Olympia Events and Aztec Unveil 2026 AV Trends Review

Olympia Events, managed by Legends Global, has partnered with Aztec Event Services to publish the 2026 AV Trends Review, offering a forward-looking analysis of the technologies, production trends and attendee expectations shaping the future of live events.

The publication follows Aztec's appointment as the official audiovisual partner for Olympia's new International Convention Centre (ICC) and reflects the organisations' shared ambition to promote innovation and knowledge-sharing across the business events industry.

Drawing on insights from venue, production and technology specialists, the report examines how audiovisual technology is evolving from a supporting function into a strategic enabler of event experiences. It also explores the operational challenges facing organisers, exhibitors and venues as expectations around engagement, personalisation and return on investment continue to grow.

"We have to give people a reason to leave their homes. The events that are succeeding today are creating experiences people simply can't get anywhere else. Technology plays an important role in that, but only when it's used to support a much bigger story about connection, engagement and community," said Lisa Tyson, Deputy Managing Director at Aztec Event Services.

From technology-led to experience-led events

One of the report's central conclusions is that successful events are increasingly being designed around the attendee experience rather than around technology itself. Personalisation, immersive content and year-round engagement are identified as becoming essential components of event strategies.

"Technology should enable great events rather than become the focus of them. The most successful organisers are thinking beyond equipment and looking at how technology can create more seamless, personalised and engaging experiences for attendees," added Richard Harris, Technology Director at Olympia Events.
 

Five trends shaping the industry

The 2026 AV Trends Review highlights five developments expected to influence live events over the coming year:

• The shift from technology-led planning to experience-led event design.
• Personalisation emerging as the new benchmark for attendee engagement.
• Greater emphasis on year-round content creation to maximise event ROI.
• Practical applications of artificial intelligence alongside areas requiring caution.
• Increasing operational pressures on production teams as expectations continue to rise.

Alongside these trends, the report also identifies two major challenges facing organisers and venues, before concluding with five predictions covering AI adoption, accessibility, audience behaviour and the future evolution of live event production.

Designed for event organisers, venues, exhibitors and production professionals, the report provides practical guidance for organisations seeking to adapt to an increasingly experience-driven meetings and events landscape.
 

Download the full review here
 

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