Connected Magazine - Your guide to ISE 2026

INTRO TO CONNECTED MAGAZINE

Connected is Midwich’s industry insight magazine, created for AV professionals who want to understand not just what is changing in technology, but why those changes matter.

Each edition brings together perspectives from across the AV ecosystem, exploring the trends, technologies and ideas shaping how modern environments are designed, experienced and trusted. From collaboration and education to smart buildings, public safety and immersive experiences, Connected examines how AV is evolving as part of wider digital infrastructure.

Rather than focusing solely on products, the magazine looks at the decisions, strategies and systems behind successful deployments. It is written for resellers, integrators and consultants navigating an increasingly interconnected market, while also offering valuable perspective for end users looking to better understand the industry.

Across every issue, the aim remains the same: to provide clear insight into where the AV industry is heading and what that means in practice.

THE LATEST EDITION

ISE insights shaping the year ahead

ISE may be over, but the conversations it sparked continue to shape the AV industry throughout the year.

This edition of Connected uses the world’s largest AV event as a lens to explore the themes influencing technology decisions across the market today. From smart buildings and AI-driven environments to sustainability and cybersecurity, the industry is entering a phase defined by greater maturity and confidence.

What stood out most clearly at ISE 2026 was not just innovation, but intent. Technologies are no longer being introduced as novelties or experiments. Instead, they are becoming dependable parts of wider systems that support people, spaces and organisations over the long term.

Across this issue, contributors from across the industry reflect on what they saw, what it means for integrators and where the market is heading next. The result is a collection of insights designed to help the AV community translate ISE’s momentum into practical thinking for the year ahead.

INSIGHTS WORTH SHARING

Industry insight
from Jenny Hicks

Across discussions on AI, sustainability and cybersecurity, the focus shifted away from disruption towards thoughtful integration, trust and long-term value. These conversations offer an important perspective on how technology decisions are evolving across connected environments.

Public safety and the role of PAVA systems

Public safety and PAVA systems today

New legislation such as Martyn’s Law is reshaping expectations for public venue safety. Public Address and Voice Alarm systems are becoming essential to emergency preparedness, enabling clear communication, coordinated responses and greater control across complex environments.

The future of collaboration with Barco ClickShare

Future collaboration with Barco ClickShare

Hybrid work continues to challenge organisations with fragmented meeting experiences and disconnected systems. Barco ClickShare explores how Microsoft’s Device Ecosystem Platform can unify collaboration technology, creating more consistent, manageable and seamless environments.

FEATURED AT ISE 2026

ISE is often where the direction of the AV industry becomes most visible. Across the show floor, manufacturers showcased technologies designed to address the evolving needs of modern workplaces, education environments, production studios and digital signage networks.

In this edition of Connected, we highlight a selection of innovations that captured attention at the show and reflect broader trends shaping the market in the year ahead.

Promethean

After a six-year absence, Promethean returned to ISE with a refreshed collaboration portfolio for modern workplace environments. The ActivPanel 10 Premium took centre stage, demonstrating stronger platform integration, enhanced security and a continued focus on sustainability-led design.

Sharp

Sharp’s presence at ISE highlighted how large format displays are becoming more intelligent and connected. Updates across the MultiSync range reinforced durability, long lifecycles and scalable ecosystems, helping organisations adapt to evolving digital environments.

PTZOptics

The PTZOptics Move 4K camera drew strong attention with its high-visibility design and advanced auto-tracking capabilities. For flexible deployment across broadcast, production and corporate environments, it delivers reliable video performance with simplified IP and PoE connectivity.

Ikan

Designed for organisations needing professional production capability without permanent studio infrastructure, the Ikan Studio Rover introduces a mobile, integrated broadcast platform. Combining camera support, lighting, prompting and production equipment into one easy-to-deploy solution.

Brightsign

BrightSign’s presence at ISE highlighted the growing role of AI at the edge in digital signage. Its Series 6 media players combine integrated AI processing, reliable performance and secure operation, enabling more personalised, responsive and data-driven content experiences.

Philips

Philips Professional Displays focused on simplifying deployment and improving long-term performance across its signage portfolio. Enhancements to Philips Wave and new AI-ready displays support efficient rollout, stronger control and reduced total cost of ownership across organisations.

LATEST EDITIONS

Harnessing the imagination with film, video and audio

Learn about AV sector challenges, smart technology applications and how audio innovations pave the way to increased accessibility.

Innovation in focus, what's new & important?

Storytelling experiences on stage

Following the success of ISE 2025, discover insights on entertainment, workplace, broadcast and home cinema trends from Midwich specialists.

Supporting neurodiversity

Learn about supporting neurodiversity in education and the workplace alongside exclusive insights from the UK leading AV technology event!

Eco forward AV

Learn about sustainable tech and how it is creating pathways for a greener future with industry experts.

AV tech trends in 2024

Explore the top tech trends of 2024 and how to level up your technology experience!

The rise of artificial intelligence

In this edition, we’ve dedicated our pages to exploring AI ethics, how it’s making businesses more productive and successful and how it’s sparking new creative concepts. But it’s more than a collection of articles; it’s a tapestry of knowledge and imagination. We invite you to join us to learn, reflect and imagine the possibilities.

The next chapter in education

Read a holistic overview of the possibilities offered by EdTech, exploring topics such as blended learning and the value of music and gamification in the classroom!

What happened at ISE 2023?

Dive into the trends and insights uncovered at ISE 2023 in a wide range of sectors including education, smart buildings, UC&C, signage and content production.

Entertainment in focus

This technology magazine explores how technology has transformed the entertainment, film and music industry with virtual production, Esports and the Metaverse.

Collaboration in focus

Discover evolving flexible workspaces, how to enhance collaboration and strengthen communication and the benefit of activity based working and agile working.

Innovation in focus

Welcome to the first edition of Connected Magazine! Read more about becoming an AV influencer, greenwashing, BYOM, smart buildings and remote production.