In 2026, Integrated Systems Europe welcomed more than 90,000 visitors and set a confident tone for where the AV and systems integration industry is heading next. Let’s reflect on this landmark event, looking at themes, technologies, and moments that defined the week.  

Key Trends and Insights  

What were some key takeaways from the conversations held at ISE 2026? Across conference sessions, exhibitor discussions, and informative panels, several themes and trends consistently emerged. Here are 4 of them. 

HDMI Continues its Dominance while USB-C Gains Momentum 

Numerous conversations at ISE 2026 revolved around cables. According to the chatter, HDMI is currently here to stay. Its popularity with both integrators and end users has kept it going strong. At the same time, USBC is rapidly emerging as a central connectivity standard, driven by its ability to deliver power, data, audio, and video through a single compact connector. This versatility positions USBC as a key player in environments like hybrid classrooms or meeting rooms.  

The Broadcast and AV Convergence Moves Full Force Ahead  

During the show, Andy Bellamy from AJA also underscored the accelerating convergence between broadcast technologies and traditional AV workflows, noting that AV integrators are increasingly adopting broadcast-grade tools.  

Riedel communications specialists also discussed how the merging of broadcast and AV markets is reshaping the ProAV landscape. As broadcast techniques move into corporate and entertainment venues, ProAV businesses are adapting workflows, staffing, and training to remain competitive amid evolving client demands. 

Global Acquisitions Reflect Shifting Economic Dynamics 

Another major insight was the noticeable uptick in crossborder acquisitions, particularly with Eastern companies acquiring Western manufacturers and solution providers. This trend illustrates a broader global rebalancing where companies in APAC regions are seeking more entry points into North American and European markets. These acquisitions may reshape supply chains and distribution agreements worldwide. 

Usability, AI Integration, and Feedback Driven Design Emphasized 

In its closing reflections, The Wrap 2026 touched on several other defining themes. The industry is prioritizing ease of use more than ever, focusing on intuitive interfaces and simplified installation processes. Additionally, artificial intelligence is continuing to integrate deeper into AV ecosystems. And finally, manufacturers highlighted the growing importance of user feedback loops, ensuring products evolve in direct response to realworld needs rather than assumptions or philosophies. 

ISE Hackathon 2026 

For the second year in a row, ISE also organized a Hackathon event. The two-day ISE Hackathon wrapped up with 18 university teams presenting their solutions to real-world industry problems. The teams consisted of 60 university students from across Europe, chosen through a competitive pre-selection process. 

The hackathon followed the same format as last year’s inaugural event with three challenge tracks – Sustainability, Cybersecurity, and Innovation – where six teams competed in each track. Every team worked on the same challenge within their track, but with complete freedom in how they approached the solution.  

They all received a brief at 8am on Thursday, Feb 5, and from that moment, they had about 26 hours to build their solution. Some teams even chose to stay overnight – which they’re technically allowed to do. 

Along the way, industry experts and judges worked with the teams, offering guidance. The mentors encouraged the teams to prioritize clarity, impact, and practicality, ensuring their ideas were not only technically sound but also viable as real-world business solutions. 

The Sustainability track, sponsored by Philips Professional Displays, focused on responsible innovation and long-term impact. The Cybersecurity track, sponsored by Hikvision, challenged students to apply strategic thinking to a realistic cyber threat. And the Innovation track, supported by SETT (the Spanish Society for Technological Transformation), pushed teams to explore bold new ideas that could shape the future of the AV industry.  

Read about the master’s students in cybersecurity that won second place at the ISE 2026 Hackathon. And check out the video below for a sneak peek of the event. 

ISE 2026 Stand Design Awards 

Finally, EXHIBITOR magazine unveiled the winners of the ISE 2026 Stand Design Awards, a prestigious initiative orchestrated to celebrate booth innovation and creativity.  

The competition was rigorously evaluated by a distinguished panel of international designers and exhibition industry experts who assessed the stands on site. Finalists in each of the four size categories were notified on the show floor, culminating in an exciting announcement of the winners and runners up during the Awards Ceremony held on Thursday, February 5.  

To read up on all the winners, check out this article by EXHIBITOR magazine.

Final Thoughts 

If this year’s ISE was any indication, the next phase of innovation is set to be bold and interconnected! 

Next up: get ready for InfoComm 2026, the premier Pro AV trade show in North America! Taking place June 13–19, 2026 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, InfoComm is poised to deliver another powerful snapshot of where the AV industry is headed next as trends continue evolving. And registration just opened! 

Learn more about InfoComm 2026 and register here!