Global Professional AV Industry Will Decline in 2020; Growth to Resume in 2021

The global pro AV industry reached a peak of $259 billion in 2019. Due to the global pandemic, the industry is expected to decline to $239 billion in 2020, according to the new 2020 AV Industry Outlook and Trends Analysis (IOTA) produced by AVIXA, the Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association. IOTA shows the industry recovering back its pre-COVID levels in 2022 before growing to $315 billion in 2025. This represents a 5.8% five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) and will drive industry revenue $56 billion beyond its 2019 level.

Martin Tremblay, president and CEO of Groupe Solotech Inc. announced that Solotech has acquired SSE Audio Group, the largest supplier of professional audio services in the UK, employing more than 150 people. This is the most important transaction ever for the Canadian company. With the addition of SSE Audio, Solotech, already the North American leader in audiovisual and entertainment technologies, becomes one of the world's largest companies in the rental, production and touring segment.

InfoComm International has changed its name to the Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association (AVIXA). The change was made to reflect a broadening mission to be an industry hub, while also acting as a catalyst for market growth beyond what has been considered traditionally as professional AV. Its North America show, June 2-8 in Las Vegas, will continue to operate under the InfoComm name.

As expected, one of the highlights at CES 2016 was the UHD Alliance event, confirming that the specification to define the Ultra HD Premium “Premium Home Entertainment Experience” is now finalized. The result of a vast industry consensus, the consortium also unveiled the Ultra HD Premium logo for hardware and content, as well as details for certification and licensing processes.

Steady growth is moving commercial AV industry forward, according to a new study revealed by InfoComm International at the InfoComm 2014 tradeshow in Las Vegas. The findings are part of a study commissioned by the organization aimed at sizing the commercial audiovisual industry, now available.