Ellipsys Commercial Technology Group brought members and vendor partners together February 18–20 for Ellipsys Catalyst 2026 at Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale, focusing on collaboration, accountability and growth in an ever-changing marketplace.
The annual event reinforced connection as the group’s highest benefit, with enhanced vendor reporting, improved communication, speed and clarity cited as ongoing value-adds. Several new vendor partners were also introduced at the event: ADI Global, Jetbuilt, Media Resources, MultiTaction, Render Foundry, Total LED, and Windy City Wire.
“Ellipsys adds speed to our members’ growth and day-to-day operations,” said Chris Whitley, director of Ellipsys. “When you combine transparency and shared accountability, you create an environment that allows commercial integrators to solve challenges faster and pursue new opportunities with confidence.”
Keynote speaker Robert “Shark” Garland gave a presentation titled “Debrief to Win: How to Thrive Through Disruption,” encouraging leaders to focus on purpose, responsibility and behavioral discipline. Garland outlined the “why, what and how” of resilient leadership and emphasized the importance of structured debriefing — a constructive evaluation of decisions and execution of work, measured against clearly defined objectives.
“The most important thing as a leader is to share your experience,” Garland said. “Be better tomorrow than we are today.”
Additional programming during the Catalyst event included:
- A team-focused “Top Gun Workshop” to further examine the why of every operation, through goal setting, tactical strategy and accountability
- One-on-one breakout sessions and roundtables with vendors
- An installation tour, led by Jeffrey Reiss, CTS of Media Resources Inc., which highlighted large-scale digital display technology throughout the resort and emphasized the importance of creating solutions that enhance a client’s existing space
- An offsite trip to Innings Festival — a perfect place for A/V professionals and commercial systems integrators to enjoy great music in a less formal setting
For vendor partners, the event provided insight into dealer projections and market trends for 2026.
“The Ellipsys Catalyst event is an opportunity to engage with multiple dealers across the country in more of an intimate, one-on-one setting,” said Alex Weaver of Legrand. “It helps us, as a manufacturer, understand trends and changes in the marketplace.” Kristin Anderson of Legrand added, “We learn about future opportunities that we might not have known about, so it is a benefit to everybody.”
As Ellipsys continues to expand its membership and vendor base, Catalyst 2026 reinforced a shared commitment to communication, collaboration and continuous improvement across the network.