Podcasts about infocomm

We talk to Warren Clark, VP & General Manager of Sales at Liberty about what they will have at booth C7248 in the Central Hall. We also discuss their approach to simplifying installations and enhancing productivity with their AV solutions.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We talk to Petro Shimonishi, Director of New Business Development for Panasonic about what we can expect to see at booth C8325 in the Central Hall. We also discuss their new RGB laser projector and the value of vibrant color in the projection space.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We talk to Nathan Coutinho, Global Head of Strategic Partner Relations and Market Insights for Logitech about what we will find at botoh C7050 in the Central Hall. We also discuss their latest PC accessories and additions to the CollabOS video platform.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We talk to Kelly Perkins, Senior Director of Marketing for Sound Control Technologies about what they will have in store for booth C5125 in the Central Hall. We also discuss their work with USB-C for solutions and integration across different devices.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We talk to Steve Durkee, BrightSign CEO about what we will expect to see at booth C5301 in the Central Hall. We also discuss their new management software, BrightSign Control Plus to control deployments at scale.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We talk to David Missall, Insights Manager Consultants & Technical Application Engineer Manager at Sennheiser about what they will be showcasing in booth C5313 in the Central Hall. We also discuss the latest innovations to their TeamConnect Ceiling Solutions, TCCM Plus and its simplified deployment & seamless integration.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

InfoComm 2026 is here, and there is more happening for the higher education technology community than ever before. In this special live episode of the Higher Ed AV Podcast, Joe Way joins the HETMA community to break down the events, conversations, networking opportunities, education sessions, and industry moments that higher ed professionals need to have on their radar throughout the week.From the HETMA Education Summit and Higher Ed AV Awards to booth activities, meetups, receptions, and can't-miss show floor highlights, this episode serves as your guide to navigating #InfoComm26 through a higher ed lens. Whether you are attending in person or following along from afar, Joe shares what matters most, where to be, and why this year's event represents a significant moment for the future of higher ed AV.Follow all the coverage and sign-up for events at: https://www.higheredav.com/infocom26

Recorded June 5, 2026 This week on Off the Rails, we descend into the glamorous, finger-burning, cable-stretching world of Layer 1: the place where every brilliant AV system either starts working… or quietly dies behind a rack because someone trusted a discount connector. The regular panel is joined by Stacy Kaskon and Brant Mathiason from Neutrik to talk about why physical connectivity still matters, why proper termination is becoming a lost art, and how Neutrik's new FAST training initiative aims to teach students, techs, integrators, and higher ed AV teams how to build, test, and trust the cables and connections literally holding their systems together. Soldering, RJ45s, fiber, connector standards, classroom durability, InfoComm training, and the eternal truth that no amount of programming will fix a bad cable all make the cut. Then, because this is Off the Rails, the group swaps horror stories about cursed terminations, fiber polished in bucket trucks, cables pulled with pickup trucks, adapters stacked like archaeological layers, and all the other "temporary" fixes that somehow became load-bearing infrastructure.   Neutrik FAST Training contact: fast.training@neutrikgroup.com   Connect with our guests: Stacy Kaskon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacy-kaskon-4435ba2b/ Brant Mathiason: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brant-mathiason-a19535b/   News story discussed: https://www.avinteractive.com/news/collaboration/microsoft-sunsets-its-covid-era-teams-together-mode-02-06-2026/   Alternate show titles: Singularity of bad ideas Glob and blob-level soldering You're not going to solve a Layer 1 problem with programming That happens until it can't any more One person wears a tutu   We stream live every Friday at about 315p Eastern/1215p Pacific and you can listen to everything we record over at AVSuperFriends.com    ▀▄▀▄▀ CONTACT LINKS ▀▄▀▄▀ ► Website: https://www.avsuperfriends.com ► Twitter: https://twitter.com/avsuperfriends ► LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/avsuperfriends ► YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@avsuperfriends ► Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/avsuperfriends.bsky.social ► Email: mailbag@avsuperfriends.com ► RSS: https://avsuperfriends.libsyn.com/rss   Donate to AVSF: https://www.avsuperfriends.com/support

We talk to John Henkel, Product Marketing Director for NETGEAR about what they will be showcasing at booth N7011 in the North Hall. We also get a tease of something new for their Engage AV Switch Controller you'll be able to see at the show.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We talk to Erin Keplinger, Marketing Director for Bluefin to learn about what they'll have for booth C9607 in the Central Hall. We also discuss adaptability and scalability of their solutions in different spaces.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We talk to Pam Hoppel, Legrand AV President about what we will find at booth C7800 in Central Hall. We also discuss the (le)grander unified platform of interconnected products and how that assists the AV infrastructure.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We talk to Tomer Mann, Chief Revenue Officer at 22Miles about what they will be showcasing at booth C5753 in the Central Hall. We also discuss the evolution of digital signage to contain an entire ecosystem, and how 22Miles is using their solutions to make this happen.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We talk to Dave MacKinnon, VP of Product Management for Clear-Com about their latest intercom solutions that will be at booth N7005 at the show. We also discuss how scalable these solutions can be, from hundreds of points to smaller venues.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We talk with Claudia Barbiero, Director of Global Marketing for PTZOptics about what we'll find in their booth at N8227. We also discuss how the evolution of the camera lies in the software and integration side for a smoother experience.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We talk to Greg Mattson and Rob Harris from Nice about what will be showcased at their booth at C9906 in the Central Hall. We also discuss how Nice collaborates with companies like Furman to work with their solutions.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

EPISODE 187 | Guest: Sean Matthews, president & CEO of Visix, Inc. InfoComm 2026 returns to Las Vegas June 17–19, and this episode previews what Visix is bringing to Booth C7814. Rather than chasing the "AI everywhere" hype, the conversation focuses on the practical technologies making a real difference for the workplace. The centerpiece is wireless ePaper. With most companies now operating in a hybrid model, ePaper has become a focal point for what Visix can offer both end users and integration partners, including a new 32-inch true-color ePaper display and smaller signs for huddle rooms, desks, and shared spaces. Discover how ePaper signs power hybrid workplace solutions for room and desk booking Explore the new 32-inch true-color wireless ePaper sign making its debut at the show Understand why hybrid work is driving triple-digit growth in workplace ePaper adoption Learn how built-in AI assistants speed up text and image creation in AxisTV Signage Suite Hear how the BrightSign partnership and Series 6 players fit into the Visix lineup See the full transcript HERE Learn more about what we're showing at InfoComm 2026 HERE

We talk to Mark Corbin, President of Vanco International about what they'll have in store for booth C6409 in the Central Hall. In addition to their AV over IP Solutions, we discuss Beale Street's audio solutions that will be demoing during the show.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We talk to Mikey Shaffer, VP of Sales for Listen Technologies about what they will have in store for booth C8817 during InfoComm 2026. We also discuss the latest innovations to their Auracast ecosystem.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We talk to Steve Greenblatt & Amanda Beckner about their class, "Applying an Understanding of Personality Types to AV Roles, Projects, and Business Relationships" that will be taking place at the show on June 16. They look at working with groups and individuals through a personality lens and how to effectively cooperate.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We talk to Dana Corey, SVP & Global GM for Avocor about what they will have to showcase at booth C6403 in the Central Hall. We also discuss their wide range of digital signage solutions and even more to reveal at the show.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We talk to Lex Evans, Account Executive for Epiphan Video about what they will be showcasing at booth C8719 in Central Hall. We also discuss their camera designed with lecture halls in mind and many other uses for their video solutions.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We talk to Chris Bishop, Director of Western Regional Sales for LynTec about what they'll have in store for booth N7435 in the west hall. We also discuss power management and the solutions needed to keep that power stable.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We talk to Tim Bigoness, Chief Marketing Officer for D-Tools about what they will have in store for their booth at C9012 in the Central Hall. We also discuss their mantra of "smarter, scalable" project management for their software solutions.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of the Digital Signage Today podcast, the talk is all about hardware and transforming existing hardware into a unified, secure digital signage ecosystem.Guest speaker Cullen Gross, a sales engineer at Carousel Digital Signage, shares expert insight on how existing hardware can prove to be the most successful path to a robust and rewarding digital signage strategy.Trusted for nearly three decades, Carousel has been the go-to signage platform for corporate organizations, educational institutions and government agencies. Dedicated to equipping clients with top-tier strategy and insight, the Carousel team will be sharing their expertise live at InfoComm in Las Vegas from June 17-19 (booth C9582).What can you expect from Carousel at InfoComm 2026? Get actionable insights based on your current hardware and software setup, join an in-booth session hosted by the Amazon Signage Stick team at 10 a.m. on days one and two, and talk with the Carousel team about content feeds and the latest developments in security and compliance!

We talk to Gina Sansivero, VP of Marketing & Corporate Communications for AltasIED about what they'll be showing at booth N7132 in the North Hall. We also discuss how their Atmosphere platform is continuing to grow and the recent launch of their AIX security platform.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We talk to Brad Hintze, EVP of Global Customer Success & Marketing for Crestron about what they will have in store for booth C7300 in the Central Hall. We also discuss their latest collaboration with Barcelona's Spotify Camp Nou stadium and the power of AV over IP systems.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We talk to Bill Fons, President of AI Initiatives at CTI about the AVIXA AI Accelerator panel during the show. We also discuss the many other AI-centric discussions and roundtables that will be a part of the show, and how this technology is evolving to suit the needs of integrators in many different verticals.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on the Higher Ed AV Podcast, Joe Way tries something brand new: the first-ever No Context Flash Pitch. The concept is simple, chaotic, and exactly what makes the higher ed AV community so special. Guests jump on live, get two minutes, and can pitch anything they want. A product. A booth. A project. A tip. A warning. A reason to get excited for InfoComm. No prep. No polish. No sponsor package. Just real people, real energy, and real reasons to show up. What follows is a fast-paced, community-powered preview of InfoComm 2026, featuring manufacturers, HETMA partners, higher ed professionals, and longtime AV friends sharing what they are bringing to the show floor and why it matters for the higher education vertical. Bert Feldman, INOGENI Bert Feldman, U.S. Sales Director at INOGENI, kicks off the Flash Pitch format with a powerhouse overview of the company's growing AV and UC portfolio. He previews INOGENI's latest work around USB, USB-C, IP, multi-camera switching, BYOM, room system flexibility, and automated classroom capture workflows. The headline is CamTrack, INOGENI's multi-camera automated switching solution designed to support active learning spaces, lecture capture rooms, hybrid classrooms, and flexible teaching environments. Bert also highlights INOGENI's IP-to-USB converter, Dante-enabled workflows, the upcoming U-BRIDGE USB-C extender, and the award-winning TOGGLE series. For higher ed, the message is clear: INOGENI is helping campuses simplify the complicated spaces where cameras, microphones, computers, and collaboration platforms all need to work together without friction. John Palazinski, GUDE Systems John Palazinski from GUDE Systems brings the perfect mix of product preview, HETMA partnership, and show-floor energy. He talks about GUDE's strong involvement with HETMA, including participation in the HETMA Approved evaluation program, and previews new products coming to InfoComm, including an updated AC/DC box, a new UPS box, and GUDE's cloud software for managing power and connected devices. For higher ed institutions, John's pitch is about more than power. It is about reliability, remote management, uptime, and giving AV teams better tools to support the rooms their campuses depend on every day. He also teases a special gift for HETMA members who stop by the booth, proving once again that swag and smart infrastructure can absolutely coexist. Renee Benson, Sony Renee Benson from Sony joins from the road and still manages to bring the heart of the episode into focus: relationships. Sony lists Renee Benson among its HETMA recognitions as “Best Vendor Rep,” and Sony's InfoComm 2026 page lists booth C8301.  Renee previews Sony's InfoComm presence, including new BRAVIA displays, P-Series and S-Series solutions, LED offerings, and the opportunity for attendees to connect directly with Sony's regional teams. Her segment is a reminder that technology is only part of the equation. In higher ed AV, trust matters. Relationships matter. Having vendor partners who understand the campus environment matters. Renee's pitch captures exactly why the best vendor relationships feel less transactional and more like an extension of the community. Michael Gunderson, Highland Community College One of our most experienced HETMA members, Michael Gunderson, uses his two minutes to deliver a fantastic InfoComm survival guide for first-time attendees. The advice is practical gold: download the app, mark the vendors you want to see, study the floor layout, learn the numbering system, find the restrooms, locate the free food and water, and give yourself time to understand the show before trying to sprint through it. He also shouts out the HETMA booth, morning coffee, happy hours, peer networking, and the importance of making real connections. This segment turns into one of the most useful parts of the episode because it reminds everyone that InfoComm can be overwhelming, but it does not have to be. With the right plan and the right community, the biggest AV show in North America can feel a whole lot smaller. Brandy Johnson, PTZOptics Brandy Johnson from PTZOptics brings big energy and a bold preview of what the company is bringing to InfoComm. She talks about PTZOptics stepping into a new era as an employee-owned company, complete with new branding, new booth energy, and a stronger focus on complete video workflows. Her pitch centers on interoperability, partner ecosystems, and helping attendees experience how PTZOptics products work inside real AV environments. Brandy highlights the Link 4K, Dante AV-H workflows, hands-on test-drive stations, partner integrations with companies like NETGEAR and INOGENI, new 4K products, updated web GUI capabilities, and voice-tracking integrations. For higher ed, this is where PTZOptics shines. Brandy positions their solutions not just as cameras, but as part of a larger teaching, learning, streaming, and content creation ecosystem. It is about giving campuses flexible, scalable video tools that actually fit the way classrooms, lecture halls, studios, and hybrid spaces operate. Bill O'Donnell, Babson College Bill O'Donnell from Babson College joins from the end-user side and offers one of the most important reminders of the episode: do not skip the small booths. A Crestron case study identifies Bill O'Donnell as an Instructional Technology Integration Specialist in Media Services at Babson College.  Bill talks about the value of walking the show floor with curiosity, especially in the smaller booths where emerging companies and early-stage ideas often appear before the larger manufacturers adopt them. He points to the evolution of tracking camera technology as an example, noting how innovations that once looked niche can eventually become major parts of the AV ecosystem. His segment is a perfect higher ed perspective: innovation does not always announce itself with the biggest booth, the loudest demo, or the most expensive buildout. Sometimes the next big thing is tucked away in a corner, waiting for the right campus technologist to notice it. Jason Jenkins, Studiomatic Jason Jenkins from Studiomatic jumps in after seeing Joe's LinkedIn post and delivers a compelling pitch for the continuing evolution of one-button studios. Studiomatic's own site identifies Jason Jenkins as the developer behind its One Button Studio solutions.  Jason explains how he has spent years building simple, powerful presentation recording systems that allow faculty, staff, students, and creators to walk in with a PowerPoint, press one button, and leave with a finished video. He previews the One Button Studio Pro, the mobile or desk-based One Button Studio Go, and the upcoming One Button Studio Solo. The magic is in the simplicity: no production crew, no complicated login process, no editing headache, and no steep learning curve. Just an intuitive kiosk-style system designed to make high-quality content creation accessible. For higher ed, Jason's segment is especially relevant. Campuses are still looking for better ways to support lecture capture, faculty media creation, student presentations, online learning content, and self-service production spaces. Studiomatic's approach makes those workflows approachable, repeatable, and scalable. HETMA at InfoComm 2026 Joe closes the episode by previewing the full HETMA experience at InfoComm 2026. HETMA's week includes the Higher Education Summit, the Higher Ed AV Awards, the HETMA booth, morning coffee, happy hours, show floor tours, live podcasting, booth activations, and the kind of hallway conversations that often become the most valuable part of the entire show. The HETMA InfoComm 2026 page lists the booth as C6023 and outlines a full week of higher ed-focused programming from June 15–19, 2026.  Joe also previews the new VIP Qualified-Buyers After-Hours Reception, designed to connect higher ed decision-makers with manufacturers, integrators, and partners around real projects, real budgets, and real needs. The goal is not just networking for networking's sake. It is matchmaking with purpose. Episode Takeaway This episode proves that InfoComm is not just about products. It is about people, timing, trust, curiosity, and community. From INOGENI's automated camera workflows to GUDE's power management, Sony's display ecosystem, PTZOptics' video innovation, Babson's end-user perspective, Studiomatic's one-button content creation, and HETMA's community-first show strategy, this Flash Pitch episode captures the best of what makes higher ed AV different. It is a little unpredictable. It is a little chaotic. And it is exactly the kind of energy that makes people want to be part of the room.

We are joined by Andrew Starks, Director of Product Management for Macnica about what the AIMS Alliance will be showcasing at booth C7487 in the Central Hall. We also discuss the recent certification of the IPMX standard and the advancements in AV over IP technology.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We talk to Anna Kozel, VP of Marketing for VuWall to see what they've got in store for booth C8867 in the Central Hall. We also discuss their latest advancements to their TRX Video Wall Management Platform and more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We talk to Perry Freifeld, Regional Vice President at Diversified for an activation on the show floor they are calling "The Pitch." in the North Hall. Specifically, sports entertainment and how AV is elevating the fan experience. We look at how attendees will see these solutions in action and how they can be utilized for a unique AV outing.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We talk to Jason Roberts, Vice President of Workplace Strategy at FORTÉ about the Smart Workplace Activations they will be showing off in Central Hall. We also discuss the evolution of the workplace and how technology supports collaboration and communications.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We talk to Sam Phenix, CEO of Phenix Consulting, about the Retail Activation experience AVIXA will be demonstrating in the Central Hall. They are seeking to transcend the trade show floor and show off solutions in the most realistic settings that integrators will be dealing with every day.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Recorded May 8, 2026 This week on Off the Rails, the gang celebrates finals week the only way higher ed AV/IT knows how: by watching a major cloud platform wobble and quietly whispering sweet nothings to the on-prem rack. The Instructure Canvas mess kicks off a discussion about cloud dependency, LMS integrations, sketchy APIs, cyber insurance, and the comforting lie that "hosted" means "not our problem." Then it's on to upcoming NWMET and InfoComm sessions about building local AI tools for AV design, documentation, math, and workflows… because sometimes the best cloud strategy is "don't." The main topic tackles higher ed media production studios, virtual production spaces, visualization labs, esports rooms, and all the other shiny innovation boxes campuses love to build before remembering someone has to staff, fund, maintain, and explain them. The crew digs into automation, realistic expectations, revenue potential, student involvement, and why your $3,000 LED volume is adorable. Finally, a listener's question about HyFlex classroom audio leads to ceiling mics, Catchbox, lectern mics, Dante, and the timeless truth that microphones are happiest when they're disappointing someone.   News story: https://www.kcur.org/education/2026-05-07/hackers-hit-university-of-missouri-system-and-9-000-other-canvas-schools   AVSF Presentations: NWMET Conference: https://www.nwmet.org "Weaponizing AI for AV and IT Design" Weds May 20, 100p InfoComm: https://www.infocommshow.org "From Prompt to Project: Applying AI to Higher Ed AV Design" Thurs June 17, 1000a   RDL Dante Headphone Amplifier: https://rdlnet.com/product/av-nh1/   Alternate show titles: It's just text / and 9,000 other schools!  Find me every vulnerability This is real; it could happen It's a really cool concept There's so much leakage that can happen What is happening in North Carolina? There's a few variants of this strain that goes around We call that Bro-Jo We gotta fill this hole The secret word is… Public-Private Partnerships The bottom people get it shoved in their face We're not building these spaces for good enough Magic with a Pac-Man button Braggart…    We stream live every Friday at about 315p Eastern/1215p Pacific and you can listen to everything we record over at AVSuperFriends.com    ▀▄▀▄▀ CONTACT LINKS ▀▄▀▄▀ ► Website: https://www.avsuperfriends.com ► Twitter: https://twitter.com/avsuperfriends ► LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/avsuperfriends ► YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@avsuperfriends ► Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/avsuperfriends.bsky.social ► Email: mailbag@avsuperfriends.com ► RSS: https://avsuperfriends.libsyn.com/rss   Donate to AVSF: https://www.avsuperfriends.com/support

We talk to Levi Lavrinyuk, Director of Marketing for Lightware about what they'll have in store for the show at booth 7548 in the Central Hall. We also discuss their improvements upon their Taurus matrix switcher and Gemini GVN switcher, and integration between both systems.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

InfoComm 2026 returns to Las Vegas June 13-19 to showcase the power of integrated experiences. We look at the latest innovations and explore the future of the AV industry. Before the show even starts we're here to see what's in store for the halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center. The video version of this preview can be found here.We talk to Jenn Heinold, Senior Vice President of Exposition for Americas at AVIXA about the show itself. We discuss returning to the Central and North halls and what different experiences attendees can find across the entire show.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

OverviewIn this annual InfoComm preview episode, Joe Way welcomes back David Labuskes, CEO of AVIXA, for what may be Dave's final Higher Ed AV Podcast appearance before his retirement at the end of the year. Together, they discuss why InfoComm is more than a trade show, how end users and higher education continue to shape the future of AV, and why community-centered organizations like HETMA have become essential to the industry's growth. The conversation also reflects on Dave's leadership, the importance of intentional networking, and the legacy of leaving the industry better than he found it.Show NotesInfoComm season is here, and that means it is time for one of the Higher Ed AV Podcast's favorite annual traditions: a conversation with Dave Labuskes, CEO of AVIXA. As the countdown begins to the industry's biggest event, Joe and Dave preview what attendees can expect in Las Vegas, from new show floor activations to keynotes, education, networking, and the growing presence of the higher ed AV community.Dave shares how the role of the end user has evolved from attendee to central community member, noting that end users now represent one of the fastest-growing segments of the InfoComm audience. For higher education, that shift has created new opportunities for connection, advocacy, professional growth, and industry influence, especially through the continued growth of HETMA.The conversation also explores why InfoComm works because it is owned and produced by AVIXA, an association whose mission is rooted in advancing the AV profession rather than simply producing a profitable event. Dave explains that when the show's purpose is tied to the health of the industry, it becomes a platform for standards, education, community, and the future direction of AV itself.Joe and Dave also talk through practical advice for first-time and returning attendees. Dave encourages listeners to be intentional, define what success looks like before arriving, schedule key meetings, attend community events, and leave room for serendipity. Whether someone is looking for peers, mentors, manufacturer training, education sessions, or new technology discoveries, the key is having a plan while staying open to the unexpected.The episode closes with a heartfelt reflection on Dave's career, his favorite memories from leading AVIXA, the emotional significance of InfoComm after the pandemic, and what he hopes his legacy will be. His answer is simple and powerful: leave it better than you found it.Key TakeawaysInfoComm is not just a trade show. It is an industry event where community, education, commerce, and leadership come together to shape the future of AV.End users, including those in higher education, are no longer just attendees. They are a vital part of the AV community and one of the most important voices in the direction of the industry.HETMA's growth represents the power of building a “community within the community,” giving higher ed AV professionals a place to connect, grow, advocate, and lead.Attendees should make a plan before arriving at InfoComm. Define your goals, schedule key conversations, identify sessions and exhibitors, and know what success looks like before the week begins.At the same time, leave room for discovery. Some of the most valuable moments happen in unscheduled conversations, smaller booths, community gatherings, and unexpected encounters.Dave's leadership philosophy centers on mission, community, courage, trust, heart, and leaving the organization better than he found it.Mentioned in This EpisodeAVIXAInfoCommHETMAHigher Ed AV AwardsEducation SummitAVIXA Women's BreakfastThe PitchAI-powered collaborationModern workplace technologyHETMA booth and community programmingPrism ScholarshipSCN Hall of FameGuestDave LabuskesCEO, AVIXAdlabuskes@avixa.orghttps://www.infocommshow.orghttps://www.avixa.orgHostJoe WayHigher Ed AV Podcastjoe@josiahway.comCalls to ActionRegister for InfoComm and use code HETMA for a free show pass.Use code HETMA for member pricing on the Education Summit.Attend the Higher Ed AV Awards at higheredavawards.com.Learn more about AVIXA at avixa.org.

This meeting of the Thinking Out Loud with Friends of SoundBroker, our 309th consecutive show, delved into a wide-ranging discussion covering industry events, high-level production experiences, and the latest in entertainment technology. We kicked things off with a look ahead to the upcoming Infocomm event in Las Vegas and shared behind-the-scenes stories of working with high-profile figures, including US Presidents and British Royalty. The technical segment featured deep dives into the evolution of sound management—from analog tape and carts to modern digital software—and a fascinating look at the IMAX film transfer process and the future of immersive 4D theater experiences like the Sphere.The conversation also touched on current trends in the automotive and entertainment sectors, exploring the global rise of Chinese automotive design and the impact of AI-generated music on streaming platforms. We discussed the latest space missions from SpaceX and Blue Origin, as well as record-breaking stadium performances and the shift from blimps to drones for aerial coverage. Whether you're interested in the technical nuances of Abbey Road recording sessions or the business side of the Michael Jackson estate, this episode offers a unique blend of historical context and forward-looking industry insights.#Infocomm2026, #LiveProduction, #SoundEngineering, #ImmersiveAudio, #AImusic, #FutureTech, #MichaelJackson, #AbbeyRoad, #MusicBusiness, #SoundBroker #Podcast, #AudioEngineering, #EntertainmentTechnology, #SpaceExploration, #janlandy, @soundbroker, #zoom

Since Higher Ed AV Awards nominations are now open (https://HigherEdAVAwards.com), Joe uses this episode to pull back the curtain on what actually makes an award nomination stand out. Drawing from his unique experience as a nominee, winner, judge, and awards organizer, he explains why strong nominations matter more than reputation, marketing language, or assumptions that an entry alone should guarantee a trophy. He breaks down the different types of industry awards, from public voting and panel-judged honors to editorial recognitions, and explains how the strongest entries consistently focus on impact, specificity, audience awareness, and meaningful proof.Joe walks listeners through what judges are really looking for, especially in the Higher Ed AV Awards. He explains why nominees need to fully answer every section, maximize every character allowed, provide measurable results, include strong references, and avoid vague marketing language. He also emphasizes that judges can only score what is actually included in the submission, not what they may already know about a person, company, or product. The episode is both a practical guide and a candid reality check for anyone hoping to improve their chances of winning.Along the way, Joe also shares details about this year's Higher Ed AV Awards, including entry timing, category structure, Hall of Fame distinctions, the new People's Choice Awards, and what attendees can expect during Higher Ed Week at InfoComm. It is part awards masterclass, part industry pep talk, and part preview of the bigger conversations still to come on the podcast. In this episode:Why awards matter and how different award programs are judgedThe three main types of AV industry awards: public vote, judging panels, and editorial picksWhy the quality of the nomination matters more than name recognitionWhat judges actually score and why incomplete entries lose pointsHow to write stronger executive summaries, detailed overviews, and impact statementsWhy references, testimonials, quotes, and supporting documentation matterCommon mistakes manufacturers, marketers, and nominees make when entering awardsHow Higher Ed AV Awards scoring works for products, projects, and peopleWhy Hall of Fame is not the same as a lifetime achievement awardA preview of the new People's Choice Award categoriesKey dates and details for this year's Higher Ed AV Awards and Higher Ed Week at InfoCommKey takeaway:Great work does not automatically win awards. Great nominations do. The strongest submissions tell a clear story, prove impact, speak to the right audience, and make it easy for judges to understand exactly why that person, product, or project deserves recognition.Mentioned in this episode:Higher Ed AV AwardsHETMA Higher Ed Summit at InfoCommHigher Ed Week at InfoCommHall of Fame nominationsPeople's Choice AwardsAV AwardsAV NationrAVeSCN Hall of FameCommercial Integrator 40 Under 40Call to action:Nominations for the Higher Ed AV Awards are open now. Get your entries in early, take the time to do them well, and join the community in celebrating the people, products, and projects making a difference across higher education AV. Visit https://HigherEdAVAwards.com.

Higher Ed AV PodcastEpisode 341Joe Way welcomes a packed house of HETMA leaders and volunteers to keep the pre-ISE 2026 hype rolling—this time with a full crew heading to Barcelona and a bigger presence than ever: two booths, expanded media coverage, and a brand-new stop on the itinerary, the EdTech Congress.Together, the group breaks down what attendees (and the folks following from home) can expect from ISE's massive show floor, how HETMA is curating a higher-ed experience overseas the same way it does at InfoComm, and why this year is a pivotal “bridge” year as ISE and EdTech Congress move toward deeper integration in 2027. Along the way: practical survival tips (shoes, strategy, and navigation), sponsor/content plans, community events, and—because it's HETMA—plenty of laughs.Guests FeaturedBC Hatchett — Director of Classroom Technology, Vanderbilt University; HETMA Co-FounderErin Maher-Moran — IT Manager for Classroom Technology, Johns Hopkins University; HETMA ChairTroy Powers — Support Team Lead, Northwestern University; HETMA Vice ChairDustin Myers — Manager of Technology Support, John A. Logan College; HETMA Two-Year At-Large Board MemberTeddy Murphy — AV Systems Engineer / AV Team Lead, University of Pikeville; HETMA One-Year At-LargeAtkins Fleming — Assistant Director for Learning Spaces, Texas State University; HETMA TreasurerChris Kelly — Senior IT Support Specialist, Creighton University; HETMA Advisory Board ChairRyan Gray — Joins late; shares excitement for EdTech Congress + real-time coverageWhat You'll Learn / Key Topics1) The Big Picture: Why HETMA is “Going Bigger Than Ever” at ISEFrom “backpack + lockers” guerrilla mode to a full booth presenceWhy HETMA's mission overseas is the same as at InfoComm: community, connection, and curationHow HETMA serves both audiences:the people at the showand the higher-ed community back home who can't travel2) ISE for First-Timers: What to Expect + How to NavigateISE is massive (and feels like it) — plan intentionallyPractical navigation “aha's”:the second floor as the fast routejumping outside between halls to move quickerTactical show-floor advice:Start away from the main entrance mob (Hall 8 / work backwards)Dedicate time blocks per hall (don't rely on “wandering” like smaller shows)3) EdTech Congress: Why It MattersHETMA expands beyond “just AV” to broader EdTech and learning spacesEdTech Congress is described as a “European EDUCAUSE-style” experience (in spirit)This year is a transition year: separate events/locations, but building toward a combined futureHETMA's role: bridge the gap, meet new communities, and amplify what higher ed needs4) The Next AI Event: A Bigger Conversation Than “AI Cameras”Discussion on AI thought leadership and why nobody has the whole answer yetWhy the event structure matters: leadership/ethics + technical/workshop pathsThe goal: spark real conversations and help the industry shape what comes next5) Higher Ed AV Media On-Site: How the Coverage WorksSponsor prep: collecting focus points before the show (what to look for, what's new, how to stand out)On-site interviews and content: booth sit-downs, tours, sponsor spotlightsExploring ways to expand reach (including possible multi-language coverage)The promise: if you follow the coverage all week, you'll feel like you “were there”6) Booth Experience: What to Expect When You Visit HETMATwo HETMA booths: one at EdTech Congress, one on the ISE show floorISE booth number called out in the episode: Booth 2W400What happens at the booths:meet the crew, ask questions, get pointed to the right halls/boothslive content + quick interviews + “what are you seeing?” momentsswag (and the idea of “special swag” if you visit both booths)7) Community: Why the Week Starts Before the Show StartsPre-show social time matters: it sets the tone and makes sure nobody feels aloneSaturday community kickoff options mentioned: golf + spa day vibeEnd-of-week tradition: a higher-ed-only Friday dinner to close it all out8) Barcelona: The City is Part of the ExperienceBC shares why Barcelona is a favorite: the blend of old + modern, the pace, the food, and the vibeLighthearted travel talk: language expectations, friendliness, and yes… chicken nugget debatesPractical Takeaways (ISE Survival Checklist)Bring truly comfortable shoes (and maybe backups)Don't try to “see everything” — you can't; plan your hallsUse the second floor for fast movementConsider hitting less-crowded halls first and working backwardIf you can stay later in the week, Friday is calmer for “walk the booths” timeStart your day with your people: find HETMA early (Booth 2W400 on the show floor)Notable Moments / Fun BitsTroy reveals custom HETMA sneakers for the show (loud by design)The crew jokes about HETMA “micro-planning” (aka: making Joe be organized)Swag culture: ISE has less booth swag than InfoComm… so HETMA fills the gapThe “packed house” energy: seven guests + a late cameo = classic controlled chaosCalls to Action MentionedWatch/listen and follow coverage all week—HETMA is bringing ISE to the people in real timeIf you're in town early, connect for community eventsVisit both HETMA booths (EdTech Congress + ISE show floor) for the full experienceLinks Mentioned (as spoken in the episode)HETMA & HEAV Coverage: https://HigherEdAV.com/ISE2026NEXXT: https://ise.nexxtnow.comEdTech Congress Barcelona: https://EdTechCongressBCN.comISE Booth: 2W400EdTech Congress Booth: T204Connect with Joe Way:Web: https://www.josiahway.comLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/josiahwayX (Formerly Twitter): https://www.x.com/josiahwayInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/josiahway

Recorded January 9, 2026 It's mid-January, and we kick off the first full show of the year with news from CES nonsense, reviewing what consumer tech trends might actually sneak into higher-ed AV and which ones should stay in Las Vegas forever. That quickly turns into an AI-heavy conversation covering lecture capture anxiety, faculty concerns, digital avatars, and synthetic presenters. Then we dig into what happens when trust in a manufacturer, platform, or product is broken, whether that trust can ever truly be rebuilt, and how past experiences shape long-term decisions around standards, vendors, and institutional risk. With conference previews, a preview of NWMET, and the usual mix of practical insight and unnecessary hypotheticals, this episode is a fitting start to the year. If your semester just started and your systems are already acting up, you're among friends.   News stories discussed: https://www.euronews.com/next/2026/01/07/ai-software-that-can-create-digital-clones-of-employees-unveiled-at-ces-2026 https://www.engadget.com/wearables/ixis-autofocusing-lenses-multifocal-glasses-ces-2026-212608427.html https://smarthairclipper.com/ https://mypersonas.ai/   Connect with Raul: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rburriel/   Alternate show titles: Micro lawnmower I do enjoy wearing banana hammocks Your Subscription Ran Out Why are we hiring experts, I just want to replace me! Unauthorized Digital Twin Testing in production There's no testing… just production I'm always going to assume that something is my fault We didn't think anyone would actually do that AI-bolted on features There are booths at InfoComm that I walk right past Button panel of tomorrow It's all ones and zeros MET payday loans Find your swimsuits for 2027   We stream live every Friday at about 315p Eastern/1215p Pacific and you can listen to everything we record over at AVSuperFriends.com    ▀▄▀▄▀ CONTACT LINKS ▀▄▀▄▀ ► Website: https://www.avsuperfriends.com ► Twitter: https://twitter.com/avsuperfriends ► LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/avsuperfriends ► YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@avsuperfriends ► Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/avsuperfriends.bsky.social ► Email: mailbag@avsuperfriends.com ► RSS: https://avsuperfriends.libsyn.com/rss Donate to AVSF: https://www.avsuperfriends.com/support

In this jam-packed episode of UC Big News, host Kieran Devlin is joined by expert analysts Jon Arnold, Melody Brue, Craig Durr, and Zeus Kerravala for a whirlwind tour of the latest from the unified communications world. The team unpacks Mitel's return from bankruptcy, gets hands-on with Google Beam's volumetric video marvel, and decodes Cisco's new enterprise-focused vision for Webex, fresh from Cisco Live 2025. Whether you're a tech leader, vendor watcher, or just UC-curious, this is the episode to watch.

ABOUT BRYAN:LinkedIn Profile: linkedin.com/in/bryanmeszarosWebsites:openeyeglobal.com (Company)marketscale.com/industries/podcast-network/experience-by-design/ (Experience By Design Podcast)experienceunitedsocialclub.com (Experience United Social Club)email: bmeszaros@openeyeglobal.comBio:Bryan Meszaros is a 25-year veteran of the digital signage and experience design industry, known for blending innovation with measurable impact. As the founder of OpenEye Global, he proved that a small, focused team can deliver big results and helped shape the early evolution of digital engagement.He later made history as the youngest President of SEGD and the first with a digital centric background, while also contributing to the Digital Signage Federation and Shop! Association to advance industry standards.Bryan is also the founder of the Experience United Social Club (XUSC), an international networking series all about bringing together creative minds from the AV, digital signage, and design industries to share ideas and collaborate. With global experience across Europe and APAC, he has spoken at major events including EuroShop, ISE, InfoComm, and DSE, and regularly contributes to leading industry publications.Dedicated to pushing boundaries, Bryan remains focused on shaping what comes next in digital signage and experiential design.SHOW INTRO:SHOW INTRO:Welcome to Episode 83! of the NXTLVL Experience Design podcast…In every episode we continue to follow our catch phrase of having “Dynamic Dialogues About DATA: Design, Architecture, Technology and the Arts.” And as we continue on this journey there will be thought provoking futurists, AI technology mavens, retailers, international hotel design executives as well as designers and architects of brand experience places.We'll talk with authors and people focused on wellness and sustainable design practices as well as neuroscientists who will continue to help us look at the built environment and the connections between our mind-body and the built world around us. We'll also have guests who are creative marketing masters from international brands and people who have started and grown some of the companies that are striking a new path for us follow.If you like what you hear on the NXTLVL Experience Design show, make sure to subscribe, like, comment and share with colleagues, friends and family.The NXTLVL Experience Design podcast is always grateful for the support of VMSD magazine. VMSD brings us, in the brand experience world, the International Retail Design Conference. I think the IRDC is one of the best retail design conferences that there is bringing together the world of retailers, brands and experience place makers every year for two days of engaging conversations and pushing us to keep on talking about what makes retailing relevant. You will find the archive of the NXTLVL Experience Design podcast on VMSD.com.Thanks also goes to Shop Association the only global retail trade association dedicated to elevating the in-store experience. SHOP Association represents companies and affiliates from 25 countries and brings value to their members through research, networking, education, events and awards. Check then out on SHOPAssociation.org Today, EPISODE 83… I talk with Bryan Meszaros founder of EpenEye Global. Bryan is a 25-year veteran of the digital signage and experience design industry, known for blending innovation with measurable impact. Naturally, in a world that is increasingly digitally mediated, Bryan's business is significantly focused on the emergence of Artificial Intelligence as a tool in his experience place-making toolbox.We'll get to more of how Bryan sees the use of AI in digital applications in brand experience places in a minute but... first a few thoughts…*                     *                          *                          *I grew up on Star Trek. They original version with Shatner as Captain James T Kirk. These were the sightly campy years in black and white but wonderfully prescient in foretelling what was to come. I used to say that my father, who lived to the ripe old age of 97 was so into it that was holding out until he could just beam up through the transporter to the next phase of his existence. We all watched, my 4 brothers and I every week, my mom? Well not so much…I got used to thinking about digital communication, robots, space travel and technology integrated into our lives facilitating everything from washing dishes to extending lifespans. There isn't a day that goes by now where my media consumption doesn't include something on the evolution of Artificial Intelligence. Both the amazing and the alarming.  How it will make workplaces completely different replacing much of what we now do with human brain and brawn with algorithms and computer chips that can fit 1000 computers from the old Star Trek days on your fingertip. How it is changing the way human brains are wired, though when it comes to our neural networks that trundle along at a speed ridiculously slow compared to the digital pace of change that is exponential and moving at the speed of light.How as a visualization tool it is becoming indistinguishable from real life people and places. Creating deep fakes that are so good at impersonating humans that avatars are no longer cartoonish but facsimiles of us that are, well, exactly like us - but whose knowledge base is the compendium of all human knowledge that can be accessed on the internet and provide cogent answers to well-crafted prompts and have them served up in a few seconds. ‘The times they are a changin' but at a pace that even Dillan couldn't have imagined. Don't even get me started about when we finally, and I don't think it is going to take too long, get to Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and what that portends for humankind. I am often concerned for my sons and the world they are growing into as young adults. I wish sometimes that they'd have had the experience of growing up in the 60's and 70's when times were simpler – but of course they weren't really. Every decade has it's messes – sometime beautiful sometimes not and sometimes each of these ends of the human experience spectrum were happening at the same time.What we are experiencing now is evolution at a revolutionary pace. A slow simmering flame has exploded into a blast furn ace of change propelling us all, whether we like it or not, on a path that at times seems to be heading towards the edger of a cliff. Concerned? Well you'd have good reason to be.But then again, if you accept the Ray Bradburry adage of sometimes while standing at the edge of the cliff ‘you need to jump and build your wings on the way down', may we all then transform in midflight into some sort of lemmings with wings.The subject of AI has surfaced a number of times on this podcast notably with data visualization artists like Refik Anadol and architect artist Samar Younes,  spatial computing specialist and near futurist Neil Redding and Synchronicity Architect Justin Bolognino. Each of these creators and theorists shape the AI narrative to their own ends, each of them proclaiming the virtues and vices of the technology.Uses of AI in design and architecture, as well as other industries, is multifarious and, I would admit, well beyond my more general appreciation for using it as an ideation tool and writing assistant in my everyday work.In the world of experience design there are at least 2 ways - although I would guess many more - to look at it:- on a very basic level there is the physical integration of digital media facilitated by Ai and then there is actual content that ends up on the digital interface – be it a touch screen kiosk, a display array in a sports bar or an enormous multi-story wall in Times Square. Getting these screens to work with the environment is always a challenge. Mainly I believe because they come as an afterthought rather than an integrated design solution and part of a digital experience strategy.In the second case of content, one size does not fit all. Places and people are different. The same content being played on those screens all day are visual noise detracting from overall experience rather than enhancing it. These days, every minute of every day things are changing. Why should digital content on screen of any size and shape be any different?If purveyors of brand experiences are not changing content to adapt to customers everchanging needs across the journey, digital content simply becomes part of the visual texture of the environment slipping into irrelevancy and lending nothing to the embodied memory of a place.This is one area Ai is able to change the game – creating content to meet customer needs more directly. Now it would be difficult, if not impossible to change digital content in Times Square to continually meet the needs of the thousands of people in that digital epicenter in New York. But then we all carry cell phones – person digital devices. All of those phones are geolocated. Each of those those has an address – a personal identifier about who it belongs to and bunch of other information about you – personal, financial, home address, etc.Are a bunch of guys at google looking at you individually as you make your way across Times Square – not really – but your Hazel and Gretel trail of ones and zeros from purchases, GPS searches, app use, etc., etc., tell a lot about you should anyone want to do a little digital forensics.The idea here is that we are giving up this information every time we turn our phones on. That information isn't snatched from us without our consent (generally) it's in our service agreement terms and conditions – that impossibly long text that most of us scroll through to the end and click “agree.”But that information could be used to make your path across Times Square more relevant to you. Perhaps your device communicates with other devices or screens and changes the content that you see.This isn't quite Minority Report yet, where Tom Cruise courses through a store and the displays are talking to him because they recognize his retinas – but it is possible to create messaging that is more personalized to you, specifically, as a customer.Digital signage can change either on the wall of as shelf signage.It is about recognizing your customer and understanding that they are used to creating experience narratives that are more relevant to them because they, in part, have contributed to their making. Want to stay relevant to your customers, new or old? Support their collaboration in the shopping journey offering up opportunities for them to write themselves into the narrative. Story and strategy must be connected. Doing good by your customer is about building a relationship and Ai can support that effort but including engaging digital content that recognizes them as individuals, with relatable and relevant messaging.But the whole enterprise needs to be seamless. Sometime I think that the best tech is the tech you don't see, but it think it is also perfectly OK to see it if there are no disconnects in journey. Signature moments in the customer journey have to link up so the customer follows the bouncing ball from their first connection point through the purchase moment and then beyond. And this is where this episode's guest comes into the picture.Bryan Meszaros is a 25-year veteran of the digital signage and experience design industry, known for blending innovation with measurable impact. As the founder of OpenEye Global, he proved that a small, focused team can deliver big results and helped shape the early evolution of digital engagement.Bryan was the youngest President of SEGD and the first with a digital centric background, while also contributing to the Digital Signage Federation and Shop! Association to advance industry standards.He is also the founder of the Experience United Social Club (XUSC), an international networking series all about bringing together creative minds from the AV, digital signage, and design industries to share ideas and collaborate. With global experience across Europe and APAC, he has spoken at major events including EuroShop, ISE, InfoComm, and DSE, and regularly contributes to leading industry publications.Bryan likes the idea of staying dedicated to pushing boundaries, so he is a natural fit for the show. ABOUT DAVID KEPRON:LinkedIn Profile: linkedin.com/in/david-kepron-9a1582bWebsites: https://www.davidkepron.com    (personal website)vmsd.com/taxonomy/term/8645  (Blog)Email: david.kepron@NXTLVLexperiencedesign.comTwitter: DavidKepronPersonal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidkepron/NXTLVL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nxtlvl_experience_design/Bio:David Kepron is a multifaceted creative professional with a deep curiosity to understand ‘why', ‘what's now' and ‘what's next'. He brings together his background as an architect, artist, educator, author, podcast host and builder to the making of meaningful and empathically-focused, community-centric customer connections at brand experience places around the globe. David is a former VP - Global Design Strategies at Marriott International. While at Marriott, his focus was on the creation of compelling customer experiences within Marriott's “Premium Distinctive” segment which included: Westin, Renaissance, Le Meridien, Autograph Collection, Tribute Portfolio, Design Hotels and Gaylord hotels. In 2020 Kepron founded NXTLVL Experience Design, a strategy and design consultancy, where he combines his multidisciplinary approach to the creation of relevant brand engagements with his passion for social and cultural anthropology, neuroscience and emerging digital technologies. As a frequently requested international speaker at corporate events and international conferences focusing on CX, digital transformation, retail, hospitality, emerging technology, David shares his expertise on subjects ranging from consumer behaviors and trends, brain science and buying behavior, store design and visual merchandising, hotel design and strategy as well as creativity and innovation. In his talks, David shares visionary ideas on how brand strategy, brain science and emerging technologies are changing guest expectations about relationships they want to have with brands and how companies can remain relevant in a digitally enabled marketplace. David currently shares his experience and insight on various industry boards including: VMSD magazine's Editorial Advisory Board, the Interactive Customer Experience Association, Sign Research Foundation's Program Committee as well as the Center For Retail Transformation at George Mason University.He has held teaching positions at New York's Fashion Institute of Technology (F.I.T.), the Department of Architecture & Interior Design of Drexel University in Philadelphia, the Laboratory Institute of Merchandising (L.I.M.) in New York, the International Academy of Merchandising and Design in Montreal and he served as the Director of the Visual Merchandising Department at LaSalle International Fashion School (L.I.F.S.) in Singapore.  In 2014 Kepron published his first book titled: “Retail (r)Evolution: Why Creating Right-Brain Stores Will Shape the Future of Shopping in a Digitally Driven World” and he is currently working on his second book to be published soon. I caught up with Bryan at the SHOP Marketplace event in Charlotte and chatted about his focus on shaping what comes next in digital signage and experiential design. The NXTLVL Experience Design podcast is presented by VMSD magazine and Smartwork Media. It is hosted and executive produced by David Kepron. Our original music and audio production is by Kano Sound. The content of this podcast is copywrite to David Kepron and NXTLVL Experience Design. Any publication or rebroadcast of the content is prohibited without the expressed written consent of David Kepron and NXTLVL Experience Design.Make sure to tune in for more NXTLVL “Dialogues on DATA: Design Architecture Technology and the Arts” wherever you find your favorite podcasts and make sure to visit vmsd.com and look for the tab for the NXTLVL Experience Design podcast there too.

In this insightful interview, Sam Malik, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at MAXHUB, tells UC Today's Kristian McCann about the company's innovative approach to reshaping the Pro AV market. With a focus on designing and engineering their own products, MAXHUB pushes to make new user-friendly solutions and future-proof technologies.This conversation delves into the trends driving the industry forward, MAXHUB's commitment to plug-and-play simplicity, and their plans to showcase groundbreaking products at Infocomm. Key topics of the video:The Power of Simplicity: Why plug-and-play solutions are becoming essential for seamless collaboration in today's workplace.Future-Proof Technology: How MaxHub integrates AI and upgradability into its products to stay ahead of industry trends.Microsoft Teams Certification: The role of certified solutions like MaxHub's Xboard in enhancing team collaboration.What's Next for MaxHub: A sneak peek at their upcoming product showcases at Infocomm and their readiness for Windows 11 IoT.Whether you're a tech enthusiast, an IT decision-maker, or simply curious about the future of UC, find out more about how MAXHUB's products can help by visiting their website.

Dave Hatmaker joins Sean and Andy in Episode 307 for a wide-ranging conversation about working in theme parks, helping test and develop new audio products, and some hard-hitting practical tips and tricks for mixing corporate events.Dave has mixed astronauts to vice presidents, and almost everything in between. He's also been a sound designer for the Walt Disney Company, helping to create many memorable in-park entertainment shows, spectaculars and guest experiences, including Beauty and the Beast (before going to Broadway), Spirit of Pocahontas, and Hunchback of Notre Dame: Festival of Fools.In addition, he's worked with various international audio companies as a research and development team member (most recently Yamaha) creating new technologies, and he was awarded an international patent in 2021 for a new creative new use of audio technology. And, he's been a featured panelist and moderator at international audio and music industry trade shows, including NAMM, AES, MusikMesse, ProLight & Sound, InfoComm, SCSBOA, and Jazz Educators, in addition to being a guest on several podcasts for MxU and AVIXA.Dave holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University, Long Beach, with an emphasis in percussion performance. He has created and delivered audio seminars to high school and college bands, music educators and sound technicians.His goal in the audio business? ”Every day he wants to make life a bit better for musicians by having better, easier, smarter, better sounding products! And to make them FUN to use!!Episode Links:Dave Hatmaker.comDave Hatmaker On LinkedInEpisode 307 TranscriptConnect with the community on the Signal To Noise Facebook Group and Discord Server. Both are spaces for listeners to create to generate conversations around the people and topics covered in the podcast — we want your questions and comments!Also please check out and support The Roadie Clinic, Their mission is simple. “We exist to empower & heal roadies and their families by providing resources & services tailored to the struggles of the touring lifestyle.”The Signal To Noise Podcast on ProSoundWeb is co-hosted by pro audio veterans Andy Leviss and Sean Walker.Want to be a part of the show? If you have a quick tip to share, or a question for the hosts, past or future guests, or listeners at home, we'd love to include it in a future episode. You can send it to us one of two ways:1) If you want to send it in as text and have us read it, or record your own short audio file, send it to signal2noise@prosoundweb.com with the subject “Tips” or “Questions”2) If you want a quick easy way to do a short (90s or less) audio recording, go to https://www.speakpipe.com/S2N and leave us a voicemail there.

Is church production different in other countries?Matt Sales joins us from the UK to tell us the unique aspects about church production in the UK and Africa. In this episode you'll hear: 1:00 INFOCOMM 2025 Highlights for Church Techs5:45 Meet Matt Sales: UK Church Production Leader10:15 Behind the Scenes of UK Church Production14:15 Acoustic Challenges in Historic Church Buildings20:00 How EU Churches Prioritize Production 23:30 Church Production in Africa: Gear, Growth & Grit33:50 Baffle Blake by HouseRight48:30 Church Tech Disaster Story52:00 Tech Takeaway: Pro Tips for Church ProductionSee all the ways HouseRight can help you on your next integration project at their site at HouseRight.com Resources for your Church Tech Ministry Sell Us Gear: Does your church have used gear that you need to convert into new ministry dollars? We can make you an offer here. Buy Our Gear: Do you need some production gear but lack the budget to buy new gear? You can shop our gear store here. Connect with us: Sales Bulletin: Get better deals than the public and get them earlier too here! Early Service: Get our best gear before it goes live on our site here. Instagram: Hangout with us on the gram here! Reviews: Leaving us a review on the podcast player you're listening to us on really helps the show. If you enjoyed this episode, you can say thank you with a review!

It's time for an InfoComm debrief, as returning guest Elliott Carroll joins Andy and Sean to compare notes on what he and Andy saw during their recent trip to Orlando for this year's InfoComm trade show. This episode is sponsored by Allen & Heath and RCF.As Andy puts it, it was the year of big wireless in small packages — so much of the show was about putting eyes and ears on the latest offerings from Shure, Sennheiser, and Sound Devices, but there was also a lot to check out in terms of spatial audio, new software and hardware updates from Allen & Heath, and much more!Episode Links:Allen & Heath Qu SeriesSound Devices AstralSennheiser SpecteraShure ANX4Lectrosonics DSSM and M2 DuetPliant Technologiesd&b audiotechnik Create.ControlTiMax SpatialL-Acoustics DJEpisode 298 TranscriptConnect with the community on the Signal To Noise Facebook Group and Discord Server. Both are spaces for listeners to create to generate conversations around the people and topics covered in the podcast — we want your questions and comments!Also please check out and support The Roadie Clinic, Their mission is simple. “We exist to empower & heal roadies and their families by providing resources & services tailored to the struggles of the touring lifestyle.”The Signal To Noise Podcast on ProSoundWeb is co-hosted by pro audio veterans Andy Leviss and Sean Walker.Want to be a part of the show? If you have a quick tip to share, or a question for the hosts, past or future guests, or listeners at home, we'd love to include it in a future episode. You can send it to us one of two ways:1) If you want to send it in as text and have us read it, or record your own short audio file, send it to signal2noise@prosoundweb.com with the subject “Tips” or “Questions”2) If you want a quick easy way to do a short (90s or less) audio recording, go to https://www.speakpipe.com/S2N and leave us a voicemail there 

In this InfoComm 2025 spotlight, we meet Jeff VandeHoef and Jeremy Meyer from CableEZ, whose deceptively simple hardware is solving a frustrating and costly AV problem: disappearing or damaged cables. Born out of classroom experience, CableEZ offers customizable, wall-mounted solutions that lock cables in place, relieve connector stress, and drastically reduce downtime. It's low-tech, high-impact, and already showing up on campuses where IT teams are tired of chasing missing HDMI cords and broken USB-C ports.

In this InfoComm 2025 follow-up, BC Hatchett sits down with Jeff Meyer of Inogeni to unpack what the Canadian AV engineering firm showcased this year — and why it matters for higher ed. Jeff walks us through the launch of the IP2USB converter for NDI camera integration, the new TOGGLE DOCK for affordable BYOD/BYOM in huddle spaces, and a wall plate version of the uBridge 3 USB extender. With all products shipping soon and designed around real-world use cases, Inogeni's focus on simplicity, reliability, and higher ed priorities makes them a standout for campus AV teams.

At InfoComm 2025, HETMA's BC Hatchett sat down with Kaleo Lee and Sophia Negyesi from Korbyt to explore how the company is moving beyond traditional digital signage and toward a full-fledged communication platform. While BC's mic was faint in the recording, the conversation still captured strong insights into Korbyt's push for targeted, cross-channel content delivery — reaching students, faculty, and staff where they are. From live data dashboards to personalized campus messaging, Korbyt is thinking bigger than screens — and aiming to become a core part of higher ed's communication ecosystem.