Integrated Systems Europe is THE event in the AV calendar, and a useful temperature check on where the industry is heading. This year, ISE 2026 is serving serious heat. From AI-powered rooms to immersive gesture-controlled 3D signage, we’re seeing the AV landscape sharpen its focus on intelligent simplicity, user-centric design and smooth integration with IT.
At AVITdirect, we’re self-confessed AV nerds. We love spotting trends, and we’re here to help you jump on top of them. So, if you’re attending ISE or following from afar, here’s your insider preview of what’s worth watching, and why it matters.
AI as infrastructure, not add-on
This year, artificial intelligence cements its place as a core pillar of the modern AV ecosystem.
Lenovo is a prime mover here, showing off AI-powered Microsoft Teams Rooms designed for every room size, from huddle to high-stakes boardroom. Expect smarter cameras, cleaner audio and systems that respond to the environment, not just commands.
“AI is no longer a bolt-on; it’s becoming embedded across cameras, audio and management platforms.” - Daniel Smethers, Lenovo
From auto-framing to intelligent room diagnostics, AI isn’t just enhancing AV, it’s enabling new ways to connect.
Sony unveils the future of 3D, touch-free displays
One of the biggest ISE 2026 reveals is sure to be Sony’s collaboration with Ameria to deliver an end-to-end 3D gesture-controlled immersive display system.
This pairing brings together Sony’s Spatial Reality Display (SRD) and Ameria’s StarKit, a plug-and-play solution that lets users interact with high-quality 3D visuals without touching a screen.
“This is a game changer in how we work and present in 3D. It’s intuitive, immersive, and deployable without specialist knowledge.” - Adam Dover, Sony Europe
Ideal for retail, education, corporate spaces and even healthcare, the solution dramatically reduces reliance on physical prototypes, saving time, cost, and carbon in the process.
Catch it live at Sony’s booth (3E300), where you’ll also find immersive demos across corporate studios, retail experiences, and next-gen content creation zones, like their "Capture and Connect" studio for turnkey video production.
Standardised rooms with flexible foundations
In 2026, consistency beats complexity. Enterprise AV buyers want repeatable room designs that are scalable, manageable and future-proof.
Barco leads the way with Microsoft Teams certified bundles, like its new ClickShare-Sennheiser collaboration, that simplifies deployment while maintaining high-end performance.
“This solution will be centre stage at ISE for us.” - Peter Delagaye, Barco
It’s a trend we’ve embraced at AVITdirect too, building tailored yet scalable solutions that don’t just work now, but grow with you later.
USB-C ecosystems are taking over
Say goodbye to tangled wires and inconsistent connections. USB-C is becoming the universal standard for AV workflows, and Lightware is leading the pack.
Their ISE showcase includes:
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Full USB-C ecosystem demos
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The BOOSTER-V1 plug-and-play extender
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Updates to their Gemini GVN and Taurus UCX platforms (now integrated with Google Meet hardware)
“The convergence of AV and IT is accelerating, and USB-C is the bridge.” - Craig Storey, Lightware
These upgrades are efficient enablers of easier, more powerful AV setups.
AV and IT are no longer separate worlds
This year’s show marks a clear shift: AV is no longer operating in its own silo. The convergence with IT is complete, and necessary.
From Lightware’s scalable AV-over-IP platforms to Lenovo’s cloud-native management tools, we’re seeing solutions designed with IT priorities in mind: security, standardisation and centralised control.
At AVITdirect, this speaks to our core strength: bridging AV with IT to deliver unified systems that are easy to support and scale.
Operational simplicity: The real MVP
Tech fatigue is real! IT and AV teams are expected to do more with less, and solutions that reduce setup time and simplify maintenance are leading the charge.
DTEN’s all-in-one D7X AI Board (Copilot-ready and certified for Teams) and its intuitive Mate 2.0 Controller are great examples of this trend. Designed for hybrid meeting spaces, they offer integrated intelligence without the headaches.
“At the end of the day, people want to connect as humans. The solutions that fade into the background will win.” - Andrew Bissett, DTEN
Content creation comes to the boardroom
With more organisations producing their own video content, corporate AV is evolving to support in-house production. Sony’s "Capture and Connect" studio is one of the most exciting booths at ISE 2026, showing how businesses can record, produce and stream content using easy-to-deploy, all-in-one kits.
From podcasting to internal comms, AV is powering the shift from consumer to creator, and Sony’s suite of solutions is designed to make it effortless.
Worthwhile demos to schedule at ISE
Here’s where to spend your time if you’re heading to Barcelona:
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Sony - Booth 3E300
Explore gesture-controlled 3D signage, content studios, immersive retail experiences, and a lineup of new display innovations. Coffee included. -
Lenovo - Hall 2, Booth 2P150
See how AI is reshaping collaboration, from smart meeting rooms to scalable global deployments. -
Lightware - Guided tours on Feb 4 & 5 at 2PM
Dive into ten live demos across USB-C, AV-over-IP and integrator-friendly platforms. Sign up here
Final thoughts from AVITdirect
ISE 2026 confirms what we’ve long believed: The best AV isn’t about complexity, it’s about clarity, compatibility, and creativity.
This year’s trends reflect that shift:
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AI-first workflows that elevate user experience
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USB-C and IT-native systems that work like a charm
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3D gesture control that brings science fiction to life
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Smart production studios that bring content creation into the boardroom
If you're planning your 2026 AV strategy (or you’re just a tech nerd, like us) we’re here to help you make sense of it all.
Ready to future-proof your space?
Our AV/IT experts can help you navigate the latest tech and tailor solutions to fit your real-world needs. Reach out for personalised advice, or just to geek out over the coolest finds from ISE.
