What’s Ahead for Live Event AV in 2026

Reflecting on the last year of shows, we are grateful for the clients and event teams who trusted us, and we’re excited for a fresh year of live experiences.

As we roll into 2026, here’s what we see coming for live event production and how planners can make the most of these trends.

1) AI and live events- helpful when used with care

How AI can support live events
AI is becoming a powerful tool for planners and producers. Here are ways it can help:

• Brainstorming partner: Use AI to spark ideas for run-of-show, content themes, and schedule outlines.

• Presentation support: Generate draft visuals or talking points for on-stage content, then refine with your creative team.

• Contract clarity: Summarize complex agreements and highlight key terms so you can review faster.

• Proposal and RFP assistance: Draft initial frameworks for bids or proposals to save time before fine-tuning.

Why it matters
These tools can speed up planning and open creative doors, but they’re not a replacement for human judgment. Always review AI-generated content, especially anything that will appear on stage or in legal documents. A trusted AV partner is still essential for show flows, technical design, and quality control.

Planning tip
If you use AI-generated content, be transparent. Add a simple disclosure in your materials or session notes. AI isn’t going away, so the question is how we adopt and adapt responsibly. Expect more creative applications ahead.

2) AR + VR move from room design to show floors

The Bluefox crew is already using VR to help clients visualize event designs before show day, and that’s a game-changer. But what happens when this tech moves beyond planning and into the live environment?

AR is on the horizon with devices like Meta glasses. Imagine attendees navigating an event with AR-guided wayfinding or seeing real-time captions in any language. Think immersive presentations in breakout rooms and even general sessions where your audience becomes part of the content.

This shift opens doors for new types of content creation and challenges designers to move past the classic dual 9x16 screen sets. We’re talking dynamic layouts, layered visuals, and interactive elements that make the experience feel fresh and connected.

Planning tip
Are you interested in seeing your event design in VR before you buy? Reach out to the Bluefox team to learn more about how we take our clients into their events!

3) Sustainability is not just a buzzword

Digital signage isn’t new, but we’re seeing even more of a shift toward screens instead of print and it’s going far beyond wayfinding and agenda boards.

Planners are using digital signage to transform lobby spaces with scenic designs that set the tone and showcase sponsorships. Interactive LED walls are popping up as branded activations, creating photo-worthy moments and engagement opportunities. We’re also seeing signage scattered throughout cocktail hours to share educational content about events and fundraisers.

This year brought creative sponsorship opportunities too, like our photobooth station with a custom branded LED wall backdrop. Expect more of this in 2026 as planners look for fresh ways to activate sponsors and create memorable touchpoints.

Planning tip
Think about key facts of your event or highlights you want attendees to know. Create content for signage around these ideas. Start early and involve your AV team for help with creative brainstorming and content design for signs.

4) Multi-cam recording for repurposed content

Recording your event isn’t new, but we’re seeing more planners invest in multi-camera setups to get more value from their shows. Capturing multiple angles gives you flexibility to repurpose content for marketing throughout the year, internal communications, client outreach, and even educational resources.

The best part? If you’re already using live video for IMAG or streaming, adding recording is often a minimal extra cost compared to the overall production. It’s a smart way to extend the life of your event and keep the content working for you long after the lights go down.

Planning tip
Map out how you’ll use the footage before show day. Decide on highlight reels, social clips, or training videos so your AV team can capture exactly what you need.

5) Podcast recordings on general session stages

We’re seeing more planners add podcast recordings as an event perk, and it makes sense. You already have industry experts in the room, a great stage set, and professional AV gear with a skilled team. Why not use that setup for podcast sessions?

This is an easy add. You’re already paying for an impactful stage that can double as your podcast set. We’re seeing this happen right in the general session room, using the stage and the time between sessions to record. Take it a step further by designing a dedicated podcast area into your stage layout, slightly off to the side, and advertise it during the show.

Another win by adding podcasting is giving your attendees even more to their event experience, content that continues long after the event ends. It’s a creative way to give thought leaders a platform and extend the reach of your event.

Planning tip
Think about this during your event design stage. Plan for custom set elements and branding early, and post sign-ups well before the event begins so you can lock in participants and sponsors.

6) More places and time for connection

We’re seeing more planners build intentional time for attendees to meet and collaborate instead of packing the schedule with back-to-back sessions. Thoughtful breaks are being added for connection and growth, and it’s making a difference in the overall event experience.

How can you increase opportunities for meetings and personal connections? Create client lounges and areas that invite attendees to gather and talk. These spaces work best when they feel comfortable and practical, think inviting seating, charging stations, warm lighting, and themed digital signage. Hosting smaller breakout-style rooms for one-on-one meetings is another great idea, and don’t skip on the tech if your audience needs it.

Better tip: secure a sponsor for your connection lounge. It’s a win for engagement and brand visibility.

Planning tip
Start early with design from your AV team so you can provide renders to potential sponsors. This helps lock in support and ensures the space looks intentional and on-brand.

2026 is shaping up to be a year of smarter tech, deeper engagement, and creative ways to extend the life of your event

If you’re planning ahead and want ideas for AV design, sponsorship activations, or content strategy, reach out, we’d love to help.

Here’s to the new year full of new events and new experiences!