After nearly twenty years, we have recently joined the renowned Digital Signage Federation, also known as DSF. It was quite an experience having a throwdown in our U.S. hometown of Austin, TX. On February 19, 2026, we got the opportunity to come together in Austin, Texas, for the first Mix & Mingle event of the year. The Sunset Room (downtown) brought together 100-200 industry leaders, innovators, integrators, and end users for an evening of insight, strategy, and connections.
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Meaningful Discussions and Strategic Direction
Org President, Frank Pisano (from Bluefin), kicked off the first meeting, spotlighting focus areas shaping the industry’s growth this year. Topics included:
- Strategies to grow and engage DSF members
- Enhancing the structure and focus of future events
- Better connecting with end-user audiences
- Creating educational programs
- The announcement of a brand new DSF Awards program aimed at recognizing meaningful impact and innovations
We got some insight from speakers from CRI and an IT leader from the Dallas Cowboys team, who shared how digital experiences are scaled from live game environments to broader audiences, with a special peek at the upcoming FIFA World Cup matches being held at AT&T Stadium. Additionally, we heard some insights from Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) Barcelona on emerging trends and innovations that will influence the digital signage landscape throughout the year.
Connections and Community
Face time with industry partners was our main focus of the event. True to its name, Mix & Mingle didn’t just deliver value through sessions; it was a networking powerhouse. We made so many new connections and caught up with colleagues. That energy spilled out into Downtown Austin to an informal after-party complete with live music, drinks, and plenty of fun times.
The Board of directors, including Pisano, Tony Green, Andrea Varrone, Jason Ault, Jonathan (JB) Brawn, Jay Leedy, Frank Barnes, and more were delightful and set the pace for the coming year.
Looking Ahead
Austin marked the first of three Mix & Mingle events planned for 2026, with future stops on the calendar in Washington, D.C., and the Bay Area. If the Austin Mix & Mingle is any indication, 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most connected and collaborative years for digital signage professionals. If we missed you in Austin, let’s connect and continue the conversation.
