Editor’s Note: Insights from Jared Timmins on the Pro AV Industry
This article featuring Diversified’s Jared Timmins and his reflections on 2025 as well as predictions for 2026 is a key installment in Commercial Integrator’s series that runs through December and January. This series spotlights reflections and predictions from some of the industry’s most notable luminaries. Be sure to check out our complete list of voices for a comprehensive look at the year’s key trends and insights.
A Year of Growth and Transformation
As we near the end of 2025, it’s clear that the pro AV industry has undergone significant growth and transformation. In a conversation with Jared Timmins, the Senior Vice President of Media Innovation at Diversified, we delve into the trends, challenges, and opportunities that have defined this pivotal year.
Timmins highlights a pronounced shift toward AI-driven systems and hybrid infrastructure strategies. With the rise of intelligent operational layers, the alignment of AV solutions with IT and cybersecurity standards has paved the way for a more mature industry landscape. These developments set the foundation for an exciting year ahead in 2026.
The Surprising Development of 2025
Reflecting on the most surprising advancement of the year, Timmins points to the emergence of the Agentic Flywheel. This innovative AI system operates by capturing work as it occurs, feeding insights back into the operational process to continuously improve future cycles. Timmins explains, “It’s not just a model; it’s an operational layer that not only reduces rework but also enhances employee capabilities rather than burdening them.” Organizations that have adopted this foundational approach are positioning themselves for a level of digital velocity in 2026 that will distinguish them from competitors still adhering to outdated operational models.
Key Changes in the Pro AV Landscape
Timmins emphasizes that the most critical shift in 2025 was the industry’s move toward digital workflows coupled with decentralized, hybrid infrastructure strategies. As media vendors aggressively penetrated the enterprise AV market, expectations surrounding automation, interoperability, and operational discipline have escalated. In tandem with these advancements, the implementation of secure-by-design standards has become a requirement for new builds, demanding alignment with IT and cybersecurity protocols. This convergence of pressures has effectively raised the industry’s maturity level, reshaping the planning, delivery, and support processes for AV systems.
Predictions for 2026: Opportunities Ahead
Looking forward to 2026, Timmins identifies the integration of Agentic Operations as the ripest growth opportunity for pro AV integrators and installers. These AI systems promise to capture ongoing activities, minimize manual labor, and provide teams with invaluable real-time insights. Timmins notes, “Customers are no longer just buying hardware; they’re investing in velocity, reliability, and the reduction of operational drag.” Integrators who manage to create environments that self-diagnose, summarize changes, and forecast potential issues will claim the most lucrative segments of the market, as the value has shifted from merely physical products to smarter operational layers.
Potential Challenges in the Coming Year
Timmins foresees that many pro AV integrators will be caught off guard by customers’ escalating expectations for rapid AI integration in their installations. As environments become increasingly sophisticated, clients will anticipate systems that can explain themselves, identify issues proactively, and lessen their reliance on human oversight. Integrators stuck in traditional manual processes may find themselves lagging, not due to technological advancements but because the industry context has fundamentally shifted.
Tackling Complexity Head-On
The most pressing challenge facing professionals in the pro AV industry today is grappling with the complexities inherent in modern composites of AV, IT, and media workflows. Timmins stresses that success hinges on “repeatable excellence, employee amplification, and a seamless collaboration between human and machine intelligence.” He urges integrators to adopt AI systems that document workflows, enforce standards, and highlight risks early on. The firms able to harmonize human judgment with machine-assisted clarity will emerge as leaders capable of delivering and sustaining the next generation of media-rich, intelligent spaces. Conversely, those who fail to adapt may find themselves overwhelmed by the very complexities they sought to deploy.
A Defining Year Ahead
In Timmins’ view, 2026 will be remembered as a transformative year for the pro AV industry, marking a departure from hardware-centric thinking toward the creation of truly intelligent and composable spaces. This evolution will see human expertise and AI systems collaborating to provide unprecedented levels of digital velocity and consistency, far exceeding the capabilities of the traditional operating model.
Stay tuned with Commercial Integrator as we continue to gather insightful year-end reflections from the brightest minds in the industry. If you’d like to contribute to this ongoing conversation, don’t hesitate to contact our editorial team.
