Every year, CES and ISE set the stage for what’s next in AV, but it can be tough to determine which trends will truly shape the industry and which ones will fade into the background. With so many innovations on display, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement — but not every technology will stand the test of time. The challenge for integrators and businesses is figuring out what advancements are worth paying attention to and how they will impact real-world applications.
As I made my way back to the office and thought about the areas that will have impact for integrators as they settle in to finish out Q1, here are three trends that lingered in the front of my mind: the continued rise of AI, the growing adoption of AV over IP, and the expansion of AV solutions in hospitality and commercial spaces. Let’s take a deeper look.
AI Continues Its Ubiquitous Expansion
It felt like you couldn’t walk more than a few steps at CES without seeing the letters “AI” plastered on a booth — sometimes it made sense, sometimes it felt like pure marketing. While there’s no denying the potential of artificial intelligence to streamline workflows, automate tasks, and enhance decision-making, it’s important to keep a healthy dose of skepticism. At this point, a lot of so-called AI solutions are less about true innovation and more about slapping a popular buzzword on every box.
Related: Seen at ISE 2025
In reality, AI is just a tool, and like any tool, it can only be as good as the data and input you feed it. Put garbage in, you’ll get garbage out. That’s why human expertise remains absolutely essential: no AI tool can replace years of hands-on experience or the nuance of real-world problem-solving. As AI-driven automation and predictive analytics evolve, the real challenge will be integrating them in ways that truly improve customer service, support, and installation without sacrificing the personal touch AV professionals bring to every job.
That’s also why it’s worth taking a step back before purchasing any product that claims AI capabilities. Ask tough questions about how the technology actually works, what data it requires, and whether it aligns with your real-world needs. AI can be a powerful ally, but only if it’s more than just a fancy label.
Dante and AV Over IP Gain Momentum
Now let’s take a look at ISE, which was a hugely successful show (record-breaking attendance for this year) and a great barometer of where the industry is heading. If there’s one thing that really stood out at ISE, it’s how the industry has embraced Dante audio networking. With AV and IT converging more every year, Dante has become the go-to solution for streaming high-fidelity audio over a standard IP network. Gone are the days of wrestling with point-to-point cabling for every source and destination. Now, integrators can route dozens or even hundreds of channels just by reconfiguring a switch, which is a huge leap in flexibility.
Of course, this is bigger than just one brand or product, but it’s worth noting that many manufacturers — my own team included — are updating their AV over IP lines to play nicely with Dante. For example, EVO-IP 2.0 is “Dante Ready” out of the gate, showing how quickly this tech is becoming a must-have. Residential and mid-market integrators should be paying attention, because Dante’s interoperability and scalability open up new avenues for commercial, hospitality, and mixed-use installations. Dante gives you the freedom to expand a system on the fly, swap out components without tearing up the infrastructure, and deliver high-quality audio across multiple zones with minimal hassle. If you haven’t already started exploring Dante-enabled solutions, you might be missing out on one of the biggest transformations in AV.
The Expansion of AV in Hospitality and Commercial Spaces
The commercial AV and hospitality industries are still seeing a healthy rebound after recovering from all-time lows during the pandemic. Our conversations at ISE were dominated by integrators looking for solutions for hotel chains or restaurant groups that go beyond the usual “mount-a-TV-on-the-wall” approach. While at ISE, I had the opportunity to meet and discuss the state of the industry with an integrator from Atlanta, to whom I met nearly 10 year earlier. He primarily works within hospitality markets and comes all the way to Barcelona to find new products and solutions to address the needs of his customers in restaurants and bars.
Related: CES 2025 – Tech Trends to Watch
Not only does this show what a truly global show ISE is, but it also highlights the needs of the industry. Bars and hotels want immersive experiences — everything from dynamic signage to interactive meeting spaces — and they need systems that can scale without breaking the bank. It’s a huge opportunity for anyone in our industry who’s ready to offer that next-level AV environment, whether it’s for a boutique hotel or a large corporate chain.
Looking Ahead
The year is off to an exciting start, but we’re only scratching the surface of what’s possible. Dealers take note: It’s a great time to explore new revenue streams, experiment with Dante, or simply upgrade your infrastructure to be more flexible and future-proof. If you’re ready to take the next steps, we would be happy to connect to help you tackle what’s next in practical, profitable ways.
