Olympia Events releases AV Trends Review in partnership with Aztec

Olympia Events, managed by Legends Global, has partnered with Aztec Event Services (Aztec) to launch a 2026 AV Trends Review, examining the key trends, challenges and opportunities shaping AV, technology and event production in 2026 and beyond.

The review follows Aztec's appointment as Olympia's official AV partner for its new International Convention Centre (ICC) and reflects a shared commitment to driving innovation and knowledge-sharing across the events industry.

Drawing on the expertise of venue, production and technology specialists, the review explores the evolving role of AV and production in event design, changing attendee expectations, and the technologies set to influence live events over the next 12 months. It also considers the challenges and opportunities facing organisers, exhibitors and venues as they seek to deliver more engaging, personalised and impactful event experiences.

Featuring commentary from Lisa Tyson, Deputy Managing Director at Aztec Event Services, and Richard Harris, Technology Director at Olympia Events, the review identifies five key industry trends, explores operational challenges, and sets out predictions for the future of live events.

Lisa Tyson, Deputy Managing Director at Aztec Event Services, said:

"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."

Richard Harris, Technology Director at Olympia Events, added:

"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."

Among some of the topics explored in the review are:

• How experience-led event design is replacing technology-led planning
• Why personalisation is becoming the new gold standard for attendee experiences
• The growing importance of year-round engagement and generating long-term event content for stronger ROI
• Where AI is delivering genuine value – and where the industry should be cautious
• The operational pressures facing production teams as event expectations continue to rise

Designed for event organisers, exhibitors, venues and production professionals, the review provides practical insight into how events are evolving and where the industry is heading next.

The review concludes with five forecasts for the year ahead, covering everything from AI adoption and accessibility to changing audience behaviour, production pressures and the continued evolution of experience-led events.

Download the free AV Trends Review 2026 to discover:

• Five trends shaping AV and live event production
• Two major challenges affecting organisers and venues
• Five predictions for the future of event technology
• Expert insight from Olympia Events and Aztec Event Services

Download the full review here.