Dear Global Signage Alliance Members,
As we get further into 2026, one thing is becoming clear: digital signage has outgrown its role as a standalone communication channel. Across retail, transportation, hospitality, corporate environments and public spaces, we are becoming part of something bigger, a broader digital engagement ecosystem where data, automation and AI are coming together in ways that are genuinely changing what our industry can do.
The most significant shift we are seeing right now is AI moving from pilot projects into real, day-to-day deployment. Dynamic content scheduling, contextual messaging, predictive maintenance and audience analytics are no longer aspirational, they are becoming standard. That said, the core question for our industry has not changed: how do we make sure technology drives meaningful, measurable engagement rather than just adding another layer of complexity?
Sustainability has also moved firmly up the agenda. End users are now evaluating display technology not just on visual impact and performance, but on energy consumption, lifecycle management and carbon footprint. Smarter content scheduling and energy-efficient display management are fast becoming real competitive advantages, not just talking points.
We are also seeing steady progress for e-paper technologies. They are not replacing traditional displays in high-impact environments, but they are finding a solid footing in applications where ultra-low power, sustainability and simple content updates matter most. Transportation, shelf-edge and smart city deployments all look particularly promising here.
On the hardware side, the market is moving toward more energy-efficient, remotely manageable display ecosystems. Manufacturers are building advanced device management, diagnostics and predictive maintenance directly into their platforms. LED innovation continues at pace, especially around finer pixel pitches and energy efficiency, while SoC-based displays keep reducing deployment complexity and total cost of ownership across a wide range of applications.
Running through all of this is a growing conversation about interoperability. As ecosystems become more complex, our members consistently highlight the need for open approaches, standards alignment and genuine vendor collaboration. Customers expect their solutions to work together seamlessly, across software, hardware and data environments, and that expectation is only going to grow.
Finally, I want to say something as Chairman. Across conversations with members in different regions, one thing comes through every time: our industry is evolving faster than ever, but collaboration is still what holds it together. The willingness of our Global Signage Alliance community to share experiences, best practices and partnerships is not just valuable, it is essential.
Thank you for your continued engagement with the GSA. I am looking forward to the conversations ahead.
Kind regards, Mark Ossel Chairman, Global Signage Alliance
