The AV industry has seen incredible growth over the last year, and it shows no sign of slowing down. New technologies are constantly changing the way we approach our AV systems, both in our everyday lives and during large-scale events.
With 2026 approaching, now is a good time to look to the future. What new AV technologies can we expect to see in the new year? How will AI impact event production? What will audiences be looking for in 2026? If you’ve asked any of these questions, you’ve come to the right place.
Today, we’re covering the key trends you should look out for in 2026, from AI-driven tools to innovations in audio, and how to get the most out of your AV systems.
AV is always evolving. But advancements are happening at a much faster pace since the emergence of AI. As new technologies and innovative applications make their way into the mainstream, audiences expect more from their experiences. Keeping up with increasing audience expectations requires event planners and AV professionals to not just follow trends, but stay ahead of them.
Here are a few key benefits of keeping up with AV event trends:
AI is here to stay, and it’s leading to unprecedented rates of technological progress. Virtually every industry has already been impacted by AI tools, and AV is no exception. Generative content, automation, and streamlined workflows offer meaningful solutions for AV professionals and event planners.
Companies who embrace AI while maintaining the human element of creative event production will see the biggest return on their investments in the coming year.
Learn more about how AI is changing the AV industry here.
In 2026, many of the tasks that are currently handled by human technicians will be performed automatically by AI programs. Here are just few event production tasks that AI can automate:
By using AI to handle repetitive processes, technicians will have more time to focus on more complex creative solutions.
Digital workspaces have been reshaping the corporate world since the 2020 lockdowns. But 2026 is set to bring new and exciting changes in the remote conferencing space that will substantially improve communication, productivity, and company culture.
AI-enhanced meeting summaries, cross platform capabilities, and automated sound and camera adjustments make collaborating with colleagues more intuitive and efficient.
Hybrid events have often suffered from discrepancies between the in-person and virtual audience experience. Modern tools show great promise in narrowing this gap. Smart audio and camera solutions enhance broadcasting capabilities and make the virtual experience more immersive and dynamic.
LED walls are getting an upgrade with microLED technology. Each pixel in a microLED display is made of its own individual light, eliminating the need for a backlight. This provides sharper contrast, higher quality images, more vivid colors, and superior brightness.
From touchscreens and kinetic sensors to VR gaming sessions and projection mapping environments, many interactive AV trends make audience members active participants—rather than passive observers.
Spatial audio is emerging as a key trend in 2026. You can think of spatial audio as a 3D experience for your ears. It typically uses object-based audio formats to allow sound to come from above and below, left to right, and forward and backward. This mimics the way we hear sound in the real world, creating a sensory-focused experience that feels intentional and immersive.
AV over IP stands for “Audio Visual over Internet Protocol.” It allows signals to be transmitted across standard ethernet or IP networks, rather than physical cables. This growing AV trend replaces clunky connectivity systems and is highly scalable, allowing technicians to make fast adjustments from a centralized control network.
Augmented reality (AR) is more popular than ever as a result of generative AI entering the fold. You can enhance your stages with AR, turning static designs into bold storytelling tools. AR allows you to transform the environment in real-time, adding 3D objects, holographic characters, and vast landscapes into your presentations.
Mitigating environmental harm is a valuable mission that helps the planet and boosts brands’ reputations. Sustainable AV solutions can provide significant benefits. Energy-saving power sources, eco-friendly LEDs, and paperless digital signage provide effective AV solutions and reduce environmental impact.
Machine-learning and AI-driven analytics are providing robust safeguards in 2026, strengthening network safety and keeping sensitive data secure.
Modern cybersecurity is moving away from reactive protocols and toward proactive systems that actively monitor and identify risks early.
Ready to elevate your event production in the new year? Catalyst has you covered. Our incredible team provides cutting-edge solutions and innovative production techniques to help you create unforgettable corporate events.
In today's highly competitive corporate industries, you need AV systems that enhance your message. At Catalyst, we’re all about cultivating long-term partnerships with our clients. We offer technical expertise, a unique creative vision, and end-to-end AV services to event planners and businesses around the world.
Planning an event? Get in touch with us to tell us about your goals and schedule your free consultation.
The AV industry has seen incredible growth over the last year, and it shows no sign of slowing down. New technologies are constantly changing the way we approach our AV systems, both in our everyday lives and during large-scale events.
With 2026 approaching, now is a good time to look to the future. What new AV technologies can we expect to see in the new year? How will AI impact event production? What will audiences be looking for in 2026? If you’ve asked any of these questions, you’ve come to the right place.
Today, we’re covering the key trends you should look out for in 2026, from AI-driven tools to innovations in audio, and how to get the most out of your AV systems.
AV is always evolving. But advancements are happening at a much faster pace since the emergence of AI. As new technologies and innovative applications make their way into the mainstream, audiences expect more from their experiences. Keeping up with increasing audience expectations requires event planners and AV professionals to not just follow trends, but stay ahead of them.
Here are a few key benefits of keeping up with AV event trends:
AI is here to stay, and it’s leading to unprecedented rates of technological progress. Virtually every industry has already been impacted by AI tools, and AV is no exception. Generative content, automation, and streamlined workflows offer meaningful solutions for AV professionals and event planners.
Companies who embrace AI while maintaining the human element of creative event production will see the biggest return on their investments in the coming year.
Learn more about how AI is changing the AV industry here.
In 2026, many of the tasks that are currently handled by human technicians will be performed automatically by AI programs. Here are just few event production tasks that AI can automate:
By using AI to handle repetitive processes, technicians will have more time to focus on more complex creative solutions.
Digital workspaces have been reshaping the corporate world since the 2020 lockdowns. But 2026 is set to bring new and exciting changes in the remote conferencing space that will substantially improve communication, productivity, and company culture.
AI-enhanced meeting summaries, cross platform capabilities, and automated sound and camera adjustments make collaborating with colleagues more intuitive and efficient.
Hybrid events have often suffered from discrepancies between the in-person and virtual audience experience. Modern tools show great promise in narrowing this gap. Smart audio and camera solutions enhance broadcasting capabilities and make the virtual experience more immersive and dynamic.
LED walls are getting an upgrade with microLED technology. Each pixel in a microLED display is made of its own individual light, eliminating the need for a backlight. This provides sharper contrast, higher quality images, more vivid colors, and superior brightness.
From touchscreens and kinetic sensors to VR gaming sessions and projection mapping environments, many interactive AV trends make audience members active participants—rather than passive observers.
Spatial audio is emerging as a key trend in 2026. You can think of spatial audio as a 3D experience for your ears. It typically uses object-based audio formats to allow sound to come from above and below, left to right, and forward and backward. This mimics the way we hear sound in the real world, creating a sensory-focused experience that feels intentional and immersive.
AV over IP stands for “Audio Visual over Internet Protocol.” It allows signals to be transmitted across standard ethernet or IP networks, rather than physical cables. This growing AV trend replaces clunky connectivity systems and is highly scalable, allowing technicians to make fast adjustments from a centralized control network.
Augmented reality (AR) is more popular than ever as a result of generative AI entering the fold. You can enhance your stages with AR, turning static designs into bold storytelling tools. AR allows you to transform the environment in real-time, adding 3D objects, holographic characters, and vast landscapes into your presentations.
Mitigating environmental harm is a valuable mission that helps the planet and boosts brands’ reputations. Sustainable AV solutions can provide significant benefits. Energy-saving power sources, eco-friendly LEDs, and paperless digital signage provide effective AV solutions and reduce environmental impact.
Machine-learning and AI-driven analytics are providing robust safeguards in 2026, strengthening network safety and keeping sensitive data secure.
Modern cybersecurity is moving away from reactive protocols and toward proactive systems that actively monitor and identify risks early.
Ready to elevate your event production in the new year? Catalyst has you covered. Our incredible team provides cutting-edge solutions and innovative production techniques to help you create unforgettable corporate events.
In today's highly competitive corporate industries, you need AV systems that enhance your message. At Catalyst, we’re all about cultivating long-term partnerships with our clients. We offer technical expertise, a unique creative vision, and end-to-end AV services to event planners and businesses around the world.
Planning an event? Get in touch with us to tell us about your goals and schedule your free consultation.
Are you planning a shareholder meeting, conference, product launch, trade show, or other type of major event? You need to make sure the production value matches the quality of your event’s content. Working with a reliable, proven leader in audio visual event production like Catalyst ensures your event runs smoothly, exceeds the expectations of your audience, and has the impact you want.
Get in touch today to schedule a free consultation, learn more about our services, and tell us about your event.
We work events both nationally and internationally. No matter where you are, Catalyst can come to you.
(818) 818-6117
info@thecatalystcompanies.com