ISE 2026 once again proved why it remains the premier global event for the professional AV and systems integration community. With more than 92k attendees and exhibitors from around the world gathering in Barcelona, this year’s show highlighted how the industry continues to evolve driven by smarter technology, stronger integration, and real-world performance.
Smarter, Purpose-Built AV Solutions
Across the show floor (as well as within the Mimo booth), one of the most consistent themes was the move toward purpose-built solutions. From education and corporate environments to transportation and public spaces, exhibitors showcased technologies designed to solve specific challenges rather than one-size-fits-all approaches. Displays, control systems, and software platforms increasingly emphasized usability, reliability, and long-term deployment.
Outdoor and High-Durability Displays Take Center Stage
Outdoor and high-durability displays were a major focus at ISE 2026 and we were particularly excited to debut our new line of outdoor displays with an industry leading three-year warranty. As digital signage continues to move beyond traditional indoor spaces, manufacturers highlighted solutions built for visibility, weather resistance, and continuous operation. This trend reflects growing demand across campuses, transportation hubs, retail, and smart city applications.
The Growing Role of Visual Communication
ISE 2026 underscored the expanding role of visual communication beyond marketing and information display. Displays are increasingly seen not simply as signage endpoints, but as essential tools for delivering real-time messaging, supporting accessibility, and improving engagement in complex environments.
Solutions that enable clear, immediate communication across distributed screens drew strong interest, particularly for wayfinding, notifications, and safety-focused alerts in education, healthcare, transportation, and other public-facing spaces.
As organizations seek faster and more effective ways to reach audiences and occupants, ISE 2026 reinforced that visual communication is becoming a core component of modern AV and integrated systems design.
Recognition for Innovation Across the Show
Innovation was widely recognized throughout the event, with multiple Best of Show awards presented by industry publications. Mimo was proud to be part of that recognition, as Mimo FlashCast received a Best of Show award from Systems Contractor News (SCN) highlighting the growing importance of visual alerting and messaging solutions within the AV ecosystem. Read more about the problems FlashCast solves in this post titled, “When Systems Don’t Talk: How AV and Security Teams Can Bridge the Gaps”
Looking Ahead
Industry media and thought leaders described ISE 2026 as more than a trade show. The official theme, Push Beyond, resonated across exhibits and sessions, reflecting an industry-wide focus on expanding what’s possible with AV and systems integration.
Several key takeaways stood out from the event:
- The growing role of AI and intelligent workflows, from real-time translation and accessibility tools to smarter room and display control, signaling deeper integration of AV with IT and user experience design.
- Record attendance and the largest show footprint in ISE history, underscoring strong global momentum and accelerating demand for advanced visual communication solutions.
- A continued emphasis on reliability, adaptability, and meaningful use cases as organizations rethink how displays support communication and engagement.
For those who attended, ISE delivered inspiration and insight. For those who couldn’t make it, the trends emerging from Barcelona point toward an industry that is more connected, more intentional, and more impactful than ever. Mimo is proud to help lead the way during this exciting time. We invite you to reach out to discuss your project.
