AVNation TV

Tag: infocomm

  • The Road To InfoComm 2026 With “The Pitch” & Diversified

    The Road To InfoComm 2026 With “The Pitch” & Diversified


    The video version of this preview can be found here.

    InfoComm 2026 returns to Las Vegas June 13-19 to showcase the power of integrated experiences. We look at the latest innovations and explore the future of the AV industry. Before the show even starts we’re here to see what’s in store for the halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center. We talk to Perry Freifeld, Regional Vice President at Diversified for an activation on the show floor they are calling “The Pitch.” in the North Hall. Specifically, sports entertainment and how AV is elevating the fan experience. We look at how attendees will see these solutions in action and how they can be utilized for a unique AV outing.

    AVNation is a news outlet made by and for audiovisual professionals. Every one of our panelists, writers, producers and hosts have worn a hat or several within the AV industry. It’s this unique experience that gives us a fresh look at the industry as a whole and allows us to engage with end users, technology managers, IT managers and AV integrators in a meaningful way.

    Everything that AVNation does in events like Integrated Systems Europe and InfoComm are in part made possible by our supporters and underwriters who provide financial support for AVNation. If you have questions about the shows or have a unique experience to offer please contact AVNation by clicking here. We are always looking for different viewpoints within the AV industry.

  • The Road To InfoComm 2026 With FORTÉ’s Workplace Activation

    The Road To InfoComm 2026 With FORTÉ’s Workplace Activation


    The video version of this preview can be found here.

    InfoComm 2026 returns to Las Vegas June 13-19 to showcase the power of integrated experiences. We look at the latest innovations and explore the future of the AV industry. Before the show even starts we’re here to see what’s in store for the halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center. We talk to Jason Roberts, Vice President of Workplace Strategy at FORTÉ about the Smart Workplace Activations they will be showing off in Central Hall. We also discuss the evolution of the workplace and how technology supports collaboration and communications.

    AVNation is a news outlet made by and for audiovisual professionals. Every one of our panelists, writers, producers and hosts have worn a hat or several within the AV industry. It’s this unique experience that gives us a fresh look at the industry as a whole and allows us to engage with end users, technology managers, IT managers and AV integrators in a meaningful way.

    Everything that AVNation does in events like Integrated Systems Europe and InfoComm are in part made possible by our supporters and underwriters who provide financial support for AVNation. If you have questions about the shows or have a unique experience to offer please contact AVNation by clicking here. We are always looking for different viewpoints within the AV industry.

  • PSNI Global Alliance Mourns the Passing of Tom Roberts, Director of Vendor Programs

    PSNI Global Alliance Mourns the Passing of Tom Roberts, Director of Vendor Programs

    It is with deep sadness that PSNI Global Alliance announces the passing of Thomas Joseph “Tom”, “Tommy” Roberts, Director of Vendor Programs, who died on Friday, May 1, 2026. Roberts spent more than four decades in the professional audiovisual industry and was widely respected for his work in systems integration and his direction of PSNI’s vendor partner program.

    For more than 20 years, Roberts served PSNI Global Alliance as the leader of the organization’s Preferred Vendor Partner Program. Under his leadership, the program grew into one of the most respected vendor-affiliate frameworks in the AV industry, delivering measurable value to integrators and manufacturers alike and setting a benchmark for collaboration across the global alliance community.

    Prior to joining PSNI, Roberts built and led two successful AV integration businesses alongside his longtime business partner of more than 40 years, Chris Miller, Executive Director of PSNI Global Alliance. The pair acquired Fairview AFX and grew it into a nationally recognized systems integration firm with offices across Oklahoma, Texas, and Arkansas—earning recognition on the business front page of USA Today. Roberts later served as President of the South-Central Region for MSCI before bringing his entrepreneurial spirit and deep industry relationships to PSNI Global Alliance.

    Throughout his career, Roberts was an active contributor to AIA, IEEE, InfoComm, ITVA, NAB, PBS, SBE, and SMPTE, and served in an advisory capacity to numerous associations and manufacturers. He was widely recognized within the AV community for his work with various manufacturers, distributors and service providers.

    “Tommy wasn’t just my business partner for more than 40 years—he was my closest friend, my sounding board, and one of the finest people I have ever known. He had a rare gift for bringing people together and for seeing potential in others before they saw it in themselves. Everything we built, we built side by side, and everything PSNI has become in the vendor partner space carries his fingerprints. The Alliance is better, kinder, and more connected because of Tommy. We will miss him every single day.”
    — Chris Miller, Executive Director, PSNI Global Alliance

    Beyond his professional accomplishments, Roberts was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and a generous presence in the lives of his extended family and colleagues. He carried a lifelong passion for technology and a curiosity about how things worked—an interest that animated his entire career and his contributions to the AV community.

    PSNI Global Alliance extends its deepest condolences to Tom’s wife, Yuki; his children, Christopher and Morgan; his grandchildren; and the many friends, colleagues, and industry partners whose lives he touched.

  • The Road To InfoComm 2026 With AVIXA’s Retail Activation

    The Road To InfoComm 2026 With AVIXA’s Retail Activation


    The video version of this preview can be found here.

    InfoComm 2026 returns to Las Vegas June 13-19 to showcase the power of integrated experiences. We look at the latest innovations and explore the future of the AV industry. Before the show even starts we’re here to see what’s in store for the halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center. We talk to Sam Phenix, CEO of Phenix Consulting, about the Retail Activation experience AVIXA will be demonstrating in the Central Hall. They are seeking to transcend the trade show floor and show off solutions in the most realistic settings that integrators will be dealing with every day.

    AVNation is a news outlet made by and for audiovisual professionals. Every one of our panelists, writers, producers and hosts have worn a hat or several within the AV industry. It’s this unique experience that gives us a fresh look at the industry as a whole and allows us to engage with end users, technology managers, IT managers and AV integrators in a meaningful way.

    Everything that AVNation does in events like Integrated Systems Europe and InfoComm are in part made possible by our supporters and underwriters who provide financial support for AVNation. If you have questions about the shows or have a unique experience to offer please contact AVNation by clicking here. We are always looking for different viewpoints within the AV industry.

  • The Road To InfoComm 2026 With Lightware

    The Road To InfoComm 2026 With Lightware


    The video version of this preview can be found here.

    InfoComm 2026 returns to Las Vegas June 13-19 to showcase the power of integrated experiences. We look at the latest innovations and explore the future of the AV industry. Before the show even starts we’re here to see what’s in store for the halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center. We talk to Levi Lavrinyuk, Director of Marketing for Lightware about what they’ll have in store for the show at booth 7548 in the Central Hall. We also discuss their improvements upon their Taurus matrix switcher and Gemini GVN switcher, and integration between both systems.

    AVNation is a news outlet made by and for audiovisual professionals. Every one of our panelists, writers, producers and hosts have worn a hat or several within the AV industry. It’s this unique experience that gives us a fresh look at the industry as a whole and allows us to engage with end users, technology managers, IT managers and AV integrators in a meaningful way.

    Everything that AVNation does in events like Integrated Systems Europe and InfoComm are in part made possible by our supporters and underwriters who provide financial support for AVNation. If you have questions about the shows or have a unique experience to offer please contact AVNation by clicking here. We are always looking for different viewpoints within the AV industry.

  • The Road To InfoComm 2026 With AVIXA’s Jenn Heinold

    The Road To InfoComm 2026 With AVIXA’s Jenn Heinold


    The video version of this preview can be found here.

    InfoComm 2026 returns to Las Vegas June 13-19 to showcase the power of integrated experiences. We look at the latest innovations and explore the future of the AV industry. Before the show even starts we’re here to see what’s in store for the halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center. We talk to Jenn Heinold, Senior Vice President of Exposition for Americas at AVIXA about the show itself. We discuss returning to the Central and North halls and what different experiences attendees can find across the entire show.

    AVNation is a news outlet made by and for audiovisual professionals. Every one of our panelists, writers, producers and hosts have worn a hat or several within the AV industry. It’s this unique experience that gives us a fresh look at the industry as a whole and allows us to engage with end users, technology managers, IT managers and AV integrators in a meaningful way.

    Everything that AVNation does in events like Integrated Systems Europe and InfoComm are in part made possible by our supporters and underwriters who provide financial support for AVNation. If you have questions about the shows or have a unique experience to offer please contact AVNation by clicking here. We are always looking for different viewpoints within the AV industry.

  • David Labuskes, CEO of AVIXA, Announces Retirement

    David Labuskes, CEO of AVIXA, Announces Retirement

    David Labuskes has announced his retirement as CEO of AVIXA, effective at the end of 2026, closing a 13-year chapter that reshaped how the AV industry defines itself. Under his leadership, AVIXA evolved from a product-focused trade association into a global community centered on integrated experiences, bringing together AV professionals, IT teams, experiential designers, and content creators across multiple markets.

    During Labuskes’ tenure, AVIXA expanded its global footprint, with more than half of its revenue and a growing share of its certified professionals now based outside North America. Key milestones included the 2017 rebrand from InfoComm International to AVIXA, the growth of CTS certifications to 15,000 worldwide, the launch of the ANP certification, and the establishment of the Women’s Council and Diversity Council. He also guided the association through the COVID-19 disruption, accelerating digital engagement and redefining how trade shows and events serve the AV community.

    David Labuskes, CEO of AVIXA, announced today his plans to retire at the end of 2026, after leading a transformative era for the association that began in 2012.

    During his time with AVIXA, Labuskes recognized and encouraged the evolution of the audiovisual industry from one that offers products and systems toward an industry and profession that delivers integrated experiences that connect people to people and in so doing, transforms the world.

    During his tenure, the industry expanded to include experiential designers, content creators, IT companies, and users of AV solutions across a growing cross section of markets. This led to the rebrand of InfoComm International to AVIXA (the Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association) in 2017.

    “I would have never predicted the level of personal growth and fulfillment that accompanied these many years at the helm of AVIXA,” said Labuskes. “The audiovisual industry has been a part of human evolution since the use of signal fires in early civilization. The association now known as AVIXA was established in 1939, well before most of us were born. The responsibility and privilege inherent within the role I played for a tiny part of that timeline was one that could not have been fulfilled without the brilliance of the team of executives, industry volunteers, and dedicated AVIXA employees giving everything they have to deliver on our mission every day. I look forward to being in the stands watching the future successes of AVIXA and our industry around the world.”

    Ensuring AVIXA represented the industry globally is key to Labuskes. Today over 50% of AVIXA’s revenue – from training, trade shows, certifications, and additional offerings – is generated outside of North America. The highest and most impactful rate of audience growth for the association is taking place outside of North America and reflects the transformation of AVIXA into a truly global community.

    AVIXA certifications continue to be highly respected credentials that demonstrate valued skillsets. In 2025, the number of CTS (Certified Technology Specialist) holders reached 15,000 worldwide. In addition, in 2024, AVIXA launched the Audiovisual Network Professional (ANP) certification, a credential that provides pro AV and IT professionals with the ability to demonstrate their experience of integrating AV into a network. Today, 30% of certification holders are outside of North America.

    Labuskes championed diversity throughout the association’s many platforms to ensure an array of voices were represented. During his tenure, AVIXA’s Women’s Council and Diversity Council were established. The Women’s Council is the largest AVIXA Council with more than 1,100 members and draws hundreds of attendees year after year to its annual breakfast at InfoComm in North America.

    In addition, Labuskes led AVIXA through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. This included navigating the cancellation of live events globally, supporting a critical part of the AVIXA community through a monumental disruption to their business models, as well as supporting the wider AV industry through the transformation demanded by remote and hybrid workplaces. During this time, AVIXA introduced and grew new digital engagement platforms for the AVIXA community as well as reimagined event experiences with the association’s trade shows and conferences around the world.

    “On behalf of the AVIXA Board of Directors, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to David for everything he has done for AVIXA over the past 13 years,” said Tobias Lang, Chair of the AVIXA Board of Directors and CEO of LANG AG. “His vision and leadership have been instrumental in establishing the audiovisual industry as a globally relevant profession with a strong and positive outlook for the future. David not only helped redefine what our industry stands for, he also built an exceptional leadership team and a culture that is both value-driven and uniquely collaborative.

    “The AVIXA Board has already begun the search for his successor, and we are confident that this exciting, attractive, and demanding role will be filled in a way that reflects the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing world. I would also like to encourage all members of our global community to use the upcoming Integrated Systems Europe show and all international AVIXA events as opportunities to personally thank David Labuskes for his remarkable contributions to the association and to our industry.”

    Before joining AVIXA in 2012, Labuskes spent nearly 14 years with RTKL Associates (now Arcadis), where he established the firm’s Technology Design practice and worked with a growing team of experts to build one of the largest and most-respected technology design practices in the world. During his time there he was elevated to serve on the Board of Directors that reviewed and authorized their merger with Arcadis in 2011, enabling further investment in the growth and diversification of the entire firm.

  • AVIXA TV Honored with Five Awards in the 46th Annual Telly Awards

    AVIXA TV Honored with Five Awards in the 46th Annual Telly Awards

    AVIXA TV made waves at the 46th Annual Telly Awards, winning five prestigious awards from a record-breaking 13,000 entries worldwide. AVIXA TV’s success was highlighted by its Silver Awards in the Craft-Use of Livestream and Series-DEI: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion categories, with notable content like “AVIXA TV Live at InfoComm 2024” and “Beyond Visual.” Additionally, AVIXA TV received Bronze Awards for its series “How’d They Do That?” and the fun eSports video, “We Played Rocket League.”

    AVIXA’s commitment to creative content production and collaboration was celebrated with these honors. These awards demonstrate the value AVIXA places on engaging and high-quality content that resonates with its audience, showcasing innovative technologies and the power of livestreaming in the AV industry. The recognition reinforces AVIXA’s leadership in delivering cutting-edge AV content.

    AVIXA is excited to announce AVIXA TV received five awards in the record-breaking 46th Annual Telly Awards, which saw the highest number of entries in its history. The Telly Awards honors excellence in video and television across all screens and is judged by leaders from video platforms, television, streaming networks, and production companies. This year, AVIXA TV was among the recipients recognized from the 13,000 entries submitted around the world.

    “AVIXA TV Live at InfoComm 2024,” which connected the global pro AV community with a livestream that included AR graphics, virtual environments, interviews, podcasts, and even an AV-themed gameshow, received a Silver Award in the Craft-Use of Livestream category. Additionally, “Beyond Visual” which offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of pro AV professionals through the transformative lens of DEI, earned a Silver Award in the Series-DEI: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion category.

    In the General Science and Technology category, AVIXA TV’s final Silver Award recognized the video “Fans Flock to M&T Bank Stadium for Unforgettable Gameday Experience,” which explored how AV enhances the gameday experience for football fans.

    AVIXA TV also won Bronze Awards in two Telly categories. The video series “How’d They Do That?” which takes the viewer behind the scenes with some of the most innovative minds in tech, was honored in the Campaign-Science and Technology. “We played eSports Athletes in Rocket League. Could we Score One Goal” received the other in the General-Video Games category.

    “Knowing the Telly Awards are committed to pushing the boundaries of creativity forward makes receiving five awards this year a true honor and testament to our team’s effort,” said Sam Minish, Vice President of Content Delivery, AVIXA. “Each piece of content we produce showcases how everyone involved in AVIXA TV values collaboration when delivering high-quality and engaging content to our audience.”

    “AVIXA TV Live from InfoComm” returned for InfoComm 2025. The AVIXA TV Studio produced six shows in English, one in Spanish, five podcasts, and a game show. Powered by Ross Video, AWS, Barco, Midwich, AI Media, Ikan, Forecast Consoles, Resi, and Shure, AVIXA TV Live from InfoComm showcased both cloud-based and on-prem production technologies livestream on the trade show floor.

  • InfoComm América Latina Officially Opens Registration

    InfoComm América Latina Officially Opens Registration

    AVIXA has officially opened registration for InfoComm América Latina, a major pro AV trade show happening in Mexico City from October 22–24, 2025. The event will feature over 60 exhibitors, including names like Tecso, Fortune Acoustics, and AVI-SPL, showcasing cutting-edge audiovisual technology. Visitors can explore demo rooms with live product sessions from brands such as Bose Professional and Meyer Sound. The event will also host the Congreso AVIXA and an education program covering AI, sustainability, digital signage, and AV-IT integration.

    Why should IT professionals care? The AV and IT worlds continue to converge, and InfoComm América Latina offers a first-hand look at how modern AV solutions are transforming enterprise communication, collaboration, and user experience. With Latin America showing strong economic growth, the event is a strategic opportunity for businesses looking to expand or integrate AV into their IT stack.

    AVIXA (Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association) is pleased to announce registration is officially open for InfoComm América Latina, the professional audiovisual industry trade show. The first edition will take place in Mexico City from October 22 to 24, 2025, at the WTC International Convention and Exhibition Center.

    “We’re excited for our inaugural InfoComm América Latina show to take place in the vibrant heart of Mexico City this October,” said Jenn Heinold, Senior Vice President, Expositions, Americas, AVIXA. “This event, driven entirely by AVIXA, will shine a spotlight on the innovative world of pro AV. We look forward to welcoming over 60 exhibitors representing more than 100 incredible brands.”

    The Demo Rooms will feature an enhanced schedule of sessions alongside the arrival of new exhibitors.

    Tecso, a wholesale distributor of audiovisual equipment operating in over 20 Latin American countries, will showcase its audio solutions in a demonstration room on the upper floor.

    Additionally, Fortune Acoustics, a company specializing in integrating home theater and Hi-Fi systems for residential spaces, will occupy the demonstration room located on the mezzanine level.

    With these new additions, the demo rooms will offer engaging sessions that allow attendees to experience systems from manufacturers such as Bose Professional, L-Acoustics, and Meyer Sound, as well as the brands distributed by Fortune Acoustics, Representaciones de Audio, and Tecso.

    InfoComm América Latina has also added the following new exhibitors to the show: Alive Visions, AVI-SPL, Computerland, Fortune Acoustics, Key Business Process Solutions, Opscreen, Sistemas Digitales en Audio y Video, and Tecso.

    These companies join those previously announced, bringing the total number of confirmed exhibitors to over 40 as of June 18, 2025.

    “At InfoComm América Latina, we will showcase a local flavor, attracting many companies eager to capitalize on the growth opportunities available in Latin America,” said Rodrigo Casassus Coke, CTS, Senior Director for Latin America and Caribbean, AVIXA. “Numerous brands view the InfoComm América Latina platform as a gateway to this promising market. Latin America is experiencing substantial growth – the region’s GDP is performing better than other regions. This means more business, more opportunities. We are currently in an exciting time for the industry.”

    Call for Presenters for Congreso AVIXA and Education Program
    InfoComm América Latina will host a new in-person edition of the successful Congreso AVIXA, along with a comprehensive education program that offers specialists from the audiovisual integration industry the chance to collaborate as presenters. The call for topic proposals is open until Friday, July 4. For more information, visit www.infocomm-americalatina.org/en/llamada-para-presentadores-2025

    Congreso AVIXA will cover topics related to leadership, business strategy, and industry trends, making it an ideal forum for individuals who wish to share their knowledge in areas such as artificial intelligence, marketing, sustainability, and business development within the audiovisual industry.

    Meanwhile, the education program focuses on training and skills development. It will offer sessions on emerging trends, technological innovation, and practical solutions. Speakers are welcome to apply to give talks, workshops, or seminars on key topics, including audio, sustainability, digital signage, conferencing and collaboration, broadcast AV, enterprise IT, and digital transformation, among others.

    New Sponsors
    Ross Videowill sponsor Congreso AVIXA at InfoComm América Latina. This company offers solutions and products designed to enhance live video production for various sectors, including media, sports stadiums, entertainment venues, educational institutions, government agencies, corporations, and religious organizations. Ross Video and AVIXA have established a strong collaborative relationship, as evidenced by their partnership at InfoComm events and other activities throughout the year.

    In addition to Ross Video, Meyer Sound, a company renowned for its expertise in speaker systems, spatial audio design, and acoustic design and prediction tools, has also confirmed its sponsorship of the fair.

    Registration for participants and media is now available.
    Obtaining access to InfoComm América Latina is very easy. Both members of the audiovisual integration industry and professionals from related sectors, as well as those interested in learning about the latest trends and technologies, can register for free. Visit www.infocomm-americalatina.org. Registration is limited to persons over 18 years of age.

    Journalists interested in covering the event can apply for a press pass at www.infocomm-americalatina.org/medios-formulario.

  • InfoComm 2025 Draws Record-Setting End User Attendance

    InfoComm 2025 Draws Record-Setting End User Attendance

    InfoComm 2025, held in Orlando, Florida, saw a record-breaking turnout with nearly 31,000 verified attendees from 97 countries, 35% of whom were end users, making this the highest end-user attendance in the show’s history. The expo hosted 817 exhibitors across 400,100 square feet, showcasing the latest in pro AV, IT, and broadcast technology. Highlights included new product launches, hands-on demos, and deep-dive sessions on immersive experiences powered by AI and cloud solutions.

    The show also featured thought-provoking keynotes, certification opportunities, and networking events like the AVIXA Women’s Breakfast. A total of 121 attendees earned their CTS credentials, underlining the event’s role in professional growth. Industry leaders emphasized how InfoComm continues to shape the future of pro AV by bringing together innovators and decision-makers under one roof.

    InfoComm 2025, June 7-13 in Orlando, Florida, set a show record for end user attendance, representing 35% of verified attendees. In total, the show welcomed 30,998 verified attendees from 97 countries. International attendance made up 18%. Total registrants for InfoComm 2025 reached 39,579.

    InfoComm 2025 hosted 817 exhibitors showcasing pro AV products and solutions across 400,100 net square feet in the West Hall of the Orange County Convention Center.

    “From the moment the doors opened, the energy at InfoComm was palpable. What was most fulfilling to see was the business being done on the show floor,” said Jenn Heinold, Senior Vice President, Expositions, Americas, AVIXA, producer of InfoComm. “We were very intentional about attracting end users to the show – they are critical part of growth for the pro AV, IT, and broadcast ecosystem. They drive product enhancements from manufacturers and push for more innovative technology. Solution providers came out in full force – with product launches and interactive experiences.”

    The InfoComm 2025 program was vast – featuring dynamic speakers, education, networking events, and certification exams.

    On Wednesday morning, Dang Ly of Universal Destinations & Experiences, Jeff Zabel of Amazon Web Services (AWS), and moderator Todd Hougland of Ripley Entertainment discussed the rising demand for immersive, personalized experiences that blend the digital and physical worlds, like Universal’s Epic Universe. They shared the critical role that cloud infrastructure and AI-powered intelligence plays in driving these experiences.

    Brad Hintze from Crestron, Eric Hutto of Diversified, Christine Schyvinck from Shure, Jason Antinori from TELUS, and David Labuskes, CEO of AVIXA, took the stage on Thursday for a discussion on the future of AV, covering topics from the workplace to collaboration, standards, and AI.

    Also on Thursday, the AVIXA Women’s Breakfast drew hundreds of attendees to celebrate the of accomplishments of women in pro AV. Technologist Noelle Russell, founder and chief AI officer of the AI Leadership Institute, provided the keynote “Scaling Responsible AI: From Enthusiasm to Execution,” sharing stories from her career, which includes roles with AWS and Microsoft.

    Also at the show, several attendees took the Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) and Audiovisual Network Professional (ANP) exams. A total of 121 attendees earned their CTS at the show – 78 earned their CTS, 22 attained CTS-D (Design), and 21 attained CTS-I (Installation). The total number of CTS holders is now over 14,800. In addition, 10 attendees earned their Audiovisual Network Professional (ANP) certification, bringing the total number of ANP certification holders to 230.

    “It was evident this year that the future of the pro AV industry is created here,” said David Labuskes, CTS, CAE, RCDD, CEO of AVIXA. “The importance of InfoComm is directly reflected by the quality of attendees who brought their questions and needs to our amazing exhibitor presence.”