AVNation TV

Category: Association

  • Coastal Source® and Lutron® Redefine the Indoor-Outdoor Lighting Experience at CEDIA Expo 2026

    Coastal Source® and Lutron® Redefine the Indoor-Outdoor Lighting Experience at CEDIA Expo 2026

    Coastal Source and Lutron are bringing a more connected approach to residential lighting to CEDIA Expo 2026, showing how indoor lighting, shading, and outdoor illumination can work together as one experience. Their Destination Outdoors demonstration will highlight VIA™, a new intelligent outdoor lighting platform developed through Lutron’s Native by Design™ program, extending Lutron’s lighting ecosystem beyond the home.

    The experience will showcase VIA alongside Coastal Source’s EVO and Niche fixtures, demonstrating how architectural, landscape, and accent lighting can create a seamless transition from indoor spaces to outdoor environments. The companies will also highlight Coastal Source’s broader outdoor lighting, power, cabling, and infrastructure solutions for AV and smart-home professionals.

    Coastal Source and Lutron will unveil the next evolution of intelligent residential lighting at CEDIA Expo 2026, demonstrating how lighting, shading and outdoor illumination now work together as one seamless experience.

    Building on the strategic partnership announced at last year’s Expo, Coastal Source and Lutron will showcase the industry’s first fully integrated intelligent indoor and outdoor lighting experience, powered by the new VIA™ intelligent outdoor lighting platform. Developed through Lutron’s Native by Design™ program, VIA is purpose-built to extend Lutron’s premium lighting experience beyond the home’s walls, enabling dealers to deliver a unified lighting solution across the entire property. Pre-orders for VIA begin August 18, with product shipments scheduled to begin early October.

    Lutron’s Native by Design program brings together select manufacturers to develop products engineered from the ground up to integrate natively with the Lutron ecosystem. Native by Design solutions are designed to deliver a more seamless user experience while simplifying specification, installation and programming for dealers. VIA represents the exclusive intelligent outdoor lighting platform developed through the program, extending Lutron’s renowned indoor lighting capabilities into the landscape.

    Destination Outdoors demonstrates how intelligent lighting should be designed as one continuous experience starting inside the home and extending into the landscape. At Destination Outdoors, guests enter a thoughtfully designed living room before progressing through an outdoor entertaining space and into a fully illuminated landscape, experiencing how lighting naturally guides the transition from indoors to outdoors.

    “Destination Outdoors has always been about demonstrating outdoor technology in the environment it was designed for,” said Franco D’Ascanio, CEO of Coastal Source. “This year we’re taking that concept further by showing how indoor and outdoor lighting can be planned together to create a single, connected living experience. Exceptional outdoor lighting doesn’t begin in the landscape, it begins with designing the entire property as one connected living environment.”

    Throughout the guided experience, visitors will watch the living environment transition naturally from daytime to evening as Lutron’s Ketra lighting and automated shading gradually reshape the interior atmosphere, before Coastal Source’s outdoor lighting brings the surrounding landscape to life. The carefully choreographed sequence demonstrates how thoughtful lighting design transforms the experience of the home as day turns to night.

    The outdoor demonstration highlights VIA, the intelligent outdoor lighting platform developed jointly by Coastal Source and Lutron through the Native by Design program, alongside Coastal Source’s EVO and Niche fixture families. Together, they demonstrate how layered architectural, landscape and accent lighting create outdoor spaces that feel natural, comfortable and beautifully connected to the home.

    Visitors will also experience Coastal Source’s broader outdoor technology ecosystem, including the 1000 Series Bollards, PowerSource®, Uni-Connect cabling technology and other outdoor infrastructure innovations, alongside the company’s mobile demonstration vehicle.

    Destination Outdoors also marks the first public demonstration of the Coastal Source and Lutron ecosystem using commercially available VIA products, reinforcing how dealers can now deliver a truly unified lighting experience across the entire property. It also reinforces the value of designing indoor and outdoor lighting as part of a single lighting strategy rather than as separate systems.

    “VIA is a great example of what’s possible through Lutron’s Native by Design program,” said Ed Blair, President and Vice-Chairman of the Board. “By developing VIA alongside Coastal Source, we’ve extended the Lutron lighting experience beyond the home with a purpose-built outdoor platform that integrates natively with our ecosystem. Together, Lutron and Coastal Source are enabling dealers to deliver one continuous lighting experience that flows naturally from inside the home into the landscape.”

    Attendees can experience VIA and the expanded Destination Outdoors exhibit outside the main entrance to the Colorado Convention Center while also visiting Coastal Source’s indoor booth (#2117), where the company will showcase its latest lighting, audio and power innovations.

    On Wednesday, September 2nd, Day 1 of the CEDIA Expo, Coastal Source will host its annual Destination Outdoors Happy Hour from 5:00 – 7:30 pm MT.

  • ISE Celebrates Back-to-Back Sammy Award Win for Bold ‘Push Beyond’ Campaign

    ISE Celebrates Back-to-Back Sammy Award Win for Bold ‘Push Beyond’ Campaign

    Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) has earned its second consecutive Sammy (Sales and Marketing Excellence) Award, winning the Creative Awards – Power Players category for its “Push Beyond” campaign. The campaign inspired the global AV and systems integration community to embrace innovation, collaboration, and growth while helping ISE 2026 achieve record attendance, exhibitor participation, and audience engagement.

    The award recognizes how “Push Beyond” successfully connected a bold creative vision with measurable business results, encouraging the industry to think beyond traditional boundaries. Looking ahead, ISE will continue building on that momentum when the industry gathers again at Fira de Barcelona, Gran Via, from February 2–5, 2027.

    Integrated Systems Europe (ISE), the world’s leading tech show for the professional audiovisual and systems integration industry, has, for the second year running, been awarded The Sammy (Sales and Marketing Excellence) Award winning the category ‘Creative Awards – Power Players’, from the Business Intelligence Group.

    The award recognises the creative campaign that captured the ambition of ISE 2026: to energise the global AV community, champion excellence and inspire the industry to keep moving further, faster and with greater purpose. ISE 2026 saw record numbers of attendees, exhibitors and audience engagement.

    The Sammy Award judges recognised the strategic strength, highlighting a well-structured story that connected creative ambition with clear business objectives, measurable outcomes and attendance growth in a challenging market. “When an entire category is in decline, most teams play defence. ISE did the opposite –  they turned ‘Push Beyond’ into a rallying cry that united their internal teams and challenged an entire industry to think bigger. That kind of bold, two-word clarity is exactly what creative excellence looks like, and it’s why ISE earned its place among our 2026 winners.” said Russ Fordyce, Chief Recognition Officer at the Business Intelligence Group.

    More than a campaign message, ‘Push Beyond’ created a confident framework for the year, engaging audiences before, during and beyond the show while encouraging the industry to move beyond convention and redefine what’s possible.

    “To be recognised with a Sammy Award for the second consecutive year is a tremendous achievement for ISE and a reflection of the creativity, aspiration and commitment of our entire team,” said Mike Blackman, Managing Director of Integrated Systems Events. “With ‘Push Beyond’, we wanted to reflect the energy of a global community that continues to challenge expectations, drive progress and shape the future of AV and systems integration.”

    ISE returns to Fira de Barcelona, Gran Via, from 2–5 February 2027.

  • Innovation Park at ISE Becomes the Launchpad for Emerging AV Businesses

    Innovation Park at ISE Becomes the Launchpad for Emerging AV Businesses

    Innovation Park at ISE 2027 is set to return as a key platform for emerging AV businesses looking to expand globally. Following a successful ISE 2026 edition, the initiative continues to connect startups with investors, systems integrators, distributors, and industry leaders, helping them gain visibility, build partnerships, and explore new business opportunities. Many participating companies reported valuable connections, international exposure, and accelerated growth through the program.

    The event will once again feature startup pitch sessions, networking opportunities, matchmaking meetings, and collaboration-focused activities designed to support innovation in the AV industry. With growing interest from investors and buyers, Innovation Park has become an important launchpad for startups developing the next generation of AV technologies. Applications for ISE 2027 are now open ahead of the event at Fira de Barcelona from February 2-5, 2027.

    For startups looking to scale, access to the right buyers, investors and partners can define what happens next. Innovation Park at Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) connects emerging AV businesses with the global industry leaders, systems integrators and investors who can accelerate strategic expansion.

    Following strong momentum at ISE 2026, Innovation Park returns to the international stage at ISE 2027, giving startups direct exposure to the global AV industry and the opportunity to showcase technologies shaping its future.

    Building on more than 20 years of innovation at ISE, Innovation Park gives emerging companies direct access to investors, buyers and industry leaders. At ISE 2026, some of the AV industry’s fastest-growing startups used Innovation Park to secure international visibility, investor conversations and new distribution opportunities. With 130 exhibitors, the programme reinforced its position as a key destination for discovery, networking and business development, where many first conversations developed into international growth opportunities:

    “Returning to Innovation Park for a second year was an easy decision for us because the experience and connections we made previously were extremely valuable,” said Fabien Rolland, Co-founder & Managing Director of Losonnante, a French startup developing immersive bone conduction sound technology. “This year, our focus was on connecting with investors and international integrators to expand into new markets through distributor channels.”

    “This is our first time at ISE, and from day one we realised it was the right platform for a startup like ours,” said Alberto Paccagnella, Co-Founder of amperry, the Italian startup behind a shared power-bank rental solution capable of charging both mobile devices and laptops. “We connected with people from all over the world, received strong interest in our product, and saw clear opportunities to scale the business internationally beyond Italy.”

    “Returning to ISE one year after launching Turtle AV here has been an incredible experience,” said Chris White, EU Territory Manager at Turtle AV, an Australian manufacturer of Dante audio products. “The business has grown rapidly, with nearly 40 distributors worldwide, major industry recognition and strong momentum across Europe. ISE 2026 generated exceptional interest for us, creating hundreds of new contacts and opening significant opportunities for further international growth.”

    The Plug and Play Pitching Stage was a major driver of engagement, hosting 84 pitch sessions and giving startups a direct forum to present to investors, partners and industry stakeholders. This momentum continued across the broader programme, with tours, networking events and the Speed-Dating Evening Event helping participants build new relationships and open conversations around future collaboration.

    The Matchmaking Area, powered by Ambivation, further strengthened the programme, facilitating more than 160 potential one-to-one connections between investors, startups, innovation managers, corporate representatives and other stakeholders. Seven partner-led sessions featuring BCN Health Hub, Youz Talent, Barcelona Activa, EIT Culture & Creativity, CETT and SETT added further depth, before the week concluded with the ISE Hackathon.

    “Innovation Park helps shape the future of the AV industry by giving startups direct access to investors, partners and industry experts,” said Mike Blackman, Managing Director of Integrated Systems Events. “Through its alignment with the ISE Foundation’s commitment to innovation, the programme also helps entrepreneurial talent bring new ideas to market and connect with the wider AV industry. By connecting emerging companies with the right people and organisations, Innovation Park creates real commercial opportunities and supports the next generation of industry growth.”

    Following strong demand and high engagement at ISE 2026, startups are already securing their place at Innovation Park 2027. With increasing investor and buyer engagement, Innovation Park is expected to attract a new wave of AV startups looking to scale internationally. Applications are now open to secure a place at the meeting point for the next generation of AV businesses.

    ISE will return to Fira de Barcelona, Gran Via 2-5 February 2027.

  • SDVoE Alliance to Feature Member Demonstrations From IDK Corporation, Aurora Multimedia and Kramer at InfoComm 2026

    SDVoE Alliance to Feature Member Demonstrations From IDK Corporation, Aurora Multimedia and Kramer at InfoComm 2026

    The SDVoE Alliance will showcase a series of member demonstrations at InfoComm 2026, highlighting how AV-over-IP technology is being used across conference rooms, government facilities, courtrooms and command-and-control environments. Featured demonstrations from IDK Corporation, Aurora Multimedia and Kramer will showcase practical applications including BYOD collaboration, USB extension, bidirectional AV transmission and advanced KVM control over a 10G Ethernet network.

    The demonstrations will also support the SDVoE Alliance’s Power of 10 initiative, emphasizing the benefits of zero-latency, uncompressed 4K video transport, seamless multiview functionality, instant switching and unified AV management. Together, the showcases demonstrate how SDVoE technology delivers scalable, interoperable and high-performance solutions for modern AV and IT deployments.

    The SDVoE Alliance, a nonprofit consortium of technology providers collaborating to standardize the adoption of Ethernet to transport AV signals in professional AV environments, will present member demonstrations at InfoComm 2026 from SDVoE Alliance members IDK Corporation, Aurora Multimedia and Kramer. Hosted in the SDVoE Alliance booth, #C7074, the demonstrations will highlight SDVoE applications for conference rooms, judicial and government environments and command-and-control operations.

    IDK Corporation will demonstrate its USB Neo Series, including the NJR-L21UC-T encoder and NJR-L31UC-R decoder, designed to support modern conference room workflows. The USB Neo Series transports video and USB peripherals between devices, supporting BYOD/M, auto-switching and call status awareness to maintain the correct host device during a call. By leveraging SDVoE technology for point-to-point or AV-over-IP deployments alongside UEX capabilities, the USB Neo Series offers a flexible, scalable and plug-and-play approach for conference room environments.

    Aurora Multimedia will present a judicial and government-focused demonstration featuring the SmartSpeak desktop beam-forming microphone with a 6-inch touch controller and USB-C and HDMI ports. Aurora Multimedia’s SmartSpeak supports bidirectional SDVoE transmission, enabling simultaneous encoding and decoding over a single 10G connection. Aurora Multimedia’s demonstration will explain how SDVoE-enabled desktop stations can streamline AV workflows in courtrooms, counsel chambers and congressional halls.

    Kramer will host a command-and-control demonstration featuring the Kramer ZyPer4K-XSE platform. Kramer’s demonstration will showcase seamless KVM roaming across three displays and a dynamic 2-by-2 multiview configuration. A single keyboard and mouse will move between individual screens and multiview windows. At the same time, hotkeys will enable operators to promote any source to the full-screen home display or instantly reset the system to its default layout.

    “The demonstrations from IDK Corporation, Aurora Multimedia and Kramer reflect the range of applications supported by the SDVoE Alliance’s ecosystem,” said Stephane Tremblay, president of the SDVoE Alliance. “From conference rooms and government spaces to command-and-control environments, these demonstrations show how SDVoE technology supports high-performance AV workflows across diverse professional applications.”

    The demonstrations support the SDVoE Alliance’s Power of 10 initiative, which highlights how 10G Ethernet infrastructure enables zero-latency, uncompressed 4K60 4:4:4 video, seamless multiview and video wall functionality, robust KVM, instantaneous switching and support for USB 2.0 alongside video on a single 10G infrastructure. With proven interoperability, a standard software interface, ultra-low power consumption and a common ASIC across manufacturers, SDVoE provides a unified platform for professional AV deployments.

    Visit the SDVoE Alliance in booth C7074 at InfoComm 2026 from June 17–19, 2026, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

  • Global Brands, Strategic Networking and 20 Years of Industry Leadership at The DSS

    Global Brands, Strategic Networking and 20 Years of Industry Leadership at The DSS

    The Digital Signage Summit (DSS) 2026, organised by invidis consulting in partnership with Integrated Systems Events, will bring together global leaders from the digital signage and DooH industry at the Hilton Munich Airport on May 20–21. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the event will feature major industry sponsors including Samsung, Sony, Sharp and iiyama, highlighting the growing convergence of display technology, software, AI, analytics and retail media solutions across the AV industry.

    The two-day summit will focus on key topics such as AI, sustainability, cybersecurity and retail media, with workshops and networking sessions designed for senior decision-makers and technology providers. Alongside the launch of the invidis Yearbook 2026 and the invidis Strategy Awards, DSS 2026 aims to deliver practical market insights, meaningful networking and discussions on the future direction of digital signage and connected communication technologies.

    Organised by invidis consulting in partnership with Integrated Systems Events, The DSS will welcome delegates from across the global digital signage and DooH industry to the Hilton Munich Airport for two days of strategic discussion, executive networking and industry insight.

    This year’s summit will feature an extensive line-up of 27 supporting sponsors spanning the full digital signage ecosystem, alongside a curated programme addressing the technologies, business models and operational priorities shaping the future of the industry.

    Innovation at the Core

    Headline brands include Dynascan as Diamond Sponsors, alongside iiyama, Samsung, Sharp and Sony as Gold Sponsors. Together with 22 additional sponsors this line-up reflects the increased convergence of hardware, software, analytics and retail media technologies across the digital signage ecosystem.

    Technology partner, M-Cube, will also be supporting the on site experience in providing digital signage throughout the venue to help visitors find their way, keep track of the schedule and access event information, reflecting the practical role signage plays at events.

    Strategy Shapes the Programme

    Across the 2-day programme on 20 and 21 May, delegates will explore 9 strategic themes shaping the future of digital signage, including AI, sustainability, cybersecurity and retail media. The summit’s content programme is designed to provide senior decision-makers with practical frameworks and market insight rather than product-focused presentations.

    New for 2026, the exclusive workshop programme will offer focused discussions on ‘Product Engineers: The New Superman? Rethinking Roles and Org Design for the AI Era’, ‘Digital Signage Compliance 2026 – Identifying Risks and Setting Priorities’ and ‘From Central Briefing to Store Ready Concept – Translating Retail into NextGen Signage’. Attendance will be limited to encourage deeper discussion and peer exchange.

    Designed for Meaningful Connections

    Networking remains at the core of the DSS experience, with the summit designed to facilitate high-value interactions between senior leaders, technology providers and end users across the global digital signage and DooH industry.

    This approach is supported by the official event app, which allows delegates to browse and bookmark sessions and speakers, create personalised agendas and connect with attendees ahead of the event. Matchmaking tools suggest relevant connections based on shared interests and facilitate one-to-one meeting planning throughout the event.

    The programme also includes curated networking events, including the DSS 2026 Kick-Off Event at Sportalm on Tuesday evening from 19:00, the traditional DSS Beer Garden Networking Event at Airbräu on Wednesday from 18:00, and the Women’s Breakfast, sponsored by Lang AG, taking place on Thursday at 08:00 bringing together leaders challenging the status quo in the AV industry.

    invidis Yearbook 2026 Launch & Strategy Awards

    The summit will also host the release of the invidis Yearbook 2026, published annually by invidis consulting, and widely recognised as one of the industry’s leading strategic publications.

    Florian Rotberg, Founder & Owner, invidis consulting GmbH, comments: “The invidis Yearbook combines independent analysis with data‑driven rankings to reflects how digital signage is being redefined by data‑driven, connected communication ecosystems and the rapid impact of AI.”

    The DSS also provides the setting for the invidis Strategy Awards, which recognise organisations and initiatives shaping the direction of digital signage through clear strategic thinking and execution.

    “We are delighted to welcome attendees to The DSS on its 20th anniversary”, adds Mike Blackman, Managing Director of Integrated Systems Events. “With an abundant line up of sponsors, presenters and programming, visitors can look forward to a lively schedule.”

  • NΞXXT Launches “The SPRINT” at InfoComm 2026 – hands on AI innovation for the collaboration industry

    NΞXXT Launches “The SPRINT” at InfoComm 2026 – hands on AI innovation for the collaboration industry

    At InfoComm 2026, NΞXXT will introduce “The SPRINT,” a hands-on AI innovation session created for professionals across the AV and collaboration industry. Scheduled for June 18, the four-hour workshop will bring together diverse teams of vendors, integrators, consultants, and end users to solve real-world AI challenges through rapid collaboration, experimentation, and practical problem-solving. Participants will create working concepts such as prototypes, workflows, and AI-powered business ideas while learning innovation methods they can apply in their own organizations.

    The event, supported by AVIXA, focuses on making AI innovation more accessible and actionable for the industry. Top-performing teams will showcase their ideas live on the AVIXA Xchange LIVE stage during InfoComm 2026. Building on the success of similar sessions at ISE, The SPRINT aims to help AV and IT professionals gain confidence in using AI tools, strengthen collaboration across teams, and develop repeatable innovation practices that deliver practical business outcomes.

    NΞXXT is excited to announce The SPRINT at InfoComm 2026, a new hands-on innovation experience designed to help the AV and collaboration industry learn how to turn AI opportunity into practical outcomes.

    Taking place on Thursday, June 18 from 1:00 – 5:00 PM, The SPRINT is a four-hour, team-based innovation session built on a simple premise:

    AI innovation is a team sport, and the strongest outcomes come from diversity of perspective.

    Participants will work in small, intentionally diverse teams. Each will be assigned a “catalyst challenge”, and tasked with building a tangible response – whether a prototype, service concept, workflow, business model or other practical expression of an AI-enabled opportunity.

    “AI has created a moment where everyone is talking about innovation, but few within our industry have ever formally been taught the skills, structures and best practices of HOW to do so,” said Byron Tarry, Founder and Chief Transformation Officer at NEXXT. “The SPRINT is about changing that.”

    From ideas to impact

    Participants will learn by doing – combining their own skills with the collective knowledge, tools and perspectives or others across the room.

    The emphasis is not on polished perfection, but on rapid experimentation, creative use of AI tools and practical exploration of what is possible when teams simply start building.

    Top teams from Thursday will then be invited to present their outputs on the AVIXA Xchange LIVE stage on Friday, June 19 (12:00 – 1:00 PM), giving the wider InfoComm audience a front-row view into what industry innovation under pressure can produce.

    “The SPRINT reflects our commitment to evolving how our industry learns and grows,” said Annette Sandler, Senior Director, Live Content, U.S./Canada, AVIXA, producer of InfoComm. “By creating space for hands-on collaboration, experimentation and shared discovery, we are helping the community build the skills and confidence needed to navigate the AI era.”

    Built for a diverse, AI-curious community

    The SPRINT is open to participants from across the AV and collaboration ecosystem – vendors, integrators, consultants and end users – with a strong emphasis on attracting diversity of role, experience and perspective.

    Participants are also encouraged to attend in mentor-mentee pairs, bringing together the combination of strategic leadership and frontline technical AI expertise so critical to progress in this moment.

    A repeatable model for industry innovation

    Building on the success of a similar format introduced at Integrated Systems Europe (ISE), The SPRINT is designed as more than a one-off experience. Participants will leave with:

    • Greater confidence in their ability to contribute to and shape innovation
    • A tangible team output such as a prototype, workflow, service concept or proof-of-concept artifact
    • Hands-on experience of a practical innovation sprint methodology they can reuse
    • A clearer understanding of how AI tools can be used not only to ideate, but also to prototype, validate and communicate new possibilities quickly

    “The goal is not just what gets built in the room,” added Tarry. “It is what people can take back into their organisations – a way of working that makes innovation more accessible, more repeatable and ultimately more impactful.”

    Registration and availability

    Participation in The SPRINT will have limited capacity, but is open to any and all “AI progressive” InfoComm attendees – from Front Office strategists to Front Line AI practitioners. Full session details and registration are available at: https://www.infocommshow.org/2026-sessions/the-sprint-practical-innovation-in-action 

  • PSNI Global Alliance Mourns the Passing of Tom Roberts, Director of Vendor Programs

    PSNI Global Alliance Mourns the Passing of Tom Roberts, Director of Vendor Programs

    It is with deep sadness that PSNI Global Alliance announces the passing of Thomas Joseph “Tom”, “Tommy” Roberts, Director of Vendor Programs, who died on Friday, May 1, 2026. Roberts spent more than four decades in the professional audiovisual industry and was widely respected for his work in systems integration and his direction of PSNI’s vendor partner program.

    For more than 20 years, Roberts served PSNI Global Alliance as the leader of the organization’s Preferred Vendor Partner Program. Under his leadership, the program grew into one of the most respected vendor-affiliate frameworks in the AV industry, delivering measurable value to integrators and manufacturers alike and setting a benchmark for collaboration across the global alliance community.

    Prior to joining PSNI, Roberts built and led two successful AV integration businesses alongside his longtime business partner of more than 40 years, Chris Miller, Executive Director of PSNI Global Alliance. The pair acquired Fairview AFX and grew it into a nationally recognized systems integration firm with offices across Oklahoma, Texas, and Arkansas—earning recognition on the business front page of USA Today. Roberts later served as President of the South-Central Region for MSCI before bringing his entrepreneurial spirit and deep industry relationships to PSNI Global Alliance.

    Throughout his career, Roberts was an active contributor to AIA, IEEE, InfoComm, ITVA, NAB, PBS, SBE, and SMPTE, and served in an advisory capacity to numerous associations and manufacturers. He was widely recognized within the AV community for his work with various manufacturers, distributors and service providers.

    “Tommy wasn’t just my business partner for more than 40 years—he was my closest friend, my sounding board, and one of the finest people I have ever known. He had a rare gift for bringing people together and for seeing potential in others before they saw it in themselves. Everything we built, we built side by side, and everything PSNI has become in the vendor partner space carries his fingerprints. The Alliance is better, kinder, and more connected because of Tommy. We will miss him every single day.”
    — Chris Miller, Executive Director, PSNI Global Alliance

    Beyond his professional accomplishments, Roberts was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and a generous presence in the lives of his extended family and colleagues. He carried a lifelong passion for technology and a curiosity about how things worked—an interest that animated his entire career and his contributions to the AV community.

    PSNI Global Alliance extends its deepest condolences to Tom’s wife, Yuki; his children, Christopher and Morgan; his grandchildren; and the many friends, colleagues, and industry partners whose lives he touched.

  • Bright future: PPDS readies new Philips Professional Displays product and partnership reveals at InfoComm 2026 including new UltraSlim Signage in Las Vegas

    Bright future: PPDS readies new Philips Professional Displays product and partnership reveals at InfoComm 2026 including new UltraSlim Signage in Las Vegas

    PPDS is gearing up for a major showcase at InfoComm 2026 in Las Vegas, where the company will unveil new Philips Professional Displays solutions, including its latest AI-ready UltraSlim digital signage lineup and a new AV industry partnership. Exhibiting at Booth C9000, PPDS plans to highlight its expanding “total solutions” strategy with a wide portfolio covering dvLED, videowalls, ePaper, interactive displays, professional TVs, and signage solutions designed for multiple market verticals.

    The company will also demonstrate new sustainability-focused technologies, including energy-efficient display solutions and updates to the Philips Wave remote management platform. Visitors can expect live demonstrations, AI-powered visual experiences, and a first look at new products such as the Philips Signage 5000 Series and Philips LED Configurator. PPDS says its latest innovations are aimed at helping AV and IT professionals deliver more flexible, scalable, and future-ready display deployments.

    PPDS, the exclusive global provider of Philips Professional Displays and complementary solutions, is excited to confirm its participation at InfoComm 2026, promising an unmissable lineup, with new partnerships and UltraSlims both debuting and showcasing as future tech among planned announcements in Las Vegas.

    Exhibiting on Philips Booth C9000 – and joining over 800 registered exhibitors at the Las Vegas Convention Center (June 13-19) – InfoComm 2026 will mark another major milestone for PPDS and its acclaimed ‘total solutions’ strategy to deliver unrivalled quality, choice, and value to customers in North America and beyond.

    Continuing PPDS’ evolution beyond a traditional provider of displays, InfoComm 2026 brings the opportunity to showcase – many for the first time – what is hailed by the company and its partners as the industry’s most complete and energy conscious portfolio of advanced and highly flexible digital display hardware and software solutions.

    Total market solutions

    With quality only matched by design, solutions now include, but are far from limited to, dvLED (indoor, outdoor, and AIO), videowalls, digital signage (including TAA compliant) and ePaper, interactive displays, and professional TVs, created to support all market verticals and environments.

    At InfoComm 2026, PPDS is set to raise this bar even further with a wave of exciting new offerings, reinforcing its position as a centralized resource for projects of any scale, while delivering seamless buying and installation experiences to the channel.

    Bruce Wyrwitzke, Senior Director North America at PPDS, said: “Built on the foundations of over 134 years of innovation with Philips, PPDS prides itself on enabling businesses to bring their vision to life through tailored, cutting edge innovations. At InfoComm 2026, we will deliver the latest advances in support of that strategy, as well as showcasing the latest solutions that will enable customers to truly display without limits. You won’t want to miss it.”

    Ahead of the pack / Bright times ahead

    Continuing PPDS’ highly embraced ‘Picture this’ theme, launched for this year, visitors to the Philips booth at InfoComm 2026 will be treated to an assembly of unmissable AI infused visual activity, with an ever-changing pool of content presented across a broad range of form visual factors and technologies.

    Staying ahead of the pack, and with a commitment to delivering unrivalled choice, value, and opportunity to partners and customers in North America and around the world, PPDS can also confirm InfoComm 2026 will become the global launch pad for the latest in its new for 2026 AI ready digital signage lineup.

    While full details are under wraps ahead of the show, the creation of this exciting new category within PPDS’ evolving Android SoC portfolio will open a wealth of exciting installation opportunities where proven quality, unparalleled visual performance, and UltraSlim aesthetics really matter. And that’s not all.

    PPDS will be announcing a new major partnership and collaboration with one of the AV industry’s most trusted manufacturers, with the introduction of a brand new signage series with a fresh ecosystem for total solutions built in.

    Jack Boyczuk, Director of PD Sales at PPDS in North America, added: “This year’s Philips booth encourages visitors to explore the reaches of their imaginations, using displays together with our trusted partner solutions to realise the benefits of what’s already integrated within Philips Professional Displays – including ultimate processing power and artificial intelligence (AI) ready technologies.”

    We have the solution

    Helping visitors to visualise and experience the full power, potential, and versatility of Philips Professional Displays, this year’s booth will include solutions to support a variety of needs in different environments, including retail, education, corporate, food and beverage, transportation, hospitality, public venues, and control rooms.

    Powering forward

    The latest evolutions of PPDS’ commitment and global strategy to developing better energy efficiency and more environmentally conscious features into its displays will also be present through the Philips booth, demonstrating ways businesses can deliver instant sustainability (and financial) benefits to their day to day operation.

    This year’s show will feature a range of dvLED and digital signage solutions – including the new for 2026 Philips Signage 5000 Series, the TAA compliant Philips Videowall display, and the ‘zero power’ Philips Tableaux range, the award winning Philips Unite LED 6000 Series All In One, with the company’s acclaimed LED wall of fame showcasing many others.

    Missed ISE 2026? For the first time in North America, PPDS will also be showcasing the new ‘all inclusive’ Philips LED Configurator, plus ‘game changing’ updates to the Philips Wave remote management platform.

    As with previous events, PPDS will adopt an open approach to the Philips booth, with no restrictions on access, allowing visitors the freedom to experience all solutions up close. PPDS’ global management team, together with local and international sales managers from around the world, will be present and accessible throughout the show, providing live demonstrations and answering questions.

    Angela Lin, Commercial Head for North America at PPDS, concluded: “We cannot wait to welcome visitors to the Philips booth at InfoComm 2026. 2026 has already been an exciting year, with some incredible new projects, combined with the ever strengthening of our portfolio and offering. With our incredible launches, as well as an array of future tech, together with a major new partnership, a visit to Philips Professional Displays could be a game changer for your business. We look forward to seeing you in Las Vegas.”

  • The Digital Signage Summit Turns 20: Two Decades Shaping Digital Signage Strategy

    The Digital Signage Summit Turns 20: Two Decades Shaping Digital Signage Strategy

    The Digital Signage Summit (DSS) marks its 20th anniversary on 20–21 May 2026 at the Hilton Munich Airport, bringing together global AV and IT leaders to discuss the future of digital signage. What started in 2006 as a small industry gathering has grown into a leading international platform for strategy, innovation, and collaboration, connecting decision-makers, technology providers, and brands shaping next-generation digital experiences.

    This milestone edition will focus on key trends such as AI in signage, retail media, cybersecurity, and future-ready digital infrastructure. With expert-led sessions, keynotes, and networking opportunities, DSS 2026 offers valuable insights into how the industry has evolved and where it is heading, making it a must-attend event for professionals driving digital transformation in AV and IT.

    Returning to the Hilton Munich Airport, Germany, on 20–21 May for its 20-year anniversary edition, The DSS is the leading strategy conference for digital signage, driving exchange between senior executives, technology leaders and the brands investing in the next wave of connected experiences. In 2026, The DSS, presented by Integrated Systems Events and invidis consulting GmbH, takes on an even more international scope, reflecting its position as a truly global platform for the industry.

    To mark this anniversary, The DSS 2026 programme will look back at the breakthroughs that have shaped the industry over the past 20 years and look ahead to what will define the next decade of digital signage strategy.

    From Small Beginnings to the Global Stage 

    In 2006, invidis consulting set out to create a platform for sharing industry intelligence, learning from leaders and helping the market navigate change. The Munich Digital Signage Conference was born at the Systems IT trade fair with just 40 guests – but with enough proof that the appetite for practical strategy and real-world insight was there.

    invidis also began bringing its established conference format to major AV trade shows and in 2008, it debuted at Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) under the name “DiSCO”. By 2009, the conference had progressed to a standalone event held at the International Congress Centre Messe Munchen (ICM), and, under the patronage of the OVAB Digital (Out-of-Home Video Advertising Bureau) was known as the OVAB Digital Signage Conference, Munich.

    A year later, the conference moved to Munich Airport – its long-term home – then known as the Kempinski Airport Hotel, and by 2014, attendance had reached 350 industry representatives, reflecting the event’s growing influence and the market’s accelerating pace.

    A major growth phase followed in 2015 as invidis and Integrated Systems Events formed a joint venture, with the event organisation acquiring a majority stake in the series, strengthening global reach and deepening the event’s connection with the wider ISE community.

    “Reaching 20 years is a remarkable milestone for The Digital Signage Summit. What began as a small gathering of industry professionals has grown into the definitive platform for strategic insight, innovation, and collaboration, ” says Mike Blackman, Managing Director, Integrated Systems Events. “The DSS continues to connect the leaders shaping the future of digital signage worldwide, and this anniversary edition reflects both the evolution of the market and the opportunities ahead.”

    The Leading Event Connecting the Industry 

    The Digital Signage Summit series has expanded its reach by launching sister events – such as DSS MENA in Dubai in 2025 and DSS events at InfoComm shows in North and Latin America – reinforcing its role as a premier gathering for the global digital signage and DOOH industry. During the pandemic in 2020, the conference had to pivot to a virtual format, with ‘DSS The Show’ broadcast live for eight hours to more than 2,500 participants.

    Today, The DSS attracts influential business leaders from around the world, alongside major brand names as headline sponsors. Reflecting where the market is heading, the programme includes a dedicated forum for CTOs and developers, making it a unique opportunity for technology providers to engage both commercial and technical stakeholders in one place.

    “The DSS has always been about more than just digital signage. It’s about strategy, connection, and driving meaningful business outcomes, ” says Florian Rotberg, Founder & Owner of invidis consulting GmbH. “Looking back over two decades, it’s incredible to see how the industry has matured, and we’re excited to bring together the brightest minds and innovators to explore what the chapter of digital signage will hold.”

    The DSS 2026 – The Anniversary Edition

    This May, the event returns with a vibrant, insightful programme, cementing 20-years as the must-attend digital signage business event. This milestone edition will focus on NextGen Signage, centred around 9 conferencing themes: Managed Signage, Digital Signage in Retail and Beyond, Converged Communications, Operating Systems and Cyber Security, Green Signage, Future-Proofing Digital Signage, AI in Signage, The Future of CMS, and Retail Media.

    Across 2 days of keynotes, panel discussions, and expert-led sessions, The DSS 2026 will offer critical insight on the transformative forces impacting the industry from global politics and artificial intelligence to climate change and market maturity which are reshaping the operational and strategic foundations.

    The DSS Anniversary Keynote, “20 Years on Screen: The Stories, the Shifts, the Future” will offer a unique chance to reflect on the industry evolution and highlighting the pivotal moments, technologies, and market forces that have shaped 2 decades of digital signage innovation. It will also look ahead to the opportunities and challenges defining the next chapter of the sector, offering a forward-thinking perspective that sets the tone for this special 20th anniversary edition of the summit.

    Networking and learning at The DSS roll straight into the evening at Airbräu, in what promises to be a standout occasion, complete with 20th‑birthday surprises and lively celebrations.

    Join the decision-makers shaping digital signage projects worldwide. Reserve your space at The DSS to connect with qualified buyers and influencers, and secure senior-level meetings in a results-driven environment.

  • Legrand | AV Pro Training Returns to InfoComm 2026 with Full Day of AV Education

    Legrand | AV Pro Training Returns to InfoComm 2026 with Full Day of AV Education

    Legrand | AV has announced a full-day Pro Training program at InfoComm 2026 on June 16, focused on practical, real-world AV education. The sessions will cover key topics like AI in AV, AV-over-IP, accessibility design, cloud-based device management, and dvLED deployment. Led by industry experts and partners, each course will also provide AVIXA RU credits, making it valuable for professionals looking to upskill while staying compliant with certification requirements.

    The initiative reflects Legrand | AV’s broader commitment to industry education through its AV University platform and hands-on learning opportunities. Alongside the training, the company will showcase its ecosystem of brands and integrated solutions on the show floor, reinforcing its focus on combining technology, education, and real-world application to help AV and IT professionals deliver better project outcomes.

    Legrand | AV, a global specialist and industry leader in AV solutions, today announced it will host a full day of professional education at InfoComm 2026. The Legrand | AV Pro Training Day, taking place June 16, will bring together subject matter experts from across the company’s brands and partner ecosystem to share practical insights on the technologies shaping modern AV deployments.

    The program features six expert-led courses addressing artificial intelligence in AV environments, AV-over-IP deployment, accessibility design, cloud-based device management, and dvLED technology. Each session qualifies for AVIXA 1RU continuing education credit.

    “Education has always been a core part of how we support the AV industry,” said Wade Johnston, Sr. Manager – Learning and Development at Legrand | AV. “Our Pro Training Day brings together experts across multiple disciplines to share practical insights that professionals can apply immediately, from AI Integration in Designing AV Systems to Remote Management and Cloud Management and accessibility design.”

    InfoComm 2026 Pro Training Day Schedule — Tuesday, June 16, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Room W205-6:

    • 8:00–9:00 AM – Legrand: AI in the AV Industry – Foundations, Applications, and Impact

    Blake Brubaker and Bob Griffin, Technical Sales Application Engineers, Legrand | AV, will introduce AI concepts and real-world applications in commercial AV, including machine vision, predictive analytics, and edge computing.

    • 9:30–10:30 AM – Legrand: Designing AV Spaces with ADA in Mind

    Alan Jacobson, Strategic Account Manager – Federal Government, Legrand | AV; Luke Westin, Sr. Global Product Manager, Williams AV; and Tony Braun, VP North America Sales & Marketing, Williams AV will explore ADA requirements and best practices for accessible, inclusive AV environment design.

    • 11:00 AM–12:00 PM – Legrand: Scope of Work – Make a Statement with Your Work!

    Wade Johnston, Sr. Manager – Learning and Development, Legrand | AV, and Kevin Schornhorst, Vice President – SLED, AVI-SPL, will offer practical guidance for developing effective AV project Statements of Work, including scope definition, stakeholder alignment, and preventing scope creep.

    • 1:00–2:00 PM – Legrand: How to Plan and Deploy AVoIP Systems

    Wade Johnston and Joshua Crosby, Technical Sales Application Engineer, Legrand | AV, will share a roadmap for designing and deploying reliable, scalable AV-over-IP systems through smart network planning, documentation, and best-practice collaboration.

    • 2:30–3:30 PM – Legrand: Connected Intelligence – AI and Remote Monitoring in the Cloud

    Steven Hoenig, Sr. Director – Portfolio Expansion Program Management, Legrand | AV, and Andrew Gross, SVP Sales, Xyte.ai, will examine how AI and cloud-based remote monitoring and management (RMM) are transforming AV system oversight and enabling proactive device intelligence.

    • 4:00–5:00 PM – Legrand: dvLED in the AV Industry – Design, Deployment, and Impact

    David Albright, Senior Product Manager – Chief dvLED Mounts, Legrand | AV, and Ken Summers, Technical Service Manager, Absen, will deliver practical guidance on designing and deploying Direct View LED video walls, covering structural planning, alignment, workflows, and integration.

    Supporting Industry Education Beyond the Show Floor

    The Pro Training Day is part of Legrand | AV’s broader commitment to professional development through AV University, its online training and certification platform offering self-paced and instructor-led courses year-round.

    At InfoComm 2026, the education program complements Legrand | AV’s show floor presence at Booth C7800, where brands including C2G, Chief, Connectrac, Da-Lite, Luxul, Middle Atlantic, On-Q, Vaddio, and Wiremold will be showcased within solution-driven applications spanning higher education, federal government, commercial retail, and corporate environments.

    “InfoComm is an important opportunity not only to demonstrate new technologies but to invest in the knowledge and capabilities of the professionals who deploy them,” said Johnston. “By combining education, innovation, and real-world application scenarios, we’re helping partners deliver better outcomes for their customers.”