location. This requires moving beyond traditional box shifting to a solution-led consultancy that embeds AV into broader digital transformation strategies.

The most effective collaboration cultures prioritize user experience over technology showcasing. Organizations succeeding in hybrid environments focus on broadcast-quality experiences as the new standard for enterprise communications—not just for special occasions. This means investing in scalable solutions that make remote participants feel as present as in-room colleagues, eliminating the second-class-citizen experience that plagues many hybrid setups.

From huddle spaces to large conference rooms, consistent, reliable technology across all collaboration points builds confidence and adoption. When teams trust that their tools will work seamlessly, whether they’re together or distributed, cultural resistance to hybrid work diminishes. This consistency requires robust networked solutions with centralized management, ensuring every space delivers professional-grade experiences.

The shift toward AI-driven AV, advanced lighting and sound, and immersive experiences is fundamentally about creating systems smart enough to adapt to how people naturally collaborate—not about adding layers of complexity. Organizations embracing this approach create environments where technology becomes invisible, allowing teams to focus on ideas rather than troubleshooting connectivity.

The bottom line: Productive collaboration cultures emerge when infrastructure supports authentic interaction regardless of physical location, when user experience trumps technical specifications, and when organizations commit to unified ecosystems rather than patchwork solutions.

PETRO SHIMONISHI,
Director of New Business Development,
Panasonic Projector and Display Americas

Today’s workplaces and classrooms are no longer defined by four walls. Collaboration must be seamless, whether participants are across campus or across the globe. To meet this demand, organizations need technologies that are both robust and flexible to empower instructors, students, and employees to connect in ways that are simple, reliable, and interactive.

Panasonic recently surveyed higher education IT leaders, which revealed that 83 percent of students regularly interact with projectors and 81 percent say these technologies positively impact learning. These findings highlight that when collaboration technologies are intuitive and dependable, they become essential to how people learn and work.

However, decision-makers also flagged a growing concern: As devices become more feature-rich, they risk becoming harder for faculty and employees to manage. This underscores the importance of technology that reduces complexity rather than adding to it. Solutions must be designed for plug-and-play simplicity, while delivering professional-grade performance.

That’s why Panasonic and Artome partnered to create the PT-VMZ-AVCART, an innovative, mobile AV solution that combines Artome’s flexible design with Panasonic’s advanced projection to transform any space into a collaboration hub. These solutions eliminate the need for permanent installations, instantly transforming any classroom, huddle space, or boardroom into a connected, collaborative environment. By combining Panasonic’s advanced projection with Artome’s flexible design, organizations gain scalable tools that adapt to their unique spaces and needs.

The culture of collaboration today depends on access, flexibility, and ease of use. Whether enabling a professor to engage hundreds of students or allowing hybrid teams to brainstorm across time zones, the goal is the same: Technologies should inspire interaction, not inhibit it. At Panasonic, we believe the most productive environments are built on tools that make connection effortless anywhere, anytime.

JOEL MULPETER,
Senior Director, Product Marketing,
Crestron

We often talk about building a culture of collaboration. As people have returned to the office as part of their hybrid schedules, it’s critical that we serve the needs of those who come into that space. Technology needs to be seamless—disappearing into the background but delivering the rich experiences they expect.

Take, for example, the rich experiences you have in Microsoft Teams at your desk—can you take that experience into a conference room? You don’t want to have a different platform when you walk into the meeting room; you want to use the familiar one you’ve used at your desk.

You also want things like the “eyes and ears” in that room to be intelligent and smart. You want cameras that react to workflows in the room, and not cameras that must constantly be told what to do. You want audio that hears what you have to say and can then feed that into remote connections and the accompanying AI tool. You need to be getting tangible benefits out of that tool: translation, transcription, actionable insights, and so on. And then, you want to leverage that platform—Teams, Zoom, or whatever you prefer.

Beyond those tools, it’s also important to find the right balance of other AI features. Edge AI is especially useful and efficient in presenter tracking, for example. You don’t need to send that processing to the cloud and bring it back again—just do it in the camera. Cloud AI is better for things such as translation and transcription, identifying people, and so on. Ultimately, the goal is to create spaces that truly drive the culture of collaboration.

JOSH ARNOLD,
Director, Collaboration Product Strategy,
Q-SYS

In today’s workplace, collaboration is not confined to AV systems; it’s about crafting holistic experiences that empower people and culture. The rise of the high-performance workplace reflects a shift from static office environments to dynamic destinations that foster connection and creativity. Forward-thinking organizations are reimagining their spaces to build culture, expand mentorship, and enhance well-being across both high-impact rooms and the spaces in between. This reflects a deeper understanding: Technology should not just connect people, but also inspire and bring them together.

This transformation is already happening at scale. According to a recent whitepaper developed by Frost and Sullivan in partnership with Q-SYS, 46 percent of IT and telecom leaders are modernizing office technology, while 50 percent are investing in new perks and experiences. With over 5.6 billion square feet of Class A space positioned for high-performance transformation and 9.1 billion square feet of U.S. office space ripe for reinvention, the workplace has become a critical lever for organizational productivity.

Second, simplicity in technology is paramount. The most powerful collaboration tools are those that disappear into the background, enabling fluid interaction without friction. When technology is standardized, intuitive, and accessible, hybrid equity thrives—enabling every participant, near or far, to contribute equally. When users don’t have to think about how to connect, they can focus on what matters most: sharing ideas, solving problems, and building relationships.

Finally, smart collaboration environments should enable a feedback loop for continuous improvement. Rich spatial and usage data help organizations optimize layouts, refine workflows, and adapt to evolving needs—turning workplaces from static assets into dynamic engines for growth.

In essence, high-performance workplaces center on people and experience. They eliminate friction, create hybrid equity, and drive measurable outcomes. By embracing intentional design, user-centric simplicity, and data-driven evolution, organizations can create environments where creativity and productivity thrives.

AV Technology Manager’s Guide: Elements of Collaboration

45 Thought Leaders share insight into the AV/IT elements and culture of creating productive collaboration environments near and far. Learn about the complete collaboration ecosystem.

AV/IT Team: State-of-the-art audio technology transformed more than 50 teaching spaces at one Welsh university, setting a new standard for hybrid education solutions.

5 Case Studies: A Toast to Cutting-Edge Display Tech | AV over IP Elevates a Humble Meeting Room | Plug-and-Play Power Transforms Event Space | Cloudy Day, Crystal-Clear Audio | Helsinki Hotel Gets a Conferencing Upgrade

37 Products That Enable You to See, Hear & Connect: Wireless in-ear monitor system, collaboration switchers, mounting systems, all-in-one MicroLED and LED displays, AV-over-IP platform, AV extenders, Microsoft Teams Rooms, conferencing speakers, interactive flat panel, ceiling microphones, intelligent PTZ cameras, BYOM solutions, AV production platforms, content management systems, KVM extender, laser projector, 4K HDMI presentation switches, and much more!

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Audio has often been the overlooked partner to video. With the myriad of microphone and speaker solutions available at various price points, technologies, sizes, and distribution capabilities, this is changing. Microphones designed to capture voices from participants seated at movable desks, digitally steerable column loudspeakers to overcome acoustic obstacles, soundbars for small meeting spaces, or in-ceiling systems have changed the collaboration and meeting room landscape. Today, there’s no shortage of solutions tailored to specific use cases.

We reached out to AV/IT industry thought leaders to share their insights and best practices on achieving high-quality audio.

Randall Lee, Vice President of Marketing and Product Management at Bogen Communications

In today’s educational and corporate environments, audio solutions have evolved into powerful, intelligent systems that drive communication, collaboration, and safety. Designing audio for today’s meeting rooms, classrooms, and flexible workspaces should include everything from speaker placement and mic pickup to acoustic treatment, mobility, and system integration.

The best room audio setups start with a thorough understanding of how the space will be used. Microphones may need to capture voices from participants seated at movable desks or tables, while some spaces require sound reinforcement for presenters, particularly in large or acoustically challenging environments. Speaker placement may be fixed or adaptable based on room configuration. Additionally, paging, intercom, and panic button systems are often necessary and may need to connect with other rooms or administrators. These considerations are important when evaluating audio solutions for today’s audiovisual environments.

Beyond traditional analog systems, IP-based audio platforms offer the scalability and flexibility that meeting rooms, classrooms, and flexible workspaces require. Systems like Bogen Communications’ Nyquist deliver clear, consistent audio across a wide range of environments, from classrooms and conference rooms to lobbies and campuses. With support for virtually unlimited zones and endpoints, IP speakers and microphones can be deployed where they’re needed most while remaining centrally manageable through a unified interface.

IP-based solutions are especially powerful because of their ability to serve multiple roles, including reinforcing sound during instruction or presentations, enabling paging and intercom communication, supporting ADA accessibility features, and serving as the backbone for emergency notifications. With built-in support for cloud-enabled services such as email and SMS alerts—and integration with phone systems, access control, and video surveillance—platforms like Nyquist are a key part of a comprehensive safety and communication infrastructure.

Tyler Troutman, Strategic Market Development at Shure

AV and IT teams managing today’s modern meeting spaces are tasked with delivering consistent, high-quality audio in any circumstance. Whether participants are dialing in remotely or joining a meeting in person, high-quality audio has evolved from a nice-to-have to an essential component of productive and engaging meeting experiences. To create these meeting experiences at scale, IT teams need a combination of the right equipment, flexible design, and streamlined workflows.

Taking a room-first approach to setting up spaces is a good starting point. Evaluate the acoustic environment and room size before selecting the technology for the space. By evaluating the room first and paying attention to a room’s acoustic profile, IT professionals can tailor the microphone and speaker placement to the space while minimizing the impact of reflective surfaces, rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all solution. This helps to ensure speech intelligibility and minimize distractions from background noise.

Scalability is another critical component for consideration when setting up today’s meeting rooms. Building systems with interchangeable components that can scale across multiple rooms offers more flexibility and makes ongoing maintenance more manageable. This leads to faster deployment for IT teams and more consistent performance for end-users.

Supporting modern meetings means planning for flexibility. Spaces need to be adaptable to accommodate both in-room and remote participants. In physical spaces, equipment needs to be set up to capture audio clearly for those dialing in remotely. Prioritizing speech clarity helps to ensure everyone is present in a meeting, regardless of where they are located.

By focusing on flexibility, scalability, and providing equipment that meets the needs of the end-user, IT teams can create spaces that deliver high-quality audio experiences without increasing the complexity of their installations.

Jack Horry, Product Manager, Quorum at Ross Video

Good audio has always mattered, but in today’s meeting and learning environments, it has to do more than just sound clear.

At Ross, we’re thinking about how sound systems can work smarter to serve both in-room participants and those joining remotely. Modern audio technologies like ceiling microphone arrays, fixed mic positions, and AI-driven speaker identification are transforming spaces. This enables automation, reduces operator burden, and creates seamless experiences. That’s how we’ve approached Quorum. Because people speak from known positions, we can assist with switching and audio handling without needing deep operator knowledge.

AI and automation often trigger Orwellian anxieties, but we must consider the tools they provide. A moderator in a large discussion can instantly see who said what and when. Real-time captioning and speech-to-text have largely replaced stenographers—not because the role was unnecessary, but because the original goals of speed, accuracy, and accessibility are now better met through shared, real-time data. It’s not about replacing people; it’s about empowering everyone in the conversation with immediate access to what’s being said.

The more metadata your system captures—from speaker ID to location to timestamp—the more valuable your content becomes. It can be searched, archived, translated, or captioned in real time, improving inclusion and comprehension for everyone. Historically, this meant removing variables—fixing seating, and tuning rooms. That still helps, but modern systems can adapt in real time, offering a smarter path forward.

Ross is designing with this future in mind. You’re not just investing in sound quality; you’re future-proofing your environment. We believe the best systems don’t just hear the room; they understand it.

David Missall, Insights Manager, Consultants and Technical Application Engineer Manager at Sennheiser

Even with crystal-clear video, the past five years have underscored how critical distinct, reliable audio is for effective communication. Whether in a classroom, meeting space, or hybrid environment, poor audio—dropouts, echo, or unclear speech—can quickly derail engagement and productivity. But great audio doesn’t happen by accident; it requires upfront planning and coordination between AV professionals, IT departments, and architectural teams.

Effective audio planning starts with understanding how a room will be used. A two-person huddle space has vastly different needs compared to a 50-seat lecture hall, and this context informs decisions around integrating soundbars, ceiling array mics, or voice lift systems. Acoustic treatment is just as essential, as hard surfaces create reverberation, reducing intelligibility. Carpets, curtains, and acoustic panels help maintain clarity, especially when paired with a layout designed for optimal listening zones.

Additionally, voice lift technology is increasingly being adopted in meeting spaces to improve local speech intelligibility. By reinforcing voices just enough to make conversation feel natural and effortless, voice lift can reduce fatigue and support inclusive communication in large meeting spaces.

Equally important is device interoperability. Today’s AV ecosystems feature equipment from different manufacturers, and they all must work together seamlessly. Open APIs and brand-agnostic solutions support long-term flexibility are making it easier to evolve with user needs.

Platform certification is another critical piece. Sennheiser’s solutions are certified for Microsoft Teams and Zoom, ensuring dependable performance and a consistent user experience.

For those looking to streamline the planning efforts, Sennheiser’s free, browser-based Room Planner tool allows AV teams to map out room layouts and identify the right microphone and speaker configurations for each space.

Michael Bridwell, Vice President of Commercial Audio Sales at AtlasIED

Speech intelligibility is the foundation of effective communication in meeting rooms, classrooms, and corporate or higher education spaces. If participants can’t clearly hear and understand what’s being said, the purpose of the gathering is lost—whether in person, virtual, or hybrid.

Modern architectural trends present unique acoustic challenges, particularly with highly reflective surfaces such as glass, marble, and stone. In these environments, simply increasing volume isn’t enough; it’s about precision. That’s where beam steering technology comes in.

Digitally steerable column loudspeakers, such as AtlasIED’s Aimline ALX-D Series, are specifically designed to overcome acoustic obstacles by directing sound only where it’s needed—on the audience—while avoiding ceilings, floors, and other reflective surfaces. Each transducer in the ALX-D Series has its own DSP and amplifier channel, enabling precise, software-based sound targeting. This results in significantly improved direct-to-reverberant ratio and enhanced speech clarity.

The beauty of beam steering is that it eliminates the need for mechanical tilting or repositioning of loudspeakers. This means integrators can maintain clean architectural lines by wall-mounting or recessing loudspeakers, while still achieving pinpoint coverage. For reverberant or acoustically complex rooms, beam steering often isn’t just a best practice—it’s the only viable solution for delivering intelligible audio.

By embracing digitally steerable loudspeaker technology, AV integrators and facility managers can transform meeting and learning spaces into environments where communication is clear, engagement is higher, and outcomes are stronger.

Joel Mulpeter, Senior Director, Product Marketing at Crestron

The industry is moving in a very clear direction when it comes to audio-over-IP.

Commercial audio is a discipline in itself. Customers expect audio signals to be available on the network, where they can be routed and processed between audio-over-IP endpoints and controlled and configured remotely. We took that trend as an opportunity to not only develop video products with audio support, but also create an entire portfolio of comprehensive, flexible, and scalable network audio products that make deploying and managing large-scale audio systems as simple as possible.

The move to network audio from the old cabling of the past is a huge benefit, especially for commercial deployments. Network-based audio systems allow for the best scalability and the most flexibility in routing, processing, and distribution. Audio-over-IP solutions deliver sound at near-zero latency. They’re often interoperable with audio industry standards, easy to install, can support enterprise-grade network security standards, and can offer a wide array of streaming service capabilities. They’re often very energy efficient, to boot.

Whether it’s the sound system for a single hotel or company lobby, or a centrally controlled campus audio system, an AoIP ecosystem can make powerful audio systems a reality. There’s a long and growing list of potential use cases: Retail, hospitality, corporate campuses, higher education, training centers, conference rooms, bars, restaurants, and fitness centers can all benefit from audio-over-IP commercial audio systems. As for Crestron, our DM NAX technology audio systems are 100 percent scalable and can therefore cover a wide range of applications while allowing for future growth. And there’s another plus: These systems can be remotely managed and monitored, enabling support teams to troubleshoot and solve problems without putting a truck on the road.

Joe da Silva, Vice President of Marketing at Extron

Places where people gather for classes, meetings, and other events now require audio systems that have a considerable amount of flexibility. Extron solutions are a key part of spaces that are designed or retrofitted for flexibility in terms of audio connectivity and divisibility.

From a signal flow point of view, flexible designs often start with beam-forming microphone arrays such as those available from Extron partners. These microphone arrays easily handle a person speaking in any part of a room, and even actively track them as they move around. As powerful as that is by itself, it’s in the DSP audio processor where the real magic happens.

An Extron DSP audio processor is able to route any input signal to any output, with the capability of utilizing networked audio connectivity. That routing is managed by a matrix mixer that includes essential signal processing such as compression for evening out audio levels, filters for adjusting the tonal characteristics of the audio, and acoustic echo cancellation (AEC) for eliminating the echo that can otherwise come from the far end of a VoIP call.

When large spaces get divided into smaller rooms, or participants’ locations vary from day to day, Extron DSP audio processors support preset recall that quickly and accurately reconfigures the audio routing for each configuration. Preset recall and real-time changes, such as volume, are driven by intuitive Extron touch panel or button control systems.

A variety of Extron speakers get divided into zones, driven by Extron network audio power amplifiers, to cover different areas within the overall space. The audio assigned to each zone is separately managed by the DSP audio processor for optimal sound in any chosen room configuration.

A successfully designed space can handle practically any scenario that comes along, and Extron products are designed with the flexibility needed built right in.

Nancy Knowlton, Chief Executive Officer at Nureva

In today’s corporate and educational environments, design aesthetics often take center stage. Sleek modern furniture, bold color palettes, and open layouts dominate the conversation. Amid visual planning and transformation, one critical element is frequently neglected: acoustics.

Modern meeting rooms, classrooms, and hybrid collaboration spaces are increasingly designed with hard surfaces, exposed ceilings, concrete flooring, minimalist décor, and one or more glass walls. While visually appealing, these materials reflect sound, creating echo, reverberation, and poor speech intelligibility. The result? In-room participants struggle to hear clearly, and remote attendees are left with distorted audio, undermining the very purpose of these spaces: namely, to foster effective communication.

The rise of hybrid working and learning models has only amplified the need to prioritize acoustic design. A space that looks cutting-edge but doesn’t deliver a great listening experience fails to support productivity or engagement. Poor acoustics can lead to fatigue, miscommunication, and disengagement, especially in environments where clarity is crucial.

Fortunately, solutions exist. Carpeted floors, dropped ceilings, acoustic panels, ceiling baffles, sound-absorbing furniture, and strategic room layout can dramatically improve the sound quality without compromising on aesthetics. Advances in acoustic materials now allow for integration into design elements—things like decorative wall treatments that double as sound absorbers and sculptural ceiling clouds that enhance both form and function.

Designing for optimal acoustics should be as fundamental as choosing lighting or furniture. It’s time for architects, designers, and facility managers to give top priority to sound as the key user experience they’re creating. And it’s not just new spaces being designed from scratch that need to be considered; rectifying existing acoustically deficient spaces should be made a priority. After all, a space that sounds as good as it looks is not just beautiful—it’s functional.

Join us on Tuesday, September 16, at 2:00 p.m. ET!

The modern workplace and workforce have evolved. Is your organization keeping up? Our panel of experts discusses the role of a needs assessment to best evaluate each meeting space and how employees want to interact, and from what location. Next up are the AV/IT technologies that are transforming in-office and remote productivity with easy-to-integrate and use solutions.

We will discuss:

People & Place: The needs assessment

Productivity: A renewed focus on ensuring a seamless collaboration experience

Integration: Scalable, flexible, easy to deploy, monitor, and manage

Next Gen: Today's collaboration technologies enable a whole new level of intelligence

REGISTER NOW!

Sponsored Content

Russ Newton, head of strategic partnerships at AI-Media, recently spoke with AV Technology during the company’s debut appearance at InfoComm. Having met with a great deal of success in broadcasting, Newton said he is excited to bring AI-Media’s LEXI Voice solution into the AV space.

Check out the full video interview below.

“What's interesting about the audio-visual world and being able to work with integrators and designers is the potential to bring forth a symmetrical experience of translation that's facilitated by audio-visual and leveraging AI,” Newton said. “As soon as you're able to grab that best-quality audio, it's basically an endless opportunity because that ensures the highest quality of accuracy.”

The LEXI Voice tool not only makes spaces accessible where there would otherwise be a language barrier, but now, a lower price point means the solution itself has become accessible to more venues than ever.

“The cost is no longer cost-prohibitive and can be automated in terms of delivering captions,” Newton said. “LEXI Voice is a game changer because it's no longer just something that brings forth accessibility, but it allows organizations to step into new markets, to expand their influence within their organizations. It brings cohesiveness more efficiently because we can take a single language in and translate to any of their desired languages, so people can participate.”

And finally, security is a perennial concern among organizations that rely on the cloud for handling sensitive information. Customers can rest assured that security is also top of mind for product developers at AI-Media.

“At the end of the day, our objective is to build feature parity between our on-premise and cloud offerings, including being able to bring forth secure cloud options—very specifically to address the concerns of security,” Newton said. “We already have successes with very well-known organizations that have the highest levels of security, where we've deployed captioning solutions to fulfill that with full on-premise logic, and so bringing in translation and voice is the next step.”

About AI-MEDIA

Founded in 2003, AI-Media has grown from humble beginnings to become the world’s leading captioning technology provider. AI-Media was founded with the belief that everyone deserves access to information. And this vision remains today as we continue our journey as the world’s leading captioning provider, pioneering technology that’s revolutionizing the way millions across the globe consume content. Today, AI-Media is a global organization that helps many of the world’s leading brands caption their TV broadcasts, live streams, events, virtual meetings, and more. Our team is spread across the globe, with more than 500 employees situated across six office locations in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. Our technology delivers over 7 million minutes of captioning, transcription, and translation for live and recorded media content, online events, and web streams every month.

Sponsored Content

At InfoComm 2025, DTEN Head of Alliances Scott Krueckeberg took AV Technology on a brief tour of the company’s latest interactive, intuitive meeting management solutions

Check out the full video interview below.

With DTEN’s core product—a turnkey touch-screen collaboration board complete with camera, speakers, and microphones—end users can host a meeting right out of the box. State-of-the-art, built-in features that fly under the radar have always been central to the company’s design philosophy:

“We think that the best technology disappears in the room,” Krueckeberg said. “If you're constantly looking at it, or if it's intrusive, you're not really going to engage with that, and it's not going to keep you as productive as possible.”

However, Krueckeberg emphasized that DTEN’s expertise extends well beyond hardware. “We have a full software suite built on the back end, where a single IT manager—they might be new or inexperienced—is able to see all their devices on a single pane of glass,” he said. “We provide health reports. We have things like predictability, where they can check to know what things are important that day so they can stay on top of it.”

And when it comes to flexibility, end users can rest assured that regardless of their chosen collaboration platform or device management needs in the workplace, DTEN is going to be a reliable foundation for all their spaces.

“We're able to scale solutions to small, medium, and large rooms—and some of our customers haven't settled on their platform of choice, so we're staying flexible. Not only do we provide multiple platforms, but we also have BYOD technology in there.” Krueckeberg continued, “We have kiosks that allow you to engage virtually and manage people that aren't on-prem employees, but also guests in your building. These workplace tools are coming to life and being implemented more than ever. That more-than-just-the-meeting-room approach is a big value add to the DTEN structure.”

About DTEN

DTEN is changing the way people connect and collaborate through immersive, video-first devices and subscription services. Our solutions are found in businesses, schools, homes, and hybrid environments worldwide, delivering intuitive, high-quality, and real-life video conference experiences for every meeting space. As the recipient of multiple international awards, DTEN is recognized for plug-and-play simplicity, superior audiovisual clarity, and fluent, elegant designs.

DTEN, Inc. is headquartered in San Jose, California, and is a certified technology provider for Zoom Rooms and Microsoft Teams Rooms.

Sponsored Content

Building on more than a decade of success with its legendary Solstice Pod, Mersive is poised to make yet another leap forward in keeping people connected with the software-based Mersive Collaboration Suite.

Theresa Benson, Vice President of Marketing and Product Management at Mersive, recently sat down with AV Technology’s Cindy Davis to discuss how the three solutions comprising the Suite are thoughtfully designed to accommodate organizations of any shape or size.

Check out the full video interview below.

For Benson, a desire to advance the entire collaboration space has been at the heart of her career at Mersive from the start.

“As a technologist, I think, ‘Why haven't we been able to solve this elegantly?’ You see display manufacturers trying to solve it, and you see computer manufacturers trying to solve it, but nobody has come up with a bulletproof, smooth way of connecting.” Benson continued, “I hope Mersive is the rising tide, and that what we do lifts all ships across the collaboration space.”

Mersive’s Collaboration Suite marks a paradigm shift for the company. The most approachable solution in the Suite is the Mersive Smart app, designed for smaller businesses with smaller budgets. It offers simple wireless sharing to smart devices without the need for a pod. Mersive Essentials is the mid-range product, with a Mini device and subscription plan ideal for conference rooms, huddle spaces, study rooms, and other places where teams gather. The performance tier is Mersive Pro, featuring dual 4K out, a powerful performance processor, more cache than ever, multi-share, and AI features for creating gorgeous visual experiences for complex or high-impact spaces.

“We looked at the very human pain points of connectivity and asked, ‘Why are they there?’” Benson said. “How might we help an organization be able to share content wherever they want—not just on the screen right in front of people standing in the room? It's all about that connection of people and ideas and concepts—on one pane of glass or many panes of glass—that we tried to bring forward with this new product line.”

Security is a perennial concern in any workplace, but particularly in settings where sensitive information is being shared using collaboration technology and vulnerable networked peripherals. Mersive customers, however, can rest assured that the Mersive Collaboration Suite will have no such weakness.

“When we built these new products, security was not an afterthought; it was the first thought,” Benson said. “We have done the work of educating our people, defining policies and practices for software development, and then doing the hard work. And it's really involved, now that we've put this extra layer of security in our software and firmware, but it's worth it.”

And finally, in an era of ever-increasing technological complexity, Mersive strives to bring things back to basics—from lightning-fast installation to an intuitive user experience. Mersive’s retro website (retromersive.com)—created just for InfoComm—is a nostalgic throwback to simpler times.

“We have this mantra of: ‘Tech was easy, then it got hard, and we fixed that.’ Thinking back to the original Pong and Space Invaders, you didn't need a manual to use what was insanely high tech back then. Somewhere along the way, technology companies forgot that and made everything complicated. So the whole idea goes back to when things were easy and intuitive and just worked. Retromersive.com will walk people through that journey.”

To experience the Mersive Collaboration Suite firsthand, be sure to stop by the Mersive at InfoComm 2025 and play a game of Centipede while you’re at it in the company’s retro-themed booth (5055).

About Mersive Technologies

Mersive began by developing edge-blending technology for immersive multi-projector displays. As the company evolved, it reimagined its technology to break down barriers that prevent teams from working effectively. In 2014, Mersive introduced dongle-free, cable-free sharing, transforming how people collaborate. Today, Mersive continues to push the limits of what’s possible, creating intuitive technology that brings people together. With certifications like ISO 27001 and HIPAA, along with a SOC 2 Type 2 attestation, users can rest assured that Mersive products protect privacy and safeguard data through encrypted connections and secure access protocols. Whether in business, education, or healthcare, Mersive’s solutions help teams connect, innovate, and achieve their goals. For more information, visit mersive.com.

The landscape of video content creation has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past decade. What began as a simple pastime of capturing and sharing everyday moments, epitomized by the ubiquitous cat videos that flooded YouTube in its early years, has evolved into a sophisticated industry encompassing a vast array of professional content. Today, video is leveraged for everything from employee training and product announcements to marketing campaigns, educational courses, and beyond.

This shift towards more purposeful and polished content was catalyzed in recent years by a confluence of factors, most notably the advent of affordable yet high-quality video equipment and streamlined production workflows. These advancements have democratized video creation, enabling a new breed of content creators to emerge and thrive. No longer the exclusive domain of large studios and well-funded production companies, video content creation is now accessible.

For businesses, video has become an indispensable tool for engaging customers, building brand awareness, and driving sales. It offers educators a powerful means of delivering instruction and enhancing student learning and engagement.

We asked industry thought leaders to share trends and insights into content creation today. Below are excerpts from a few interviews.

“Industries ranging from live entertainment and sports to higher education and corporate will continue to seek out easy-to-use, flexible audiovisual solutions that foster interactive experiences,” said Jack Salamanchuk, product manager at Panasonic Connect North America. “Cameras and other audiovisual solutions designed with ultra-low latency in mind are key to meeting the growing demand for high-quality, engaging video content.”

Vanessa Jensen, market development manager at Shure, added, “Whether producing social media content and podcasts or conducting interviews, premium sound quality enhances engagement, credibility, and audience retention. Poor audio and distracting background noise can distract viewers and make even the best visuals look unpolished. In the past, capturing high-quality audio required bulky equipment and a wired setup.”

New forms of enrichment like XR, AR, and VR come into play. Chris Feldman, product manager of Spatial Reality Display at Sony Electronics, said, “These trending technologies help create impact, which is a key component of establishing a connection with audiences. With only a moment to grab a person’s attention, your content needs to be unique, realistic, and appealing in order to be effective and to retain interest and recall.”

Kelly Harlin, director of Solutions Marketing and Commercialization at Sharp, said, “Another tool to consider is AI, which has gained exponential popularity within the AV industry over the past five years. AI plays a significant role in gathering data about the physical environment and the individuals in that environment, using computer vision to detect objects, triggers to enable focused content delivery, and generative AI to customize text and images.

“Combining a robust CMS with a deep understanding of your target audience—and then leveraging the latest immersive technologies—creates a dynamic, responsive ecosystem,” added Hal Truax, vice president at PCD Audio Video. “This approach not only improves audience engagement but also streamlines operations and empowers brands to deliver high-quality, interactive content across all digital platforms.”

Download the AV Technology Manager's Guide to Audience Engagement, "Content is King" here.

According to Flex Index data, of the 13,000 U.S. companies surveyed, two-thirds have settled into a flexible work policy.

A recent article published by MIT Sloan Management Review stated, “In the long run, those leaders who move work forward by building organizations rooted in trust and focused on performance will outperform those wrestling with their own employees.”

I contend that all of this is a moot point when it comes to the necessity of high-performing AV/IT/UC in the workplace. Before 2020, and even more so today, the workforce was distributed between campuses across the globe, traveling, or working from a home office. Even if most workers are in the office, being able to seamlessly collaborate and share content at a higher level in a meeting room or with an outside client is essential.

We reached out to 47 thought leaders from AV/IT/UC manufacturers and asked them to share how technologies are helping to reshape the workplace and create engaging, user-friendly environments. In the box to the right are direct links to 25 of the interviews. Check out all 47 interviews in the AV Technology Manager’s Guide to Workplace Realities 2025. And below is a snapshot of a few.

“In 2025, it will be crucial to be prepared for shifts to the way we work, particularly as more and more organizations push for employees to return to an in-person office schedule,” said Tyler Troutman, strategic market development at Shure. “Unified communications platforms like Microsoft Teams and Zoom are evolving to offer even more seamless transitions between everyday operations like videoconferencing, chat, and file sharing.”

AV products must be tailored to meet the demands of the dynamic modern workplace environment. Larry DeFazio, regional sales manager east for Professional Display Solutions at Sony Electronics, said, “Today’s modern workplace has become synonymous with the hybrid model—a blend of remote and in-office work.”

“Meeting rooms must be equipped with AV systems that are effortless to operate for users,” said Perry Sun, product marketing manager at Atlona. “Additionally, systems have to be duplicated across many rooms, necessitating solutions that are cost-effective to acquire and integrate.”

Rather than shifting from one return-to-office (RTO) policy to another, Dan Root, head of global strategic alliances at Barco, said, “A more effective strategy is to tailor work arrangements based on organizational, regional, and employee needs. If your back-to-office initiatives are failing, the issue may lie within your company culture, not your employees.

Improved workflow is increasingly important for increasing a company’s staff efficiency. Dan Holland, marketing manager at IHSE USA, said, “Media and entertainment organizations worldwide are now taking advantage of Display Management Systems (DMS) to integrate keyboard, video, and mouse (KVM) over IP technology to run their businesses and communicate between staff, customers, and external agencies.”

Ideas flow in both directions. “As modern workers, we have developed the ability to “context switch” and have come to expect this capability from our devices,” said Alan Young, chief product officer and chief information security officer at Mersive. “The future of the workplace, where many-to-any collaboration allows inspiration to happen at the speed of now.”

Steve Wingo, manager of technical applications engineering at Sennheiser, added, “Hybrid and remote work are here to stay for many industries. With that comes ensuring that meetings are being held effectively from all corners of the world and that whoever is online has a unified experience.”

AVT Question: Please share how technologies are helping to reshape the workplace and create user-friendly environments.

Thought Leader: Amit Ancikovsky, President, Americas at Kramer

As the AV landscape continues to evolve, one thing has become clear: The demand for seamless, end-to-end AV solutions is growing stronger. Today’s organizations want systems that not only work together out of the box but also offer long-term support across the entire lifecycle of the product. In response, Kramer is evolving to provide exactly that: a holistic approach that ensures everything from the hardware to the software, and even the service, is aligned to support the customer’s vision.

There’s a clear shift toward unified solutions—systems that can be easily managed, scalable, and flexible. Technologies like Panta Rhei, with its session management and cross-platform capabilities, are becoming essential as businesses seek greater interoperability between platforms like Zoom, Teams, and Webex. Even as we embrace this shift, we know that many organizations are working with a mix of legacy systems and newer technologies. That’s why we’ve designed our solutions to seamlessly integrate with existing infrastructure, ensuring businesses don’t have to start over when adopting new technologies.

Another key development is the growing adoption of AV over IP, especially as businesses look for more scalable, networked solutions. Our recent acquisition of ZeeVee strengthens our position in this space, bringing high-performance, AV-over-IP solutions that meet the demands of industries like hospitality, entertainment, and command and control, where high-bandwidth video and security are a priority.

On top of this, our acquisition of Ashton Bentley further underscores our commitment to offering complete solutions. With their modular furniture and AV integration capabilities, we can now provide businesses with a way to quickly and efficiently deploy technology in the workplace, whether it’s a small huddle space or a large enterprise environment.

These trends underscore the growing need for systems that are not only advanced, but also practical and adaptable. At Kramer, we’re proud to be positioned at the forefront of this transformation.

AVT Question: Please share how technologies are helping to reshape the workplace and create user-friendly environments.

Thought Leader: Josh Blalock, Chief Video Evangelist at Jabra

As the new year progresses, the integration of AI in the workplace remains a key focus for companies aiming to simplify and streamline their hybrid employees' daily tasks. 2025 will be the year that AI goes beyond a buzzword. AI has the potential to become a ubiquitous resource across various work functions, from automating repetitive tasks to organizing data, enhancing decision-making, and optimizing meetings. This year, we will see AI use cases take shape and become standard throughout the workplace.

Despite ongoing return-to-office (RTO) trends expected to continue this year, physical meeting spaces must still be designed to accommodate diverse working styles and have technology that facilitates both in-person and remote participant collaboration. Small rooms, phone booths, and huddle spaces have long been a foundation of in-office meetings. Yet, less than 3 percent of huddle rooms around the globe are video-enabled, leaving millions of small meeting spaces underutilized and underserved. In 2025, these spaces will need to be reimagined with new technologies, including generative AI solutions and high-quality audio and video, that facilitate hybrid collaboration.

Creating a successful work environment goes beyond the physical appearance of an office; it is cemented by the efficiency of the teams. In 2025, productive multitasking will reach new heights with AI, automatically capturing and summarizing key meeting points, handling scheduling, managing attendance, and tracking action items in real time, with greater accuracy. With the automation of these routine tasks, employees will have more time to collaborate effectively, ultimately fostering better communication across hybrid teams.

Strategic, adaptable workspaces are essential for ensuring effective communication between in-office and remote workers. The continued integration of AI into our daily work lives promises to bring even more comfort with the technology, and, with the right approach, it can be a powerful tool for driving more productive work in 2025.

AVT Question: Please share how technologies are helping to reshape the workplace and create user-friendly environments.

Thought Leader: Mark Corbin, President at Vanco International

When it comes to workplace applications in 2025, AV integrators and technology managers have a fine needle to thread. Economic growth is still behind pre-pandemic levels, and it’s slowing down globally. Technology managers will be under a lot of pressure to spend wisely, with every purchase passing beneath a magnifying glass—but at the same time, they will need to make upgrades. The first month of 2025 saw a rash of high-profile return-to-office mandates, spanning industries from tech to the federal government. However, office occupancy rates are still significantly below pre-pandemic levels. In 2025, workplaces will be packing more people into less space, and they will need a solid technology foundation to be successful.

From a practical standpoint, this means making the modern office as useful and flexible as possible. I anticipate we’ll see a spike in space conversions, adding huddle spaces and BYOD capabilities to every nook and cranny of the workplace floor plan. Technology managers would be well-advised to develop standard kit lists for rapid room upgrades. We’ve worked hard to simplify this process for our customers by offering an extensive range of affordable products: everything from UCC video bars and AVoIP distribution solutions to wall plates and batteries. You can practically spec a whole room from our catalog, even if you need to meet TAA requirements for a federally funded site.

Doing more with less is going to be a theme for enterprise technology managers in 2025. Still, that should never mean sacrificing quality, reliability, or interoperability.

AVT Question: Please share how technologies are helping to reshape the workplace and create user-friendly environments.

Thought Leader: Prakash Arunkundrum, Chief Operating Officer and General Manager at Logitech for Business

The first workplace prediction for the coming year is that smart office tools will be non-negotiable keys to employee experience. Many factors make up the employee experience, including culture, leadership, recognition, career development, and wellness. Regardless of hybrid work or return to office, in 2025, employees’ experiences with their digital environment will be marked by smart office tools for desk and room booking. For example, Logitech’s workplace automation solutions offer real-time availability of meeting rooms, interactive maps, and building sensors to adjust the environment. In 2025, companies will use sophisticated data analytics to design and refine their hybrid work policies. Metrics like real-time desk and meeting room usage will be used to determine where financial and tech investments should be made for personalized and flexible work arrangements and real estate planning. Logitech Spot, for instance, provides space usage data for improved planning by organizations, as well as environmental metrics that impact employees’ health, cognitive function, and overall in-office experience.

The second prediction for the coming year is that environmental innovation that fundamentally redesigns core ingredients for climate-friendly products will continue to be rewarded. Consistent efforts to make key ingredients climate-friendly—such as redesigning sustainable materials, reducing plastics, and smart software—will become more important. Last year, by applying our Design for Sustainability (DfS) principles, we transitioned Logitech’s video collaboration portfolio to be manufactured with next-life plastics, helping enterprise customers support their sustainability objectives. In addition to Logitech products reflecting post-consumer recycled plastic, some of our solutions, like Logitech Spot, also help companies consider suggested actions to reduce energy costs by monitoring environmental conditions.

AVT Question: Please share how technologies are helping to reshape the workplace and create user-friendly environments.

Thought Leader: Michael Ferrer, Senior Director of Solutions Sales at Sharp

The modern workplace has transcended the traditional office. It is now a fluid environment encompassing smartphones, laptops, cloud content, and both virtual and in-person interactions. Whether working from home, a dedicated office, or remotely, we seamlessly transition between video calls, chat, email, and face-to-face meetings. Leveraging various tools like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, email, chat, and even social media, we communicate, share ideas, are more productive, and, ultimately, solve business challenges.

The integration of AI into communication and meeting room technology is accelerating, streamlining tasks such as taking meeting notes, tracking action items, intelligent camera control, and voice recognition, thus creating smarter meeting rooms and more engaging meeting experiences.

Today's workforce spans four generations, from baby boomers to Gen Z, resulting in varying levels of tech proficiency. A common request we receive is to help simplify the meeting room experience. The ease of conducting a video meeting at a personal desk should translate seamlessly to the conference room. Employees who use their laptops for video meetings at their desks should be able to do the same in a conference room with minimal setup.

The rise of USB-C has simplified connectivity, with many laptops relying solely on this port. Sharp's professional displays now include USB-C inputs, built-in USB hubs for cameras and soundbars, and 65W charging capabilities, making conference room plug-and-play setups effortless.

DvLED displays are replacing traditional LCD video walls and projectors, offering large, seamless, and bright displays for immersive presentations. Ultrawide 32:9 aspect ratio dvLED screens are also gaining popularity, providing flexible display layout options—from a single image, side-by-side, or even 21:9 MTR Front Row configurations. This allows presenters to tailor the content and various meeting formats, enhancing engagement and efficiency.

Looking ahead, workplace technology will prioritize simplicity, efficiency, and enhanced collaboration, ensuring hybrid teams can work smarter, not harder.

AVT Question: Please share how technologies are helping to reshape the workplace and create user-friendly environments.

Thought Leader: Travis Kemp, Vice President of Product Management at Korbyt

Employers today are navigating demographic shifts and evolving workforce dynamics that demand new tools and strategies. The rise of hybrid work and return-to-office mandates has accelerated the need for flexible, frictionless solutions that provide a consistent experience, whether employees are in the office, at home, or on the go.

At the same time, workplaces are undergoing a cultural transformation as Gen Z and younger employees make up a growing share of the workforce. As digital natives, they expect workplace technology to be intuitive, seamless, and engaging, just like the tools they use in their personal lives. These expectations are driving innovation in workplace experience platforms, which enable organizations to modernize communication and create dynamic, tech-driven environments that enhance productivity and engagement.

Unsurprisingly, AI will play a pivotal role in shaping workplace experiences in 2025 and beyond. While many early AI-powered solutions were more marketing hype than true innovation, that’s changing. Software vendors are now delivering powerful tools that transform how digital content is created, managed, and experienced, while also optimizing space booking, utilization, and overall workplace organization and workflows.

Finally, experiential signage is also reshaping how people interact with physical spaces, blending high-impact visuals, interactive content, and sensory-driven design to create more engaging environments. At ISE 2025, the Esports Arena exemplified this trend, showcasing immersive displays, dynamic lighting, and spatial audio to elevate audience engagement. Beyond entertainment, these technologies are influencing workplace trends—transforming offices, lobbies, and common areas into more stimulating or calming spaces that enhance both productivity and well-being. These solutions will gain momentum as employers seek innovative ways to create healthier, more productive work environments.

AVT Question: Please share how technologies are helping to reshape the workplace and create user-friendly environments.

Thought Leader: James Chen, Managing Director at Kordz

USB-C is more than just a connector; it is poised to become one of the backbones of next-generation commercial AV solutions, leveraging innovation and simplifying connectivity. For corporate environments, USB-C offers more than convenience; it presents new opportunities to design cleaner, more efficient workspaces with reduced downtime and maintenance. With support for high-resolution video, reliable audio, robust power delivery, and unified connectivity from a single cable, USB-C meets the growing interoperability demands of modern high-tech workspaces.

Several factors are accelerating its adoption. The recent introduction of USB4 v2 has pushed data transfer rates up to 80Gbps, enabling bandwidth-intensive tasks such as transferring raw video footage and streaming uncompressed 4K or 8K video. Additionally, USB-C's support for Thunderbolt tunneling protocols and compatibility with DisplayLink simplifies multi-display connections, making it ideal for boardrooms, content production studios, and live streaming environments with high-resolution, low-latency video and audio requirements.

At the same time, USB-C’s power capacity has increased to 240W, allowing it to power AV equipment directly. This eliminates the need for separate power supplies and minimizes the need for additional cabling.

The reversible design of the USB-C connector further enhances its viability as a unified connectivity solution. Unlike earlier USB connectors that required precise orientation—often challenging when ports were located in hard-to-reach areas—modern USB-C connectors can be plugged in either direction.

Thanks to the universal nature of the USB-C cable and connector, diverse computing, collaboration, and AV equipment can be quickly and efficiently integrated to achieve seamless interoperability, saving valuable time and frustration; improving reliability; and projecting a cutting-edge, professional image.

As USB-C standardization accelerates, its compatibility with future devices and technologies will continue to enhance its value. By understanding its capabilities and leveraging its advantages, businesses can future-ready their workspaces today, ensuring they stay at the forefront of technological advancements and industry innovation.

AVT Question: Please share how technologies are helping to reshape the workplace and create user-friendly environments.

Thought Leader: Jim Jensen, Senior Category Owner, PTZ and Remote Systems at Panasonic Connect

A recent Forbes article stated that five in ten U.S. employees have remote-capable jobs, and most of these workers "expect and prefer hybrid work.” As hybrid work continues in 2025, companies must adapt to meet the needs of their employees. This includes creating facilities that are collaborative, technologically advanced, easy to use, and multifunctional for a wide variety of use cases.

Investing in collaborative technologies enhances the connectivity and engagement of hybrid teams no matter where they’re working. Panasonic Connect understands that when employees can choose to work from their desired location, engagement, burnout rates, and retention all improve.

Technology deployments in recent years have expanded the possibilities for workplaces to maintain a well-functioning hybrid workplace. ProAV solutions allow organizations to offer collaborative experiences to their employees, whether in-person or remote. Panasonic Connect’s technology suite plays a pivotal role in creating workplace environments that operate efficiently and encourage connection.

For example, the AW-UE160 PTZ camera incorporates advanced technologies that reproduce frame composition with high accuracy and flexibility for a more natural auto-framing result to keep the speaker in focus and seamlessly monitor their movements around a given space. This enables dynamic views of presenters and speakers in corporate scenarios while delivering clear, crisp content to remote employees or businesses, allowing them to feel involved regardless of where they are working. These cameras also mold to fit the needs of each space and can be mounted or placed on a tripod.

We predict that hybrid work will persist in 2025, and that we will see more companies adopting solutions that work together, such as PTZ cameras, audio, and videoconferencing solutions to allow employees to work more collaboratively.