Bell Bank is one of the largest family-owned banks in the United States, built on a culture of connection and community. Bell Tower, the company’s Fargo, North Dakota headquarters, is a 14-story, 105,000-square-foot facility that serves as the hub for the institution. As such, the Town Hall section of the corporate headquarters needed to reflect that central focus with a space that went beyond the traditional corporate model of a boardroom or meeting room.

Bell Bank envisioned a dynamic, multi-functional environment serving as a collaborative center for meetings and training sessions that can then transition seamlessly into a professional production space for high-level events such as receptions, presentations, and more.

To bring this vision to life, Bell Bank turned to FARBER Sound – Venue Transformation, leveraging a long-standing partnership built on a deep understanding of the bank’s operational culture. A project of this scope demanded a proven power control foundation. For FARBER, that meant incorporating LynTec into the project.

A Core Challenge

The core challenge was significant: the Town Hall needed to function simultaneously as a multi-purpose event space and a broadcast-capable facility. That dual mandate required integrating a wide range of disparate audio, video, and lighting (AVL) systems spanning everyday presentation gear, a professional mixing console and stage box network, multi-camera 4K capable video production infrastructure, architectural lighting, and a full complement of event and entertainment lighting fixtures. Each system category carries its own power requirements, startup dependencies, and operational profiles. The task was to unify all of those elements under a single, intelligent power control solution that could adapt automatically to whatever mode the room needed to be in, without placing the burden of technical management on the bank’s staff.

To address this, FARBER’s system designer, Cory Deming, specified a LynTec RPC-384 power control panel as the backbone of the entire AVL system. The RPC-384 manages sequenced power distribution across all AVL subsystems, ensuring every component powers on and off in the correct order based on the active room configuration. “We have been using LynTec products for decades and were confident this would be the correct product to handle the Town Hall requirements,” Deming said.

Beyond on-site performance, the RPC-384 also enables FARBER’s team to monitor system performance and handle the majority of troubleshooting remotely from their headquarters in Plymouth, Minnesota, reducing the need for on-site service calls and providing Bell Bank with a responsive support infrastructure.

Physical flexibility was built into every layer of the design as well: the stage was engineered in full, half, and quarter configurations, complete with an ADA-accessible ramp, with the entire assembly storable out of sight when not in use. The Chauvet Pro and GLP moving-head lighting fixtures can be repositioned into preset looks saved to the control system and executed on any touch panel in the room, eliminating the need for ladders or manual repositioning between events.

Working in close collaboration with the architectural team, Farber integrated multi-angled acoustic ceiling clouds to optimize sound diffusion while contributing to the visual identity of the space. A proscenium design and curtain system enable dynamic theatrical reveals and adaptable performance configurations, giving the room a range of presentation modes that would feel at home in a professional venue. Detailed EASE acoustic modeling guided targeted treatments to parallel walls and other reflective surfaces, improving speech intelligibility across all event types. The result is a room where under-the-hood complexity stays invisible, and the experience remains focused on the content.

“Bell Bank needed a space that could do two very different jobs without feeling like either one was a compromise," said Dave Farber, owner of FARBER. "The only way to make that work is to get the power architecture right from the start. Our experience working with LynTec products in other projects gave us the confidence that the RPC could handle an installation this complex.”

A Unified Solution

The RPC-384 provides the unified power control foundation that makes the dual-purpose room architecture practical. The production backbone it manages includes a Yamaha DM7-EX digital mixing console, a 20Gbit redundant fiber network supporting AVoIP, Dante, GreenGO, HiQnet, NDI, and sACN protocols, and a 12G SDI video infrastructure anchored by Panasonic 4K PTZ cameras, a FOR-A production switcher, and AJA matrix routing. The architectural and event lighting system centers on Chauvet Pro and GLP moving-head fixtures and wash units, all addressable and positionable from the room’s touch panels. The front-end interface throughout is an Extron control system, providing staff with a clean, intuitive surface for day-to-day operation regardless of what is running beneath it.

By interfacing the Extron control system directly with the LynTec RPC-384, FARBER turned power management into a background function. When a staff member taps a touch panel to configure the room, the RPC-384 sequences power to the appropriate equipment automatically. A simple presentation mode enables only the necessary audio and video components. A full Town Hall production spins up the complete system, including the control booth, only when dedicated technicians are on-site. Bank staff operate a professional-grade venue confidently, regardless of their technical background.

AVT Question: Please share insights into how your company’s products and solutions help ensure interoperability and connectivity not only on the day of deployment but also on Day 2 and beyond.

Thought Leader: Joseph Gagliardi, Product Manager at WyreStorm

Interoperability is one of those things you don’t think about when it’s working—and you definitely think about when it isn’t. Most end users don’t care what’s behind the wall or in the rack; they care that the room behaves the same way every time. They want to be able to plug in, present, hear audio, see video, and get on with the meeting.

What I’ve learned is that connectivity isn’t a one-time setup. Rooms live in the real world where laptops change, operating systems update, and UC platforms roll out new versions. Invariably, someone will swap a display model, or the network team will tighten a policy. The question isn’t whether change will happen; it’s whether the room can handle it without turning every Monday morning into a helpdesk rush.

At WyreStorm, we design for that reality. We build around the standards and workflows people actually use day to day, common interfaces, familiar control methods, and AV distribution approaches that are proven in the field. The aim is simple: fewer special rules, fewer surprises, and a setup that keeps working even when the environment around it evolves.

The other half is what happens after the install. Interoperability stays healthy when people have clear guidance and can get real answers quickly. Good documentation, practical deployment notes, and responsive human support shorten the distance between, “Something changed,” and, “We’re back up.” When that’s in place, nobody thinks about the tech, and the room just does its job.

For the past few years, the conversion of broadcast AV and ProAV has been clear, and Ross Video has been leading the way, creating products and solutions scaled for corporate enterprise, higher education, and other non-traditional broadcast environments.

Today, executive town halls, investor events, hybrid product launches, and corporate control rooms must operate with the visibility and pressure once reserved for live broadcast. Reliability is no longer optional; workflow and the operator experience matter.

We’re spotlighting eight of Ross Video’s North American team members who are focused on helping integrators, consultants, and end-users understand the benefits and opportunities of applying broadcast-proven standards to corporate production environments.

This team combines broadcast engineering heritage with deep ProAV and integration experience, built around partnership, workflow validation, and long-term performance.

They understand broadcast-grade reliability, corporate operational realities, consultant workflow requirements, and enterprise scalability needs. They work alongside consultants and enterprise buyers to ensure systems are not only specified correctly but also engineered to perform under real conditions.

By applying broadcast standards to corporate AV environments, the team helps organizations build production ecosystems that deliver consistently and confidently.

Matt Morgan, Market Development Manager, Corporate AV

Morgan’s career spans live audio, multi-site church production, and corporate AV integration. As a certified CTS with hands-on integration experience, he understands both the broadcast mindset and the practical realities of corporate AV deployments.

“I’ve worked on both sides of the broadcast and AV worlds,” Morgan said. "I've seen installations where the solution didn't deliver the outcome the customer wanted. That’s why this convergence between broadcast and AV makes sense. All my experiences connect here. As those environments continue to converge, the goal is to help customers design systems that perform reliably, without unnecessary complexity.”

For consultants, Morgan focuses on defining operational intent early. "It all starts with the outcome," he said. "Our first job is to ask the right questions to understand the client’s goal. They're usually talking to us because they have a goal in mind that they don't quite know how to reach, or a previous attempt has failed."

Customers may not know they need a broadcast-ready solution, but they know the quality they expect. “They know what a great presentation looks like, in part because they see that level of production value on television every day. They want that same quality when communicating with their internal teams or external audiences. Our job is to show how the right infrastructure and tools can make that possible. In corporate environments, that often means building control rooms and live production systems that deliver consistent, reliable, broadcast-level results, without unnecessary complexity.”

For Morgan, a successful project is defined by a long-term partnership. “Our strength is that we don't just deliver a system and move on,” he explained. “From design and integration to training and long-term support, we stay engaged. The real win is when a client knows they can pick up the phone and get support whenever they need it. That’s what builds trust.”

Josh Garcia, Sales Manager, Corporate, Western U.S.

Garcia's path into the industry began with live sound and recording. When he moved into video production, he found a new focus and noticed a common thread. "It's funny how many of us in this industry are former audio engineers," he said. "We all share that same fundamental passion for the craft."

Garcia approaches corporate AV with a strong appreciation for operator workflow. “We don’t lead with technology,” he explained. “We start with what the client needs to accomplish. The solution has to support the real-world workflow.”

Broadcast AV represents the convergence of broadcast-grade production tools with professional AV environments, such as corporate studios, control rooms, and event venues.

Garcia works closely with consultants to ensure solutions fit the application, not just the specification sheet. "I’m excited that Ross is investing in the corporate market as a specialized vertical," he added. "Every corporation and its AV team is different. Our role is to bring broadcast-quality solutions into environments that are rapidly evolving, from event spaces to internal broadcasts to public-facing presentations."

At the heart of Garcia’s client partnership philosophy is a simple promise: "You can always expect to feel seen and heard. We will always listen first, then help brainstorm ideas based on what is important to the customer."

Garcia credits Ross’ Solution Architects for turning that listening into practical system designs. "They do a great job of tailoring a design to what the customer actually needs. We won’t recommend a solution if it’s not right for them."

Daniel Benjamin, Strategic Account Manager

Benjamin supports large-scale enterprise partnerships where long-term planning and roadmap alignment are critical. He works with organizations building multi-room environments, global communication platforms, and scalable production ecosystems.

“My role is aligning technology decisions with long-term goals,” Benjamin said. “Enterprise environments evolve. Systems need to evolve with them.” For consultants and enterprise stakeholders, that means structured growth planning, not isolated product decisions.

For global enterprises, scalability is critical. Infrastructure decisions made today need to support future growth without requiring a full system replacement. "Our systems integrate easily and grow with the customer. Whether it’s a small corporate studio or a 2,000-seat event center, the goal is the same: consistent performance, flexible infrastructure, and long-term support."

Despite managing global, multi-million-dollar accounts, Benjamin’s philosophy remains grounded in communication. "It really comes down to understanding your customer," he advises. "Don’t talk at your customer. Understand what outcomes they're looking for."

He puts this into practice through a structured, consistent approach to partnership. "Communication is key before, during, and long after deployment. I believe in clearing roadblocks, keeping communication open, and delivering on every promise," he said. His goal is to make every project smooth and predictable from start to finish.”

Jeremy Dolby, Regional Sales Director, Corporate U.S.

Having spent 25 years working with major Pro AV companies like Samsung and LG, Dolby brings strong channel understanding and enterprise market insight. Dolby joined Ross to strengthen the connection between the corporate AV and broadcast worlds.

“Corporate environments move differently than traditional broadcast,” Dolby said. “We don’t start with technology, we start with the outcome,” he explains. “That helps cut through complexity and focus on what the business is trying to accomplish. Whether it’s a polished quarterly earnings call or a global town hall, once we understand the goal, the right solution becomes clear.”

For the integration of broadcast-grade production systems into corporate studios, control rooms, and live event spaces, the expectation today is consistent, high production value. “The challenge is delivering that quality in environments that aren’t traditional TV studios,” he said.

Dolby noted that one of Ross’s biggest differentiators is support. “Ross Tech Support is something we’re proud of,” he said. “Our customers know they’ll reach a real person who understands the system and can help solve the problem. We focus on resolving issues quickly and keeping operations running.”

His focus is on helping corporate clients transition from traditional AV setups to environments that support high-visibility executive broadcasts, hybrid global events, integrated control rooms, consistent, and broadcast-quality production.

Kelly Lackey, Sales Manager, Corporate Northeast U.S.

With more than 20 years at Ross, Lackey brings deep knowledge of broadcast workflows and long-term customer relationships.

“What excites me is applying proven broadcast reliability to new environments,” Lackey said. “Corporate teams are demanding higher production standards, and they deserve systems built to meet that expectation.” Lackey helps guide consultants and enterprise teams through complex technology decisions while maintaining focus on reliability and operator confidence.

“I’m excited about building our presence in the broadcast AV market because of the opportunity,” she said. “We’re bringing Ross’ proven broadcast-quality technology and reliability into environments that are demanding higher production value.”

Having witnessed production technology evolve over two decades, Lackey understands how to translate Ross’ broadcast experience into practical applications for corporate communication teams and event producers. “It’s rewarding to help customers realize they can achieve broadcast-level results with solutions that are scalable and flexible, without unnecessary complexity,” she said.

“The biggest lesson from my years at Ross is that listening is just as important as selling,” she added. “When you understand a customer's real challenges and goals, you can provide solutions that truly add value.”

“I’m excited about helping customers with remote and IP-based production, unified control and automation, and advanced graphics,” Lackey said. “These tools improve production quality while simplifying workflows.” Her focus remains on scalable infrastructure, which enables organizations to grow, evolve, and modernize without having to replace everything they have in place in response to technological advancements.

Through two decades of change, Lackey’s core belief has remained constant: technology alone isn’t enough. “It’s about building trust, being reliable, and guiding customers through complexity,” she added. “The relationships you build along the way are what make the work meaningful.”

Peter Fitton, Solutions Architect

Fitton spent nearly a decade as a systems integrator before joining Ross. He understands the pressures consultants face, protecting system integrity, managing risk, and delivering on performance expectations.

“I’ve been on the integration side,” Fitton explained. “I know how important it is that systems work exactly as designed.” As a solutions architect, Fitton works with consultants to validate, signal flow and routing architecture, redundancy strategy, control layer design, operator experience, and scalability planning.

His involvement often begins early in the design phase and continues through deployment and beyond, preserving design intent and reducing integration risk. "The most exciting thing is that this market is still developing," Fitton said. "We work directly with customers to determine what works best for their needs. There isn’t a single template. Each environment is different."

Fitton added that corporate customers are typically less focused on individual products and more focused on outcomes. “A client will come to us and say, ‘I need this to happen, but I don't know how.’ The focus isn’t on a specific piece of equipment. It’s on the entire system and the result they need to achieve.”

A user-focused mindset drives Fitton’s design philosophy. "A good solution is complex under the hood but simple for the user," he explained. "That’s good design. The system may involve routing, switching, graphics, automation, and control, but the person running it shouldn’t feel that complexity. Keep it simple and user-focused. Build systems that make it easy to create high-quality, engaging content. If a solution isn’t intuitive, it won’t be used to its full potential.”

Nathan Dubin, Regional Sales Manager for Corporate South

Nathan Dubin has spent nine years at Ross Video, but his current role is his most exciting challenge yet. As the regional sales manager for Corporate South, covering North Carolina to Oklahoma and south to Puerto Rico, he's on the front lines of a larger mission of helping customers understand the value of broadcast AV.

"Taking Ross' amazing reputation in broadcast and introducing it to a market and seeing that vision come together is what excites me," Dubin said.

"AV captures what's happening in the room," he explained. "Broadcast allows you to tell the story the way you want to tell it. When we're talking to C-suite individuals with large shareholder bases or employee groups navigating difficult conversations, context matters. Reliability matters," he added. "That's where broadcast AV comes in."

"We have so many options at Ross," he added. "We can be a part of the solution, or we could be the whole solution. We can meet you where you're at today with a path forward to tomorrow." For some, it's a basic broadcast setup. For others, it's a fully integrated production ecosystem.

This customer-first mindset extends to how Dubin approaches every conversation. "Whether we're a piece of it or the whole solution, we're invested in your outcome. We will show up. We'll do our part."

Nathan Peters, Inside Sales, Corporate Vertical, North America

Located in Ontario, Nathan Peters will be celebrating his fifth-year anniversary with Ross in July, and during that time, he has supported many markets. Peters jumped into his sales early in his career and was a face-off winner from the start. A true Canuck (but more likely aligned with either the Maple Leafs or Senators), Peters said, “In the winters you will find me on some frozen water with a puck!”

When it comes to helping new customers who have never purchased "broadcast" equipment and are comfortable with knowing they can handle it, Peter said, “Ross brings broadcast-level power in a way that’s easy to use. Our systems are designed to be intuitive, and we provide the training and support to make sure your team feels confident from day one, regardless of the content you are looking to produce.”

When Peters is talking to corporate customers about products, Ross' benefits are clear. “Ross often speaks to our resiliency and scalability,” he said. “Rooted in demanding 24/7 broadcast and newsroom operations, Ross solutions are designed to perform when it matters most, backed by world-class customer support and proven hardware reliability.” With a broad and integrated product portfolio, Ross can scale to meet a wide range of needs, from simple podcast and lecture capture spaces to complex live event and production environments. “This scalability allows customers to build solutions that fit their workflows today while remaining ready for the future.”

AVT Question: Please share insights into the trends and solutions shaping the modern workplace and collaboration spaces.

Thought Leader: Firat Ozkan, Co-Founder, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at Mount-It! PRO

One emerging workplace trend often overlooked is physical adaptability. As organizations redesign offices for hybrid work, flexibility is no longer optional; it’s a structural concern.

As collaborative spaces evolve, technology must support constant reconfiguration. Meeting rooms shift purposes, displays move locations, and environments evolve faster than traditional fixtures were designed to handle. Mounting infrastructure is becoming a silent enabler of agility.

We expect to see increased emphasis on modular hardware that allows spaces to transform without reconstruction. Adjustable mounts, mobile installations, and ergonomic positioning will support healthier and more dynamic work environments.

There’s also a growing awareness of the physical relationship between people and technology. Screen height, viewing angles, and accessibility aren’t minor details; they influence fatigue, posture, and engagement. Ergonomics is becoming part of workplace strategy—not just facility planning.

Technology shouldn’t lock a space into a single purpose; it should empower teams to adapt to their environment as quickly as their work evolves.

AVT Question: Please share insights into the trends and solutions shaping the modern workplace and collaboration spaces.

Thought Leader: Jeff Vandehoef, Co-Owner at CableEZ

We see the trend shifting from technology adoption to less technology friction. The modern office isn’t short on tools; it’s short on simplicity.

One of the most overlooked trends is operational ergonomics, or how technology physically integrates into the workspace. Employees are returning to offices that must compete with the comfort and efficiency of home setups. If cables are messy, connectivity is unreliable, or desks require troubleshooting just to start a meeting, then adoption drops fast.

The next phase of workplace design is about removing micro-friction. Clean cable management, intuitive connections, and durable physical infrastructure may sound small, but these details shape the daily experience. When systems feel seamless, employees engage more confidently with shared technology.

We also expect to see sustainability influence infrastructure decisions. Reusable, serviceable, and modular connectivity solutions are gaining attention as organizations rethink waste and technology lifecycle costs.

Technology that disappears into the environment allows people to focus on collaboration—not cables. Sometimes the most powerful innovation is simply making things easier to use.

AVT Question: Please share insights into the trends and solutions shaping the modern workplace and collaboration spaces.

Thought Leader: Natalie Appleton, Vice President of Korbyt Workplace at Korbyt

2026 will not be defined by a single workplace trend, but by a broader shift toward intelligent efficiency across every aspect of the workplace. Organizations—especially those in banking, legal, and enterprise environments—are moving beyond feature-driven purchasing decisions and demanding measurable outcomes. This means that workplace platforms must now improve operational productivity, reduce day-to-day burden on IT and facilities teams, and deliver clear ROI at scale. As hardware commoditizes, differentiation has shifted decisively toward software intelligence, analytics, and integrated services that create operational clarity instead of fragmentation.

We will continue to see accelerated consolidation around cohesive workplace platforms that unify room booking, digital content, and device management into streamlined operational models. The most successful systems will be ambient, operating inside tools employees already use, like Outlook, Teams, and mobile devices, rather than forcing adoption of siloed solutions. AI will move from a headline feature to an embedded operational layer, reducing booking friction, enabling predictive workflows, surfacing actionable occupancy data, and shifting teams from reactive troubleshooting to proactive oversight.

Physical spaces will continue evolving into adaptive environments powered by real-time booking data and actionable analytics. But the real differentiator will not be the technology itself; it will be how intentionally organizations align that technology with culture, governance, and operational discipline. Ultimately, the goal is to make work more predictable, inclusive, and focused, allowing teams to spend less time managing systems and more time driving collaboration and performance.

AVT Question: Please share insights into the trends and solutions shaping the modern workplace and collaboration spaces.

Thought Leader: Holger Reisinger, Senior Vice President, Enterprise Video Business Unit at Jabra

2026 will mark a shift from “return to office” to “rethink the office.” With most RTO strategies already in motion, enterprises are now reassessing whether their meeting spaces—and the collaboration technology that powers them—truly reflect how people work today.

Video collaboration is front and center in how we work, communicate, and drive productivity. Hybrid meetings are standard, which means every room must deliver consistent, equitable experiences for remote and in-room participants. Yet, many spaces remain under-equipped to facilitate this collaboration. In 2026, we’ll see organizations rework their meeting spaces around three priorities: inclusivity, simplicity, and scale.

First, organizations need to create meeting experiences that feel balanced and inclusive from every seat in the room. Intelligent audio, multi-camera layouts, and intelligent features help to give every participant a front-row meeting experience, regardless of where they join from. Second, IT teams need true plug-and-play solutions that are easy to deploy and simple for users to walk in and use. And, they need simple device management at scale to reduce support time, ensure consistent experiences, and keep collaboration tools running smoothly. Finally, organizations need solutions that can grow as business needs change.

Companies that invest in simple, scalable meeting room technology—solutions that can be customized across spaces and evolve as workstyles change—will be positioned to drive more natural, intuitive, and productive collaboration experiences in the year ahead.

AVT Question: Please share insights into the trends and solutions shaping the modern workplace and collaboration spaces.

Thought Leader: Chris Teguh, Product Manager at Epson America

Today’s workplaces need intuitive, accessible tools that support global collaboration and inclusive meetings where everyone can participate. With corporate offices now supporting on-site, hybrid, and remote employees, it’s essential that workplace technology supports collaboration, regardless of employee location.

Interoperability is also critical. Employees expect to use their preferred platforms without sacrificing performance. When companies achieve seamless integration across their tech ecosystems, workplaces are better positioned to scale efficiently and adapt smoothly as the environment evolves.

There’s a growing need for display solutions that can adapt to any room size, deliver clear viewing for everyone, and integrate seamlessly with the surrounding technology. With ultra-wide, immersive visuals, projection uniquely adapts to diverse environments while ensuring consistent, inclusive viewing. In addition, today’s projectors are more compact, versatile, and feature-rich, delivering vibrant, detailed images for presentations and virtual meetings. There are also mobile options like the Mobi mobile projector cart that add more placement flexibility. Wireless display tools such as Miracast and Apple Airplay make it easy to share content from compatible devices, while Epson Projector Management Software provides centralized monitoring and management of multiple projectors, helping streamline setup, maintenance, and day-to-day administration

In 2026, large displays will continue to grow in popularity within workplaces as meetings, training, and planning sessions benefit from life-size visuals and versatile aspect ratios. When designing communal spaces in today’s workplaces, projection technology can also transform almost any wall into an engaging environment that fosters creativity and draws employees in.

I also expect to see more versatile display solutions integrated into the workplace that are both easy to use and adaptable. Versatile projection technology will help workplaces collaborate effectively, train more efficiently, and support employee engagement regardless of location.

AVT Question: Please share insights into the trends and solutions shaping the modern workplace and collaboration spaces.

Thought Leader: Mark Corbin, President at Vanco International

Many people hear the term “workplace” and automatically think “office,” but that’s a narrow point of view. Around half of American workers are frontline employees, meaning that instead of sitting at a desk, they perform in-person, customer-facing, or operational work. These tasks cannot be offshored or replaced by AI. Solutions designed to both support the needs and acknowledge the realities of frontline work will deliver ROI for years to come.

Frontline work is often very fast-paced—across verticals ranging from retail and hospitality to education and healthcare. No one has time to navigate complex menus or preconfigure a room prior to a meeting or event; simplicity, reliability, and user friendliness are paramount.

That’s doubly true given that frontline workers experience far higher turnover rates than white-collar employees. You can’t assume a stable user base; AV systems must be totally self-explanatory. That starts with clear system labeling, uniform control interfaces, and standardized rack designs that reduce troubleshooting complexity, but also includes smart audio presets, remote monitoring, and user-friendly tools that don’t require retraining every time the team changes.

In 2026, I expect to see more workplace AV designed to prioritize the needs of frontline workers. These systems will be consistent, reliable, and simple enough for seamless adoption. By delivering digital signage, video distribution, and audio systems that frontline workers can understand and operate on day one, you can help businesses succeed at exactly the point where they interface with their own customers.

AVT Question: Please share insights into the trends and solutions shaping the modern workplace and collaboration spaces.

Thought Leader: Zec Voislav, Product Development Director at WyreStorm Technologies

In 2026, collaboration is less about getting people onto a call and more about removing the small frictions that waste time and attention. Culture is shifting toward outcomes and inclusion. Teams want meetings that feel equally natural for in-room and remote participants, and spaces that support quick transitions from a two-person huddle to a customer presentation without technical resets.

That expectation is reshaping space planning. Offices are investing in fewer generic rooms and more purpose-built environments: focus pods for 1:1s, flexible project rooms with reconfigurable layouts, and larger spaces designed for hybrid town halls. The common thread is consistency. People want the same experience in every room, with familiar connection options, predictable camera behavior, and dependable audio quality, because uncertainty is what makes participation drop.

Technology is catching up with that reality in three big ways. First, AI is moving from novelty to utility. Meeting summaries, action capture, live translation, and intelligent framing are becoming baseline features, which raises the bar for clean audio and reliable multi-camera video. Second, infrastructure is consolidating. USB-C continues to standardize the table, while AV over IP becomes the backbone for scaling video across rooms and buildings, supported by centralized monitoring, analytics, and remote device management to keep spaces healthy without constant site visits. Third, control is becoming more open and adaptable. Low-code, visual automation, and API-driven integration are replacing rigid programming cycles, making it easier to evolve workflows as teams and needs change.

The workplaces that win in 2026 will treat collaboration like a product: designed, measured, and continuously improved so people can focus on the work—not the room.

AVT Question: Please share insights into the trends and solutions shaping the modern workplace and collaboration spaces.

Thought Leader: Matt Morgan, Market Development Manager of Broadcast AV at Ross Video

In 2026, collaboration will be defined less by where people work and more by how organizations communicate.

Hybrid communication is now assumed. Employees, stakeholders, and public audiences expect to be included, whether they are in the room or remote. At the same time, expectations for clarity, quality, and credibility have risen sharply. Leadership updates, town halls, and critical announcements are no longer judged like meetings; they are judged like productions.

Many organizations are feeling the strain. Traditional meeting tools were built for conversation—not for controlled, repeatable communication at scale. As a result, teams struggle with inconsistent visuals, awkward handovers, and content that does not translate well beyond the live moment.

A key workplace trend is the growing separation between participation and production. Everyday collaboration can continue on familiar platforms, while professional communications require dedicated tools that manage cameras, audio, branding, and flow. Importantly, this does not mean forcing cultural or behavioral change. Remote contributors should be able to join as they always have, while production teams maintain control behind the scenes.

This shift reflects a broader cultural reality. Communication is now part of the employee and stakeholder experience. How messages are delivered affects trust, engagement, and understanding. In the collaborative workplace of 2026, organizations that treat communication as a professional discipline—not just a meeting—will be better equipped to lead, align, and connect.

AVT Question: Please share insights into the trends and solutions shaping the modern workplace and collaboration spaces.

Thought Leader: John Kruse, Senior Field Solutions Architect at ViewSonic

The Pro AV market in 2026 will be shaped less by flashy new technology and more by how organizations adapt their spaces to evolving work habits. As companies refine return-to-work strategies, the focus has shifted from simply bringing people back to the office to making in-person time more intentional and worthwhile.

Hybrid work is no longer an experiment; it’s the baseline. Meeting spaces are being designed to support collaboration rather than occupancy, with equal consideration for participants in the room and those joining remotely. This is driving demand for better camera placement, clearer audio, and displays that enable natural interaction without added complexity.

Some organizations are taking this even further. The new JPMorgan Chase headquarters is a clear example of how workplace design is being rethought—intentionally built with collaboration, technology, and employee experience in mind to ensure commuting to the office feels valuable, and, ideally, desirable. This mindset influences how AV is specified, integrated, and experienced across industries.

Workspaces are also becoming more flexible. Single-purpose rooms are giving way to environments that support team meetings, training sessions, and larger gatherings throughout the day. Pro AV solutions that scale easily—from interactive flat panels to dvLED—allow organizations to adapt without constant redesign.

Cloud-based management continues to gain importance as AV systems expand across multiple locations. Centralized monitoring, analytics, and remote updates help lean IT teams maintain performance while lowering the total cost of ownership. AI is settling into a practical role, improving everyday work-life productivity and experiences rather than serving as a novelty.

In 2026, successful Pro AV strategies will be defined by how effectively technology supports people, purpose, and modern work.

Sara Murray, Executive Vice President & Chief Product Officer at SMART Technologies

How long have you been part of the AV/IT industry, and how did you get into it? I’ve worked in technology for many years, but I first joined SMART Technologies in 2010 as part of the strategy team. During my time there, I spent six years across M&A, business operations, and services before leaving to explore other opportunities. After a 10-year break, I returned as EVP and Chief Product Officer, a “SMART boomerang,” if you will. While my path hasn’t been linear, it’s given me a broad perspective on the AV/IT industry and prepared me to drive meaningful product impact at SMART.

What is your role at your company? As Chief Product Officer, I oversee SMART’s products end-to-end, from vision through to execution. Being new to the role, I’m spending a lot of time with our products, teams, customers, and resellers to deeply understand how our solutions deliver value. My focus is on building products that customers love and that drive meaningful business growth.

What do you most like about your role in the industry? I love the products and seeing the real value they bring to our customers. Every day, I get to tackle complex problems, find solutions, and work alongside a talented, driven team. One of the most rewarding parts is seeing customers experience our products firsthand, especially in classrooms where students are actively engaging with SMART Boards or using Lumio.

You've got a technical background. Please share a bit about this and what inspired you. I’ve always been drawn to solving problems, and my engineering background taught me how to approach them with structure and clarity. I’ve also always had a strong interest in technology and its potential to make an impact.

Do you have any advice for young women entering our industry? Be curious and always ask the next question, and keep learning. Be bold, take risks, try new things, and get comfortable being uncomfortable. Every experience adds to your toolkit and shapes your perspective. I’ve learned the most by exploring different paths rather than following a straight line, and that’s been incredibly rewarding.

Please share something about yourself that would help our audience better understand you. I love to travel and experience new people and places. It really ties back to curiosity and a desire to keep learning.

And yes—I’m a “SMART boomerang,” having returned after 10 years away, ready to apply everything I’ve learned to help drive growth and innovation.

Check out more Women in AV/IT stories here.

AVT Question: Please share insights into the company's roadmap and what 2026 holds for its AV/IT customers.

Thought Leader: Mark Corbin, President at Vanco International

In 2026, Vanco is guided by one core goal: to make next-generation AV accessible for every project without compromising reliability, performance, or professionalism. We are focused on lowering barriers to adoption while giving integrators the flexibility to scale solutions as project needs evolve.

A central pillar of this approach is expanding access to networked AV. Vanco continues to grow its family of AV-over-IP products with solutions designed to make it easier and more affordable to introduce IP-based distribution into both new builds and existing systems. These solutions are intended to simplify deployment, reduce friction for integrators entering AVoIP for the first time, and provide a clear upgrade path as systems expand.

Equally important is Vanco’s commitment to the details that define a professional installation. From infrastructure and finishing components to scalable amplification options, we will ensure that integrators have everything required to deliver clean, flexible audio and video systems in 2026 for customers ranging from SMBs to enterprises. Our expanding, TAA-compliant portfolio further supports integrators navigating government, education, and enterprise specifications with confidence.

While our roadmap looks firmly ahead, it is rooted in the strengths that have defined Vanco for more than seventy years. Next year, expect to see us build on Beale Street Audio’s signature performance with new form factors and materials. Vanco’s cable portfolio will continue to lead the industry in performance and set the standard for reliability, backed by a lifetime warranty. As always, new product development remains driven by direct customer feedback, ensuring future solutions are shaped by real-world challenges and the evolving needs of the integrator community.

AVT Question: Please share insights into the company's roadmap and what 2026 holds for its AV/IT customers.

Thought Leader: Travis Kemp, Vice President of Product Management at Korbyt

If 2025 was the year of managed signage, 2026 will accelerate that transformation as the digital signage industry moves from transactional project delivery to trusted service partnerships. Our enterprise customers look for proven use cases and measurable outcomes. Workplace technology is no longer judged by feature breadth alone; it must demonstrate improvement in operational productivity, deliver clear ROI, and scale reliably, all while demanding less day-to-day effort.

This is why customers are increasingly looking for integrated platforms that reduce fragmentation and bring hardware, software, and services together into a more cohesive operational model. As hardware commoditization accelerates, differentiation has permanently shifted away from devices and toward software intelligence, operational services, and the ability to reduce complexity at scale.

This reality shapes our philosophy for 2026. Rather than focusing on what’s technically impressive or what competitors are shipping, we’ve organized our roadmap around a single question: What creates the most value in our customers’ daily operations? To that end, every investment in AI must reduce friction, eliminate manual effort, or surface actionable intelligence that customers couldn’t otherwise access. We also believe the next generation of workplace platforms must be ambient, meeting users where work already happens rather than forcing them into fragmented portals.

This philosophy shows up across our evolving product offering. Conversational AI for space management reduces booking friction from minutes to seconds by operating natively inside existing workflows. Advanced Device Management shifts AV and IT teams from reactive firefighting to proactive oversight through AI-driven detection, auto-recovery, and predictive maintenance. We’re also reimagining content authoring so both novice and power users can operate independently, reducing dependency on professional services while preserving brand standards across hundreds of locations.

Zooming out, our customers increasingly evaluate us against workplace platforms—not just CMS competitors. So, we’re building for this reality with a retention-first strategy and deep vertical focus, prioritizing measurable value over roadmap promises, and depth over breadth.

AVT Question: Please share insights into the company's roadmap and what 2026 holds for its AV/IT customers.

Thought Leader: Anders Karlsson, Chief Executive Officer at Humly

For 2026, our roadmap at Humly is guided less by the launch of individual products and more by a clear philosophy: helping organizations move from collecting workplace data to genuine comprehension. The AV industry, like many others, has spent the last decade telling customers that data is the new oil. Today, most enterprises are sitting on vast amounts of information, but far too little has been transformed into insight.

That is where our focus on AI begins, and where it is deliberately measured. At Humly, we have no interest in adding artificial intelligence simply to follow a trend. Instead, we are building on the foundation of Humly Sense to help customers make sense of the data they already have. Today, many workplace platforms visualize metrics. In 2026, the opportunity lies in identifying patterns across systems, normalizing different data formats, and revealing correlations that would otherwise remain hidden.

AI allows us to move from dashboards to understanding. With Humly Sense, customers can connect workplace data from sensors, booking systems, and third-party platforms, and apply analytics that reflect their own environments. A global R&D organization, a law firm, and a hybrid startup all operate differently, and our philosophy is to put choice in the hands of the customer. We will provide powerful AI-enabled tools, while also supporting organizations that wish to use their own models or opt out entirely.

Beyond AI, we continue to focus on lowering barriers and simplifying the workplace experience. QR-code-based room and desk booking is a clear example, enabling software-only deployments and faster adoption without complex installations. At the same time, we are evolving our booking devices and licensing models to better reflect the unique ways that different customers work.

Our roadmap for 2026 is ultimately about flexibility, transparency, and trust—and delivering technology that adapts to people.

AVT Question: Please share insights into the company's roadmap and what 2026 holds for its AV/IT customers.

Thought Leader: Kim Franklin, Chief Marketing Officer at Ampetronic | Listen Technologies

As we look ahead, our focus is clear: Inclusive audio isn’t something you add at the end; it’s something you design from the beginning. At Listen Technologies and Ampetronic, innovation starts with listening: listening to our customers, listening to end users, and listening to the real-world environments where audio access matters most.

That mindset has shaped how we evolve our products and partnerships. Accessibility is not a checkbox for us; it’s a responsibility. Solutions like Auri, our Auracast-enabled assistive listening system, reflect that philosophy. From the addition of the Auri Neck Loop to the introduction of an Auri transmitter available in black—both direct results of customer feedback—we continue to refine our solutions based on how people actually use them, and not how we assume they should.

Our customers don’t just buy products; they help shape them. Strong relationships with venues, integrators, consultants, and advocacy groups allow us to design technology that feels intuitive, respectful, and inclusive by default. That same approach guides solutions like ListenTALK and ListenWIFI, where simplicity, flexibility, and reliability are essential to delivering meaningful audio experiences across diverse environments.

Innovation, for us, is driven by people and powered by what’s next. Our roadmap is shaped by ongoing dialogue with end users, customers, and partners, ensuring that future solutions continue to raise the bar for accessibility, usability, and thoughtful design. Inclusive audio is built into what’s coming—not added later.

AVT Question: Please share insights into the company's roadmap and what 2026 holds for its AV/IT customers.

Thought Leader: Steve Durkee, Chief Executive Officer at BrightSign

2025 was a notable year for the digital signage industry. More vertical markets—from retail and education to banking and transportation—doubled down on digital signage as a business and revenue driver. Instead of adopting a standalone digital display, more organizations embraced connected digital signage systems to better engage and captivate audiences.

2026 will be the year brands maximize ROI from these deployments. Organizations will prioritize easy-to-use digital signage solutions that measure and monetize audience engagement for interactive and personalized content. This demand will guide our 2026 roadmap at BrightSign, with AI playing a key role in this strategy.

The future of digital signage centers on combining AI insights with dynamic visuals for personalized audience interactions. AI-powered analytics give organizations a better understanding of audience interests and motivations. Using these insights to tailor content is what helps them drive stronger customer relationships.

In 2025, we capitalized on AI’s role in digital storytelling by launching new AI toolkits, which give our partners and end users the ability to easily optimize digital signage workflows with AI insights for better personalization. We also ensured the integrated Neural Processing Units (NPU) in BrightSign digital media players could run AI without compromising content playback.

We’re excited to expand AI capabilities, partnerships, and integrations in 2026. Innovations will center on specific applications in vertical markets to support efficient adoption.

As always, our commitment to security, reliability, and performance remains a priority when designing solutions. We look forward to further innovating our tech stack and expanding partnerships to help organizations embrace increasingly connected and personalized digital signage.

AVT Question: Please share insights into the company's roadmap and what 2026 holds for its AV/IT customers.

Thought Leader: Nathan Coutinho, Global Head of Strategic Partner Relations and Market Insights at Logitech

Logitech’s 2026 roadmap is driven by three main principles: smarter, simpler, and more sustainable. We’ll continue to develop workplace technology that not only makes life easier for IT, but also helps organizations make smarter decisions about their spaces.

For “smarter,” we’ve been using AI to create more equitable and engaging collaboration experiences, with products such as the Rally AI Camera and Rally AI Camera Pro bringing this philosophy to life. The cameras combine powerful, AI-driven video intelligence; multi-camera cinematic views; and room insights into a nearly invisible design for larger, more complex spaces—delivering high-impact collaboration without disrupting room aesthetics.

Additionally, with Logitech Spot, we’re helping organizations get smarter about space planning. By capturing real-world insights on room usage, occupancy, and environmental health, businesses gain the clarity needed to make informed decisions about real estate, energy efficiency, and employee well-being. At the same time, workplace automation, such as automatic room booking and release, reduces friction for employees and lightens the operational load for IT and facilities teams.

For “simpler,” we are always thinking about how to make deployment and management easier. Our devices run on CollabOS, which frequently releases updates with fresh features, improvements, AI enhancements, and support for new hardware—all through a single web-based interface. Throughout 2026 and beyond, we will continue to make devices better, and it can all be done remotely through the Logitech Sync platform.

And for “more sustainable,” those continuous software updates extend the life of our technology, delivering long-term value for customers while reducing environmental impact. The new year will continue to see our relentless focus on Design for Sustainability, where new products will be built using recycled plastics and fabrics, paper packaging, and low-carbon aluminum.

AVT Question: Please share insights into the company's roadmap and what 2026 holds for its AV/IT customers.

Thought Leader: Chris Teguh, Product Manager, Large Venue Projectors at Epson America

With demand rising for brighter, more flexible, and easily integrated projection systems, Epson’s 2026 roadmap focuses on delivering solutions that simplify installation while elevating visual impact across every environment. Epson will continue to support its vast lineup of projection technology, including high-lumen projectors for large venues and commercial models for corporate and educational spaces—ensuring its solutions fit even in unique and challenging spaces, regardless of the application.

Epson will also remain focused on supporting interoperability and providing network-centric tools focused on management and control, with a long-term goal of supporting emerging AVoIP workflows. Integrators can now expect projection technology to deliver network-ready flexibility and scalability, including evolving screen-sharing capabilities that further enhance collaboration and workflow efficiency. Simultaneously, expectations for higher brightness and improved clarity are rising as venues demand impactful visuals in more ambient-light environments.

Modern projectors are being designed to fit into more spaces, with slimmer chassis, quieter operation, and easier deployment that reduces installation time. Flexibility in placement has become essential, and while software-based improvements help streamline installation, customers tell us they also value the increased flexibility of physically placing the projector exactly where their space requires. Epson projection solutions, from fixed-lens to interchangeable-lens solutions, allow integrators to optimize throw distance, orientation, and image size. They are built to give integrators the flexibility to work with immovable elements, such as HVAC systems or ceiling grids, to still achieve the exact image size and placement the room requires.

Epson is always innovating and adapting to the ongoing changes in the industry. As part of the 2026 roadmap, Epson will remain focused on creating efficient, compact, and precise technology that is designed to fit the current needs of AV dealers, installers, and customers.

AVT Question: Please share insights into the company's roadmap and what 2026 holds for its AV/IT customers.

Thought Leader: Ian Scott, Regional President, North America at Jabra

As work continues to shift across home, office, and flexible environments, organizations are re-evaluating what employees need to stay connected and productive. One reality has become clear: People work better when they have technology that supports them wherever they are. This aligns with our commitment at Jabra to engineer technology that helps drive collaboration and productivity, no matter where or how work happens.

Today's workers keep businesses running from all kinds of environments, and supporting them effectively means acknowledging how varied and dynamic those environments have become—from home offices to small conference rooms, open office spaces, and everywhere in between. Over the past few years, hybrid collaboration has created new expectations around audio and video performance. Employees move between different spaces throughout the week, and the tools they rely on must adapt accordingly. Clear communication, reduced background noise, and all-day comfort have become basic requirements rather than optional features. This shift has influenced how organizations think about standardizing equipment across teams while still accommodating the different spaces people work in.

Looking ahead to 2026, Jabra will continue to design solutions that support productivity, concentration, and seamless participation in meetings, whether someone joins from an office, a home workspace, or while traveling. As collaboration platforms evolve and workplaces navigate the return to office and hybrid work schedules, reliable and easy-to-use devices will remain essential in helping to drive seamless productivity.

Our focus remains on understanding how people work and the conditions that enable them to be effective. By analyzing the changing nature of work and challenges employees face each day, Jabra will continue to help organizations with technology that fosters work experiences that are more manageable, more balanced, and ultimately more supportive of how people work today.

AVT Question: Please address pain points faced by AV/IT departments today and share insight into how your company supports AV/IT end users in creating a successful installation.

Thought Leader: Misty Chalk, Vice President of Sales, Americas at BrightSign

Amid the growing experience economy, AV/IT departments face pressure to enhance the experiences their organizations offer.

Deploying technology like digital signage can help, but it’s only the start of the process. Audiences crave personalized micro experiences. A museum setting, for instance, can no longer rely on showing the same digital content on each display; they need to create interactive activations tailored to the interests of each guest. This could mean pairing the digital display with a projector that presents possible topics on the floor, and visitors then stand on their preferred topic as it appears on the display.

While personalizing experiences helps engage audiences, AV/IT departments must avoid complicating their own workflows in the process. Seeking out a partner to support digital signage deployments from end-to-end can help streamline implementation and automate workflows, ensuring organizations have the right hardware, software, infrastructure, and remote management capabilities in place.

Measuring the impact of these experiences poses another challenge. Digital signage journeys are unique for each organization. Yet, these organizations often don’t discuss their goals early in the process. When thinking about impact, it’s helpful to consider the audience: Is it more important to reach as many people as possible—or is it better to target individuals with content that’s most relevant to them? Aligning on these questions can help AV/IT teams set realistic, measurable goals and implement proper solutions. If personalizing content is key, the team could explore AI-powered signage applications that track how many people view a display or detect the mood of a room and adjust content accordingly.

While innovating audience experiences is no small feat, working with a trusted partner can help simplify the process for maximum success.

AVT Question: Please address pain points faced by AV/IT departments today and share insight into how your company supports AV/IT end users in creating a successful installation.

Thought Leader: Chris Brama, Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at Carousel Digital Signage

Carousel makes it easy for AV/IT end users to get everything up and running, then seamlessly hand it off to the teams who bring the content to life. In practice, this looks like easy content creation, freeing AV/IT from routine support; an AV/IT load lightened by making updates self-serve; and long-term success with low-maintenance, reliable installations.

Taking the heavy lifting out of content creation with our Creator Library is step one. Users can grab pre-designed templates and publish polished, on-brand content quickly. And when they need more creative flexibility, Carousel’s integrations with Canva, Google Slides, PowerPoint, and other familiar tools make it just as easy for them to design in an environment they already know and love. All of this adds up to one huge benefit for IT: fewer questions and far less hand-holding.

From there, publishing stays just as simple and structured. Role-based workflows guide content through the right approval steps without slowing anyone down. Creators focus on building great content while approvers get a clean, organized queue of items awaiting sign-off. When content is easy to build, customize, and deploy, end users stay self-sufficient rather than relying on IT for every update.

Our guided training course takes that support even further, giving end users the skills and confidence they need from day one. When people understand how to create and manage their own content, IT stays out of the weeds and can focus on the bigger picture.

Finally, we eliminate one of the biggest installation pain points: external players. Our native integration means fewer boxes, fewer cables, fewer “why isn’t this working?” moments, and a dramatically smoother rollout for AV/IT teams. It reduces points of failure and makes long-term maintenance far more predictable.

AV/IT teams can walk away knowing their installation will stay healthy long after launch. There is no lingering support burden—just a system that keeps running smoothly.

Lainie Mataras, General Manager, Consultant, Architect, Design Group at Planar

How long have you been part of the AV/IT industry, and how did you get into it? What is your role at your organization? I have proudly been in the AV Industry for 35 years.

In the early 1990s, I was folding baby clothes in retail. Driven by the weight of student loans to find something more, I had no idea that answering a newspaper ad in our local county paper, The Bergen Record, would change the trajectory of literally my entire life.

The posting was for an administrative assistant and customer service position at Crestron Electronics. I interviewed with Randy Klein and toured the Crestron factory—my first time ever setting foot in a manufacturing environment. Everything felt foreign, intimidating, and completely outside my comfort zone. When Randy called me back the next day, asking me to meet George Feldstein for a second interview, I had no idea I was sitting across from AV industry legends. I just knew I was nervous.

I became one of the first voices in customer service for Crestron Electronics at a time when "customer service" meant so much more than answering phones. We were the technical support team. We were the programming team. We wore so many hats and worked long hours in very close quarters.

I kept thinking I would return to retail, and that this was just a "pause" in that career dream. The people I worked with, Fred Bargetzi, Rosanne Lang, and Ray Coneys, made it feel less like work and more like AV Day Camp with great friends, at a similar age. The technology was fascinating and evolving so quickly, and the combination of the two kept me there. Then I met Randy Klein's wife, Marla Suttenberg, and everything started to fall into place quickly.

Marla owned Sapphire Marketing, a tremendously successful East Coast rep firm, and she became my mentor in every sense of the word. She demonstrated how to build relationships, how to advocate for products we represented, and how to navigate an industry, at the time, where very few women had visible roles.

At Sapphire, I had the privilege of representing some incredible products, but one really stood out: Planar. I was really excited about the creativity of the displays, the visual impact, and the possibilities that the displays opened up to the customer base I had been calling on for most of my career, consultants and architects. When the opportunity came to try something new, I took the leap. I was hired as Planar's first Consultant Business Development Manager. Six years later, I am now managing a team of Consultant Business Development managers and Sr. Sales Engineers. Together, we are responsible for the national support of consultants and architects for Planar.

What do you most like about your role in the industry? I've had the luxury of growing up in this industry- watching technology evolve, products transform, and being in the middle of major shifts that have redefined what's possible in AV. This journey has given me something invaluable: a continually growing network built over decades of genuine relationships and shared experiences. That network has opened doors I never expected. Most recently, I've had the honor of serving on the Leadership Search Committee for AVIXA, where we identify the next generation of Board Members who will shape the trajectory of our industry. It is truly humbling to play a role in ensuring the voices guiding AVIXA forward represent the best of what we can be as an Industry. But what also truly keeps me energized is the consistency of my career focus. I've stayed calling on the same community- consultants and architects- for years. That continuity has allowed me to deeply understand what makes their world easier, what challenges they face when designing products like Planar into their RFP packages, and drives me to continually refine our processes and procedures to serve them better. This community of consultants has become a part of my work story and career.

Do you have advice for young women starting in our industry? Talk to people, don't just attend networking events, but truly take the time to understand where you might fit in this SMALL BIG Community of AV. Ask questions. What makes you excited to wake up in the am—figure that out. Ask people what they love about their careers in AV, and really listen to their answers. Ask them what they would have done differently. The answers may unlock your next opportunity, reveal your strengths, and help you really understand what you're passionate about.

Be present in your life- not just your career. Show up for your family. Prioritize self-care. It's not selfish. It's not going to set your career back- it's the behavior that will keep your momentum sustainable. You must find balance. The industry will always demand more, but you need to define your balance. I've learned the hard way that the most effective leaders are not the ones wearing the Burnout badge, but the ones who fully show up because they have taken care of themselves first.

And finally, give back continually—whether it's to the industry that's given you opportunities or the community you live in. Mentor someone who is starting. Volunteer your expertise. Share your knowledge. Every day should be an opportunity to enrich your own life and the life of someone around you.

And always know, not every day will be sunshine and roses, but know that this industry has room for you—your perspective matters. Your voice matters. So lean in, authentically show up, and just grow. All the pieces will fall into place.

What would you like to share on a personal side? Outside of AV, I'm a wife and the proud mother of identical twin boys who are currently attending The University of South Carolina—Go Gamecocks!! I am also the "mom" of two rescue fur babies at home, Derby and Pongo.

Throughout my life, I have tried to live by a simple principle: make a difference where you can, so someone else's day doesn't feel quite so dark.

A few years ago, I started a community Facebook group that began as a simple free-cycle initiative, neighbors helping neighbors pass along items they no longer need. But it evolved into something so much more. Today, that group has grown to over 7,000 members, and it's a lifeline for people in the community facing food insecurity, housing challenges, job loss, and other hardships.

Watching the community rally around someone in need brings me joy that's hard to put into words. It's giving without expectations. It's about showing up for people, and these small acts of empathy and kindness can change someone's entire trajectory. It's a really magical feeling.

Check out more Women in AV/IT stories here.

Sam Phenix, Strategy Consultant & Advisor at Phenix Consulting LLC

How long have you been part of the AV/IT industry, and how did you get into it? I’ve been in the display and AV industry for over 25 years. I started on the engineering side of display technology and gradually moved into product strategy and business leadership. I didn’t set out specifically to work in AV—I was drawn to complex systems and visual technology. What kept me here is the combination of hardware, software, human factors, and real-world impact. When displays work well, they change how people see, decide, and interact.

You’ve got a technical background. Please share a bit about this and what inspired you. My background is in engineering, focused on display systems and visual technologies. I’ve always been interested in how things actually work—not just conceptually, but physically and commercially. Early on, I realized that technical expertise gives you credibility and leverage. It allows you to sit at any table—engineering, sales, executive—and translate across disciplines. That ability to connect dots is what inspired me to expand beyond pure engineering into strategy.

What is your role in your organization? I advise display and AV technology companies on product strategy, positioning, and go-to-market direction. That can mean pressure-testing a new product concept, aligning engineering and commercial priorities, shaping go-to-market strategy ahead of a major launch, or helping leadership teams evaluate where to focus next.

In short, I help technical companies think more strategically—and help strategic ideas become commercially viable products.

I like being at the intersection of technology and decision-making. “I get to work with founders, engineers, marketers, and operators—often when they’re at an inflection point. There’s real satisfaction in bringing clarity where things feel fragmented, especially in an industry that moves quickly and can get distracted by the next shiny innovation.”

Do you have advice for young women starting in our industry? Build technical confidence early. Even if you don’t plan to stay in engineering, understand how systems work. Technical fluency changes how you’re perceived—and how you perceive yourself.

Also: don’t wait to be “ready.” Our industry rewards initiative. Volunteer for the hard project. Ask the uncomfortable question. Take a seat at the table.

Finally, cultivate relationships intentionally. Careers are built on trust and reputation as much as skill.

What would you like to share to help people get to know your personal side? I split my time between international industry work and deep involvement in my local community. I sit on boards, help curate industry events, and also support village-level initiatives at home here in Northern Ireland. I’ve found that leadership principles scale—whether you’re advising a global display manufacturer or organising a local festival. My overall philosophy is simple: contribute meaningfully, build things that last, and invest in communities—professional and local—that create opportunity for others.

Check out more Women in AV/IT stories here.

AVT Question: Please address pain points faced by AV/IT departments today and share insight into how your company supports AV/IT end users in creating a successful installation.

Thought Leader: Chris Teguh, Product Manager, Large Venue Projectors at Epson America

As AV installations expand with more immersive experiences, 3D projection mapping at scale, and larger displays for ample viewing in educational and corporate spaces, the demand for flexible, scalable hardware and installation tools continues to increase.

Today’s AV/IT professionals require technology that integrates with existing systems while offering the ability to scale. Given that significant investment is required for AV installations, the solutions powering them, including projectors, must deliver long-term flexibility and versatile features to ensure compatibility across applications and installations.

Epson is dedicated to empowering AV/IT professionals and leveraging end-user feedback to drive innovation. Epson is committed to creating lightweight and compact projectors that fit into just about any space, and with a lamp-free laser design requiring little to no maintenance. With a wide lens-shift and throw ratio range, built-in tools and software for quick, repeatable alignment and simple installation, along with a unified lens family across the interchangeable lens projector lineup, Epson supports end users with versatile projectors that are easy to install, require minimal on-site upkeep, and feature lenses that are simple to plan and change based on installation needs.

Epson projectors also support stacking and blending tools for easier and faster installation of complex surface mapping and displays. This includes the optional PixAlign camera, designed to simplify multi-projector setups, and the intuitive Epson Projector Professional Tool software enables streamlined setup and centralized multi-projector management of networked projectors.

Software and plug-ins must also remain relevant to ensure seamless integration with AV ecosystems. Epson offers interoperability with a variety of major control platforms, including Q-SYS, Crestron, and Extron, to fit into existing workflows and preferred platforms, reducing setup time and integration friction.

By delivering technology that adapts and integrates seamlessly across platforms, manufacturers can better equip AV/IT professionals to create impactful, future-ready experiences across applications and display sizes.

Meg Golz, MarComm Manager, Business Solutions at Yamaha

How long have you been part of the AV/IT industry, and how did you get into it? I’ve been a part of the AV/IT industry for about 15 years.

During my senior year of high school, I started my own DJ business and began teaching myself how to run sound for my gigs. Being a DJ blended my love of music and performance and opened a new opportunity to explore the technical side of audio.

It was shortly after I began my DJ business that I learned about audio engineering as a career. I enrolled at Madison Media Institute in Madison, Wisconsin, and earned my associate’s degree in audio engineering.

While I was in school, I immersed myself in the music scene – attending tons of live music shows and sitting in on a lot of engineering sessions, working to better understand how this industry functions and how I could be a part of it long-term.

As I continued my education, I realized how broad the pro audio business could be, so I went on to earn my bachelor’s degree in marketing for entertainment and media business.

That combination of technical and marketing experience helped me land my first marketing role at a pro AVL dealer, which really kick-started my career in the AV industry.

Tell us about your music and technical background, and how you got into this as a young woman. What inspired you? Music has always been a central part of my life. I grew up in a very musical family and have played instruments for as long as I can remember - starting with piano in 2^nd grade, then cello in middle school, singing in choir, and playing drums in drumline during high school. I also taught myself guitar and the art of the synth in college, while learning audio engineering.

While I was attending school in Madison, I also started my indie rock band, Seasaw, with my best friend Eve. We’ve been making music together for about 15 years. Through Seasaw, I’ve had the opportunity to release four studio albums and tour across the country - from New York to Nebraska, even Texas for South by Southwest.

It’s been especially rewarding to apply both sides of my education to the band. My audio engineering background helps with the technical aspects of recording and performing, while my media business degree helps with all the marketing that’s required as a DIY band.

As for what inspires me: I’ve always been really inspired by women in music who blend creativity with technical vision.

One of my biggest inspirations is Karen O from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. She has always stood out to me as someone who is not only an incredible performer but also very intentional about the creative and technical direction of her work. From music to visuals to developing entire film soundtracks—she’s done it all. She’s also a down-to-earth person with good human values, and that’s inspiring, too.

Seeing women like her succeed helped show me that there are many ways to contribute to this industry, both on stage and behind the scenes.

What is your role at Yamaha? I’m currently the MarComm Manager for Business Solutions at Yamaha. In this role, I lead marketing communications for Yamaha’s Unified Communications and Commercial Installation Solutions product lines in the US.

I work on campaigns that help explain how our technology solves real-world AV and IT challenges - particularly in integrated environments like corporate spaces, retail, hospitality, and other commercial installations.

What do you most like about your role? What I love most about my role at Yamaha is the people I get to work with. I joined the team recently, and everyone I’ve connected with so far has been incredibly welcoming, creative, and passionate about what they do.

It’s been exciting to join a team where people care deeply about both the technology and the customers we support. I’m learning a lot already and feel very fortunate to be part of an organization that values collaboration.

Do you have advice for young women starting in our industry? Don’t be afraid to explore different opportunities. When I first started, I thought my career would look very specific—I imagined myself becoming a live sound engineer and DJ full-time. By staying curious, asking questions, and being open to new opportunities, I discovered other areas where I could grow and make an impact.

It’s also worth noting that the AV and IT fields can sometimes feel overwhelming because they’re traditionally male-dominated, but there are far more incredible women in this industry than people realize. In my experience, connecting with other women in this field has been endlessly rewarding. Many of my now closest friends and mentors are women I’ve met through this industry, and we continue to support and learn from each other.

Please share something about yourself that would help our audience understand a bit more about you. I currently live in Madison, Wisconsin, and I’m a huge Badger/NCAA basketball fan. March is always one of my favorite times of year—not only because of International Women’s Day, but also because it’s the start of March Madness—my personal Christmas.

Music is still a huge part of my life outside of work. My band, Seasaw, is currently gearing up to release a new single this March as we work toward releasing our next album. When I’m not making music, I’m probably listening to it. I’m an avid vinyl collector and spend many of my weekends digging through used indie bins at my favorite local shops.

Check out more Women in AV/IT stories here.

AVT Question: Please address pain points faced by AV/IT departments today and share insight into how your company supports AV/IT end users in creating a successful installation.

Thought Leader: Peter Fitton, Senior Solutions Architect, Corporate AV North America at Ross Video

Let’s be honest: AV/IT teams are under more pressure than ever. Internal clients are relying on video for almost everything now—from basic training modules to major company-wide events—and the expectation for flawless, high-quality streams has just shot way up. The challenge is that most teams are being asked to scale all of this with the exact same headcount.

When we talk to AV/IT departments, the same frustrations come up. Most teams are stuck managing this messy mix of legacy baseband hardware, room-specific systems from different brands, and the newest IP infrastructure. It’s a complicated patchwork, and it creates constant integration issues, unpredictable user experiences, and endless troubleshooting. People are bouncing between systems, control interfaces, and workflows that were never designed to work together.

Solutions like Ross Ultrix, DashBoard, and our hyper-converged platforms make a significant impact by unifying routing, multiviewing, processing, and control into one scalable system. Simplifying the architecture dramatically improves stability. At the same time, AV ops teams are stretched thin and expected to commission more rooms, support more live programs, and meet SLAs without additional staff. The only realistic path forward is automation and true remote operation. DashBoard enables standardized presets and custom panels, streamlining repetitive work and allowing teams to manage multiple rooms from anywhere. Paired with broadcast-grade reliability that reduces emergency site visits, it frees staff to focus on higher-value, advanced tasks.

One final observation is to start small and prove the concept. Pick one part of your setup that’s slowing everyone down and use automation or unified control to fix it. Modern AV doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right architecture, you can build a system that works beautifully today and scales effortlessly for whatever comes next.

AVT Question: Please address pain points faced by AV/IT departments today and share insight into how your company supports AV/IT end users in creating a successful installation.

Thought Leader: Shane Roma, Technical Product Manager of dvLED/Commercial Displays at ViewSonic

Creating a successful AV/IT installation requires more than deploying a single device; it demands a cohesive ecosystem aligned to the room, the workflow, and the organization’s long-term needs.

A strong installation begins with selecting the right display technology for the environment. Many collaboration spaces benefit from the versatility of an interactive flat panel (IFP) for whiteboarding, content sharing, or hybrid teamwork. Other rooms call for non-touch commercial displays that emphasize reliability, clarity, and simplicity. Larger environments often require the scalability, brightness, and visual impact of large-format dvLED. And for organizations standardizing on collaboration platforms, we offer certified Microsoft Teams Room (MTR) solutions to ensure consistent, intuitive user experiences.

At ViewSonic, we support end users by offering a full suite of meeting room solutions paired with in-country product availability and U.S.-based teams who stay engaged throughout the project lifecycle. We support customers with configuration guidance, remote management tools, and ongoing training.

To support dvLED deployments specifically, ViewSonic launched a Certified Installer program, ensuring integrators are trained on best practices for handling, mounting, and commissioning modular LED systems. This program helps guarantee that installations are performed safely, efficiently, and according to standards—protecting both performance and long-term reliability.

To reduce lead times and keep project schedules predictable, we maintain stock in-country. Our sales, customer service, technical support, and field solutions teams also work directly with integrators and end users to understand the space, verify interoperability, and ensure compatibility across platforms such as Teams, Zoom, Crestron, Q-SYS, Extron, and digital signage software.

By combining a full range of meeting room technologies, certified installation resources, and responsive domestic support, we help end users build reliable, flexible, and future-ready collaboration environments.

AVT Question: Please share insights into the company's roadmap and what 2026 holds for its AV/IT customers.

Thought Leader: Trent Slyter, Vice President of Sales at Absen

In 2026, Absen’s roadmap is guided by a clear philosophy: Real leadership in technology is not defined by what’s new; it’s defined by what you enable.

For AV/IT end users, the standard is continuity: systems that perform consistently, support that’s dependable, and partners who make ownership easier over time. This belief shapes how we’re approaching the year ahead.

First, we’re leaning into long-term value as the benchmark for innovation. This means prioritizing the choices that reduce friction across the full lifecycle, how teams evaluate solutions, how they deploy and maintain those solutions, and how reliably they can expect performance year after year. Progress should feel like fewer interruptions, less complexity, and more confidence for operational teams.

Second, we’re strengthening our service network as a strategic advantage. Expanding our global service capability, improving responsiveness, and increasing access to trained support are all direct reflections of our responsibility to the people who depend on our systems daily.

Third, we’re investing in consistency—in how we show up, how we communicate value, and how we build partnerships. This includes upgrading our local experience centers, sharpening our value proposition, and expanding our channel network with a focus on aligned standards—not just broad coverage.

Finally, we’re reinforcing cultural cohesion internally, because sustainable customer outcomes come from aligned teams. Our goal is to continue to highlight our brand values, where honesty builds trust, gratitude strengthens relationships, and responsibility drives follow-through.

2026 at Absen is about earning leadership the right way: through reliability, clarity, and long-term commitment to customer success.

AVT Question: Please address pain points faced by AV/IT departments today and share insight into how your company supports AV/IT end users in creating a successful installation.

Thought Leader: Dave Arnott, National Account Manager, Consultant Relations at Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America

A successful AV/IT installation is more than just quality hardware; it requires collaboration, planning, engineering expertise, and long-term support. Our Sharp team is dedicated to partnering with end users, consultants, and integrators throughout the entire project lifecycle to ensure every installation meets performance goals and user expectations.

We begin by actively listening to the client’s vision and technical requirements. Early involvement allows us to assist with conceptual design, budgeting, and product selection that aligns with the project goals and timeline. We regularly provide detailed drawings, specifications, and performance data to support design documentation with the end user and AV integrator, and when leading the design, collaborate directly with consultants to verify power requirements, wall backing, mounting conditions, and network connectivity. This ensures the infrastructure is ready before equipment arrives on site.

To help stakeholders visualize the final solution and make informed decisions, our engineering and product specialists support the process with virtual or in-person demonstrations and system mockups. During the procurement and logistics stage, Sharp offers shipment tracking, staging coordination, and recommended installation sequencing to help avoid costly delays.

When it comes to the installation, ensuring access to our technical team for real-time assistance is key. Sharp also provides site visits during critical stages, including system alignment, calibration, and commissioning. Post-installation, we continue engagement by offering training and ongoing technical support to ensure the system performs as intended for years to come.

Above all, our goal at Sharp is partnership—not just product delivery. By combining engineering resources, responsive support, and proven installation knowledge, we help end users achieve a smooth deployment process and a reliable AV/IT experience that enhances communication, performance, and long-term value.

AVT Question: Please address pain points faced by AV/IT departments today and share insight into how your company supports AV/IT end users in creating a successful installation.

Thought Leader: Howard Rose, Senior Product Manager at Panasonic Projector and Display Americas

Across organizations of all types, visual technologies are transforming the way people collaborate, communicate, and engage with information.

Higher education, for example, is experiencing a rapid expansion in the adoption of advanced visual technologies, from immersive classrooms featuring projection mapping on all four walls to on-campus esports arenas showcasing gameplay in 4K. Eighty-three percent of students currently interact with projectors regularly, and one in four higher-ed IT decision makers expect 4K projectors will improve learning experiences.

As visual technology becomes more sophisticated, so does system complexity. AV/IT leaders increasingly note that while advanced features open the door to richer instructional experiences, they can also introduce more pain points. For faculty and students, this added complexity can result in steeper learning curves, more frequent support requests, and inconsistent classroom experiences. For unified AV/IT teams, it adds pressure to maintain reliable performance across campuses.

A second emerging pain point is the growing need for flexible, easy-to-use solutions that can support diverse teaching styles and quickly adapt to different learning scenarios. As immersive projection becomes more common, institutions are finding that successful activation depends not just on advanced capabilities, but on how easily those capabilities can be deployed, operated, and supported by everyday users. AV/IT teams are looking for systems that integrate smoothly into existing infrastructure, offer intuitive operation for faculty, and enable scalable management across campus. In fact, a recent survey found that higher education institutions are willing to pay up to 28 percent more for projectors that excel in reliability.

By selecting the right tools and tailoring them to instructional environments, AV/IT departments can create reliable, immersive learning experiences while minimizing support challenges and future-proofing classrooms for evolving educational demands.

AVT Question: Please address pain points faced by AV/IT departments today and share insight into how your company supports AV/IT end users in creating a successful installation.

Thought Leader: Joe Andrulis, Executive Vice President of Corporate Development at Biamp

Biamp frequently hears two key pain points from AV/IT departments: One is the challenge faced by multi-national corporations to create a consistent audio experience within conferencing environments across countries and offices, and two is how these organizations often struggle to get ahead of common AV troubleshooting issues proactively instead of reactively. In both cases, artificial intelligence and the cloud can play a key role.

In the past, AV and IT pros typically had to share incredibly detailed instructions for each integrator, region by region, in order to create a consistent global audio experience. Despite this, mastering consistency was difficult. With AI, organizations can now efficiently define a performance curve for their audio systems globally and then implement and manage them via the cloud. This way, organizations can track progress over time and automatically re-tune each system as necessary. This enables the organization to finally achieve clear, consistent performance from office to office.

In a similar vein, organizations of all sizes often run into the same troubleshooting scenarios repeatedly. AI is enabling AV and IT pros to troubleshoot remotely via a centralized cloud software layer, reducing the need for on-site visits by integrators or staff, especially for routine issues. Ultimately, the goal is to deliver smarter, more agile AV systems that don’t balloon budgets. With cloud-based tools, modular updates, and thoughtful integrations, organizations can keep their systems current, productive, and cost-effective for the long haul, including the ability to anticipate issues before they occur. In the end, this creates a win-win scenario where end users enjoy an extraordinary experience while reducing the burden on AV and IT staff.

AVT Question: Please address pain points faced by AV/IT departments today and share insight into how your company supports AV/IT end users in creating a successful installation.

Thought Leader: Brad Hintze, Executive Vice President of Customer Success & Marketing at Crestron

Crestron has a philosophy that is at the root of everything we do. True Blue is a commitment to shared success—fueled by a commitment to excellence and a passion for the transformative power of technology to create incredible experiences, and driven by a holistic approach to collaboration and connection. We're driven by innovation, pushing the boundaries of what's possible. We embrace new ideas, explore emerging technologies, and collaborate with our customers to create solutions that redefine what technology can do. That collaborative spirit also extends to our integrators, our partners in the industry, and the culture we’re nurturing inside Crestron. We engage directly with our channel partners in the field to ensure every project is set up for success.

Our Design Services team is an excellent resource to advise on space planning and system design, helping to create environments that meet our clients’ needs and expectations from the start. Our world-class training programs are accredited by widely recognized and respected major industry organizations, enabling our community to further their education as our solutions—and the verticals we serve—continue to evolve. Crestron’s dedicated technical support team is prepared to support every project, and when paired with our commitment to making industry-leading products that are globally recognized for their reliability, you’ve got a formula for successful installations, time after time. These efforts elevate the success of our dealers, which ultimately enhances the experiences of our end customers.

Simply put, we stand behind our stuff. All of this is about a vision for the future—a future where technology empowers us all and positively impacts the places where we live, work, and learn.

AVT Question: Please share insights on emerging trends and technologies that help engage fans, distribute audio and video in near real-time, and make a difference in sporting venues and esports arenas.

Thought Leader: Kathy Katz, Managing Partner at BrightLine

As I contemplate the future of the AV lighting industry, I’m reminded of flexibility’s importance. In our rapidly changing world, flexible responses are critical to economic and creative success. Budgets, installation dates, and project personnel change—as do, disappointingly, energy-efficiency standards. Resources have no regard for political climates, and all that each of us does to improve efficiencies will, at the very least, contribute to what we leave available for the next generation.

In practical applications, the best lighting and control solutions are highly adaptable—changeable, scalable, low voltage, and controllable—through myriad methods, from traditional consoles to playback panels to APPs, accommodating changing users and their level of programming ability. Similarly, if a venue expands or moves, the AV lighting system needs to easily expand or move. Pre-labeled port and cabling systems are available to ensure continuity through changes. Even lighting fixtures themselves should incorporate flexibility through software and hardware with variable-white color, adjustable grip equipment, and a vast range of looks and scenes available through programming.

Ultimately, AV lighting and control should be as simple—and can be as automated—as the sunrise and sunset are. With adequate and reliable lighting for all your corporate communications, the focus can remain on your message to ensure creative and effective meeting results.

And as we continue to collaborate with AI, it will only get easier to provide the best lighting solutions for visual and efficacy optimization—or will it? Like human nature, I find AI’s nature can tend to over complicate. The goal of corporate AV communications should always be clarity, delivered through a behind-the-scenes, highly orchestrated network of AV components that combine into an intuitive system, thereby delivering a safe, comfortable, natural, and future-proofed video environment.

AVT Question: Please share insights on emerging trends and technologies that help engage fans, distribute audio and video in near real-time, and make a difference in sporting venues and esports arenas.

Thought Leader: Rick Seegull, Senior Vice President, Technology and Business Development at Riedel Communications

In higher education sports and esports, it’s no longer just about the competition; it’s about creating connected, engaging experiences for athletes, fans, and the entire campus community.

In today’s collegiate venues, communication and coordination are everything. Behind every live event—football, basketball, a convocation, or an esports tournament—there’s a production team working in sync to bring the experience to life. Reliable communication networks, flexible signal routing, and intuitive tools make it easy to adapt, share content, and deliver professional-quality productions.

More campuses are now turning to decentralized, distributed routing architectures that connect multiple sites over fiber for video, audio, communications, and data with minimal cabling. This modular design uses small, interconnected nodes that can scale easily or even be deployed as portable flypacks. It’s a flexible, IP-style workflow without setup headaches.

A great example is Liberty University, which has built a connected campus environment that supports a wide range of live events, from athletics and academic broadcasts to large-scale convocations. Their IP-based communications solution, which features wireless beltpacks, streamlines workflows and allows teams to collaborate easily across venues, ensuring consistent, reliable performance no matter the size or scope of the event.

Lafayette University has taken a similar path, creating an IP-based production ecosystem that links its sports venues and mobile production setups. This flexibility allows their teams to produce live shows anywhere on campus, enabling students to gain hands-on experience with real-world broadcast and event workflows, using intuitive touch screen controls.

Esports add another layer of excitement. With players, commentators, and fans all interacting in real time, low latency and seamless communication are essential.

These innovations are about more than technology; they’re about connection, collaboration, and storytelling that make every experience immersive and unforgettable.

Congratulations to the winners of Future B2B’s inaugural 2026 Best of Show Awards for NAMM and to all the product teams that worked on them. Our panel of expert judges evaluated—and ultimately awarded—these products on site at the NAMM Show from among submitted products.

Across FutureB2B’s many brands, there were dozens of products submitted for consideration and judged by Future’s Mix, Sound & Video Contractor, and AV Technology brands. Entering the awards underlined their confidence in the products and determination to succeed in the months and years ahead.

The AV Technology Best of Show winners for NAMM 2026 were (alphabetically):

Adamson, MS8.2 Network Switch

Blackmagic Design, ATEM Mini Extreme ISO G2

BoxCast, Mixing Station Anywhere

Eminent Technology Professional, Model 23 Flat panel bass guitar combo amp

JBL Professional, Control 400 Series Ceiling Speakers

L-Acoustics, LA1.16i

MSolutions, MS-DPA-CP

Nice North America, Furman Merit Z Series

Triad Magnetics, Low Level Audio Transformers

Upstage Creations, Lyrics Prompter

Walkabout Carriers, Walkabout Carriers

AVT Question: Please share insights on emerging trends and technologies that help engage fans, distribute audio and video in near real-time, and make a difference in sporting venues and esports arenas.

Thought Leader: Rick Hoefling, Category Manager, Video, Photo, and Conferencing at Full Compass

In higher ed today, AV technology isn’t just supporting instruction; it’s redefining how campuses engage students across academics, athletics, and esports.

In traditional sports venues, immersive AV systems are transforming the experience for athletes and fans alike. High-brightness LED video walls, ultra-short-throw projectors, PTZ cameras, and distributed audio systems power dynamic content—everything from instant replays to real-time stats. These aren’t just game-day upgrades; they’re part of a larger shift toward more connected, engaging environments. Immersive sports simulation is another growing trend, blending projection, sensors, and responsive audio to create virtual athletic practice environments. These systems offer a realistic, data-driven way for athletes to refine their skills without needing a full field or facility.

Esports presents a different but equally exciting challenge. Success here hinges on low-latency video, responsive switching, and seamless stream integration. Many schools are designing hybrid spaces that function as both competition stages and broadcast studios—complete with NDI-based camera systems, real-time graphics, and sound-isolated commentary zones. For players, ultra-responsive displays and consistent audio are critical. For spectators, it’s all about capturing the intensity of gameplay and team dynamics through thoughtful production.

Whether it’s football or Fortnite, the core question is the same: How do we use AV to create an experience that’s immersive, inclusive, and scalable?

The answer lies in smart infrastructure—networked video systems, centralized control, and flexible display tech that adapts as needs change. Schools don’t need to do everything at once, but they do need a roadmap. That means thinking beyond the next season and planning for long-term growth.

As someone who spends every day immersed in campus AV planning, I can say this: The most exciting learning doesn’t just happen in classrooms anymore; it happens where students gather, compete, and connect—and AV is what brings those moments to life.

AVT Question: Please share insights on emerging trends and technologies that help engage fans, distribute audio and video in near real-time, and make a difference in sporting venues and esports arenas.

Thought Leader: Robert Scovill, Live Sound Market Manager at Eastern Acoustic Works

It’s easy to assume that esports events would be a natural fit for any modern-day concert sound system. These are huge events with large crowds of enthusiastic gamers set in an arena typical of the scale for full-blown music concerts. However, this competition is broadcast live with gamers sitting behind their gaming consoles competing in front of an audience.

Esports audio comes with specific demands and aesthetic sensibilities. One such demand is that nothing can impede the view of the screens for the audience. The other audio design criteria is that the system must be capable of covering a full 360 degrees of audience geometry, often with a steep vertical demand. Additionally, it must offer excellent pattern control to keep audio off the stage and away from the gamers themselves. This dovetails perfectly into the design philosophy for EAW ADAPTive systems, which was recently evidenced at the Riot Games’ 2025 LTA Championship in Texas. Will Taylor, owner of Square Wave Productions, said, “The easiest way to do this event was with the EAW Anna system. It’s a game changer for what we’re doing.”

EAW ADAPTive products, such as Anya, Anna, AC6, and Otto, are all active designs that hang in straight columns and can expand horizontally, with each corner hanging from a single rigging location. This allows them to disappear into the corners of the video screens. ADAPTive products are one of the only PA systems to operate as a single acoustic source; they can simply ADAPT their vertical coverage via Resolution software to any vertical start and stop point. This allows the production to be very flexible with trim height and overall line length with no sacrifice to vertical coverage for the audience. EAW ADAPTive products are a significant win for the production designers at pro-level gaming events.

AVT Question: Please share insights on emerging trends and technologies that help engage fans, distribute audio and video in near real-time, and make a difference in sporting venues and esports arenas.

Thought Leader: Chris Teguh, Product Manager at Epson

In higher education sports and esports environments, immersive technologies are enhancing athlete training and how fans engage. Projection-based systems have a major impact on this market, with the ability to transform static spaces into dynamic, data-rich environments. High-brightness, high-resolution projectors can turn any surface into an interactive display, enabling virtual practice environments, enhanced coaching visualization, and engaging fan experiences.

One area that is gaining attraction in higher education is golf simulation. Projection is uniquely suited to create a large, immersive environment where students can hit a golf ball without damaging a display surface. When integrated with advanced golf performance software, student athletes have access to realistic, data-driven practice sessions regardless of weather, time of day, or location. These systems enable athletes to study ball flight analytics and practice in lifelike projected visuals, helping athletes refine performance.

When selecting a golf simulator projector, the underlying technology is a critical consideration. 3LCD projectors utilize three dedicated chips to reproduce all primary colors at once, delivering exceptional color accuracy and consistency across the entire image. This ensures subtle gradients—such as those found on greens, and deeper tones like sand traps—appear balanced and lifelike. Additionally, high-resolution and native contrast are important for maintaining image depth and clarity in diverse lighting environments.

In esports, immersive projection can help create visually striking competition spaces that heighten audience engagement. From projected scoreboards and reactive lighting effects to floor-to-ceiling visuals that mirror in-game action, projection brings spectators close to the excitement and helps higher ed institutions stand out as innovators in athletic and digital competition spaces.

Ultimately, tools like projection mapping, simulators, and interactive displays enhance both training and spectator experiences by creating immersive environments that deepen skill development and captivate audiences.

AVT Question: Please share insights on emerging trends and technologies that help engage fans, distribute audio and video in near real-time, and make a difference in sporting venues and esports arenas.

Thought Leader: Mark Bishop, President at LynTec

In today’s higher education sports and esports arenas, large-scale LED video walls and digital displays have become the centerpiece of the fan experience. These technologies energize spectators, provide real-time stats and replays, and transform venues into dynamic environments that rival professional stadiums. Behind the scenes, intelligent power management is the often-overlooked element that ensures these systems perform flawlessly while maintaining efficiency and safety.

Video walls and projection systems demand significant, consistent power. Even energy-efficient LED systems consume electricity when in standby mode, as drivers and processors remain active. This phantom power draw adds unnecessary cost and heat, shortening the lifespan of critical components and increasing HVAC strain. Intelligent power control systems solve this challenge by automatically disconnecting loads at the relay or breaker level when displays aren’t in use, eliminating waste and protecting sensitive electronics from voltage irregularities.

For large athletic facilities or esports arenas, motorized circuit breaker panels or compact relay modules deliver precise, automated control. Operators can safely power down specific zones such as scoreboards, locker rooms, and gaming pods, or bring an entire facility online with a single button press or scheduled event. This sequencing prevents damaging power surges while optimizing energy use.

The benefits extend beyond cost savings. Intelligent power control simplifies operations for technical staff, enhances reliability during live events, and ensures that every display, amplifier, and lighting circuit functions as intended. As the esports market keeps growing and universities continue investing in immersive AV technology to engage students and fans alike, power management becomes the foundation for consistent, sustainable performance. It brings reliability to complex systems and keeps the energy focused on the action, where it matters most.

AVT Question: Please share insights on emerging trends and technologies that help engage fans, distribute audio and video in near real-time, and make a difference in sporting venues and esports arenas.

Thought Leader: Christian Young, Product Manager at ATEN Technology

Technology has transformed higher education sporting venues and esports arenas into immersive environments that enhance both athletic performance and spectator engagement. Traditional college stadiums and gyms now incorporate smart infrastructure—such as advanced LED displays, dynamic lighting, and integrated sound systems—that create a high-energy atmosphere and amplify the drama of competition. High-density Wi-Fi and 5G connectivity are equally essential, ensuring fans can share experiences in real-time, access interactive stats, and engage with live polls or replays through mobile apps. These digital touchpoints extend the game beyond the physical venue, blending the in-person and online experience.

For athletes, technology shapes preparation and performance. Wearable sensors, video analytics, and real-time performance dashboards provide coaches and players with actionable insights. In esports, similar principles apply: latency-free networks, ergonomic hardware, and adaptive gaming setups ensure athletes compete at their peak. Training tools like VR simulations and eye-tracking systems push both traditional athletes and gamers toward higher levels of precision and resilience.

What truly defines immersion is the seamless layering of these elements. Augmented and virtual reality can transport spectators into the heart of the action, whether it’s a 360-degree replay on a jumbo screen or a VR headset experience that simulates being courtside. Gamification—through fantasy leagues, digital leaderboards, or in-arena challenges—adds another dimension of engagement, turning passive audiences into active participants.

Esports, in particular, thrives on interactivity. Streaming platforms, chat integrations, and AR overlays give fans influence over the broadcast narrative, making them part of the event itself. Higher ed institutions that embrace these technologies foster stronger communities, attract broader audiences, and create memorable experiences that extend school pride. Ultimately, the fusion of smart venue infrastructure, real-time data, and interactive storytelling is what transforms sports and esports into deeply engaging cultural events.

AVT Question: Please share insights on emerging trends and technologies that help engage fans, distribute audio and video in near real-time, and make a difference in sporting venues and esports arenas.

Thought Leader: Effi Goldstein, President at the HDBaseT Alliance

Higher ed sports and esports unfold at a lightning pace that demands high-speed, real-time ProAV performance with no room for distractions. Athletes need immediate responses from their gameplaying equipment to stay focused and competitive, while spectators inside and remote audiences viewing a streaming broadcast both require the same instantaneous content delivery to feel a deep level of immersion. While all involved have their own individual rooting interests, each shares the same opponent: latency that disrupts the experience and reduces the impact of critical moments.

Therefore, a reliable, zero-latency connectivity infrastructure is essential for providing seamless KVM control to players that prevents disadvantages caused by delays. Uncompressed 4K video and synchronized audio are a must for allowing in-person spectators to react with the action, amplifying the energy at the precise moment when big plays happen. For remote viewers, delivering the same high-quality feed at the same time ensures they feel equally involved, no matter where they may be tuning in from.

Cameras must capture angles in perfect sync, with audio and lighting controls integrated to support the environment without interference. Solutions like HDBaseT 3.0’s 5PLAY enable this by transmitting fully uncompressed, zero-latency 4K@60Hz 4:4:4, USB 2.0, Gigabit Ethernet, power, and control over a single cable, which results in clean, streamlined installations without distracting cable clutter.

In higher education sports facilities and esports arenas, these technologies, tied together over a high-performance connectivity infrastructure, create a cohesive experience where every element operates in real-time. Institutions adopting such systems improve engagement and build stronger, more immersive live competitions.

AVT Question: Please share insights on emerging trends and technologies that help engage fans, distribute audio and video in near real-time, and make a difference in sporting venues and esports arenas.

Thought Leader: Carrie Kaumans, Channel Marketing Director at Ampetronic | Listen Technologies

Technology continues to transform the live experience in higher education sports and esports venues. Modern facilities integrate networked systems, dynamic video displays, and audio to create environments that captivate both athletes and spectators. Technologies such as Bluetooth LE Audio and Audio over Wi-Fi provide flexible pathways for personal listening, allowing fans, coaches, and participants to access clear, real-time audio directly to their smartphone, earbuds, or hearing aids.

Venues that seek to implement technologies to enhance accessibility for all patrons, regardless of their hearing ability or device preference, ensure that everyone shares the same great experience.

Flexible network control, multi-channel distribution, and integrated assistive listening capabilities help meet accessibility and compliance standards while enhancing audience engagement. These technologies make university stadiums, arenas, and esports labs more connected, adaptable, and ready for the future.

AVT Question: Please share insights on emerging trends and technologies that help engage fans, distribute audio and video in near real-time, and make a difference in sporting venues and esports arenas.

Thought Leader: Ted Greely, Territory Account Manager at Panasonic Projector and Display Americas

As universities expand their athletic programs and esports initiatives, they’re increasingly expected to deliver the same broadcast-quality experiences audiences expect from professional venues. The new Lee and Penny Anderson Arena at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, which was built as the school transitions to Division I athletics, embodies how the right AV foundation can elevate both the in-person and remote viewing experience.

Panasonic Projector and Display Americas worked closely with the university to integrate professional-grade display technology throughout the arena, ensuring every seat and every screen contributes to an immersive environment. Across the facility, high-brightness 4K panels—including TH-43SQE2, TH-55SQE2, TH-65SQE2, TH-75SQE2, and TH-86SQE2 models—deliver vivid, reliable visuals for live game feeds, instant replays, player stats, and digital signage. The SQE2 Series’ 24/7 durability and color-accurate IPS panels make them ideal for the fast-paced demands of collegiate sports and esports competitions alike.

Beyond the displays, the arena’s ecosystem connects seamlessly with Panasonic’s professional cameras and streaming infrastructure, which supports content capture and distribution to remote audiences without adding technical complexity for staff. The result is a venue that operates like a professional broadcast environment, giving students and fans the opportunity to experience live sports and esports events with the same polish and excitement found in pro arenas.

From flexible signal management to energy-efficient design, each component works together to support a future-ready, connected campus. The Anderson Arena demonstrates how thoughtful AV integration can turn higher-education sports facilities into dynamic, multi-purpose hubs that inspire engagement, build community pride, and create new opportunities for storytelling both on the field and on the screen.

AVT Question: Please share insights on emerging trends and technologies that help engage fans, distribute audio and video in near real-time, and make a difference in sporting venues and esports arenas.

Thought Leader: Ken Vanier, Vice President Sales and Operations, Americas at WyreStorm Technologies

In higher education, sports and esports have become powerful drivers of community, pride, and engagement, and technology now sits at the center of that experience. From the moment a match begins, the quality of sound, video, and interactivity shapes how students, athletes, and fans connect. It’s not just about what’s shown on the screen, but how reliably and seamlessly it all comes together to create an atmosphere that feels dynamic, connected, and alive.

Modern athletic facilities and esports arenas depend on audiovisual systems that deliver clarity, synchronization, and flexibility. Large-scale displays, distributed audio, and rock-solid IP-based connectivity help institutions manage live events more efficiently while giving audiences the best possible experience, whether they’re courtside or watching from another room on campus.

For esports in particular, which have become hugely popular with the younger generation, performance and responsiveness are critical. Systems must handle real-time visuals, USB and KVM control, and seamless integration between multiple sources without lag or complexity. That’s where advanced AV-over-IP infrastructures have become essential, offering high-quality video, stable connectivity, and easier scalability for both live play and broadcast environments.

Beyond performance, sustainability and management have become key priorities for universities. With tools like WyreStorm’s SYGMA Cloud, IT teams can monitor and manage AV systems remotely, reducing downtime, eliminating physical travel, and simplifying maintenance. It allows schools to focus on enhancing the student and spectator experience rather than troubleshooting systems mid-event.

At its core, the role of AV in higher education sports and esports is about connection. When technology works as it should, seamlessly and reliably, it helps to build stronger communities, motivate students, and enhance the impact of every event.

AVT Question: Please share insights on emerging trends and technologies that help engage fans, distribute audio and video in near real-time, and make a difference in sporting venues and esports arenas.

Thought Leader: Stephane Tremblay, President at the SDVoE Alliance

Higher education venues are increasingly investing in technologies that enhance athletic performance and spectator engagement. Whether in traditional arenas or esports facilities, advanced audiovisual systems are altering how competition is viewed, shared and experienced.

In esports, latency is the critical metric. A delay of even a few milliseconds can determine the outcome of a match. To meet those demands, institutions are adopting professional AV systems capable of transmitting high-resolution content with near-zero delay. Software-Defined Video over Ethernet (SDVoE) has become a leading solution, enabling uncompressed, zero-latency video distribution over 10G Ethernet networks. SDVoE’s architecture supports end-to-end latency under 100 microseconds while maintaining full image fidelity for HD and 4K60 HDR signals. For campus esports arenas, that means synchronized gameplay and audience reactions, which are key to an authentic, competitive atmosphere.

Beyond esports, the same technologies enhance broader athletic and academic applications. Universities use SDVoE-based systems to route live feeds across multiple locations, from classrooms to gymnasiums, with flexibility and scalability. SDVoE’s interoperability allows equipment from different SDVoE Alliance members to integrate seamlessly, protecting investments and supporting evolving needs across facilities.

Ultimately, immersive spectator and athlete experiences rely on flawless performance and seamless integration. Whether supporting collegiate esports tournaments or enhancing live athletic broadcasts, technologies like SDVoE enable higher education institutions to deliver professional-grade performance, reliability, and engagement, providing the precision and responsiveness that today’s competitive environments demand.

AVT Question: Please share insights on emerging trends and technologies that help engage fans, distribute audio and video in near real-time, and make a difference in sporting venues and esports arenas.

Thought Leader: Nick Wilson, Digital Out Of Home, Sports Development Manager at Absen

The most memorable experiences in higher ed sporting venues and esports go beyond what fans are seeing and focus on what they feel. Today, technology is bridging players’ performances and audiences’ emotions, transforming these venues into immersive environments where every play comes to life.

It starts with seamless visual storytelling. High-resolution LED displays don’t just show the game; they amplify the venue’s energy, highlight key plays, and make fans feel like they’re part of the action. Crisp audio systems, synchronized lighting, and interactive content work together to create a shared atmosphere that connects everyone to the moment.

Emotion also drives branding and engagement. The sights and sounds that excite fans are the same elements that reinforce a university’s identity: its colors, traditions, and pride. Integrated technology allows every game to strengthen brand loyalty and showcase the school’s culture to students, alumni, and sponsors.

In esports and traditional arenas alike, these immersive environments also play a vital role in recruitment. Today’s athletes and esports players seek programs that match their competitive passion with a world-class experience. A dynamic, technology-rich venue signals investment, innovation, and commitment—qualities that help institutions attract top talent both on the field and in the digital arena.

Ultimately, the venues that succeed are those that merge technology, emotion, and identity. It’s not just about displays, speakers, or stats; it’s about leveraging them together to elevate excitement, build community, and create a memorable experience.

AVT Question: Please share insights on emerging trends and technologies that help engage fans, distribute audio and video in near real-time, and make a difference in sporting venues and esports arenas.

Thought Leader: Misty Chalk, Vice President of Sales, Americas at BrightSign

With younger audiences preferring to watch games at home, higher ed sports and esports venues face the challenge of attracting them with an immersive fan experience.

No one wants to arrive at a game and struggle to see the action in real-time. Advancements in digital display and media player technology give everyone a close-up view, regardless of where they are sitting. BrightSign’s latest Series 6 players, for instance, support quality 4K IP streaming and eye-catching visuals with no delay. Additionally, BrightSign Built-In offers flexibility to position a display anywhere with the power of BrightSign’s System-on-a-Chip (SoC) solution. This way, venues can take advantage of small spaces, incorporating displays into the stadium’s aesthetic design.

Creating a hyper-personalized journey of micro experiences for fans helps distinguish the stadium experience from at-home viewing. Displays can power interactive touchscreen games or photo booths that superimpose fans’ photos alongside their favorite players, sparking excitement and sharing across social media for broader reach. Media players with sensing technology can direct people to shorter bathroom and concession lines to minimize wait times and support a seamless experience.

From an athlete’s perspective, the latest displays and media players help create a positive pre-game and game-time experience. AI applications can detect the mood of the locker room before the game and adjust visuals accordingly. If players look serious, the display will show stats from the opponents’ previous games to help them prepare. However, if they seem nervous, the displays could update to more soothing imagery for a calm environment. Similarly, high-quality media players that can power 8K video and high-speed 3D motion graphics ensure esports players can easily watch their teammates’ progress and strategize effectively.

Higher ed stadiums are highly visual environments, making the latest display and media player technology critical to an immersive athlete and spectator experience.

AVT Question: Please share insights on emerging trends and technologies that help engage fans, distribute audio and video in near real-time, and make a difference in sporting venues and esports arenas.

Thought Leader: Daniel Maloney, Technical Marketing Manager at Matrox Video

As colleges and universities invest in state-of-the-art sporting and esports facilities, the ability to deliver high-impact visual experiences has become just as important as the action on the field—or on screen. To engage fans, athletes, and remote audiences alike, these venues need infrastructures capable of distributing pristine, synchronized, low-latency video and audio signals across multiple displays, scoreboards, and production zones.

This is where IP-based workflows make a measurable difference. By replacing traditional, fixed video routing hardware with standard IT network switches, higher education institutions can build scalable systems that expand easily as facilities evolve. Video, audio, and control signals travel seamlessly over standard network cabling—often a single Cat 5 or fiber line—eliminating the complexity of proprietary formats while reducing setup time and long-term costs.

Beyond flexibility, the move to IP ensures consistency and performance. Standards-based technologies such as SMPTE ST 2110 and IPMX enable uncompromised, broadcast-quality video delivery across the campus network with minimal latency—an essential factor for live gameplay, instant replays, and interactive displays. This adherence to open standards empowers operators to select best-of-breed tools, crafting their AV ecosystems to meet creative and commercial goals without being locked into proprietary solutions.

As higher ed institutions continue to blur the lines between live production, esports, and learning environments, IP infrastructure serves as the common foundation, empowering IT and AV teams to innovate without limitations.