Category: Association

  • 2027 Prism Cohort Announced

    2027 Prism Cohort Announced

    HETMA has announced the 2026–2027 PRISM Scholarship cohort, continuing its mission to support underrepresented AV professionals working in higher education. Through its partnership with the AVIXA Foundation, the program provides recipients with valuable career resources, including an AVIXA membership, a CTS exam voucher, mentorship, HETMA-led CTS training, and complimentary passes to InfoComm 2027.

    The PRISM Scholarship is designed to help emerging AV professionals build technical skills, expand their industry network, and grow their careers. Throughout the year, recipients will also be featured in the Prism Spotlight series by Higher Ed AV Media, giving the AV community an opportunity to learn more about the next generation of higher education technology leaders.

    For the fifth year, HETMA is awarding ten (10) Prism Scholarships to underrepresented audiovisual professionals who work in the higher education vertical. In its partnership with the AVIXA Foundation, awardees receive an elite AVIXA membership, a Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) exam voucher, a HETMA member mentor, HETMA-led CTS training sessions, and free passes to InfoComm 2027.

    We are excited to announce the new HETMA prism scholarship recipients for the 2026-2027 cohort:

    Teiko Johnson
    Brittany Mullins
    Edin Newton
    Nesrien Mohamed Naguib Mohamed
    Sabastian Kwantreng
    Dekevyon Curtis
    Noel Cerda
    Brittney Grant
    Jaylen Williams

    “This PRISM Scholarship creates the opportunity to experience high level mentorship that will inspire an elevated version of myself, making this one of the best choices I have made to further enhance my future in this industry.” said Brittney Grant, 26-27 Prism Cohort Member and HETMA Approved Chair, “The future is formed by the choices we make yesterday, today, and tomorrow.”

    Profiles of Prism scholars are published each month in the Prism Spotlight by Higher Ed AV Media. Visit www.higheredav.com each month to learn more about these scholarship recipients and to catch up on the profiles of the members of the just completed cohort.

  • NextGen Signage drives The DSS 2026 agenda and speaker line-up

    NextGen Signage drives The DSS 2026 agenda and speaker line-up

    The DSS 2026 has unveiled its agenda and speaker line-up, bringing together global digital signage and DooH leaders to discuss the future of the industry. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the event will take place on 20–21 May at the Hilton Munich Airport and focus on the theme “NextGen Signage.” The conference will feature keynote sessions, panel discussions, and expert talks covering AI, cybersecurity, retail media, sustainability, and digital signage market trends across regions including Europe, the Americas, and India.

    Industry experts and executives from companies such as Creative Realities, Spectrio, Siemens AG, Intuiface, and Screenly will share insights on the challenges and opportunities shaping the market. Topics like AI-driven retail media, digital signage consolidation, operating systems, cybersecurity risks, and green signage strategies are expected to drive discussions. Attendees will also gain access to networking events, the invidis Strategy Awards, and the launch of the invidis Yearbook through The DSS App.

    The DSS, the premier international strategy conference for digital signage and DooH professionals, has revealed its speaker line-up and agenda highlights. Presented by invidis consulting in collaboration with Integrated Systems Events, The DSS aims to convene industry perspectives on how businesses are adapting to rapid structural and technological change.

    Marking its 20th anniversary, the two-day programme at the Hilton Munich Airport (20–21 May) will feature keynotes, panel discussions and expert-led sessions focused on strategic and technological shifts.

    Framed around “NextGen Signage”, senior executives from across the global digital signage ecosystem will examine the key forces reshaping the global market, including economic pressures, industry consolidation, intensifying competition, commoditisation, and the accelerating impact of AI.

    Speaker & agenda highlights for 2026 include:

    • invidis Keynotes & 20th Anniversary Moments: kicking off The DSS is invidis Keynote ‘NextGen Signage’ by Florian Rotberg, Managing Director of invidis and Stefan Schieker, Senior Partner of invidis, setting the event agenda and providing a clear view of where the industry currently stands. This will be followed by a second keynote ‘20 Years of Digital Signage’ reflecting on the past two decades of defining moments in the industry as well as what the future entails. Plus, evening networking and celebrations at Airbräu.
    • Market Update: DACH, Americas, India and Europe are some of the territories addressed throughout the two days. Panel discussions include ‘The European Leaders Panel: Outgrowing Local Markets – The New European Way’ and  ‘DSF Forum: Tariffs, Turmoil, Takeovers: The Real Challenges Facing the Americas’, a panel including Tamara Bebb, CEO at Spectrio and Rick Mills, CEO at Creative Realities to examine forces such as tariffs and AI reshaping digital signage.
      Jonas Lagerqvist, Deputy CEO and CFO at Vertiseit and Erik Wolff, COO ICT at Econocom will also delve into the deals, tensions, and trade‑offs behind digital signage consolidation, and what it means for valuation, innovation, and the future shape of the ecosystem.
    • Operating Systems & Cybersecurity: the era when digital signage systems could operate without serious cybersecurity consideration is over. The session ‘Cybersecurity in Digital Signage – Unpatched, Unsecured, Unprotected’ will confront the uncomfortable truths surrounding this topic. Other sessions include OS selection and update policy, governance, resilience and risk, plus how platform choices influence security posture and total cost of ownership.
    • AI Spotlight: taking a new format for 2026, the AI spotlight will invite speakers to the stage individually to address their specialised topic and how developments in generative, analytic and agentic AI are affecting this. Speakers include Rick Mills, CEO at Creative Realities, Andy W. Bohli CEO at Imacuklix AG/Cingerine AG, Mathieu Yerle CEO at Intuiface, Viktor Petersson CEO at Screenly and Ron Levac, Managing Partner at Global Technology Investments LLC.
    • Retail Media: sessions focus on experience and growth opportunities across sectors, including the role of retail media networks and intersection of signage, adtech, audiences, analytics and commercial models. Jan Schoenmakers, Managing Director at HASE & IGEL explores how AI is transforming in‑store data from fragmented and underused into a powerful driver of insight, accountability, and commercial growth for retailers and brands in his session ‘Predict, Target, Monetize: The New AI Retail Playbook’.
    • Green Signage: turning sustainability into a measurable operating discipline including energy efficiency, lifecycle optimisation and reporting. Jesco Dayen, Siemens AG and others will outline how green signage is moving from concept to commercial reality in the session ‘The New Relevance of Green Signage’.
    • Tech Dialogue: Comprising of 10 dedicated sessions, the Tech Dialogue track is designed for technologist specialists, with sessions focusing on critical technology conversations that are influencing the industry, such as ‘The AI Tech Stack’, ‘The Architectural Shift’ and ‘Standardisation vs Complexity’.
    • Industry Recognition: invidis Strategy Awards & launch of the invidis Yearbook.

    The agenda and speaker line-up are now available on The DSS App, which can be downloaded from Google Play and the App Store. The app is the central place to browse sessions and speakers, bookmark favourites, and manage your personal schedule. It also allows attendees to request meetings during the summit and automatically add them to their agenda.

    Florian Rotberg, Founder & Owner, invidis consulting GmbH, comments: “In our 20th year, The DSS returns to Munich with a programme that reflects where the market is heading into a new phase. The speaker line-up and agenda address the topics industry leaders are dealing with right now.”

    Mike Blackman, Managing Director of Integrated Systems Events, concludes: “The DSS has always been a forum where decision-makers come together with leading speakers to navigate a rapidly changing landscape. We’re proud to partner with invidis again and look forward to welcoming the industry to Munich in May.”

  • EnGenius Redefines Video Surveillance as Video Intelligence at ISC West 2026

    EnGenius Redefines Video Surveillance as Video Intelligence at ISC West 2026

    EnGenius Technologies will showcase its latest AI-powered video intelligence solutions at ISC West 2026 in Las Vegas, highlighting a shift from traditional surveillance to smarter, context-aware security. At Booth #23109, the company will demonstrate how its AI cameras and platform use edge and cloud processing to deliver faster investigations, improved situational awareness, and actionable insights from video data.

    The showcase will feature capabilities such as customized AI alerts, natural language video search, generative facial recognition, and cross-camera timeline tracking. Built for hybrid environments, EnGenius NVS allows organizations to combine cloud intelligence with on-prem control while upgrading existing camera systems without hardware replacement, helping security teams move from reactive monitoring to proactive decision-making.

    EnGenius Technologies, a global leader in cloud-managed networking and intelligent security solutions, today announced it will exhibit at ISC West 2026, the largest converged security trade show in the United States, taking place March 23–27 at The Venetian Expo in Las Vegas. EnGenius will showcase its latest AI-powered cameras and video intelligence solutions at Booth #23109.

    At the show, EnGenius will demonstrate its next-generation AI cameras and video intelligence platform, designed to transform traditional surveillance into proactive, context-aware security. Live demonstrations will highlight how EnGenius leverages advanced AI at both the edge and cloud to deliver faster investigations, deeper situational awareness, and more meaningful insights from video data.

    “Security teams are overwhelmed with video but still lack timely, actionable insight,” said Roger Lui, CEO at EnGenius Technologies. “At ISC West 2026, we’re demonstrating how EnGenius AI turns video into intelligence—understanding context, behaviors, and movement across cameras so organizations can respond faster, investigate smarter, and ultimately prevent incidents before they escalate.”

    AI-Driven Video Intelligence, Live at ISC West

    EnGenius’ ISC West showcase will focus on next-generation AI capabilities designed to simplify complex security workflows and enhance real-world decision-making:

    • Customized AI Alerts – User-defined alerts for specific behaviors across any environment, including detecting aggressive behavior toward children or the elderly.
    • Natural Language Video Search – An intuitive search experience that allows users to find incidents using everyday language, dramatically reducing the time required to locate relevant footage.
    • Generative Facial Recognition – Advanced generative AI technology that builds multiple angles of a person’s face from a single frontal profile image, improving identification accuracy across cameras and viewpoints.
    • Visual Timeline Tracking Across Cameras – Automatically generated, timestamped visual timelines that allow investigators to follow people and events seamlessly across multiple cameras and locations, creating a clear narrative of incidents as they unfold.

    Together, these capabilities move video surveillance beyond passive monitoring, enabling organizations to detect patterns, accelerate investigations, and extract actionable insights from their security infrastructure.

    Purpose-Built for Hybrid Security Architectures

    Unlike solutions that force organizations into either fully cloud-based or strictly on-prem deployments, EnGenius is designed for hybrid security realities—where latency, data sovereignty, and uptime requirements vary by site, region, and use case.

    “Security teams shouldn’t have to choose between cloud intelligence or on-prem control,” said Roger Lui. “With EnGenius NVS, we unify both into a single video intelligence architecture that adapts to real-world deployment constraints, not the other way around.”

    Upgrade Existing Investment Without Hardware Replacement

    Most organizations have already invested significantly in surveillance cameras. Rather than costly hardware replacement, EnGenius NVS brings enterprise-grade video intelligence to existing systems—through software innovation, not hardware replacement.

    By combining edge AI processing with cloud-based intelligence, EnGenius delivers high performance while minimizing complexity—making advanced video analytics accessible without requiring specialized infrastructure or extensive IT overhead.

    A Focus on Context-Aware Security

    At ISC West 2026, EnGenius will emphasize how its AI solution interprets context, not just objects. By understanding sequences of activity, behaviors, and movement across time and cameras, the platform provides a more complete picture of security events—helping organizations shift from reactive response to proactive prevention.

    These innovations are well suited for a wide range of environments, including commercial facilities, education, retail, healthcare, senior living, and multi-site enterprises seeking smarter, more efficient security operations.

  • BeckTV Launches BeckFlow at 2026 NAB Show While Highlighting Its Latest Design and Integration Projects

    BeckTV Launches BeckFlow at 2026 NAB Show While Highlighting Its Latest Design and Integration Projects

    At the 2026 NAB Show in Las Vegas, BeckTV will introduce BeckFlow, a new web-based schematic documentation platform built specifically for the media and entertainment technology industry. The platform automatically creates broadcast facility diagrams using structured engineering data such as equipment and wiring lists. By eliminating traditional CAD-based workflows, BeckFlow helps reduce manual drafting time, improves documentation accuracy, and keeps facility schematics aligned with evolving system designs.

    Alongside the BeckFlow debut, BeckTV will highlight several recent design and integration projects across the broadcast and sports sectors. These include installations for Huskervision at the University of Nebraska, WVUE in New Orleans, IMS Productions and IndyCar, NC State University, M&T Bank Stadium, and WINK-TV. At NAB Show booth C3835, the BeckTV team will also discuss modern broadcast infrastructure, including cloud workflows, remote production, and strategies for building or upgrading advanced media facilities.

    At the 2026 NAB Show, BeckTV, a premier systems integrator for the broadcast industry, is launching BeckFlow, the first web-based schematic documentation platform designed and developed specifically for the media and entertainment technology industry by a systems integrator. BeckFlow automatically generates broadcast facility drawings from structured engineering data, including wire and equipment lists, greatly reducing manual drafting time, improving documentation accuracy, and ensuring facility drawings remain synchronized with system designs.

    The BeckFlow platform, which will be demonstrated for the first time at the 2026 NAB Show in booth C3835, is able to ingest standardized BeckTV data templates and then deliver clear, consistent schematic diagrams without requiring traditional CAD workflows.

    “We look forward to introducing BeckFlow to broadcasters and showing how they can streamline infrastructure documentation while making schematics easier to access,” said Matt Weiss, Vice President of Business Development at BeckTV. “Collaborating with our technology partners, we’ll also show how we are modernizing broadcast facilities across the country to meet demand for ever-higher video resolutions and improved sound that today’s audiences and sports fans expect. We’ll highlight several of our installations to show broadcasters how they can bring the latest innovations to their next project.”

    In the past year, BeckTV played a major role in new builds or upgrades for several organizations, including Huskervision at University of Nebraska; WVUE in New Orleans; IMS Productions and Indy Car; NC State University in Raleigh, North Carolina; M&T Bank Stadium, home of the Baltimore Ravens; and WINK-TV in Fort Myers, Florida.

    BeckTV’s work spans nearly every type of installation, with a portfolio that includes broadcast and network television stations, cable and satellite facilities, network operations centers, sports and mobile trucks, professional and collegiate stadiums, and houses of worship. Projects vary in size and technology from traditional baseband video systems to advanced SMPTE ST 2110 implementations.

    BeckTV will welcome attendees to its booth, where engineers will answer questions about how to execute a fully integrated solution. The team will address balancing capital and operational expenditures, cloud-based workflows, remote production strategies, and the various approaches to building or revamping a facility.

    The 2026 NAB Show will take place April 18-22 in Las Vegas.

  • Displace redefines wall mounts at CES 2026 with Displace Hub, turning any TV into a truly wireless, smart display on the wall

    Displace redefines wall mounts at CES 2026 with Displace Hub, turning any TV into a truly wireless, smart display on the wall

    Displace has announced the launch of Displace Hub, a next-generation wall mounting system that can turn any TV into a fully wireless, smart display. Debuting at CES 2026, the Hub removes the need for traditional wall mounts, drilling, cables, or professional installation. Using active-loop suction technology, a built-in battery system, and Displace OS 2.0, the Hub allows TVs from 55 to 100 inches to be securely mounted or repositioned on any surface in under 10 seconds.

    Designed for flexibility and intelligence, Displace Hub brings AI-powered features to any connected TV, including a second-screen experience via Controller 2.0 and support for external devices through HDMI inputs. With safety features like Displace’s proprietary Landing Gear and live demos planned at CES 2026, the Hub positions itself as a practical step toward ambient computing and smarter, cable-free screens for modern homes and workplaces.

    Displace, the creator of the world’s first wireless television, today announced the launch of Displace Hub, a wall mounting system that turns any TV into a truly wireless, smart display on the wall. Set to debut at CES 2026, the Hub brings the signature innovation behind Displace TV to every screen, eliminating traditional wall mounts, removing wires and making it possible to mount or reposition a TV in seconds.

    For decades, wall mounts have consisted of bulky metal brackets, drilled holes, tangled wires and professional installation. The Hub disrupts that outdated model. It combines three revolutionary technologies: active-loop suction that mounts any TV on any surface in under 10 seconds, a built-in battery system that makes any TV truly wireless and Displace OS 2.0, the cutting edge OS that brings an ambient computing platform to any screen on the wall. The Hub enables effortless setup, mobility and intelligence for TVs ranging from 55 inches to 100 inches — without drilling or installing permanent hardware.

    Displace will host live demonstrations of the Hub at Booth #21626 in the CES exhibit hall. Attendees will watch as a standard TV is transformed into a fully wireless display and mounted securely in under 10 seconds, showcasing the Hub’s:

    • Easy installation
    • Built-in battery system
    • Displace OS 2.0 activation
    • Second screen experience on Controller 2.0
    • Flexibility to reposition TVs effortlessly

    Through Displace OS 2.0, any TV connected to the Hub gains advanced AI-enabled capabilities, including an enhanced second screen experience through Controller 2.0. Users can browse or watch content while related information and interactive controls appear on the controller’s display, instantly syncing with the TV in real time. Two HDMI inputs let users directly connect external devices to the Hub. Additionally, Displace’s proprietary Landing Gear, a built-in safety system engineered to prevent accidental slips or detachments, ensures safe and secure mounting.

    “Traditional wall mounting is complicated, clunky and expensive, and most people can’t install it by themselves. Displace Hub changes that,” said Balaji Krishnan, founder and CEO of Displace. “With it, consumers can mount any screen to the wall in 10 seconds, connect it to the built-in battery power, make it completely wireless and instantly experience its AI-powered intelligence with Displace OS 2.0. This is how we bring ambient computing into every home and move towards a world where smart screens go beyond entertainment.

    Displace Hub will be available for pre-order during CES 2026.

  • AVIXA Announces 2026 Board of Directors, Leadership Search Committee Members

    AVIXA Announces 2026 Board of Directors, Leadership Search Committee Members

    AVIXA has announced the newly elected members for its 2026 Board of Directors and Leadership Search Committee. Key appointments include John Bailey from AVI-SPL as Secretary-Treasurer, along with new board members from Axis Communications and Grupo Discabos. The Leadership Search Committee has also added senior leaders from Microsoft, Blue Rhine Industries, and Shure to guide the organization’s future direction.

    These appointments bring together a diverse mix of expertise across AV, IT, and collaboration technologies. AVIXA believes this strengthened leadership team will help support the global AV community more effectively and drive innovation across the industry. The association also thanked outgoing board and committee members for their valuable service.

    AVIXA, the Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association, is pleased to announce the election results for the 2026 AVIXA Board of Directors and Leadership Search Committee.

    John Bailey, Senior Vice President, Technology & Innovation, AVI-SPL, has been elected as Secretary-Treasurer of the Board by AVIXA membership. AVIXA members also elected to the Board Loubna Imenchal, Managing Director, Middle East, Turkey, Central Asia & Africa (MEA) at Axis Communications; and Cristiano Mazza, CTS, Partner, Grupo Discabos.

    The AVIXA Leadership Search Committee (LSC) has appointed Ilya Bukshteyn, Corporate Vice President for Microsoft Teams Calling, Devices, and Premium Experiences; John Joseph, Co-Founder and Managing Director, Blue Rhine Industries; and Christine Schyvinck, President and CEO, Shure Incorporated, to AVIXA’s Board of Directors.

    Carolina Sosa, CFO of Integración AV, has been elected by AVIXA members to the Leadership Search Committee. In addition, Jatan Shah, Chair of the AVIXA Board of Directors, has appointed Faye Bennett, Founder and Managing Director of Faye Bennett Consultancy Services, and Christine Rogers, Vice President of XTG, AVI-SPL, to the Leadership Search Committee (LSC).

    A complete listing of the 2026 AVIXA Board of Directors appears below:

    LSC Chair: Jatan Shah, QSC
    Chair of the Board of Directors: Tobias Lang, LANG AG
    Vice Chair: Mradul Sharma, 3CDN Workplace Tech
    Secretary-Treasurer: John Bailey, AVI-SPL
    Directors: Kristin Bidwell, Audiovisual Consulting Team; Ilya Bukshteyn, Microsoft; Nicholas E. Cox, Sr., Mizuho Americas; Loubna Imenchal, Axis Communications; John Joseph, Blue Rhine Industries; Cristiano Mazza, Grupo Discabos; Christine Schyvinck, Shure Incorporated; and Tom Shen, Shen Milsom & Wilke.

    “AVIXA is delighted to welcome these exceptional leaders to its Board of Directors and Leadership Search Committee. Their diverse insights and commitment are vital as we continue to enhance our support for AV professionals globally,” said David Labuskes, CTS, CAE, RCDD, Chief Executive Officer of AVIXA.

    AVIXA thanks outgoing Leadership Search Committee Chair and former Chair of the AVIXA Board Cathryn Lai, Las Vegas Sands Corp., and outgoing Board members Christian Carrero, Kern & Stelly Medientechnik GmbH; Laila Hede Jensen, Zenova; Gale Moutrey, Gale Moutrey Communications Consulting; and Kaushik Mukhopadhyay, AVID India & AVID UAE.

    AVIXA also acknowledges and appreciates the contributions of outgoing LSC members Mike Brandes, QSC, Pedro Valletta, interproAV, and Juan José Vila, Equipson.

  • Absen to Showcase Saturn, Polaris, Jupiter Pro and Neptune Pro Series at LDI 2025

    Absen to Showcase Saturn, Polaris, Jupiter Pro and Neptune Pro Series at LDI 2025

    Absen will showcase its latest professional LED display technologies at LDI 2025, presenting four key series: Saturn, Polaris, Jupiter Pro and Neptune Pro. These solutions are built to meet the needs of live events, touring, broadcast, and corporate environments, offering improved brightness, flexibility, and durability. With lightweight builds, high refresh rates and smart engineering, Absen’s new lineup makes setup faster and visual performance more reliable.

    The Saturn Series offers creative freedom with flat, curved and flexible configurations, while the Polaris PL3.9 Pro V3 provides strong outdoor performance with advanced protection features. For large-scale productions, the Jupiter Pro Series delivers high brightness and adjustable transparency, and the Neptune Pro Series brings cinema-level image quality for corporate and xR applications. Absen will display all these innovations at booth 4808 during LDI 2025 in Las Vegas.

    Absen Inc., the US subsidiary of Absen, the internationally acclaimed innovator in LED display technology, will showcase four professional-grade product series, including the Saturn Series, Polaris Series, Jupiter Pro Series and Neptune Pro Series, at LDI 2025, from December 7–9, 2025, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

    “Absen continues to refine its rental and staging product lineup with purpose-built solutions that deliver reliability, flexibility and exceptional image quality,” said Emily Chan, President for Absen Inc. “Each series showcased at LDI 2025 represents a thoughtful response to the evolving needs of live event professionals.”

    The Saturn (SA) Series, including SA panels, SA-B cube panels and SA-C flexible displays, delivers exceptional visual performance with brightness up to 1,500 nits, 16-bit grayscale, and a 7,680Hz refresh rate. Each SA 39.4-by-19.7-inch lightweight composite panel weighs about 3.9 pounds per square foot and supports flexible installation configurations, with a maximum height of 33 feet for hanging and 16 feet for stacking. The SA panel features fast locking mechanisms, front and rear serviceability, and interchangeable modules and power boxes to streamline setup and reduce maintenance costs. Adjustable angle configurations, ranging from -2.5° to +2.5°, allow for flat, curved or ceilinginstallations, making the SA panel ideal for dynamic rental environments.

    The Saturn-B (SA-B) cube panel enables instant 90-degree L-shaped connections tool-free with its quick-release locking system. This flexible system allows rapid transformation from seamless corners to stunning cube displays, all while maintaining perfect alignment. The Saturn-C (SA-C) flexible displays enhance creative freedom with a precision gear transmission mechanism, allowing easy adjustments of each panel from -30-degree to +30-degree in 1.25-degree increments. This enables the effortless creation of seamless curves, S-shapes, and cylinders starting from a 1.91-meter diameter (12 panels). When paired with SA panels, these displays open up even more possibilities for innovative stage design.

    Engineered for both indoor and outdoor use, the PL3.9 Pro V3 features a 3.9-millimeter pixel pitch and a dynamic brightness range of 0.1 to 5,000 nits. PL3.9 Pro V3’s die-casting magnesium cabinet offers high strength with tool-free rear maintenance. The PL3.9 Pro V3 features corner shields, safety ropes and an automatic edge protection system, providing improved handling and reliability. Compatible with both Brompton and NovaStar systems, and with the matching accessories, it supports up to 66-feet hanging installations rated to Beaufort 8 wind resistance, backed by integrated wind-bracing and dolly systems optimized for touring and event logistics.

    Designed for fast setup and large-scale productions, the Jupiter Pro (JP Pro) Series combines lightweight construction with robust engineering. The JP8 Pro offers 50% transparency and 5,000-nit brightness for outdoor staging, while the JP5 Pro delivers a 5,000-nit, true black LED display with an 8,500:1 contrast ratio. The JP8 Pro’s panels feature advanced locking systems, precise curvature adjustments from -10° convex to +15° concave and structural resilience for installations up to 79 feet in height.  The JP8 Pro supports flexible rigging, stacking and wind-bracing configurations suited for concert and touring applications.

    The Neptune Pro (NT Pro) Series is tailored for corporate events, exhibitions, and broadcast environments. Constructed with magnesium-aluminum alloy, each 19.7-by-39.4-inch panel weighs 22 pounds, reducing overall system weight by 24%. With IMD 2-in-1 technology and 13 kilograms-force (about 29 pounds-force) thrust tolerance, the NT2.6 Pro V2enhances durability and impact resistance. The display delivers a 7,680Hz refresh rate, 16-bit grayscale and 94% DCI-P3 color gamut (NT2.6 Pro V2) for cinema-quality visuals. The NT Pro Series’ anti-collision design and modular structure enable quick installation and creative configurations, including curved, cube and xR stage applications.

    Visit Absen Inc. in booth 4808 at LDI 2025 from December 7–9, 2025, at the Las Vegas Convention Center – West Hall.

  • AES announces the International Conference on Audio for Virtual and Augmented Reality and Immersive Games (AVARIG2026)

    AES announces the International Conference on Audio for Virtual and Augmented Reality and Immersive Games (AVARIG2026)

    The Audio Engineering Society (AES) has announced AVARIG2026, an international conference focused on audio for virtual reality, augmented reality, and immersive gaming. The event will take place from June 30 to July 3, 2026, in Paris, hosted across Sorbonne Université/d’Alembert and IRCAM/STMS. This is the first time the conference will be held in Europe, bringing together researchers, developers, and audio professionals working in spatial audio, XR, AI for sound, and interactive media.

    AVARIG2026 aims to explore how advanced audio technologies enhance realism, immersion, and emotional engagement in virtual experiences and gaming. Attendees can expect technical sessions, demos, workshops, and networking opportunities, with a focus on shaping the future of immersive sound tools, standards, and creative workflows.

    The Audio Engineering Society (AES) has announced its International Conference on Audio for Virtual and Augmented Reality and Immersive Games (AVARIG2026), taking place June 30 through July 3, 2026, at Sorbonne University/d’Alembert and IRCAM/STMS in Paris, France.

    Marking the first time that AES’s landmark AVAR conference will be hosted in Europe, AVARIG2026 expands on the legacy of the Audio for Virtual and Augmented Reality series with the overlapping interests of the Audio for Games conference series by adding a new dimension: Immersive Gaming. This evolution reflects the rapidly converging fields of extended reality (XR), spatial audio and interactive entertainment, and unites these disciplines under the AES Technical Committee on Interactive Media and Games.

    Co-chaired by Brian F.G. Katz, CNRS Research Director at Sorbonne Université’s Institute d’Alembert and Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of the AES, and Markus Noisternig, Deputy Director of the STMS Laboratory (IRCAM–CNRS–Sorbonne Université–Ministry of Culture), the conference will gather global experts in spatial and immersive audio, virtual and augmented reality, signal processing, AI for sound, psychoacoustics, game audio and cross-modal interaction, as well as researchers and practitioners developing next-generation tools, standards and experiences for immersive sound across entertainment, research and industry, for four days of papers, workshops, demonstrations and networking.

    The program will highlight emerging technologies shaping immersive sound for XR and interactive media — from dynamic spatial rendering and perceptual modeling to hybrid approaches blending acoustics and game audio. Researchers, developers and creative professionals will explore how innovations in audio contribute to realism, emotion and interactivity across both artistic and commercial contexts.

    Brian Katz commented, “We are thrilled to bring the AES’s leading platform for immersive audio research to Europe for the first time. AVARIG2026 represents a milestone in how we think about sound in extended realities — not just as a layer of experience, but as a core driver of presence, emotion and engagement. By joining forces with the immersive gaming community, we’re opening the door to groundbreaking collaborations that will shape the future of interactive sound.”

    The event will be hosted jointly between Sorbonne Université/d’Alembert and IRCAM/STMS, institutions renowned for their contributions to both scientific and artistic frontiers in sound. Conference content will include technical papers, poster sessions, live demonstrations and immersive audio experiences, all set around the heart of Paris’s historic Latin Quarter, a fitting setting for an exploration of sound innovation and creativity.

    AVARIG2026 is presented with the support of the Sonicom EU project, an initiative dedicated to transforming auditory-based social interaction and communication in AR/VR environments. More information on paper submission, registration and sponsorship opportunities will be announced in the coming months.

  • InfoComm América Latina 2025 Gathered the Pro AV Community in Latin America for a Successful First Edition

    InfoComm América Latina 2025 Gathered the Pro AV Community in Latin America for a Successful First Edition

    InfoComm América Latina 2025 made a powerful debut in Mexico City, bringing together more than 5,000 verified attendees and over 100 brands from across the globe. Organized by AVIXA, the event showcased cutting-edge audiovisual technologies through 64 exhibitors, seven demo rooms, and a robust education program. Attendees explored the latest AV innovations while engaging in training sessions, networking events, and Congreso AVIXA discussions focused on AI, people-centric strategies, and future growth opportunities in the Latin American market.

    The show highlighted how Latin America’s AV sector is evolving with strong local participation and a focus on trust-based relationships. Industry leaders emphasized collaboration, professional training, and AI integration as key to advancing regional business. Following its successful launch, InfoComm América Latina is already set to return in 2026 with 50% more exhibition space at the same venue in Mexico City.

    InfoComm América Latina 2025, the leading technology show for the audiovisual integration industry, was held in Mexico City from October 22 to 24 and welcomed 5,193 verified attendees. Total registrants reached 9,502.

    This first edition of InfoComm América Latina, produced entirely by the Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association (AVIXA), featured 64 exhibitors who showcased innovative audiovisual solutions from over 100 brands on the exhibition floor and in seven demo rooms. The event occupied 2,656 net square meters at the WTC International Exhibition and Convention Center in Mexico City.

    Numerous global manufacturers, familiar from other InfoComm shows, participated alongside companies from Mexico, Argentina, Chile, and Spain. These exhibitors sought to strengthen their regional presence and create new connections and business opportunities.

    “We achieved a complete sell-out in this first edition and exceeded our goals in all aspects: space, participation, and promotion. We are very satisfied with the incredible market response—just as we expected,” said Rodrigo Casassus Coke, CTS, Senior Director for Latin America and the Caribbean at AVIXA. “We have great news: next year’s edition is already scheduled. InfoComm América Latina will take place from Wednesday, October 21, to Friday, October 23, 2026. We’ll return to the WTC and expand the exhibition space by 50%,” Casassus added.

    The InfoComm América Latina 2025 activity program was extensive, featuring a variety of educational sessions, manufacturer training, technology tours, networking events, and an in-person edition of Congreso AVIXA.

    “The most important thing is that we produce this show specifically for this market. The content focuses on growth areas we observe in Latin America, with most presentations delivered in Spanish to reflect our commitment to the audience,” said Jenn Heinold, Senior Vice President, Expositions, Americas, AVIXA. “We’ve embraced the local culture, and there’s a profound sense of pride and warmth here that you won’t find elsewhere.”

    During Congreso AVIXA, within the InfoComm América Latina educational program, industry leaders outlined the expected trends for audiovisual technology through 2030, emphasizing the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and the need for a people-centric adaptability strategy.

    In this session, Jeff Stoebner, CEO of FORTÉ, urged organizational leaders to remain vigilant and adaptable to environmental changes and encouraged them to innovate to stay relevant in the industry. Likewise, David Labuskes, CTS, CEO of AVIXA, highlighted the need to accept uncertainty as a natural part of the future and to let go of ingrained ideas, as the industry is evolving rapidly.

    A discussion panel featuring Diana Quintero from Bose Professional, Jorge Mata from Ross Video, and Julio Méndez from Wesco Anixter addressed the challenges facing the growth of the audiovisual industry in Latin America. They identified the need for better-trained professionals, strategies to incorporate AI solutions, and the impact of cultural differences in the region. They proposed promoting training programs and strengthening partnerships with suitable commercial allies to overcome these challenges to enhance their businesses.

    As part of the digital signage program, in collaboration with the DS Latam association, Julian Phillips, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of XTG at AVI-SPL, emphasized that we are entering what he calls the “era of intelligence.” This shift will transform communication, learning, and human interaction, directly impacting the audiovisual industry and digital signage. His presentation stressed the need to reevaluate intelligence and human connection, viewing AI as a collaborator for digital signage to evolve in this new era.

    InfoComm América Latina’s activities extended beyond the WTC venue. Integrated Experience Tours offered attendees a closer look at the technology and experts behind the InSpace immersive experience venue and the modern Estudio 13 audio recording and production studio located in Mexico City.

    Martin Saul, SVP for South America and Iberia at AVI-SPL and CEO of ICAP Global, remarked on introducing the InfoComm show in Latin America. “This represents a radical change. Previously, we only had the option of attending InfoComm in the United States. The main difference is understanding business culture; in Latin America, relationships, trust, and personal connections are much more important than technology. Decisions often rely on trust since many manufacturers offer similar high-quality solutions. Thus, the connections made at this inaugural edition will be vital for future business.”

    InfoComm América Latina 2025 was sponsored by Headline Partner AVI-SPL and Top Sponsors Meyer Sound, Kardia Producciones, Foto Commo, Pleneo, and Tecno Planet. The education program was sponsored by Biamp and Ross Video.

  • Push Beyond the Ordinary: Registration for ISE 2026 is Now Open

    Push Beyond the Ordinary: Registration for ISE 2026 is Now Open

    Registration is now open for ISE 2026, taking place 3–6 February at the Fira de Barcelona. This year’s theme, “Push Beyond,” invites professionals across the IT, AV, and systems integration industries to challenge boundaries, explore new ideas, and experience innovation like never before. With Technology Zones dedicated to fields like digital signage, unified communications, smart buildings, and residential tech, ISE 2026 promises to be the ultimate platform for inspiration, networking, and discovery.

    The event will also feature a range of industries, from enterprise and education to healthcare and hospitality, creating a unique space where ideas converge and opportunities spark. Attendees can secure exclusive accommodation deals and logistical support through bnetwork, ISE’s official travel partner. Don’t miss your chance to join global innovators and visionaries in Barcelona and be part of the next chapter of technological transformation.

    Step into a world unlike any other, where boundaries are meant to be pushed and imagination comes alive. ISE 2026 makes its grand return, 3-6 February at the Fira de Barcelona, with a theme that invites the industry to explore every opportunity and redefine what’s possible.

    Push Beyond: The Next Chapter of ISE Arrives

    ISE 2026 will transform the Fira de Barcelona into the epicentre of innovation and discovery for attendees to experience the truly remarkable. This year’s theme, Push Beyond, challenges visitors to leave the ordinary behind and embrace a new standard of excellence. Step away from the expected, refresh your mindset, and indulge your senses in an event that promises an almost unimaginable experience.

    “At ISE, we are dedicated to inspiring the community and exploring what’s possible,” says Mike Blackman, Managing Director of Integrated Systems Events. “Each year, we aim to deliver an experience that fuels creativity and drives innovation. ISE 2026 will open new horizons, ignite fresh ambition, and bring together the global AV and systems integration community for an unforgettable celebration of innovation – where ideas take form and the future begins to unfold.”

    Where Industries Converge and New Ideas Spark

    It’s not just one industry. ISE 2026 throws open its doors to an incredible spectrum of verticals, from education, enterprise, live events, and hospitality to retail, healthcare, and beyond. Wherever you fit in the global landscape, ISE is the destination where every sector finds fresh inspiration and ambitions meet opportunity.

    To make every experience count, ISE 2026 features dedicated Technology Zones designed to serve the unique needs of each market. Whether visitors are seeking the latest in digital signage, unified communications, smart building solutions, or residential technology, you’ll discover immersive spaces tailored to your interests. Each Zone is a launchpad, fuelled by innovation, brimming with solutions, and ready to connect you with the partners and insights that matter most.

    Secure the Best Rates with bnetwork

    To ensure every attendee enjoys a seamless experience in Barcelona, ISE has once again partnered with bnetwork, its Official Accommodation & Logistical Services Partner for ISE 2026.

    Through bnetwork’s dedicated platform, visitors can book hotels at competitive rates and choose from a wide range of accommodation options, all with personalized customer support. Beyond hotel reservations, bnetwork also offers transportation solutions and venue-booking services, making it easier than ever to coordinate every aspect of the trip.

    Attendees are encouraged to plan early and take advantage of these exclusive services at isehotels.bnetwork.com

    Don’t Miss Your Chance to Be Part of What’s Next

    Registration for ISE 2026 is now open, so take your place among the visionaries, trailblazers, and creative minds from every corner of the globe. Reserve your spot at the event where tomorrow’s innovations are unveiled, and let’s Push Beyond what’s possible – together.

    As part of ISE’s continued commitment to attendee security, all attendees are asked to provide a valid passport or national ID number during the registration process. In partnership with the Catalan police, this measure helps us deliver a safe and seamless experience for everyone participating in ISE.