After leading a transformative era that began in 2012, David Labuskes, CEO of AVIXA, today announced he will retire at the end of the year.
Labuskes recognized and encouraged the evolution of the AV industry from one that offers products and systems toward an industry and profession that delivers integrated experiences that connect people to people and in so doing, transforms the world. During his tenure, the industry expanded to include experiential designers, content creators, IT companies, and users of AV solutions across a growing cross section of markets. This led to the rebrand of InfoComm International to AVIXA (the Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association) in 2017.
"David not only helped redefine what our industry stands for, he also built an exceptional leadership team and a culture that is both value-driven and uniquely collaborative," aid Tobias Lang, chair of the AVIXA board of directors and CEO of LANG AG. “The AVIXA Board has already begun the search for his successor, and we are confident that this exciting, attractive, and demanding role will be filled in a way that reflects the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing world."
Ensuring AVIXA represented the industry globally is key to Labuskes. Today, more than 50% of AVIXA’s revenue—from training, trade shows, certifications, and additional offerings—is generated outside of North America. The highest and most impactful rate of audience growth for the association is taking place outside of North America and reflects the transformation of AVIXA into a truly global community.
Labuskes championed diversity throughout the association’s many platforms to ensure an array of voices were represented. During his tenure, AVIXA’s Women’s Council and Diversity Council were established. With more than 1,100 members, the Women’s Council is the largest AVIXA council and draws hundreds of attendees year after year to its annual breakfast at InfoComm.
In addition, Labuskes led AVIXA through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. This included navigating the cancellation of live events globally, supporting a critical part of the AVIXA community through a monumental disruption to their business models, as well as supporting the wider AV industry through the transformation demanded by remote and hybrid workplaces. Before joining AVIXA in 2012, Labuskes spent nearly 14 years with RTKL Associates (now Arcadis), where he established the firm’s Technology Design practice.
“I would have never predicted the level of personal growth and fulfillment that accompanied these many years at the helm of AVIXA,” said Labuskes. “The audiovisual industry has been a part of human evolution since the use of signal fires in early civilization. The association now known as AVIXA was established in 1939, well before most of us were born. The responsibility and privilege inherent within the role I played for a tiny part of that timeline was one that could not have been fulfilled without the brilliance of the team of executives, industry volunteers, and dedicated AVIXA employees giving everything they have to deliver on our mission every day. I look forward to being in the stands watching the future successes of AVIXA and our industry around the world.”
