Universal AV Connex 2026 brought the AV community together once again, offering a clear view of where the industry is heading. This year, the focus was not just on technology, but on how it supports people, with an emphasis on smarter collaboration, intuitive systems and more flexible working environments across corporate, education and public sector spaces.
The event opened with the seminar “Beyond Hybrid: Why the Workplace of the Future Starts with People, Not Desks”, which set the tone for the day. Rather than focusing purely on hardware, the session explored how organisations are rethinking the workplace around human experience. The conversation centred on creating environments that encourage collaboration, support wellbeing and adapt to changing ways of working.
Across the show floor, innovation was easy to spot. Display and projection technologies drew plenty of attention, with manufacturers showcasing large format, high brightness and modular LED solutions designed to deliver impact while remaining flexible. Whether through ultra short throw projection or all in one LED displays, the aim was clear: strong visual performance that works in a variety of spaces.
Ease of use was another consistent theme. From single cable USB C connectivity to wireless presentation platforms, the push towards simplicity is unmistakable. Many solutions now allow users to walk into a room, plug in or connect instantly, and start collaborating without the usual technical barriers. App free and device agnostic systems are quickly becoming the norm.
AV over IP continues to move into the mainstream, offering a scalable approach to AV infrastructure. Demonstrations showed how organisations can distribute high quality audio and video over standard networks, making systems easier to install, manage and expand over time.
Audio technology also stood out, particularly in how it supports clarity and accessibility. From advanced microphones to intelligent processing and assistive listening solutions, the focus is on making sure everyone in the room, or joining remotely, can hear and be heard clearly.
Camera innovation is playing a growing role too. AI driven tracking systems are now capable of automatically following presenters and adapting to multiple speakers, which is especially valuable in education and hybrid meeting environments.
Beyond the technology itself, there was a strong emphasis on how it all fits together. Furniture, AV and control systems are increasingly designed as part of a single solution, helping organisations create spaces that are both functional and adaptable.
Workplace management tools added another layer, with smart booking systems and occupancy analytics giving businesses better insight into how their spaces are used.
Overall, Universal AV Connex 2026 highlighted an industry that is becoming more connected, more intuitive and more focused on the end user. The direction is clear: technology that works seamlessly in the background, enabling better experiences in the spaces where people come together to work and learn.