Addressing the Headwinds at Audio Collaborative 2022

If you haven’t already heard, Audio Collaborative is returning to London this November at the Ham Yard Hotel. For Futuresource Consulting’s annual flagship event, we’re bringing a host of industry leaders together under one roof to discuss the issues gripping the audio tech industry today.

With our array of topics already announced, it’s time to introduce one our key themes in greater detail: Addressing the Headwinds.

So, what are the issues facing the Audio Tech Industry?

It’s no secret that the audio tech industry has weathered a stormy few years. With Covid-19 contributing to already significant supply issues and distribution costs continuing to creep upwards, the path ahead may feel rocky for many players in the audio tech field.

But with these trials comes a wealth of opportunity. A heightened consumer demand has been fuelling fresh growth opportunities and rapid innovation within the field. “The market is awash with opportunities,” says Carl Hibbert, Director at Futuresource Consulting, “and that’s what will make this year’s Audio Collaborative event so exciting.”

And what’s more, many of these issues are starting to resolve. New product launches are anticipated, indicating the supply issues that haunted 2020-2021 are finally alleviating. Production lines have stabilised, and inflationary pressures are easing the strain of fervent consumer demand. This is creating a more level playing field across the audio tech landscape.

What’s Caused the Market Disruption?

Covid-19 well and truly disrupted the audio tech industry, worsening the already significant and ongoing global semiconductor shortage. Severe supply chain disruptions halted production, while the seismic shift to remote working generated a global outcry for home computers. Supply failing to meet demand was almost inevitable. Key chips fell short, producing a knock-on effect across multiple industries, from automotive to audio tech.

While intense consumer demand created windows of opportunity for fresh players, the unavailability of components resulted in a rigid market atmosphere.  

What Will Happen Going Forward?

The lessons from these turbulent few years are clear. A flexible approach to market changes is fundamental for battling the ongoing headwinds. Strategic manoeuvring is beginning to become a key aspect of many players’ business plans.

But overall, it’s an exciting market picture for audio tech. Music streaming services show consistently high retention rates compared to video streaming, which is good news for the home audio sector. The growth of the Internet of Things (IoT) is reflected in the building of multi-device home audio setups. Subwoofer attachment rates are increasing, and more wireless speaking are being purchased for multiroom.

What’s in Store for Audio Collaborative 2022…

The market is advancing fast. Attending Audio Collaborative 2022 will help navigate the rapidly changing tides of the audio tech industry. Our other key topics up for discussion include:

• The Next Big Thing – what drives new waves of consumer audio upgrades, and what encourages them to spend more?
• Making More of Audio in Gaming – better soundtracks and immersive dialogue are set to maximise opportunities for audio gaming. How can we capitalise off this?
• Voice Update | Look Who’s Talking – virtual assistant development continues, but what comes next?
• Sounding Out on Sustainability – what initiatives are underway across the audio space? What more can be done?
• Opportunities for the Content Creation Industry – a reputable selection of panellists will investigate key technologies and trends expected to fuel the market long-term.
• Automotive – hear the latest on in-car connectivity.

Secure your place at Audio Collaborative today!

Audio Collaborative is an exciting, forward-thinking, in-person all-day event. Taking place at the Ham Yard Hotel in London on 10 November 2022, the day provides multiple opportunities for discussion and networking. Places are limited, so booking promptly is essential to guaranteeing a spot.

To book your place, follow this link, and we’ll see you in November at one of the industry’s most insightful events!

Official Event Sponsors

HARMAN - Platinum Sponsor
As trailblazers in audio tech, HARMAN's suite of products provide unmatched listening experiences for both work and leisure. Explore their work-from-home offerings and more.
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DSP Concepts
DSP Concepts is the Silicon Valley based leader in the Audio of Things (AoT) market and the creator of Audio Weaver, the audio experience design platform that makes audio innovation easy.
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Sonarworks
Sonarworks is an award-winning audio technology innovator delivering an individually perfected sound experience to every music creator and lover.
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About the author

Olivia Lowden

Olivia Lowden is responsible for the long-form content, press, and partnerships at Futuresource. Prior to her career at Futuresource, she completed an MA in Creative Writing at the University of East Anglia, demonstrative of her lifelong love of words.

About the author

Carl Hibbert

Heading the Consumer Media & Technology Research team, with over 20 years industry analyst experience. Carl maintains & develops Futuresource's services across all forms of entertainment & consumer electronics, ensuring unrivaled insight & knowledge in sector dynamics and future industry direction. A regular presenter at industry conferences across USA, Europe and Asia and frequent contributor to press and trade journals.