The Top Tech Trends Shaping 2026 & What They Mean for AV Experiences

At Immedia, we’re lucky to sit at the crossroads of technology and real-world experience. Every day, we see how workplaces, campuses, and public spaces evolve when better audio, video, and automation come together. As we look toward 2026, one thing is clear: this will be a year defined not just by new gadgets, but by smarter, more integrated ecosystems.

Here’s our take on the biggest tech shifts coming in 2026, and how they’ll shape the way people communicate, collaborate, and connect.

AI That Works Alongside You

Generative AI was the headline in 2023 and 2024… then agentic AI stole the spotlight. In 2026, we’ll see AI that doesn’t just answer questions... it handles tasks.
Think scheduling rooms, adjusting in-meeting lighting and audio, prepping presentations, or managing hybrid meeting flows. For AV environments, this is huge.

Imagine:

• Meeting rooms that configure themselves the moment you walk in
• Digital signage that adapts based on crowds or events
• Campus AV systems that monitor their own health and request maintenance before something breaks

We’re moving from automation to genuine autonomy, and it’s going to redefine the “smart workplace.”

Spatial Computing & Immersive Collaboration Go Mainstream

Apple Vision Pro and next-gen XR devices cracked the door open. 2026 swings it wide.
We expect to see more organizations experimenting with mixed reality training, immersive walkthroughs, and hybrid meeting rooms designed for both physical and digital presence.

For an AV company, this means designing environments that blend displays, sensors, cameras, and XR-ready infrastructure into a seamless, intuitive space. The line between a “room” and a “virtual space” will blur, and we’re here for it.

Sustainable Tech Takes Center Stage

As AI and high-performance computing scale, energy use becomes a real concern. That pressure is pushing the entire tech sector, including AV, toward greener, more efficient solutions.

Expect:

• Low-power, high-efficiency displays
• Smarter energy-aware building automation
• More sustainable materials and longer-life hardware

For clients, this isn’t just about doing the right thing; it’s about reducing long-term operational costs. For us, it’s about designing systems that are powerful and responsible.

Human-Centered Technology Makes a Comeback

Despite all the automation, one trend stands above the rest: the renewed focus on people.
As technology becomes more capable, the value of human-centric design, intuitive interfaces, inclusive experiences, frictionless communication, grows even more important.

We believe the best AV isn’t the flashiest. It’s the kind that feels natural.

Looking Ahead

2026 will be a year of transformation, not just innovation. AI will take on more of the busywork, XR will expand what collaboration looks like, and sustainable design will move from “nice to have” to “necessary.”

At Immedia, we’re excited. Because this next wave isn’t about tech for tech’s sake. It’s about creating environments that help people work smarter, meet better, and connect more meaningfully.

And that’s exactly the future we’re building.