4 Key Trends to the Future of AV: Breaking Barriers, Sparking Innovation, & Leading with Bold Vision
Let’s rewind to InfoComm 2024, the AVIXA Stage buzzed with energy and game-changing conversation that blended cutting-edge tech trends with the power of female leadership and empowerment.
Diversified brought together trailblazing women in the AV industry to explore industry trends and gold standard leadership practices. The insights they shared resonated far beyond the stage, igniting continued discussions months after the event.
More than an industry panel, it was a demonstration of how AI, cloud, and automation are transforming industries, and how leadership—particularly by women—can drive impactful change.
Below are 4 key future trends they discussed that will continue to shape the AV landscape in the coming years:
1. Cloud is the New Standard for AV & Media Flexibility at Scale
Cloud-based AV solutions and technology have evolved beyond just an infrastructure solution and emerged as the backbone of modern AV. Enabling seamless management of everything from boardroom meetings to live event productions, cloud-first infrastructure is rewriting the rules of efficiency and scalability.
“One day, you’ve got a 12-person team running the show; the next, a single operator manages it all,” said Erin Bigelow Omar of Amazon Live. This level of flexibility is no longer a luxury—it’s an expectation. AI-powered automation takes it further, conducting real-time equipment checks across hundreds of boardrooms, proactively solving issues before they impact operations.
The takeaway? Cloud platforms aren’t just about practical cost savings; they’re unlocking new possibilities for efficiency, adaptability, and unparalleled scalability like never before.
2. AI as a Catalyst for Scalability & Creativity
AI has evolved from a technical novelty to a transformative force in both productivity and creativity. Organizations are increasingly turning to AI-driven automation to streamline workflows, eliminate bottlenecks, and enable their teams to focus on high-value work.
“Give AI an objective, and it will adjust to new inputs,” said Jamie Dumo, an entrepreneur reshaping workflows with AI. She emphasized how AI can remove repetitive tasks, like video tagging, allowing businesses and creative professionals to shift time spent on administrative tasks to more strategic efforts.
At Amazon Live, AI-driven templates are fueling rapid growth. “We’ve grown by 400%, and automation is a key part of keeping up,” Erin noted. Yet she highlighted the importance of human creativity: “Templates get us 70% of the way there, but it’s people who make the final product resonate.”
Similarly, QSC harnessed AI to improve virtual collaboration and create more immersive experiences. Their AI-powered presenter tracking system enhances engagement, making remote participants feel like active contributors where their voice matters. “We need tools that bring people into the room, not just as spectators but as part of the conversation,” said QSC’s Chief Market Officer, Anna Csontos.
AI’s ability to streamline workflows and foster deeper engagement is paving the way for more experience-driven designs, where technology enhances human connection rather than replacing it.
3. Responsible AV Innovation Balances Opportunity with Accountability
AI and cloud technologies bring exciting opportunities for businesses to get ahead (and stay ahead), but they also introduce new challenges—chief among them, reliability and security.
Jamie shared her experiences with AI vendors’ unpredictable pricing models and shifting functionality. “You think everything is running smoothly, and the next day it’s behind a paywall,” she said, emphasizing the need for transparency and reliability in AI partnerships.
Another widespread concern is job displacement. “People worry that AI will replace them—it’s always available, never tired, and won’t make mistakes,” Erin acknowledged. However, the panel agreed that AI should be seen as an augmentation rather than a replacement. By handling routine and technical tasks, AI frees professionals to focus on high-impact strategic thinking.
Businesses must establish clear AI policies and foster a culture of continuous learning to ensure technology serves people, not the other way around. By aligning their talent strategies with technological advancements, management can ensure their teams have the skills to thrive in a changing landscape.
As Jamie pointed out, “What you’re doing today will likely be obsolete tomorrow. The key is to stay curious, keep learning, and explore new skills.”
4. Empowering Women to Break Free from the Sticky Floor
Technology might be shaping the AV landscape, but leadership determines how far businesses can go. A key theme of the discussion was the “sticky floor”—the mindset that holds individuals, most notably women, back from pursuing leadership roles because they feel underqualified for the opportunity.
Our panelists agreed with Heather’s advice: “Don’t waste time doubting yourself. Instead surround yourself with people who want to see you succeed.” Erin kept the momentum going by saying, “Know your worth. Don't work yourself to the bone to try to prove to everyone, including yourself, that you can do it and you're worthy. Don't do that. Track everything you do. Track it and then ask for a raise more often than you think you should by using data that shows why you deserve it."
Data-backed advocacy and a strong sense of purpose are essential for professional growth. “Men ask for raises far more often than women,” Jamie noted. “If you’ve got the data to back it up, don’t hesitate to negotiate.”
Anna reinforced the importance of having a clear vision: “If you can’t articulate why you do what you do, it’s time to reflect.” Purpose serves as an anchor in an ever-changing world, helping leaders stay focused and adaptable.
Bold Leadership for an AV Future-Ready World
At its core, this discussion wasn’t just about technology or trends; it was about leadership—purposeful leadership. Women in AV and tech are doing more than just keeping up with the pace of change. They’re in the driver’s seat making meaningful change a reality. By identifying emerging trends, demystifying their applications, and driving adoption, these leaders are proving that innovation and inclusion go hand in hand.
From AI and cloud solutions to automation and experience-driven design, the opportunities ahead are immense. But realizing them requires leadership—bold, visionary leadership that embraces change and champions progress.
Anna summed it up best: “AI lowers the floor and raises the ceiling.” The technology removes barriers, but real transformation happens when people step up and create extraordinary outcomes.
At Diversified, we’re proud to champion innovation that starts with people—empowering women, teams, and organizations to lead the way with purpose. The future belongs to those ready to embrace change.
So, are you ready to take the lead?
