Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2026 in Barcelona, Spain brought together industry leaders at the largest conference to date, with more than 92,000 attendees from around the world. Shen Milsom & Wilke (SM&W) joined peers across the global AV and integrated technology community to explore how the industry is evolving in the design, deployment, and real-world experience of technology.
Across the show floor and conference sessions, one theme stood out – the future of AV is being shaped by outcomes, alignment, and intelligence rather than specifications alone. Several key insights offer a clearer view into where the industry is headed.
SM&W’s Ross Turnbull, CTS, from the London office, also took the stage at ISE 2026. His session, “The Evolution of AI in AV: Past, Present & Future,” explored how emerging AI technologies are influencing system design, adaptability, and long-term performance. The discussion reinforced the importance of flexibility, security, and thoughtful integration as AI becomes increasingly embedded in the AV ecosystem.
Designing for Outcomes Through User-Centric AV
A notable theme at ISE 2026 was the emphasis on ease of use and user-centric design. Rather than focusing on technical complexity, manufacturers and platforms are prioritizing intuitive experiences that align with how people work and interact.
This shift reflects a broader realization that technology failures are rarely the result of inadequate tools. More often, they stem from misalignment between people, processes, spaces, and systems. A well-designed AV environment is not defined solely by technical performance, but by whether it supports consistent, predictable outcomes across teams, locations, and use cases.
For organizations, this means that experience alone is no longer a sufficient measure of success. Outcome-based design, grounded in how spaces are used, how decisions are made, and how systems scale, has become the new benchmark.
AI’s Evolving Role: From Buzz to Practical Impact
Discussions around artificial intelligence reflected a more measured and practical focus. Rather than speculative use cases, the emphasis shifted toward how AI can improve system behavior, responsiveness, and operational insight.
At the same time, an important point became clear. AI does not fix broken systems. It amplifies what already exists. In environments where workflows, data, and governance are inconsistent, AI exposes friction rather than resolving it. Clean inputs, shared context, and consistent behavior are essential prerequisites for meaningful AI-driven outcomes.
As AI becomes more embedded in AV and workplace technology, organizations must first ensure their foundational systems are aligned. Readiness, not novelty, will determine long-term value.
The Rise of the Intelligent Workplace
Another key insight was the rapid convergence of collaboration platforms, room technology, and workplace operations. AV systems are no longer isolated endpoints. They are becoming part of a broader ecosystem that includes analytics, space management, and proactive support.
Meeting rooms and shared spaces are evolving from passive environments into active participants that can adapt to context, provide insight, and support real-time decision-making. This evolution is reshaping how organizations approach scalability, governance, and lifecycle planning for integrated technology.
Rather than managing individual devices, organizations are increasingly focused on managing systems that are standardized, measurable, and designed to evolve as needs change.
What This Means for Organizations
The insights from ISE 2026 reinforce several important considerations for organizations planning or evolving their AV and integrated technology strategies:
– Measure success by outcomes, not just performance metrics.
– Maintain alignment across people, processes, spaces, and technology.
– Establish scalability, governance, and flexibility from the start.
As systems become more intelligent and interconnected, thoughtful planning and strategic design are critical to ensuring technology delivers long-term value.
Looking Ahead
ISE 2026 confirmed a shift already underway in the AV and integrated technology industry. The future is not defined by individual products or features, but by how effectively systems support real-world behavior, adapt to change, and scale with confidence.
At SM&W, we continue to evaluate global trends and emerging technologies through a strategic lens, helping clients translate innovation into environments that are intuitive, resilient, and built for what’s next.
Photos courtesy of Integrated Systems Europe and SM&W.
