The Exertis Almo E4 Experience may be coming to a city near you, and when it does, its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) panel will be back as well. The panel—featuring Pro AV veterans Melody Craigmyle, vice president of marketing and communications for Almo Corporation; Kim Lonas, global diversity and inclusion program lead for Exertis; Alesia Hendley, business development at Sennheiser; and Rob Voorhees, business development manager for Exertis Almo—will focus on the importance of bringing AV technology into the DEI discussion. The E4 Experience is heading to New Jersey on September 20 and—for the first time—Phoenix on October18.
Honored with a 2023 SCN Stellar Service Award the E4 Experience is a one-day education/training and product showcase. It features a “crown jewel” showroom packed with the newest AV gear in use along with a stacked lineup of enriching AVIXA CTS-certified business, technical, and trend sessions.
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“We are looking forward to more lively, interactive discussions about DEI at the fall E4 Experiences—it’s interesting to see the differences in the types of questions we receive based on the regions we visit,” said Craigmyle. “There are so many ways for integrators to take action in support of DEI programs. But one of the greatest opportunities is with AV technology. From simple lighting to ADA-compliant listening devices, integrators have the tools their customers need to help level the playing field and allow employees to do and be their best, whether it’s in an office, school, church, hospital, quick-serve restaurant or anywhere—and everywhere—technology is used.”
Craigmyle added that integrators have the unique ability to lead this effort and play a key role in enabling their customers to use AV products that not only create experiences, but also design a work environment that is diverse, equitable and inclusive.
“As a parent of a teenager on the Autism spectrum, I have seen firsthand how meeting equity and technology allow a neurodivergent person to truly flourish," said Voorhees. "Rather than implementing a “one size fits all” model, companies should be examining what technological tools a person might need in order to put their best effort forward.” He continued, “Something as trivial as a USB microphone or noise-cancelling headphones could prove the difference between an introverted employee or a top performer. It’s amazing to witness the talents of those who feel comfortable in their surroundings.”
Additional points of interest during the panel discussion include the financial and cultural consequences of ignoring DEI, some of the initiatives at Exertis including company surveys and a DEI annual report, neurodiversity and the benefits of technology, DEI at the product development level, meeting equity, and ways for integrators to bring the topic of DEI into a sale.
