One of Australia’s leading audio-visual events ‘Integrate’ was held in Sydney at the end of August this year. This exhibition is a major event on the Australian AV and Workplace Technology industry calendars as it provides a platform for businesses and professionals to learn about current and emerging products and platforms.
Engagis’ AV Practice Manager, Sam Wood weighs in on this year’s event with four key takeaways:
1. The industry is maturing
The initial takeaway, which reverberated throughout the event, was a resounding sense that our industry has recovered to pre-2020 attendance levels, and more importantly, it did so with an infectious aura of positivity. While there may not have been a deluge of groundbreaking new technologies on display at the event, this isn’t necessarily a negative reflection. Instead, it signifies the market’s maturity, particularly within the realm of modern workplaces and hybrid working solutions. The steadying of offerings indicates that we are entering a phase of stabilisation and refinement. This is good news, as it suggests that the market is now better equipped to meet the nuanced needs of businesses embracing hybrid work models.
2. Supply chain stability
One of the standout points that set the tone for the event was the apparent resolution of the challenges related to stock and supply that had plagued us in recent times. Observing that most products are now readily available on reasonable lead times was heartening. This newfound stability in the supply chain opens up deployment options with considerably fewer compromises. The ability to promise clients reliable timelines and delivery dates is a breath of fresh air for our industry and instils a renewed sense of confidence.
3. MTR on Android prevails
Of significance was the prevalence of Microsoft Teams Room (MTR) solutions now being offered on the Android platform. Nearly all the major IT manufacturers are now providing a comprehensive package, encompassing both computers and peripherals. This development signifies a significant shift in the market dynamics, offering businesses more flexibility and choice when building their collaborative environments. The Android-based Teams Room solutions not only bring robustness to the ecosystem but also foster interoperability and ease of integration, allowing organisations to craft bespoke solutions tailored to their needs. There’s now a wider spread of OEM offerings and comments from manufacturers suggest the balance of sales is shifting towards Android over Windows, not discounting the greater power and flexibility of Teams on Windows.
4. Company standouts
Two companies that stood out during the event were Crestron and QSC, each offering their unique brand of innovation. Crestron unveiled its Airmedia and Wireless dongle, which promises to elevate the experience of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) rooms to a new level. This technology is bound to enhance collaboration by eliminating the hassles often associated with connecting personal devices to presentation systems.
On the other end of the spectrum, QSC showcased the expanded capability of their industry-leading Q-SYS platform, which pushes the boundaries of what we thought possible in the realm of audio, video, and control. The enhancements it brings to MTRs are nothing short of game-changing, promising to redefine how we perceive and utilise these spaces. The expanded capabilities offered by Q-SYS are a testament to the industry’s commitment to providing innovative solutions that truly enhance the functionality of modern workplaces.
Looking ahead
“I foresee these trends continuing to shape our industry in the coming year,” says Wood. “Meeting rooms are likely to transition from hastily assembled hybrids to thoughtfully designed and well-integrated spaces that support the evolving needs of the modern office. This shift towards a life cycle approach to updates and improvements is a welcome change and underscores our industry’s commitment to delivering value-driven solutions that stand the test of time.”
“As we move forward, I’m confident that our industry will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the modern workplace, fostering collaboration, and enabling businesses to thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of work.”
