New Year, New AV: Top Predictions for AV in 2026

Moving on from 2025, the Audio Visual (AV) world is expected to become both more powerful and more complex. Here at Clarity, our goal is to avoid the guessing game of what 2026 has in store for AV and help planners and production teams understand what’s changing and why it matters. So, we teamed up with our CEO Brian Lagestee to hear some of his insight and predictions for AV in 2026.

Core 2026 predictions in AV from our CEO Brian Lagestee

At Clarity Experiences, we’re not just watching trends, we’re shaping them. In 2026, the AV world is evolving faster than ever. With over 30 years of experience in the AV industry, our CEO, Brian has motivated Clarity to have a focus on immersive attendee experience, creative content, and seamless execution with the overall goal to maximize engagement and elevate technology in ways that are unforgettable. He distinguishes the difference between “experience” and “equipment” to be the leading factors to consider for AV in 2026. 

Experience

Brian says experience is the sum of how every person at your event connects, understands, and remembers what they saw and heard. While flashy visuals and crisp sound are vital, it’s the accessibility and impact that reaches people whether they’re in the room or halfway across the world. Here’s how Brian breaks down the predictions for the experience side of AV:

• Simultaneous Real-Time Translation: This refers to the use of AI to display real-time translation which eliminates any language barriers the event may run into keeping the energy high and ensuring that conversation flows naturally for everyone.
• Showflows, Renders, and Graphics: Brian emphasizes that visual elements are more than decoration, they’re storytelling tools. Showflows combined with high-quality renders and graphics, help planners and presenters get the event’s narrative down early in the process. Having an experienced design team really takes the dreams of the client to the big stage and enhances the overall picture. 
• Alignment Between Planners and Executives: One of Brian’s guiding principles is that experience is strongest when everyone is aligned on the end goal of an event. By using tools like shared digital showflows, visual previews, and real-time updates, teams can work collaboratively without the stress from the guessing game.

These reasons alone are why Clarity focuses not just on using the best equipment and technology, but also on orchestrating experiences that feel inclusive and memorable for every guest.

Equipment and Technology

As our CEO Brian Lagestee puts it, “You need to see and hear, anything else is extra.” At the end of the day, no matter how advanced AV technology becomes, the foundation remains the same: people need to see and hear. If you don’t get those basics right, even the most creative concept can fail. Here’s Brian’s big predictions on AV equipment for 2026:

• Audio & Visual Basics Still Matter: High-end equipment is only as effective as the people running it. Without sharp, experienced operators, your visuals and sound won’t land the way they should and that can undermine your entire event experience. Get the AV basics down, then the sauce comes after.
• Lighter, More Flexible LED: Brian sees today’s Direct-view LED (dvLED) and microLED displays continuing to evolve into lighter, brighter, and more energy-efficient options. Not only do these screens deliver unforgettable visual impact for your audience, but they also make set builds, rigging, and strikes much easier for your production team. This trend toward lighter, more capable LED technology is only going to accelerate.
• Moving Beyond “Same Old”: For years, many AV technologies have felt stagnant. From the same projectors, lighting rigs, and control decks, these technologies have been the standard for sometime and maybe increased in capability only slightly. With that said, Brian predicts AV technology will move to utilizing equipment that holds a more modular, scalable, and energy efficient experience. 

Smarter LED displays and next-gen lighting engines are already integrating higher brightness, richer contrast, and truer color reproduction, enabling visuals to pop while minimizing power draw and structural weight.

In 2026, the industry isn’t just about chasing novelty for the hell of it, it’s optimizing equipment to remove friction, enhance accessibility, and elevate every participant’s experience. 

Work with Clarity Experiences in 2026

We at Clarity are ahead of the game for the latest AV trends and are ready to take on your event. If you want to utilize a team that masterfully puts your vision on stage, we’d love the opportunity to work with you!