TBW ADVISORS LLC

Category: Research

Conference Whispers: InfoComm 2026 IC26
Enjoy the related Computer Talk Radio

Published: June 21, 2026 ID: TBW2202

Analyst(s): Dr. Doreen Galli

Photojournalist(s): Dr. Doreen Galli

Enjoy the related broadcast on Computer Talk Radio.

ABSTRACT:

InfoComm 2026 brought together enterprise visitors focused on AV innovation and experience delivery as Las Vegas hosted production, control, and infrastructure conversations shaping how organizations scale, automate, and integrate broadcast-ready environments across operations and customer engagement while exhibitors highlighted hardware, software, and workflow solutions without revealing full implications for deployment, cost, or long-term operational impact.

The Conference
- A community of over 35,000 experience economy professionals engaged with over 807 exhibitors across the 395,000 square feet of exhibition space. A total of 94 countries were represented accounting for 20% of the presence.
Cautions
- Friendly reminder: this research provides examples of what was shared with us at the event, not an evaluation, validation, or recommendation of the given technology.
State of the Experience Industry

The state of the experience industry was delivered at a Press event on opening day by AVIXA’s Mike Sullivan-Trainor. Interestingly their research showed significant budget resilience in the AV space; however, it was attributed to being able to handle inflation and continued passion for technology. Most projects experience a 10% tariff cost increase with the industry growing at a steady 4% forecasted rate. Currently 65% of AV providers are using some form of AI with 70% of that usage being generative. They purported that the percentage of organizations with AI governance rose from 33% in March 2025 to 47% in April 2026. One of the more interesting aspects is the growing trend of enterprises requiring broadcast capabilities across the organization in many divisions.

Exhibits

Shokz demonstrates their latest headset which comes in under 1 gram of weight. Due to their bone conduction approach, accessibility features such as wearing with hearing aids or glasses are standard across their line. They even have a headset that goes behind the head. Crescendo takes bone conduction to the floor providing bass you can feel. The best part, for highly urban areas where silent dance parties have taken off, it won’t disturb the neighbors!

One vendor from the Taiwan Excellence booth is able to overcome language barriers. GIO Optoelectronics is able to sit between your company and your guest, customer or visitor. If you do not speak the same language, no problem, it will listen to you in your language and speak and print what you said in the language of the guest. This device offers accessibility for language barriers as well as for any guest that suffers from vision or auditory disabilities. This device can provide live, real-time language translation for 26 different languages.

Opticis leverages optical fiber to provide high-quality long-distance AV cables. They offer HDMI cables that can maintain 4k or 8k resolution without signal loss for 300 meters. Their pure optical extender USXMP32 can transfer USB signals up to 330 meters. Their portfolio also can deliver up to 100 watts of power over 10 meters of USB cable as required in many meeting rooms.

On the control front, unRAVL is focused on enabling more organizations and venues to have the full AV experience. Democratizing access so one doesn’t need a specialized expert to just create an experience. As an AI-powered AV operating system, it leverages AI to simplify that task at hand even enabling natural language interfaces.

If you have ever operated the controls of an AV room and wondered why switching remote cameras is separated from operating the cameras themselves, you are not alone. Meet Telycam direct from China. Not only controlling what the camera sees and records but also the white balance and focus directly from the switch. The Telycam Mix One is an all-in-one production hub for the entire live event workflow. It can support up to six video channels simultaneously. Formats include NDI, HX3, RTMP, SRT, HDMI and USB. One interesting feature is its ability to record the program simplifying distribution.

PTZOptics is an employee-owned company out of Downingtown, Pennsylvania. Like many of the exciting products we have seen on site, this also originated from AV engineers not finding what they needed. In this case, they really needed a robotic camera with advanced automation. Their latest technology can do voice tracking. Real-time adaptability is enabled through a natural language interface to communicate with the device versus scripts! Finally, this robotic camera features dual-lenses. One lens as reference, one for the actual camera action tracking. Finally, a healthcare solution that just as easily could be ripped from our coverage of HIMSS 2026 was noted. Their partner, LayerJot, created a solution able to track tool usage in the surgical room setting.

We were able to see the latest DaVinci Resolve 21 features in action with a demo on site. A major theme of the demo was the ability to do so much locally. Abilities in the demo include reshaping faces as well as deblurring and cleaning up sharpness. As one might suspect, these features also come together to enable the editor to literally change the focus of the image they are editing from one object in the frame to a different object. Natural language searching and dedicated photos are fully integrated.

One thing universally true in AV is that microphones are frequently involved, and they eat batteries like they are going out of style. Whether your organization finds this unacceptable due to the environmental impact or the cost of batteries, KLVR has an answer. KLVR offers a 48-battery capacity recharging unit for AA or AAA batteries. Each battery can charge for 1200 cycles. Therefore a single set of batteries replaces over 90,000 batteries. To ensure enduring performance, their batteries are Lithium-Ion Tech which provide higher voltage. The entire set of batteries can charge in approximately only 2 hours of time.

Whether you are hosting a major award show, a CEO town hall, or your own 24-hour broadcast, Broadcast Management Group is ready to help. Frequently referred to as BMG, they offer full-service live production and own their own equipment. In addition, they operate a Network Operational Center (NOC) in DC with additional studios across the country including Las Vegas. If you have your own equipment and team just short a few professionals – they also provide managed services and staffing.

Conference Vibe

After 40 plus videos including two livestreams and over a dozen fact checks, our coverage of InfoComm 2026 better known as IC26 closes. Over 35,000 experience economy professionals engaged with over 807 exhibitors across the 395,000 square feet of exhibition space. A total of 94 countries were represented accounting for 20% of the presence. The event was held in the Las Vegas Convention Center West Halls, North and Central. West Hall held their education programs with registration available. West Hall’s Food Court was open. It’s always interesting to see how a given event uses the space between West Hall and North Hall. For IC26 there were event signs supporting the theme. North Hall featured audio, broadcast AV, lighting and staging. North Hall also hosted a registration site and shares a huge food court just inside Central Hall Lobby. Central Hall hosted exhibitions across conferencing and collaboration systems, command and control solutions, digital signage platforms and educational technology topics heavily covered in our IC24 coverage.

We always try to bring you fresh technologies in our coverage. During the walkabouts you will recognize some broadcasting technology vendors from our coverage of the NAB Show. Likewise robotic and intelligent cameras could just as easily be in our ISC West coverage. Finally, there are experiential technologies like those found during our coverage of G2E.

We once again live streamed from on site. On Wednesday from outside of North Hall. Thursday we livestreamed from inside North Hall itself. I requested assistance on your favorite videos for my syndicated segment on the June 20th nationally broadcast edition of Computer Talk Radio.

We conducted research for TWELVE additional forthcoming Whisper Reports. The playlists are unlisted but available with the video version distributed first via YouTube Whisper Club upper tier membership area on our YouTube Channel.
Readers and viewers wishing to experience the entire event are encouraged to view the Conference Whispers: InfoComm 2026 IC26 Playlist in its entirety. The playlist will be sited in the end screen, description, and as a pinned comment of the video edition.

We conclude with gratitude towards those that contributed and a video montage of responses to Bonus Question, “What’s the best part about attending the IC26 live in Las Vegas?”.

Next Year’s Conference

The InfoComm 2027 will be at its alternate location in Orlando, Florida. The event is scheduled June 12-18.

^*When vendors’ names are shared as examples in this document, it is to provide a concrete example of what was on display at the conference, not an evaluation or recommendation. Evaluation and recommendation of these vendors are beyond the scope of this specific research document. Other examples products in the same category may have also been on display.

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Special thanks to AVIXA for the press credentials.

©2019-2026 TBW Advisors LLC. All rights reserved. TBW, Technical Business Whispers, Fact-based research and Advisory, Conference Whispers, Industry Whispers, Email Whispers, The Answer is always in the Whispers, Whisper Reports, Whisper Studies, Whisper Ranking, Whisper Club, The Answer is always in the Whispers, and One Change a Month, Vegas Convention Library; Leading Professionals, Real Questions, Real Time, are trademarks or registered trademarks of TBW Advisors LLC. This publication may not be reproduced or distributed in any form without TBW’s prior written permission. It consists of the opinions of TBW’s research organization which should not be construed as statements of fact. While the information contained in this publication has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, TBW disclaims all warranties as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of such information. TBW does not provide legal or investment advice and its research should not be construed or used as such. Your access and use of this publication are governed by the TBW Usage Policy. TBW research is produced independently by its research organization without influence or input from a third party. For further information, see Fact-based research publications on our website for more details.
June 21, 2026
Whisper Report: What data problem slows fleet electrification most?
Published to Whisper Club: June15, 2026 ID: TBW2185

Analyst(s): Dr. Doreen Galli

Photojournalist(s): Dr. Doreen Galli

ABSTRACT:

“This Whisper Report investigates What data problem slows fleet electrification most? based on expert insights from ACT Expo 2026 in Las Vegas, revealing hidden gaps in usage data, power economics, energy modeling, and risk that quietly stall progress and distort investment decisions before organizations realize what they are missing. Cited experts: Austin Smith Burns & McDonnell, Alexander Stratmoen Voltra, Dion Van Leeve Triz Engineering, Micah Gold-Utting FractalEV.”

Analysis available only to clients at this time. Join the YouTube Whisper Club at the Whisper Club Level to get access to the video edition today.

Related playlists and Publication
Corporate Headquarters

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©2019-2026 TBW Advisors LLC. All rights reserved. TBW, Technical Business Whispers, Fact-based research and Advisory, Conference Whispers, Industry Whispers, Email Whispers, The Answer is always in the Whispers, Whisper Reports, Whisper Studies, Whisper Ranking, Whisper Club, Whispers, The Answer is always in the Whispers, Vegas Convention Library, and One Change a Month, are trademarks or registered trademarks of TBW Advisors LLC. This publication may not be reproduced or distributed in any form without TBW’s prior written permission. It consists of the opinions of TBW’s research organization which should not be construed as statements of fact. While the information contained in this publication has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, TBW disclaims all warranties as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of such information. TBW does not provide legal or investment advice and its research should not be construed or used as such. Your access and use of this publication are governed by the TBW Usage Policy. TBW research is produced independently by its research organization without influence or input from a third party. For further information, see Fact-based research publications on our website for more details.
June 15, 2026
Whisper Report: How can we leverage customer interaction data to drive business insights and innovation?
Published to Whisper Club: June 9, 2026 ID: TBW2081

Analyst(s): Dr. Doreen Galli

ABSTRACT:

“This Whisper Report investigates how can we leverage customer interaction data to drive business insights and innovation. Based on expert perspectives gathered at Customer Connect Expo held in Las Vegas, teasing how everyday conversations can become enterprise-wide signals—before the best opportunities and risks surface on their own. Cited experts: Siva Kannan Ganesan Macy’s, Dr. Kalifa Oliver at Ford, Sean Gigremoss at Claritiv, Atul Grover at Enthu.ai, Dayna Neumann at Unified Direct Solutions, Pedro Lopez Slevin at Mitrol, Alex Hamberger at Blitz, Zac Brooksher at Verse.ai and Patrick Reynolds Etech.”

Target Audience Titles:
- Chief Technology Officer, Chief Digital Officer,
- Chief Data Officer, Chief Marketing Officer, Chief Content Officer
- Head of AI and Machine Learning, Data Scientists
- Product Managers, Content Managers
Key Takeaways
- Customer interaction data is a “gold mine” only when captured, analyzed, and shared across sales, service, product, and leadership.
- Use interaction signals to deliver personalization at scale and continuously surface customer trends for faster decision-making.
- Detect dissatisfaction early, pinpoint root causes, and close training gaps by pairing customer interactions with employee feedback.
- Apply insights to operations and growth: anticipate inventory demand, feed product improvements, and reduce friction to improve sales outcomes.
How can we leverage customer interaction data to drive business insights and innovation?

We took the most urgent industry questions to experts at Customer Connect Expo held in Las Vegas. Figure 1 summarizes how can we leverage customer interaction data to drive business insights and innovation.

As Macy’s Siva Kannan Ganesan stated, “The customer interaction data is a gold mine.” Unfortunately, as Ford’s Dr. Kalifa Oliver observed, “we don’t spend enough time on the content of the interaction.” Furthermore, there are many types of customer interactions that can maximize the potential. Claritiv’s Sean Gigremoss put it simply. “You can’t be everywhere at once. Your salespeople are talking to customers. Your product people are talking to customers. Your service people are talking to customers and even your leadership are talking to the leadership of those customers and a lot of times those in that that information that conversation is siloed based out of a sales process or a service process. You don’t really understand what’s really going on holistically.”

Plethora of Use Cases

Those gathering at CCE25 did not disappoint in suggesting ways to leverage customer interactions to drive business insights and innovation. As Enthu’ai’s Atule Grover said, “whether it’s through phone call chats web chats emails etc we find those insights and provide those actionable data.”

Personalization & Trends

As one might expect, the most prolific use case is personalization. The difference today is the ability for organizations to execute personalization at scale. As Macy’s Siva Kannan Ganesan explained, “Every navigation, every click of a customer, we read the data. That will help us to give the feedback loop to the recommendation engine and we do the recommendation engine with the two tower model like how the customer can be getting it more than the personal it’s like personalization is one end and analyzing the trends (on the other).” Unified Direct Solutions’ Dayna Neumann shared a similar thought regarding customer trends. “The number one way that companies can leverage the information they’re receiving from their customer call centers to innovate for the organization is to capture all of that conversation and package it up into a few key points and then and then use AI or use whatever tools you have available to watch for those trends.”

Identify Dissatisfaction

To be a business, one requires customers. If customers are unhappy or have a problem, they may not return or may spread the word on why they regret becoming a customer therefore scaring off future customers. Thus, it is quite valuable to understand when a company is missing the mark with its customers. As Enthu.ai’s Atul Grover stated, “if there’s any kind of dissatisfaction with the clients and the customers so our software will track those insights and provide those information to do so that our customers can take care of all the next best action what they need to do or what they need to basically handle in terms of coaching their agents in terms of coaching their sales representatives or coaching their customer services representatives to ensure that they know they are doing the right things in the right way next time.” Fortunately, as Ford’s Dr. Kalifa Oliver pointed out, “with customer interaction data is that it gives you an idea very quickly where the problems are.” Of course, as Mitrol’s Pedro Lopez Slevin said, “once we know how they work what they do what’s the main problem then we can go and search all the databases APIs or whatever they have to integrate that and get the best solution.”

ID Training Gaps

Sometimes, customer service is the problem! Not intentionally but sometimes there is just a gap of knowledge or capability between what your front line knows and has access to versus what is needed to succeed with the customers. As Ford’s Dr. Kalifa Oliver observed, “there a gap in the training that you’re giving people that’s actually frustrating your customers, so it helps you improve the experience for everyone at the end of the day.” Chances are, that training gap is also impacting your employee satisfaction. As such Dr. Oliver went on to further suggest, “balance the customer interaction data with the employee interaction data. What are the employees actually hearing? Does it match the interactions that people are having with the customer? so one it helps you with your product and your product business and it mitigates risk.” Anytime you can combine one data set with another data set with some overlap, you’re bound to find additional insights.

Inventory Management

As we shared earlier, the more data you can combine together that has a common connection point, the more insights you can garner to move your organization forward. One of those interesting use cases was shared by Macy’s Siva Kannon Ganesan. “You’ll be able to do more control over there how the inventory can be managed and this u with all these trends.” That’s right. One of the trends that can be observed through customer interactions are inventory demands.

Incorporate Customer Feedback into Products

One of the most exciting manners to leverage customer insights for innovation is straight back into product design. Blitz leverages video for customer interactions providing it a significant data set not customarily available to companies on their products. As Blitz’s Alex Hamberger suggested, “we see some real opportunity to leverage some of the customer data that is collected through our video calling is a real sort of ripe opportunity to visualize exactly how products are being used in the real world by customers. Where the points of failure are while also documenting what the common resolution steps are for different products within either a product line or across a different family of brands.”

Improve Sales

Top line growth is monitored by every senior executive. Leveraging customer insights for increased sales is always attractive but how exactly can it be done? The more we understand our best customers, the easier it will be to try to find more like them and grow revenues. Verse.ai’s Zac Brooksher has a recommendation on how the insights can reduce friction on the path to a sale. “we’re able to understand when companies are being communicated with from their prospective customers what time of day? What .. the next best call to action from that insight and that data as well and really driving the best way to minimize paths of resistance so how can we quickly address customer issues get them to the right department um without bogging down our people power internally.”

Unified Direct Solutions’ Dayna Neumann denoted, “package up all of those interactions bubble up the trends … and get even more dialed into what your current customers and of course when you’re doing modeling you know what current customers are asking for now you can improve what you’re saying to those prospective customers in your acquisition campaigns and hopefully all boats rise in the end. “ As Etech’s Patrick Reynolds suggested, “what we’re doing when we’re looking at that data is that we’re trying to find the unique attributes of that contact that are delivering the outcomes that you want the successful outcomes.” Thus they are using the data to find out patterns to succeed with customers on calls thereby increasing results = sales. Patrick went on to explain further. “What we’re doing when we’re looking at that data is that we’re trying to find the unique attributes of that contact that are delivering the outcomes that you want the successful outcomes.” In other words, what do our great customers look like? Once we know who loves our products, we can focus our attention on finding more loyal customers.

Related playlists
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©2019-2026 TBW Advisors LLC. All rights reserved. TBW, Technical Business Whispers, Fact-based research and Advisory, Conference Whispers, Industry Whispers, Email Whispers, The Answer is always in the Whispers, Whisper Reports, Whisper Studies, Whisper Ranking, Whisper Club, Whispers, The Answer is always in the Whispers, Vegas Convention Library, and One Change a Month, are trademarks or registered trademarks of TBW Advisors LLC. This publication may not be reproduced or distributed in any form without TBW’s prior written permission. It consists of the opinions of TBW’s research organization which should not be construed as statements of fact. While the information contained in this publication has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, TBW disclaims all warranties as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of such information. TBW does not provide legal or investment advice and its research should not be construed or used as such. Your access and use of this publication are governed by the TBW Usage Policy. TBW research is produced independently by its research organization without influence or input from a third party. For further information, see Fact-based research publications on our website for more details.
June 8, 2026
Whisper Report: Which media workflow is AI changing fastest?
Published to Whisper Club: June 1, 2026 ID: TBW2178

Analyst(s): Dr. Doreen Galli

Photojournalist(s): Dr. Doreen Galli

ABSTRACT:

“This Whisper Report investigates which media workflow is AI changing fastest? It distills expert perspectives from NAB Show 2026, spotlighting the workflows where AI is compressing cycles and reshaping execution across teams—signaling where attention should shift next. Cited experts : Tony Abrahams AI Media, Carl Rutman Brightcove, Glen Wastyn Freepik..”

Analysis available only to clients at this time. Join the YouTube Whisper Club at the Whisper Club Level to get access to the video edition today.

Related playlists and Publication
Corporate Headquarters

2884 Grand Helios Way

Henderson, NV 89052

©2019-2026 TBW Advisors LLC. All rights reserved. TBW, Technical Business Whispers, Fact-based research and Advisory, Conference Whispers, Industry Whispers, Email Whispers, The Answer is always in the Whispers, Whisper Reports, Whisper Studies, Whisper Ranking, Whisper Club, Whispers, The Answer is always in the Whispers, Vegas Convention Library, and One Change a Month, are trademarks or registered trademarks of TBW Advisors LLC. This publication may not be reproduced or distributed in any form without TBW’s prior written permission. It consists of the opinions of TBW’s research organization which should not be construed as statements of fact. While the information contained in this publication has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, TBW disclaims all warranties as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of such information. TBW does not provide legal or investment advice and its research should not be construed or used as such. Your access and use of this publication are governed by the TBW Usage Policy. TBW research is produced independently by its research organization without influence or input from a third party. For further information, see Fact-based research publications on our website for more details.
June 1, 2026
Whisper Report: What’s the killer XR use case no one sees coming?

Published to Whisper Club: May 26, 2026 ID: TBW2133

Analyst(s): Dr. Doreen Galli

Photojournalist(s): Dr. Doreen Galli

Abstract:

“This Whisper Report investigates What’s the killer XR use case no one sees coming? Across CES, three very different XR stories emerged — one surprising, two accelerating. Together they reveal why XR’s real breakthrough may not be where everyone expects. Cited experts: Paul Standford, Haply; David Sniderman, Mapbox; Daisuke Takoze, Gakugeki.”

Analysis available only to clients at this time. Join the YouTube Whisper Club at the Whisper Club Level to get access to the video edition today.

Related playlists and Publication

Spatial Computing (XR)

1. Whisper Report: What XR tech will change enterprise workflows first?

2. Whisper Report: Which spatial computing use case will scale fastest?

3. Whisper Rerpot: What’s the killer XR use case no one sees coming?

Smart Home / IoT

4. Whisper Report: What’s the biggest IoT security blind spot today?

5. Whisper Report: What IoT innovation will redefine smart living in 2026?

6. Whisper Report: Which connected device will drive the next big shift?

Health Tech / Med AI

7. Whisper Report: What AI breakthrough will transform patient care next?

8. Whisper Report: Which health tech will cut costs without cutting quality?

9. Whisper Report: When will AI in health beat human diagnosis?

Robotics / Automation

10. Whisper Report: What robotics advance will reshape manufacturing first?

11. Whisper Report: Which automation trend will hit enterprise hardest?

12. Whisper Report: What’s the hardest problem in robotics no one solved?

13. Conference Whispers: CES 2026 – TBW ADVISORS LLC

Corporate Headquarters

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©2019-2026 TBW Advisors LLC. All rights reserved. TBW, Technical Business Whispers, Fact-based research and Advisory, Conference Whispers, Industry Whispers, Email Whispers, The Answer is always in the Whispers, Whisper Reports, Whisper Studies, Whisper Ranking, Whisper Club, Whispers, The Answer is always in the Whispers, Vegas Convention Library, and One Change a Month, are trademarks or registered trademarks of TBW Advisors LLC. This publication may not be reproduced or distributed in any form without TBW’s prior written permission. It consists of the opinions of TBW’s research organization which should not be construed as statements of fact. While the information contained in this publication has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, TBW disclaims all warranties as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of such information. TBW does not provide legal or investment advice and its research should not be construed or used as such. Your access and use of this publication are governed by the TBW Usage Policy. TBW research is produced independently by its research organization without influence or input from a third party. For further information, see Fact-based research publications on our website for more details.

May 26, 2026
Conference Whispers: Informatica World 20266
Published: May 24, 2026 ID: TBW2189

Analyst(s): Dr. Doreen Galli

Photojournalist(s): Dr. Doreen Galli

Enjoy the related Computer Talk Radio broadcast.

ABSTRACT:

“Informatica World 2026 brought together enterprise visitors focused on data governance, AI readiness, and data management as Las Vegas hosted enterprise data and analytics conversations shaping how organizations prepare trusted data foundations, enable AI agents, and drive business impact through governed, high-quality data pipelines and scalable ecosystem execution across increasingly complex digital environments.”

The Conference
- Informatica World brought a community of approximately 2000 data management and governance experts to discuss governance in the age of AI.
Cautions:
- Friendly reminder: this research provides examples of what was shared with us at the event, not an evaluation, validation, or recommendation of the given technology.
- Just because a technology can do something in general doesn’t mean it will work in your environment or in a governed fashion. It is critical to validate a technology including its false positive and error rates.
Garbage In, Gospel Out

If one believes you can put garbage in an AI solution and magically with get Gospel out, AI will greatly disappoint you. In practice, thinking you don’t have to clean up your data before deploying AI doesn’t align with reality. TBW Advisors LLC was able to catch an exclusive interview with Informatica’s Keynote Speaker and VP of Product, Sumeet Agrawal. Specially we asked him what’s the most exciting news he had to share at this event. For those that know data, it was no surprise. It is all about Data Governance and their Informatica’s Cloud Data Governance Catalog (CDGC) and a system of truth. The intent of the CDGC is to enable metadata and catalog information directly to AI agents. Now AI agents can plug into and leverage the data governance solutions already in place.

Fixing the Data Problem

If we cannot put garbage in, we must first fix that data problem so we are not starting with garbage. DataSwitch wants you to know, data migration doesn’t have to be painful. DS Data Maps focuses on data lineage and traceability. This enables one to have visibility during the migration. They also lean in on data democratization with their engineering agent. This agent is designed to streamline data access through simplifying complex data engineering tasks. Their Newest Innovation is ‘Switchi’. Switchi enables data migration into the Informatica Intelligent Data Management Cloud without Power Center being required.

Bringing their deep data experience based out of Washington DC Incept Data Solutions is an Informatica Platinum Partner. Their core focus is all about data management including governance and data quality. Whether your organization need help with integration, or data governance or AI readiness, they are there to serve. Incept can engage through outsourcing, complimenting your team or staffing them with temporary or permanent staff.

Turning AI into Reality

Now that are data is AI ready, one can start thinking about business impact. Miracle Software Systems provides the Rapid Innovation Prototyping Service or RIPS. RIPS is designed to help your organization move from piloting to a prototype to less than 6 weeks. With a history of working with SMB all the way to Fortune 100, this Detroit based company also has your connector needs covered.

With over 1000 certified Informatica Professionals, Accenture was onsite and ready to help your business. Their portfolio of services spans data ingestion and integration, master data management (MDM), data curation and ensuring data products are ready for business. With today’s current data demands, they firmly believe this practice will continue to grow strong.

Cognizant was on hand to share their four key focus areas with Informatica’s clients needing assistance. Specifically, data management, outcome-based solutions, AI development and strategic collaboration. Their primary theme is focused on delivering outcome-based solutions. Now who doesn’t want an great outcome?

Conference Vibe

Taking a trip down memory lane, Informatica World brought us back to the very first TBW Advisors’s Conference Whispers: Informatica World 2019. In the meantime, we have grown by leaps and bounds and Informatica was just acquired by Salesforce. Gone were the orange competitions we were so touched to observe. In came the blue wash of Sales Force. Speaking to many attending during lunch, it seemed internally, the closer the employee is to hands on data engineering the more excited they were about the acquisition. Data governance and master data management have always been Informatica’s strength making them a great talent acquisition purchase. A majority of the customers also seemed quite excited about the acquisition. Being a vendor hosted event, registration was efficient and a full lunch was served! For those who were still hungry, Mandalay Bay Food Court was fully open. Enjoy the walkabout to and through expo hall. We always try to bring you fresh vendors in our coverage but you will recognize many brands in the walkabout from our coverage of other data events such as the Put Data First.

We once again live streamed from on site. On Wednesday requesting those attending to find me to answer Questions for Whisper Reports, to introduce all to TBW Advisors LLC, and requesting assistance. Specifically, I requested assistance on your favorite videos for my syndicated segment on the May 23rd nationally broadcast edition of Computer Talk Radio.

We conducted research for Six additional forthcoming Whisper Reports for our clients. The playlists are unlisted but available with the video version to be distributed via YouTube Whisper Club upper tier membership area on our YouTube Channel.
Readers and viewers wishing to experience the entire event are encouraged to view the Conference Whispers: Informatica World 2026 Playlist in its entirety. The playlist will be sited in the end screen, description, and as a pinned comment of the video edition.

The video edition will conclude with gratitude towards those that contributed and a montage of responses to Bonus Question, “What’s the best part about attending the Informatica World live in Las Vegas?”.

Next Year’s Conference

Informatica has been purchased by Salesforce and is being integrated into their Data 360. As such no word on if Informatica World will once again return to Las Vegas or if it will be folded completely into Dreamforce.

^*When vendors’ names are shared as examples in this document, it is to provide a concrete example of what was on display at the conference, not an evaluation or recommendation. Evaluation and recommendation of these vendors are beyond the scope of this specific research document. Other examples products in the same category may have also been on display.

Corporate Headquarters

2884 Grand Helios Way

Henderson, NV 89052

©2019-2026 TBW Advisors LLC. All rights reserved. TBW, Technical Business Whispers, Fact-based research and Advisory, Conference Whispers, Industry Whispers, Email Whispers, The Answer is always in the Whispers, Whisper Reports, Whisper Studies, Whisper Ranking, Whisper Club, Whispers, The Answer is always in the Whispers, Vegas Convention Library, and One Change a Month, are trademarks or registered trademarks of TBW Advisors LLC. This publication may not be reproduced or distributed in any form without TBW’s prior written permission. It consists of the opinions of TBW’s research organization which should not be construed as statements of fact. While the information contained in this publication has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, TBW disclaims all warranties as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of such information. TBW does not provide legal or investment advice and its research should not be construed or used as such. Your access and use of this publication are governed by the TBW Usage Policy. TBW research is produced independently by its research organization without influence or input from a third party. For further information, see Fact-based research publications on our website for more details.
May 24, 2026
Conference Whispers: Licensing Expo 2026
Las Vegas, NV May 19- May 21

Published: May 24, 2026 ID: TBW2197

Analyst(s): Dr. Doreen Galli

Photojournalist(s): Dr. Doreen Galli

Enjoy the related Computer Talk Radio broadcast.

ABSTRACT:

“Licensing Expo 2026 brought together enterprise visitors focused on brand licensing, IP management, and merchandising strategy as Las Vegas hosted global retail, media, and marketing conversations shaping how brands extend, protect, and monetize intellectual property through AI, partnerships, and fan-driven experiences in an increasingly digital, connected marketplace for future growth and competitive differentiation across industries.”

Conference
- Licensing Expo 2026 had over 410 companies exhibit at this year’s gathering. Over 130 of the exhibitors were experiencing their first ever Licensing Expo event.
- Over 12,500 industry professionals attended spanning retailers, manufacturers, brands, and marketers. Over 78 countries were represented among the 28% of global visitors.
Cautions
- Friendly reminder: this research provides examples of what was shared with us at the event, not an evaluation, validation, or recommendation of the given technology.
YouTube Fandom IRL

Movie theaters hosting YouTube Live streams and replays? Screeny is looking to help fans of the same channel get together and enjoy content together In Real Life (IRL). If you have ever wanted to meet new friends and enjoy some really amazingly popular influencer content, the answer might just be your closest movie theater!

Protect that Brand!

While many licensing products have been upgraded to include AI features, MyMediabox is an AI-first platform. Designed with AI in mind at the beginning, AI is not a clumsy bolt-on within the platform but carefully leveraged for results. These results come in the form of rapid feature expansion and operational efficiency for users. Product reviews and style compliance a burden? No more. Requiring advanced natural language search? In their AI-first world, you get efficient workflows.

If you simply need a US Agent to facilitate merchandise licensing partnerships, Creative Licensing Corporation is able to assist – globally. Working with an incredibly diverse portfolio, JRL Group was onsite with their 27 years’ experience. Featuring clients from famous motorsport brands, corporate brands, to educational brands, JRL Group is prepared to make the difference. If you view licensing as a strategic tool, LMCA would like to share their 40 years of experience with you. Their client-first strategy starts with the business needs. Those needs then turn into a strategic plan with tactical goals to execute against.

Are you a brand owner who needs help with copyrights and patents? Need help with licensing agents, and licensees who use the brands? Dependable Solutions has all your brand needs covered throughout the lifecycle of a brand. They can assist at the copyright and patent stage of branding. Likewise they have licensing agents who can represent the brand outbound and licensees that desire to use brands. In addition, they handle the end-to-end management of the brand approvals, distribution, royalty tracking, and forecasting.

Bringing 30 years’ experience, Octane5 describes their impact as licensing ecosystem wide. They serve the consumer, licensee and the licensor. In the management arena they cover the marketplace to contracts, approvals, royalties, and audits. No matter which direction, Octane5 believes they offer best in class in every direction.

Conference Vibe

Breaking all previous records, Licensing Expo 2026 had over 410 companies exhibit at this year’s gathering. Over 130 of the exhibitors were experiencing their first ever Licensing Expo event. The 12,500 industry professionals spanning retailers, manufacturers, brands, and marketers. Over 78% countries were represented among the 28% of global visitors. Interestingly over 49% of the visitors hold global decision-making power. Enjoy our video of getting to the exhibit and the walkabout in the event space. Given the complex licensing and the high value brands, we were not allowed to do an Expo Hall walkabout. The Mandalay Food Court for all to enjoy.

We once again live streamed from on site on Tuesday requesting assistance on your favorite videos for my syndicated segment on the May 25th nationally broadcast edition of Computer Talk Radio.

We conducted research for additional forthcoming Whisper Reports for our clients. The playlists are unlisted but available with the video version to be distributed via YouTube Whisper Club upper tier membership area on our YouTube Channel.
Readers and viewers wishing to experience the entire event are encouraged to view the Conference Whispers: Licensing Expo 2026 Playlist in its entirety. The playlist will be sited in the end screen, description, and as a pinned comment of the video edition.

The video edition will conclude with gratitude towards those that contributed and a montage of responses to Bonus Question, “What’s the best part about attending the Licensing Expo live in Las Vegas?”.

Next Year’s Conference
The Licensing Expo will once again return to Las Vegas and will be held at the Mandalay Bay on May 25-27, 2027.

^*When vendors’ names are shared as examples in this document, it is to provide a concrete example of what was on display at the conference, not an evaluation or recommendation. Evaluation and recommendation of these vendors are beyond the scope of this specific research document. Other examples products in the same category may have also been on display.

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©2019-2026 TBW Advisors LLC. All rights reserved. TBW, Technical Business Whispers, Fact-based research and Advisory, Conference Whispers, Industry Whispers, Email Whispers, The Answer is always in the Whispers, Whisper Reports, Whisper Studies, Whisper Ranking, Whisper Club, Whispers, The Answer is always in the Whispers, Vegas Convention Library, and One Change a Month, are trademarks or registered trademarks of TBW Advisors LLC. This publication may not be reproduced or distributed in any form without TBW’s prior written permission. It consists of the opinions of TBW’s research organization which should not be construed as statements of fact. While the information contained in this publication has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, TBW disclaims all warranties as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of such information. TBW does not provide legal or investment advice and its research should not be construed or used as such. Your access and use of this publication are governed by the TBW Usage Policy. TBW research is produced independently by its research organization without influence or input from a third party. For further information, see Fact-based research publications on our website for more details.
May 24, 2026
Industry Whispers: Tech Accessibility That Actually Works

Analysts: Dr. Doreen Galli

May 21, 2026

Industry Whispers: Tech Accessibility That Actually Works brings together leaders in assistive technology, AI‑powered accessibility, and user‑centered design to mark Global Accessibility Awareness Day. This practical conversation explores how accessible technology improves usability, expands reach, and performs at scale—drawing on lived experience, enterprise platforms, and broadcast‑grade solutions.

TBW2190

Apologies but NO AI Notetakers allowed. This is a copyrighted event. All Rights Reserved.

Featuring:

Tony Abrahams co-founded AI-Media in 2003 and has led the company as CEO from inception, through a period of significant transformation. Driven by a passion for technology and inclusion, Tony has steered AI-Media from its origins in human-based captioning to becoming a global leader in AI-powered language solutions. He was the force behind the acquisition of EEG, a U.S.-based tech company whose innovations – including the LEXI automatic captioning engine and iCap delivery network – have been central to AI-Media’s shift toward real-time, scalable captioning and translation technology. Today, AI-Media’s solutions help broadcasters, enterprises, and governments deliver accessible content to audiences worldwide.

Victoria Essner is a legally blind assistive technology coach, job accommodation specialist, caregiver advocate, international best selling author and TEDx Las Vegas Speaker. With fifty five years of experience with vision loss and more than thirty one years of professional expertise, she has dedicated her life to helping blind and visually impaired individuals build confidence, independence, and success through accessible technology.

Victoria has trained thousands of individuals, as well as supported families, educators, and employers in creating inclusive environments where people can thrive. Her work combines practical training with compassion and clarity, empowering others to move from frustration and fear to confidence and freedom.

Keith M. Sedor is an Apple Certified Macintosh Consultant supporting Mac users for over 20 years. A member of both the Apple Consultants Network & the Apple Certification Alliance, Keith supports both corporate & consumer Mac users in the entire state of New Jersey (plus border areas of Pennsylvania & New York.)

After a lengthy career supporting Mac users in the corporate sector that began with a 5 year stint at MacWarehouse in 1989, Keith took his passion for Apple & helping people with their Macs to a new level, when he started his own Mac consulting firm, Computer Consultants Group, back in 2006, when many of his clients began to refer to Keith as… ‘My Mac Guru’.

When Keith isn’t doing something Apple or Mac related, he is still the consummate nerd, with a lifelong love of both Star Trek & Star Wars, cars, consumer electronics, holiday baking, and he’s a total foodie!

With a lifelong passion for entertainment, coupled with his love of music, Keith was enticed to pursue his interest in being a radio DJ, after a chance encounter (at the age of 6) with legendary DJ, Don Imus, sparked the creation of his long-running college radio show, ‘Anything Goes’ with Keith M. Sedor (“Where ANYTHING can happen… and USUALLY does!”).

Keith also spent much time on stage in leading roles in numerous community theater productions throughout the years.

These days, Keith enjoys spending his free time with his ever-growing family. Keith resides in New Jersey with his wife, Deirdre, and their daughter, Quinn… who loves watching ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ and ‘Star Wars Rebels’ with her Daddy, while gleefully awaiting the arrival of her new sibling, this Halloween!

Original posting: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/73d91ce3-8d5a-4aa7-8130-12da49882313@dc1a4e20-abe2-4bc2-b7f3-7508715f0731

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©2019-2026 TBW Advisors LLC. All rights reserved. TBW, Technical Business Whispers, Fact-based research and Advisory, Conference Whispers, Industry Whispers, Email Whispers, The Answer is always in the Whispers, Whisper Reports, Whisper Studies, Whisper Ranking, Whisper Club, Whispers, The Answer is always in the Whispers, Vegas Convention Library, and One Change a Month, are trademarks or registered trademarks of TBW Advisors LLC. This publication may not be reproduced or distributed in any form without TBW’s prior written permission. It consists of the opinions of TBW’s research organization which should not be construed as statements of fact. While the information contained in this publication has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, TBW disclaims all warranties as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of such information. TBW does not provide legal or investment advice and its research should not be construed or used as such. Your access and use of this publication are governed by the TBW Usage Policy. TBW research is produced independently by its research organization without influence or input from a third party. For further information, see Fact-based research publications on our website for more details.

May 22, 2026
Whisper Report: What’s the next gaming tech that will change how we play?
Published to clients: May 18, 2026 ID: TBW2106

Published to Whisper Club: May 18, 2026

Analyst(s): Dr. Doreen Galli

Photojournalist(s): Dr. Doreen Galli

ABSTRACT:

This Whisper Report investigates What’s the next gaming tech that will change how we play? Drawing on signals from the gaming floor, the analysis hints at emerging technologies quietly reshaping production, interaction, and player intelligence. Cited experts: Justin Cosnett (Continent 8 Technologies), Will Shuckburgh (eCOGRA), Chris Chuang (Relay), Wanor Franca (CCT), Erik Regan (Plotline), Matt DeLaura (Seon), Phil Simpson (fullstory).

Analysis available only to clients at this time. Join the YouTube Whisper Club at the Whisper Club Level to get access to the video edition today.

Related playlists and Publication
Corporate Headquarters

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Henderson, NV 89052

©2019-2026 TBW Advisors LLC. All rights reserved. TBW, Technical Business Whispers, Fact-based research and Advisory, Conference Whispers, Industry Whispers, Email Whispers, The Answer is always in the Whispers, Whisper Reports, Whisper Studies, Whisper Ranking, Whisper Club, Whispers, The Answer is always in the Whispers, Vegas Convention Library, and One Change a Month, are trademarks or registered trademarks of TBW Advisors LLC. This publication may not be reproduced or distributed in any form without TBW’s prior written permission. It consists of the opinions of TBW’s research organization which should not be construed as statements of fact. While the information contained in this publication has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, TBW disclaims all warranties as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of such information. TBW does not provide legal or investment advice and its research should not be construed or used as such. Your access and use of this publication are governed by the TBW Usage Policy. TBW research is produced independently by its research organization without influence or input from a third party. For further information, see Fact-based research publications on our website for more details.
May 18, 2026
Whisper Report: How will robotics in packaging reshape enterprise ops?
Published to clients: May 11, 2026 ID: TBW2103

Published to Whisper Club: May 11, 2026

Analyst(s): Dr. Doreen Galli

Photojournalist(s): Dr. Doreen Galli

Abstract

This Whisper Report investigates how will robotics in packaging reshape enterprise ops? It explores how flexibility, efficiency, and human–machine collaboration are quietly redefining operations on modern packaging floors, based on firsthand industry perspectives from the field. Cited experts: Mike DeGrace, Universal Robots; Mike Wolf, Signode; Rich Parkhurst, KUKA; Mike Renzetti, Robotunits Inc.; Brett Olson, SICK Sensor Intelligence; Brand Winer, Cognex.

Target Audience Titles:
- Chief Operations Officer, Chief Information Officer, Chief Supply Chain Officer
- Director of Operations, Director of Manufacturing Engineering, Packaging Engineering Manager, Robotics Engineering Manager
- Operations Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, Packaging Engineer, Robotics Engineer, Automation Technician, Controls Engineer
Key Takeaways
- Packaging robotics are driving enterprise ops flexibility through rapid line reconfiguration, collaborative robots, and minimal hard guarding.
- Efficiency gains come from scalable automation that reduces labor risk, human error, floorspace, and time-to-changeover.
- Autonomous mobile robots replace fixed conveyors, enabling flexible logistics that adapt daily to production and shipping demands.
- Robotics first eliminate unsafe, ergonomically harmful tasks while enabling humans and machines to work side by side.
How will robotics in packaging reshape enterprise ops?

We took the most frequently asked and most urgent technology questions straight to the operation engineers and technology professionals gathering at Pack Expo Vegas 2025. This Whisper Report addresses the question regarding how will robotics in packaging reshape enterprise ops? In two words: Flexibility and Efficiencies.

How will robotics in packaging reshape enterprise ops?

We took the most frequently asked and most urgent technology questions straight to the operation engineers and technology professionals gathering at Pack Expo Vegas 2025. This Whisper Report addresses the question regarding how will robotics in packaging reshape enterprise ops? In two words: Flexibility and Efficiencies.

Flexibility

One of the key benefits of modern robotics is flexibility. Universal Robots’ Mike DeGrace had this observation, “We’re seeing a huge drive towards increased flexibility. One of the things that I’m noticing is obviously a greater adoption of technology like this, the Six-Axis collaborative robot.” Signode’s Mike Wolf provides context for the use of such robotics. “One of the things that robots are really transforming is the ability to reconfigure a line and make your facility flexible to what you need to do.” Universal Robots’ Mike DeGrace expands on this thought. “No need for hard guarding or caging in most applications. The other is the space savings. When you think about a contract manufacturer that has lines that change over, products that change over routinely. You need a product that can adjust as quickly as your lines do, right? And that’s what these new robots, these new technologies are bringing to enterprise ops.” Signode’s Mike Wolf commented on the flexibility specifically due to autonomous mobile robots or AMRs. “With autonomous mobile robots, you’re able to do a logistics planning where you don’t need to make conveyors all over your factory. You’re able to transport the goods from the final packaging station out to the truck bay in a flexible way that can reflect what is needed for that truck that day.”

Efficiency

When it comes to how robotics will change enterprise operations, many thought the answer was obvious. Per KUKA’s Rich Parkhurst, the answer is, “In a word its efficiency, right?” Robotunits Inc.’s Mike Renzetti went on to describe the many aspects of efficiency achieved. “If you think about scalability, something as small as this versus as large as full automation of using a robot to do the biggest tasks that may cut down your staff. It may save you money. It may save you time. It may save your production floor. The idea of human error. In reality, I think that robotics and automation as a whole is a never-ending enterprise and an ever growing industry.” SICK Sensor Intelligence’s Brett Olson knows exactly how many are achieving that efficiency. “Having robots like this, adding sensors to it, not only can you go in and access a cell, just to keep the efficiency up, but also safely.” But efficiency with robotics goes beyond the sensors as Cognex’s Brand Winer reported. “People in robots working side by side and really the big roadblock to that before was it need all needed to be safety guarded, right? It could, you know, physically hurt someone and that’s changed. So we’re kind of already seeing that, right? But it’s really a work side by side with the robots to build a more efficient system.” But it more than collaboration with humans, many whispered what Kuka’s Rich Parkhurst tactfully communicated. “We are we’re talking about roles that humans are doing today in the factory environment that are unsafe not good long-term ergonomically. Robotics are really what is going to change that and then also make the space more efficient and more productive over time.” In other words yes, robotics may replace jobs humans do today but the first to go will be the ones that are dangerous and known to sometimes cause life altering harm to the workers.

Analysis available only to clients at this time. Join the YouTube Whisper Club at the Whisper Club Level to get access to the video edition today.

Related playlists and Publication
1. Playlist for Whisper Report: What’s the biggest packaging tech blind spot for CIOs?
2. Playlist for Whisper Report: How will robotics in packaging reshape enterprise ops?
3. Playlist for Whisper Report: What’s the most overlooked data source in packaging?
4. Conference Whispers: Pack Expo Vegas 2025
Corporate Headquarters

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Henderson, NV 89052

©2019-2026 TBW Advisors LLC. All rights reserved. TBW, Technical Business Whispers, Fact-based research and Advisory, Conference Whispers, Industry Whispers, Email Whispers, The Answer is always in the Whispers, Whisper Reports, Whisper Studies, Whisper Ranking, Whisper Club, Whispers, The Answer is always in the Whispers, Vegas Convention Library, and One Change a Month, are trademarks or registered trademarks of TBW Advisors LLC. This publication may not be reproduced or distributed in any form without TBW’s prior written permission. It consists of the opinions of TBW’s research organization which should not be construed as statements of fact. While the information contained in this publication has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, TBW disclaims all warranties as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of such information. TBW does not provide legal or investment advice and its research should not be construed or used as such. Your access and use of this publication are governed by the TBW Usage Policy. TBW research is produced independently by its research organization without influence or input from a third party. For further information, see Fact-based research publications on our website for more details.
May 11, 2026