User experience at the center: a look back at ISE 2026

At the beginning of February, Barcelona once again became the stage for the AV event of the year: Integrated Systems Europe (ISE). With more than 130 Econocom colleagues from across Europe, we were present at Fira Barcelona to experience the latest technological innovations and market developments firsthand. The common thread of this edition, “Push Beyond,” was tangible on every level: from AI-driven solutions to sustainable AV integrations. In this blog, we share the key trends and insights that we believe will shape the future of the AV market.

6 trends at ISE 2026

During the exhibition, it once again became clear where the audiovisual industry is heading. Not through a single spectacular innovation, but through the combination of developments that together accelerate, deepen, and professionalize the market. We identified six clear trends:

1. From image quality to experience and usability

The evolution from Full HD to 4K and beyond continues, but resolution alone is no longer a differentiator. The focus is clearly shifting towards user experience. Images must not only be sharp, but also functional, intuitive, and seamlessly integrated into the working environment. LED technology is increasingly being applied across a wide range of use cases, from indoor displays to outdoor solutions. Transparent LED solutions are gaining ground, particularly in atriums and office entrances where architecture and technology converge.

2. E-paper as a strategic counter-movement

The strong rise of e-paper stood out. Almost all major brands showcased applications, with Sharp NEC Display Solutions distinguishing itself in particular through its diversity of formats and image quality.

In a world full of moving images, e-paper offers a calmer, energy-efficient, and highly readable alternative. Think of wayfinding, space planning, and real-time information display. The benefits are tangible: low energy consumption, excellent readability, and broad applicability. As such, e-paper is not a niche, but a mature addition to the AV ecosystem.

3. Signage and AV become smarter

Digital signage is evolving from a content platform into a context-aware communication system. Solutions no longer simply display information, but increasingly understand where, when, and for whom that information is relevant.

AI plays a key role in this evolution. Where artificial intelligence was previously positioned mainly as a “feature,” it is now becoming foundational. AI supports not only the user experience (such as automatic framing or transcription), but also implementation, management, and optimization. The shift is clear: from UC integrator to AI integrator.

4. AV moves onto the network

One of the most fundamental shifts is that AV is moving fully onto the network. Almost every device now has a network connection, meaning that most installations can be centrally controlled and managed.

Security and certification are therefore becoming integral parts of the design. Encryption, certificates, and security are no longer optional extras, but essential requirements.

5. Ecosystems over standalone products

Closely linked to this is the clear trend towards complete ecosystems. UC manufacturers are developing their own codecs, compute solutions, and peripherals, resulting in integrated platforms where compute, speakers, microphones, and control function as a single whole. This leads to greater consistency in user experience, reduced dependency on third parties, faster and simpler deployments, and improved lifecycle control.

In addition, we see a further convergence of AV, IT, and UC infrastructures into one cohesive system. Organizations that succeed in this are building ecosystems with complementary partners rather than isolated solutions.

6. Sustainability becomes tangible

Sustainability is no longer an abstract claim, but measurable and demonstrable. Manufacturers are actively focusing on:

• Transparent data on energy consumption
• Lifecycle management
• ESG reporting and key sustainability certifications
• Modular hardware with individually replaceable components

This extends the lifespan of equipment and supports circular business models.

Spotlight: Jean-Pierre Overbeek on changes in the audiovisual industry

Jean-Pierre Overbeek, Country Manager Econocom Netherlands and Director Econocom Audiovisual Solutions, shared his vision on the changes within the audiovisual industry at ISE 2026.

Standout innovations from our partners

Samsung Spatial Signage Display

The Spatial Signage Display from our partner Samsung was a real eye-catcher at ISE. It is an innovative digital signage solution that displays 3D content without the need for glasses. By using advanced image processing and depth effects, the screen creates an immersive experience that appears to literally come out of the display.

Creston Hawk video camera

Partner Creston stood out, among other things, with the Hawk IV-CAMHK-12-SLVR-1B camera: a professional, intelligent video conferencing solution with dual HD PTZ cameras that automatically track people and switch to the active speaker. This provides remote participants with a dynamic, broadcast-like view of conversations, ideal for small to medium-sized meeting rooms.

Partner Creston also impressed with the Hawk IV-CAMHK-12-SLVR-1B camera, a professional and intelligent video conferencing solution featuring dual HD PTZ cameras that automatically follow participants and switch to the active speaker. As a result, remote participants enjoy a dynamic, broadcast-style experience, ideal for small to medium-sized meeting rooms.

More BIS|Econocom at ISE

Curious to discover more of our experiences and insights from ISE? On our YouTube channel, you’ll find an overview of our video reports, bringing together the key moments and trends for you.