News in the Channel - issue #30

AUDIO-VISUAL EQUIPMENT FOR MEETING ROOMS

native platforms are popular currently. “There is also significant interest in microphones, as they play a key role in enabling AI-powered features like live transcription and real-time translation,” he says. “Additionally, room management systems are gaining momentum, especially as meeting spaces increase in number and complexity, often featuring multiple devices per room.” Reseller conversations When talking to customers about AV equipment for meeting rooms, there are various things resellers should be highlighting. Frank says resellers should “get under the skin of an organisation, understanding its unique needs and growth-drivers. “No two organisations are the same, so building scalable options that adapt to their needs is essential, whether it’s a single meeting room or a company-wide rollout,” he adds. “It’s essential that meeting technology is intuitive and easy-to-use, so that all types of employees can easily connect and get on with their meeting. “Equally, many buyers are now looking for AI-enabled tools. While new features like auto-focus and real-time transcription are exciting, it’s also important to mitigate any potential risks. Security and data privacy should also be central to any offering, with the right safeguards in place for the environment. Resellers who position themselves as partners in creating future-ready, hybrid-friendly spaces will stand out in a rapidly evolving market.” Morten advises resellers to start by focusing on the customer’s chosen collaboration platform, whether it's Microsoft Teams, Zoom, or another solution. “Also, emphasise that a meeting room is much more than just its AV hardware,” he says. “Adoption services, user training and education are critical to a successful deployment. These efforts not only drive higher utilisation but also create opportunities to expand and scale

AV solutions across more rooms.” Pete says resellers should take the conversation beyond just hardware specs. “It’s about the full experience, how spaces are used, how easily solutions integrate with existing systems, and how manageable everything is over time,” he explains. “That’s where services like proactive support and managed offerings really shine. The real value isn’t just in the tech; it’s in helping customers deliver meaningful outcomes through smart solutions and services.” Growth and change Commentators agreed that demand for advanced AV solutions is going to accelerate. “As hybrid work models mature, organisations will further invest in the flexible ecosystem model, to ensure that collaboration is maintained between colleagues working in different environments,” says Frank. “This could include introducing smarter audio and video tools and offering improved training for users. The focus will shift from simply enabling meetings to creating truly inclusive, seamless experiences for all participants.” Anneke says it is likely that smart room automation with enhanced AI capability will grow in popularity. “There’s also growing pressure to choose AV systems that are energy-efficient, support remote monitoring, and align with corporate ESG goals with lifecycle management and upgradability are becoming decision factors,” she says. Morten adds that the focus is shifting from individual meeting rooms to the broader workplace experience. “This includes integrating meeting room technology with collaboration platforms, telephony systems, and hot-desking solutions to create a unified and flexible work environment,” he says. “Moreover, adopting an AI-first approach will become increasingly important, as intelligent features become a standard part of workplace technology.” n

There’s also growing pressure to choose AV systems that are energy-efficient, support remote monitoring, and align with corporate ESG goals...

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