Editor’s Note: This article featuring Kristin Bidwell, owner, principal consultant, AVCT, and her 2025 reflections kicks off a Commercial Integrator series that will run throughout the month of December. In this series, we’ll highlight 2025 reflections from some of the pro AV industry’s most notable luminaries.
As the pro AV industry reflects on the year 2025, it’s clear that this has been a period of both growth and transformation. To gain deeper insights into the trends, challenges and opportunities that have shaped the industry, Commercial Integrator turned to Kristin Bidwell, owner, principal consultant at Audiovisual Consulting Team (AVCT).
Kristin Bidwell 2025 Reflections
In an exclusive interview with Commercial Integrator, Bidwell reflects on the year’s complexities, from the integration of Big Tech and AI to the growing demand for data center design. As the industry evolves beyond traditional audio, video and control systems, companies are reimagining how to deliver seamless, integrated experiences while navigating economic uncertainties. Read on for insights into the trends, challenges and opportunities shaping the future of pro AV.
Commercial Integrator: What kind of year has 2025 been for the pro AV industry?
Kristin Bidwell: It has been a complex year. The audiovisual industry is going through a transformation. The way we communicate, collaborate and educate is rapidly changing. We have seen a variety of markets colliding with the AV industry such as Big Tech, IT, security and broadcast. It is no longer an industry of just audio and video (and control), our industry has become a mainstream market on a global scale. This opens up opportunities for companies that are ahead of the curve on trends, but is detrimental for others.
Economic uncertainties, high interest rates and an increase in unemployment rates have increased over the course of 2025. The U.S. is facing more volatility than expected at the beginning of the year. Job creation is weaking overall and competition for those jobs has escalated.
That being said, it is an exciting time in AV. It is not just about physical boxes anymore. We are seeing the need and requirement for a truly integrated experience. This shift is making the industry think creatively by combining new technologies to enhance user experience, and trying to plan for future disruptions.
CI: What has been the most surprising development in the pro AV industry this year?
Bidwell: It is not really surprising per say, but we have seen a lot of data centers being built. AV companies have shifted gears and are capitalizing on data center design. This is a highly profitable and in demand project sector. Data centers are the fastest growing construction sector in the AEC industry – all being fueled by cloud expansion and AI demand.
CI: What has been the most important change we’ve seen this year in pro AV?
Bidwell: AI adoption has tipped and is now mainstream. Over 50% of architectural and engineering firms are now utilizing AI. Those that are using AI have a much higher chance of winning proposals, increasing efficiencies, and providing faster deliverables.
Stay tuned with Commercial Integrator as we gather year-end insights and reflections from the brightest minds in the industry. If you’d like to be featured, contact our editorial team.
