InfoComm 2026 opened with a Microsoft keynote, the debut of Media Day, and new initiatives for the industry.

The first day of the show featured a Microsoft keynote presentation, the debut of InfoComm’s first-ever Media Day, and exclusive briefings for analysts and members of the media.

Microsoft explores the future of AI-powered collaboration

During Wednesday’s opening keynote, Ilya Bukshteyn, Corporate Vice President for Microsoft Teams Calling, Meetings and Devices, presented Microsoft’s vision for AI-powered communication, collaboration, and workplace experiences. According to Bukshteyn, intelligent systems can help make work more connected, productive, and inclusive.

Bukshteyn also introduced new voice agents for Microsoft Teams Phone, including Teams Phone Agent, designed to handle routine customer requests and allow representatives to focus on higher-value interactions. He also noted that organizations will be able to build custom voice agents using Microsoft Copilot Studio for specialized tasks, including assisting customers with phone-based transactions.

Beyond calling, Bukshteyn highlighted several new Microsoft Teams capabilities aimed at improving collaboration and workplace experiences. These include a new meetings recap app, support for first- and third-party agents in chats and channels, and new Teams Rooms capabilities designed to optimize hybrid meetings.

These enhancements include IntelliFrame People Labels, a feature that provides additional context for remote participants. He also previewed new capabilities for the Facilitator agent in Teams Rooms, extending assistance before, during, and after meetings.

AI will help on our behalf. By bringing together the details, context, and data we need in one place, AI will empower people to apply their creativity and ingenuity to achieve better business outcomes while focusing on what matters most, both at work and in their personal lives, said Bukshteyn.

Media Day debuts at InfoComm

InfoComm 2026 launched its first-ever Media Day, an initiative that brought together 19 exhibiting companies with journalists, analysts, and content creators through specially curated tours showcasing product launches, strategic partnerships, and innovations shaping the future of work and immersive experiences.

AVIXA research highlights industry trends

Attending media took part in an exclusive briefing where new AVIXA market intelligence data was presented.

The presentation explored the key trends impacting the industry, including artificial intelligence adoption, workplace transformation, integrated experiences, and evolving end-user expectations.

The biggest trends shaping the industry today are being driven by end users’ expectations for richer, more intelligent experiences powered by AI and broadcast-grade quality. Our research shows that the industry is actively working to meet these expectations by integrating data, workflows, and technologies capable of delivering more seamless, personalized, and engaging experiences across every environment, explained Mike Sullivan-Trainor, Senior Industry Analyst at AVIXA.

Analysts examine the future of the industry

InfoComm 2026 also brought together leading industry analysts for exclusive sessions featuring AVIXA research and a dedicated meeting with Microsoft focused on the future of AI-powered collaboration and workplace technologies.

Discussions explored the trends driving growth across the AV industry, including artificial intelligence, workplace transformation, broadcast convergence, and emerging opportunities for technology providers and end users alike.

AVIXA announces RESIDE

InfoComm 2026 also served as the launch platform for RESIDE, a new event dedicated to the residential integration market that will debut alongside Lightapalooza during InfoComm 2027 in Orlando, Florida.

Created through a partnership between AVIXA, HTSA, and ProSource, RESIDE responds to the growing convergence of commercial and residential audiovisual technologies. The event will bring together integrators, manufacturers, and service providers through educational sessions, networking opportunities, training programs, and hands-on product experiences.

HTSA and ProSource together represent more than 750 of North America’s leading residential integration companies.

InfoComm is all about creating better experiences regardless of the environment — workplace, retail, hospitality, healthcare, education, and many others. By welcoming residential-focused communities to RESIDE, held alongside InfoComm, the show reinforces its role as the meeting point for integrated experience professionals, whether they work in commercial, residential, or hybrid environments, said Jenn Heinhold of AVIXA.