Beyond the boardroom with corporate AV

In a boardroom setting, EW-DX supports multiple speakers without audio dropouts or interference

Corporate AV is powering a new kind of workplace – one that is defined by seamless collaboration and hybrid productivity. LIVE delves into the evolving landscape and how businesses can stay on top

Words Oliver Webb

With the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, we’ve seen a seismic shift in the ways in which we work. AV tools that before were considered optional suddenly found themselves elevated to essential, becoming crucial components to keeping businesses afloat during an extremely difficult time for the global economy. As the hybrid model continued to evolve in the post-pandemic years, corporate AV has consistently played a pivotal role in keeping teams connected, productive and engaged.

Meeting room integration, unified communications, digital signage and touchless collaboration are just some of those tools that are galvanising the modern workplace. With an increasingly busy selection of options to play with, it’s more important than ever for both companies and businesses to stay ahead of the curve.

AV for all

“Whether it’s a small huddle room, a mid-size conference space or a large boardroom, our portfolio is designed to support modern hybrid workflows with a focus on clarity, flexibility and ease of integration,” introduces Inesh Patel, business development manager for business communications at Sennheiser.

Rather than offering a scattered array of products for the corporate market, Sennheiser’s flagship conferencing series, the Teamconnect Family, offers an entire ecosystem. From sound to AI-tracking and Microsoft Teams integration, it is built to scale across room sizes and technical requirements. “Within this range, we offer two ceiling microphone solutions: the Teamconnect Ceiling 2 (TCC 2) and the more compact Teamconnect Ceiling Medium (TCC M),” explains Patel. “Both feature our advanced dynamic beamforming technology, which automatically detects and follows the active speaker in the room – allowing for a completely hands-free and clean set-up without visible microphones on the table. The TCC 2 offers extended coverage and a 28-capsule array, ideal for larger or more complex spaces, while the TCC M provides the same beamforming precision in a smaller 15-capsule form factor, perfect for mid-sized to large meeting rooms. Both models are also equipped with Truvoicelift for voice amplification and support features like exclusion zones, priority zones and camera tracking integration, all easily managed via our Sennheiser Control Cockpit software.”

EW-DX is suitable for use in settings such as boardrooms, large campuses and hybrid workspaces

For smaller to mid-sized meeting rooms that require integrated audio and video, Sennheiser offers the Teamconnect Bar (TC Bar) in two sizes – TC Bar S and TC Bar M. “These all-in-one UC solutions combine beamforming microphones, high-quality speakers and a built-in 4K camera with AI-driven features like auto framing and person-tiling,” details Patel. “The bars offer plug-and-play USB connectivity for fast deployment, along with Dante support for more advanced AV set-ups. They’re certified for platforms such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom, making them an ideal solution for organisations seeking a professional yet user-friendly conferencing experience.”

Complementing their Teamconnect systems is the Speechline Digital Wireless (SL DW) family – a good choice for speech in corporate, education and government environments. “SL DW includes various transmitters – handheld, lavalier, boundary mic and table stand options – and is optimised for spoken word, offering interference-resistant wireless transmission, long battery life and encrypted communication. The system is designed for easy deployment and remote management, making it a favourite for AV/IT teams who manage multiple rooms across a facility.”

Some corporate use cases can be more demanding than others – something the team at Sennheiser has taken into consideration with its Evolution Wireless Digital (EW-DX). Designed to meet top-tier enterprise-level audio needs, EW-DX offers multichannel set-ups, AES-256 encryption and network integration via Dante. “With advanced auto-frequency coordination, remote monitoring through Control Cockpit and a flexible hardware line-up (including bodypacks, handhelds and desktop transmitters), EW-DX is ideal for boardrooms, large campuses and even hybrid work environments that demand crystal-clear, wireless audio with IT-friendly management,” says Patel.

It’s easy to only consider the day-to-day requirements for the workplace. However, a 2020 YouGov poll found that 27% of offices lack sufficient access for wheelchair users. A similar poll also found that 30% of 18- to 24-year-olds felt their workplace was not accessible for those with varying abilities. As the data suggests, there is clearly a lot more to be done, and on a positive note, this seems to have become a greater consideration for the ed-tech and corporate AV manufacturers – with an increasing variety of accessible solutions becoming available to market.

Each TC Bar combines beamforming microphones, high-quality speakers and a built-in 4K camera

For example, when it comes to assistive listening and inclusive communication, Sennheiser also offers Mobileconnect – a Wi-Fi-based streaming solution that lets users listen to presentations, lectures or events directly on their personal smartphones with low-latency, high-quality audio. “It’s particularly useful in settings such as corporate training, town halls or multi-language environments,” says Patel. “Our corporate solutions – whether it’s ceiling microphones, conferencing bars, wireless systems or assistive listening – are built to integrate seamlessly, deliver speech intelligibility and provide flexibility for IT and AV professionals. We are extremely proud to support more effective and inclusive collaboration across global workspaces.

“It should go without saying, but I always have to say it, that everyone who should have a voice in the session, should also be able to be heard by everyone, without compromise. The reality is, corporate AV often suffers and the worst element to compromise is audio, and yet it is often the first thing someone will sacrifice, and the results are often detrimental to the experience of the participants. Corporate AV needs to take a leaf from our friends in higher education – where the student experience is paramount and there is often no compromise made for a great AV experience.”

From broadcast to boardroom

Vizrt offers a suite of broadcast-grade tools designed to elevate corporate communications. “Our solutions address key challenges across four pillars,” begins Katie Watts, product marketing manager for Tricaster and corporate solutions. “Firstly, virtual town halls and leadership updates. We help companies turn strategic communications into polished productions that resonate with employees and stakeholders. Secondly, employee training and onboarding. Our tools make onboarding dynamic and inspiring, ensuring new hires feel connected and motivated from day one. For livestreaming and webinars, we enable high-quality, interactive broadcasts that engage audiences and include remote contributors seamlessly.

EW-DX integrates with networks via Dante, enhancing compatibility with advanced AV systems

Social media and video marketing are the final pillar. Our solutions help brands stand out with attention-grabbing, high-production-value content that drives genuine engagement across social platforms.”

Vizrt’s Tricaster Family is a suite of live production systems tailored to meet the needs of various workflows, from small events to enterprise-level productions.

“Tricaster launched at a time when people began to realise you could have innovative products without all the expensive equipment,” reminisced Chris McLendon, senior product manager for Tricaster at Vizrt in an article featured in FEED magazine. In the article, McLendon reflected on the distant days of 2005 when the product was launched: a time when technology was taking off, and minimising stacks of pricey hardware was a top priority. 

“Tricaster came along then, and being software-based meant we were able to take amazing amounts of production power and put them into small packages,” explains McLendon.

Tricaster’s launch was nothing short of revolutionary. Merging live video switching, broadcast graphics, virtual sets, special effects, audio mixing and more into a portable and compact appliance, it became the simplest answer to various issues faced by media firms at the time. Now, as found with many products developed initially for the broadcast industry, the Tricaster family has firmly established itself within the corporate landscape – with recent updates further enhancing its suitability for the workplace.

“Key features and highlights include Live Call Connect with Zoom integration,” says Watts. “The latest Tricaster update was the Zoom integration, enabling seamless remote contributions with improved video quality, per-caller audio and a simpler set-up. It also supports other platforms like Microsoft Teams, Slack, WhatsApp, Discord and more. Further to this, Tricaster systems cater to both NDI and SDI workflows, making them adaptable for different production environments.”

The Vizrt Tricaster set-up enables switching between multiple cameras and media sources

Corporate AV enables engaging internal communications. “Tools like virtual sets and augmented reality graphics make town halls and updates more dynamic and impactful,” adds Watts. “Features like live polls and real-time discussions foster active participation and deeper learning, and remote contribution solutions ensure seamless communication across geographies, keeping teams aligned and engaged.”

Companies are increasingly using tools traditionally used in broadcast for numerous purposes, and Watts highlights several key examples. “To elevate internal events, for example turning town halls and leadership updates into TED Talk-worthy productions. Also, for enhanced training: creating on-demand, searchable training modules that cater to diverse team needs and lastly, to boost marketing efforts, producing professional-grade videos and live streams that resonate with audiences and elevate brand perception. With Vizrt, companies can turn everyday spaces into immersive studios, engage remote teams in real time and bring their brand stories to life with stunning visual content.”

Virtual venues

VR- and AR-based simulation training, virtual conferences and immersive product demos have found themselves increasingly integrated into the corporate sector – marking another significant shift in the ways in which businesses operate.

Leading the way in the Italian market is Techstar. Founded in Udine, Italy in 2021, Techstar specialise in extended reality, industrial metaverse and AI solutions and work with renowned companies including the Italian Ministry of Education and Sky Italy. Techstar developed the first Italian metaverse platform designed specifically for the enterprise and industrial markets.

Tricaster supports integration with other AV components, making it a flexible choice

“There are many great elements about our platform,” says Luca Griotti, Techstar chief operating officer. “Firstly, it works seamlessly on any device, so if one has 3D immersive visors such as Meta Quest, there’s a dedicated app to run their platform on those, but if someone only has a laptop and browser, then it just runs in the browser without the need to install anything. The vast majority of our clients just give access to the platform to their employees on the browser because they are not going to make the investment in lots of hardware dedicated to these use cases.”

That isn’t the case for a number of Techstar’s competitors, who typically require a desktop to install specific software, which gives it barriers to entry. “Then there is the fact that you can collaborate synchronously, so all of us could be in the platform, meeting, seeing each other, interacting with each other and together with objects, which makes it quite powerful. I think that the most powerful thing is the fact that it’s super intuitive to use and configure and it’s typically being used by not very technically savvy end users.”

Techstar is able to develop almost anything on their platform, though technical training is currently one of the areas in highest demand. “It’s almost some clients’ gateway drug into our platform,” admits Griotti. “ABB Robotics, for example, has very complex products that they produce, and there is software and hardware involved and they use our platform to train their staff. Similarly, the Italian Fire Department uses our platform for their fire investigators who need to go in after a fire has been put out and figure out exactly what’s gone wrong. The way they train their trainees was to typically send them to this place somewhere in Italy that has fake burnt-down rooms and just practice on those scenarios all the time. On our platform, we build dozens of immersive burnt-down rooms, which they can go in and investigate in a virtual setting.”

Visualisation tools help the fire service coordinate with other agencies more effectively

For some of Techstar’s clients, the software helps bring people together in virtual settings. “There might be a trainee in their Milan office and the trainer in the Rome office, for example,” explains Griotti. “They can instead meet together in this virtual environment. The trainees wearing the immersive gear can pick from a virtual table outside the room whatever tools they need to use, for example, and they can go in and perform the procedure. It also allows them to condense the physical training because they’ve seen virtual scenarios hundreds of times in their spare time, wherever they are, whenever they want.”

Techstar also works with retailers across the country who rely on the platform for training staff. Another key area utilising the virtual space is car dealerships and showrooms. “Typically, companies would have flown maybe one person per showroom to Rome to discover a new vehicle that’s about to be launched before it hits their own showroom. Now in virtual reality, we have replicated the Rome flagship showroom. They organise big events, inviting all the salespeople from all over Italy to come in and explore the new car before it hits their local showroom. They get to know it with interesting interactions, so when the car hits the showroom, they can confidently talk to potential customers about all these features. We are doing something vaguely similar for the Ministry of Education. We have created a virtual space for 14-year-olds to learn more and understand the technical subjects that they can study in high school. Our platform gives them the opportunity to figure out what high school degree they want to get into and they can do so in a very interactive way.”

Barco’s collaboration with the Ministry aligns with broader efforts to modernise education

When it comes to their plans for the future, Techstar is leaving no stone unturned. “We strongly believe that immersive technology is going to be the human interface for the next evolution of the industry and that it is going to be used by everyone regularly, especially in the workforce,” says Griotti. “Nobody has quite figured out exactly what it’s going to look like. Our platform right now is not what it’s going to look like in five- or ten-years’ time either. Hopefully, we’re going to evolve with the technology and we’re going to keep being pioneers. We honestly believe we haven’t even scratched the surface yet, so we’re exploring all opportunities. We are also ready to tackle a wider, more international market and we are currently trying to expand to the UK.”

Re-imagining the meeting room

If one thing is clear, clunky office hardware and tangled reams of wires and cables causing trip hazards are both things of the past. Barco has highlighted this, with its latest corporate launch angling towards a technically neat and tidy corporate environment. In June 2025, it announced Clickshare Hub, which is set to be a big leap in hybrid meeting room technology.

“This milestone showcases our relentless passion for innovation and our dedication to creating the ultimate meeting experience,” explains Jan van Houtte, executive vice president meeting experience at Barco. “We are proud to bring this next generation of innovative Clickshare devices to the market. With Clickshare Hub, we bring our core values – security, reliability and user experience – to the room systems market.”

Clickshare Hub comes in two models. Firstly, Clickshare Hub Core, which brings the essential functionalities of a room system with wireless presentation and featuring one next-gen Clickshare Button. Clickshare Hub Pro adds dual display support, two next-gen buttons and more connectivity options for complex installations. Clickshare Hub is additionally designed with ecological principles at its core. With reduced plastic, environmentally friendly packaging, and lower energy consumption it holds a Barco Eco Label A+ certification, helping firms reduce their environmental footprint without compromising performance.

Security and IT integration are central to the Barco Clickshare range, which is ISO 27001 certified

Similarly, UK-based Igloo Vision is innovating in the meeting solutions space. The company designs, develops and delivers immersive domes, cylinders, workspaces, custom-builds and the Igloo Immersive Media Player, in a bid to make the meeting room more immersive than ever before. The Igloo spaces are a shared experience and ideal for collaborative teamwork and training. Companies across the globe have been incorporating Igloos into their workforce. As part of its commitment to digital transformation, Atkinsréalis has invested in several Igloo immersive spaces in the UK in addition to one jointly owned in Newfoundland, Canada. Their virtual site access initiative is helping to make the huge programme of work in the nuclear sector safer and more cost-efficient, while minimising carbon emissions and reducing radiation exposure for personnel. The Igloo training solution meant that Atkinsréalis and its partners were able to get a substantial workforce up and running quickly.

Video conferencing tech has also seen a surge in demand, allowing face-to-face and real-time communication between people across numerous locations. Logitech recently launched its Rally Board 65, which enables a collaboration experience in any environment. The Rally Board 65 is an all-in-one portable video conference solution that combines audio and video in a 65-inch touchscreen display and can be rolled around offices on a cart or wall-mounted. It also features a suite of AI-powered features including sensors for registering room occupancy, as well as the environmental conditions of a meeting room. The solution can be operational within minutes using Android, PC or BYOD mode using software like Microsoft Teams, Zoom or Google Meet. The Board has also been thoughtfully engineered to reduce its environmental impact, relying on recycled fabrics and FSC-certified packaging.   

Looking ahead

It’s clear that there are a number of emerging trends in the lucrative landscape of corporate AV.

“Combining in-person and virtual elements to maximise reach and engagement is key,” adds Watts. “There is also a rise in incorporating audience participation tools like polls and Q&A sessions. On-demand content, brand-centric productions and broadcast-quality video meetings are just some of the trends we’re seeing. Partnerships like the one between Vizrt and Zoom are bringing broadcast-quality production to everyday video meetings. Corporate AV technology is no longer a luxury but a necessity for organisations aiming to stay competitive in the space.”

Logitech Rally Board 65 integrates speakers, microphones and a camera in one unit

Corporate AV is redefining how teams communicate and collaborate, with hybrid working ultimately becoming the new norm. The landscape is constantly evolving, with concerns around sustainability and cybersecurity at the forefront. Take the series of devastating cyber-attacks on UK retailers earlier in 2025, namely targeted at M&S. With the current suspects thought to be cyber-criminal group Scattered Spider, in May M&S revealed that the breach was expected to cost the company approximately £300 million in lost profits. If anything positive was drawn from the situation, it’s that fail-safe cybersecurity infrastructure has been bumped up businesses’ priority lists.

Regarding sustainability, hybrid work already offers a greener solution through cutbacks in commuting and lower energy consumption in offices. AV solutions such as cloud-based software and remote management are helping pave the way for a greener future. Eco-friendly AV solutions are vital, and companies will no doubt be searching for sustainable solutions to help build towards a greener future. Additionally, as AV becomes more connected, there are further IT security issues that need addressing and data privacy, remote access and cloud-based platforms remain a risk.

Innovators unplugged

• Name: Chris Stevens

• Job title: Sales manager EMEA – enterprise, at Disguise

What has caused the corporate and pro AV worlds to collide?

Working day-to-day with some of the world’s biggest brands, I’m seeing firsthand how technology is becoming central to the corporate world – especially in AV.

Why? Because expectations are fast shifting towards technology-led experiences and communications. This change is driven in part by tech-savvy younger generations stepping into decision-making roles, and in part by broader changes in workplace culture. The result is a growing demand for immersive, dynamic branded spaces that reflect an organisation’s identity and purpose, hitting the sweet spot between a truly exciting connected experience and maintaining a professional tone.

How is Disguise contributing to this technical revolution?

At Disguise, we’ve spent over 20 years powering jaw-dropping visuals for live events and entertainment. Driving immersive, high-impact experiences is in our DNA. And now, the same cutting-edge tech – intuitive software and high-end media servers –is transforming the corporate AV space.

What are some of the new opportunities available to brands?

One of the most exciting opportunities for brands today is the rise of flexible, multi-use AV environments. Companies are able to install modular LED walls that seamlessly shift from a sleek presentation backdrop to a high-end virtual production studio for in-house content creation. That same space can become an immersive event venue, a training centre, a pitch hub – even an R&D lab.

Imagine hosting health and safety training in a realistic, simulated environment that employees can actively engage with – and then, just hours later, using the same room to present a bold new idea to the board with compelling, dynamic visuals. It’s a win-win situation: one investment, multiple applications, maximum impact.

Elevated keynote presentations can be delivered from a stage that wouldn’t look out of place at a music festival. With the same Disguise technology used at Glastonbury, Adele’s record-breaking Munich residency and the current Oasis tour, corporate brands can now match the entertainment world when it comes to captivating an audience – whether that’s employees, clients or stakeholders.

We’re already seeing forward-thinking brands like Meta and Verizon embrace this approach, transforming traditional AV set-ups into powerful engagement tools. These spaces can still support the day-to-day essentials of corporate comms, but crucially, they also offer the creative flexibility to do so much more.

What’s next?

In many ways, this shift is long overdue. For businesses ready to take a more strategic view of their AV investment, and who want to build spaces that are as meaningful as they are multifunctional, the opportunity is wide open.

This feature was first published in the Jul/Aug 2025 issue of LIVE.