“You don’t last 40 years in this industry by accident."
It's an insightful observation from Jeremy Elsesser, president and CEO of Level 3 Audiovisual and chairman of PSNI Global Alliance, which is celebrating its fourth decade in Pro AV this year. "PSNI has stayed relevant because it’s selective, it’s disciplined, and the members take ownership of the outcome,” he added.
Elsesser's words ring true in a Pro AV industry that continues to change and evolve. What began with four visionaries more than 40 years ago has evolved into the "world’s largest alliance and network of technology integrators” present on six continents and trusted by clients around the globe.
Jeremy Elsesser
Image credit: Level 3 Audiovisual
Chris Miller
Image credit: PSNI
Jeff Davis
Image credit: Avidex
According to Chris Miller, executive director, PSNI was conceived as a regional U.S.-based service support model long before the industry fully understood what global service and collaboration could become. Those four industry thought leaders—including two past ICIA (now AVIXA) presidents—founded Professional Systems Network with a simple yet visionary purpose: to share ideas, exchange business best practices, build trusted relationships, and develop shared resources to better support customers across diverse regions of the country.
Together, Miller added, they explored how to develop and measure strategic KPIs, better understand business metrics, create innovative service models, and evaluate technologies and inventory strategies that would mitigate risk while keeping each company at the forefront of the industry.
"For Level 3 Audiovisual, PSNI is about being able to show up anywhere in the world with confidence," Elsesser said. "We know the people on the ground, we trust how they operate, and we know the experience will match what our client expects. Forty years in, that consistency and trust are what continue to make the Alliance work."
The ROI is different for every member, ranging from the largest Certified Solution Providers (CSPs) in the world to the smallest CSPs in the network, Miller explained. Yet they all share a common bond of integrity, professionalism, and accountability to one another, as well as their customers worldwide. It’s a benefit and value-add differentiator that a company cannot build on its own.
These CSPs collaborate to better serve collective customers through more than 300 licensed and qualified locations, across six continents, represented by more than 19,000 employees worldwide. Those employees benefit from specialized certifications exclusive to Alliance personnel, including quality assurance and standardized system commissioning, system deployment and service certifications, and strategic account management training and certifications.
"Ultimately, the single most important benefit is the power of people and teams working together," Miller said, "an ecosystem of relationships that elevates the brand and capabilities of every company within the Alliance and delivers something no single integrator could replicate alone."
For Jeff Davis, CEO of Avidex and president of PSNI, being part of the PSNI network has brought tremendous value to Avidex, including trusted global partnerships and shared best practices to expand the reach and confidence of delivering consistent experiences for clients around the world. "The strength of the PSNI community has elevated not only our capabilities," he added, "but also the standard of excellence across the industry."
Supersummit ’26, PSNI's annual May event that brings together thought leaders from across the Pro AV and UCC industry to share their insights and collaborate, paid honor to the first 40 years. "Our toast to 40 years was dedicated to those in the room who will become mentors to the next generation of passionate leaders," Miller said.
What does the next 40 years hold for PSNI? Miller feels the future of Pro AV will be shaped and defined by AI-driven workflows, increasingly complex global infrastructure, and clients who expect seamless support regardless of geography.
"The Alliance is already building the frameworks, certifications, and partnerships to meet that world, not react to it," Miller said. "As communication and collaboration continue to evolve in form and complexity, our CSPs will be at the forefront, offering not just technology, but the trusted guidance that turns technology into outcomes."
Davis agreed, adding that the role of PSNI has never been more important. "The continued evolution of workplace technology, AI, security, collaboration, and customer experience will require strong global alignment, innovation, and trusted partnerships which are all areas where PSNI is uniquely positioned to lead," he added. "We are proud to be part of this journey and excited about what the next 40 years will bring."
