AVIXA Podcasts

Go behind the build of one of the most ambitious stadium transformations in the world. Recorded live at the AVIXA TV desk, this session brings together Brad Hintze, Antonio Ortega and Miguel Castro, the team directly responsible for delivering the Crestron AV systems in the home of the legendary FC Barcelona.

Join in as they explore a first‑hand look at how Spotify Camp Nou is being reimagined as a 365‑day, always‑on destination. From early design decisions to real challenges encountered on the ground, this conversation offers candid insight into what it actually takes to design, integrate, and operate a connected environment at global scale.

Through stories from key spaces across the stadium, you’ll hear how collaboration, content, and control come together behind the scenes to create a unified experience across hospitality, business, and operational environments.

In this InfoComm show-recorded episode of Backstage Pass, Sam and Ben are joined by Dave Labuskes, who will be looks back at his time at AVIXA and what he looks forward to as he prepares for retirement. Also featured in this episode is a very special guest... Dave's wife Barbara!

Step behind the scenes at InfoComm 2026 with Backstage Pass: IC26 – Episode 7, hosted by Ben Barnard and Samantha Powell.

This episode features three in-depth conversations with industry leaders shaping the future of AV:

Sonance – Paxson Laird
Discover how “design to disappear” is redefining architectural audio. Paxson shares how Sonance blends high-performance sound with aesthetic integration, creating immersive environments across hospitality, retail, and commercial spaces—all without visible tech.

Q-SYS / QSC – Patrick HeynExplore the latest innovations from QSC and how intelligent, connected AV ecosystems are transforming modern spaces. Hear what’s new at InfoComm and how QSC continues to evolve integrated audio, video, and control solutions.

Dise – Sebastian KryhDive into the world of digital signage and content management with DISE. Sebastian discusses how engaging visual experiences and smart software solutions are helping organizations communicate more effectively.

From invisible sound to intelligent systems and dynamic digital signage, Episode 7 highlights the technologies and ideas shaping the next generation of experience design.

Get ready for InfoComm 2026 with a brand-new episode of Backstage Pass!

Hosts Samantha Powell and Ben Barnard kick things off with a fun (and challenging!) Las Vegas-themed surprise quiz, putting Sam’s trivia skills to the test ahead of the big show. Expect laughs, unexpected answers, and plenty of Vegas facts along the way.

Then, dive into our main feature interview led by Mark Metzger with Kianna Pompa and Joe Drury from Sony Electronics.
They break down what Sony is bringing to InfoComm 2026, including:

• The new Sony Pro BRAVIA P Series displays
• Innovations in AI-powered XR processing
• Advances in Deep Black anti-glare technology
• The growing role of cloud-based device management and remote monitoring
• How Sony is building an open ecosystem for AV solutions
• What attendees can expect to see live on the show floor

Get ready for InfoComm 2026 with another episode of Backstage Pass: IC26—hosted by Samantha Powell and Ben Barnard from AVIXA!

In this episode, we bring you two insightful conversations with industry leaders shaping the future of AV and live production:

Matrox Video Interview (Ben Barnard & Ron Berty)

Dive into the evolving world of AV over IP, including SMPTE ST 2110, compression tradeoffs, and how Matrox is balancing quality, latency, and bandwidth across broadcast, live events, and enterprise environments. Plus, learn how their commitment to open standards and interoperability is helping teams build more flexible, future-proof systems.

Riedel Interview (Carey Johnson & Phil Stein)

Explore how Riedel is redefining workflows with a strong focus on software-driven solutions, remote production, and user-centric design. Discover innovations like private 5G deployment, RF spectrum strategies, and integrated solutions like STAGE for theater workflows—all aimed at boosting efficiency, flexibility, and long-term value.

[Previously live] In this session, we explore the world of live events and projection mapping—from creative possibilities to technical challenges. Our featured guest, Eric Gazzillo of Quince Imaging, brings years of hands-on experience designing and delivering stunning visual experiences for live productions. Eric answers your questions on the technical aspects of live experiences, pathways to careers in AV, and much more.

InfoComm 2026 is right around the corner, and this episode of Backstage Pass: IC26 offers a first look at what two industry leaders have in store.

Host Ben Barnard is joined by special co-host Jennifer Weaver of AVIXA, stepping in for Samantha Powell. In the first segment, Ben sits down with Brad Hintze of Crestron, who shares updates on his expanded role, Crestron’s vision for engineered collaboration, and how the company is bringing content, control, and collaboration to life—both on the show floor and beyond—at InfoComm 2026.

In the second segment, Samantha Powell connects with Bobby Swartz of Advanced Network Devices (AND) to talk about Bobby’s transition into his new role, AND’s renewed brand momentum, and how the company is continuing to innovate in IP-based paging, mass notification, and life-safety solutions. Bobby also previews what attendees can expect from AND at InfoComm 2026, from new hardware to long-term innovation driven by engineering excellence.

Artificial intelligence is no longer a buzzword in virtual production—it’s actively reshaping how content gets made.

In this episode of Practically AI, host Mark Metzger (AVIXA) sits down with Florian Gallier, Head of Strategic Partnerships at Mo‑Sys, to explore how AI is changing the virtual production pipeline—from pre‑production planning to real‑time, on‑set interactivity.

Mark and Florian chat about how AI-driven techniques like Gaussian splats let creators scan real locations and bring them into LED volumes, motion capture without mocap suits, how AI helps creators work faster, reduce costs, and maintain creative control and more.

Get an exclusive preview of Las Vegas ahead of InfoComm 2026 in this episode of Backstage Pass: IC26

Hosts Samantha Powell and Ben Barnard kick off the episode with behind-the-scenes stories from their recent time in Vegas, sharing insights on the city’s energy, entertainment, and convention buzz.

The highlight of the episode features Vanessa Claspill, Chief Sales Officer of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), in a conversation with Samantha about what attendees can expect when they come to Las Vegas for InfoComm 2026.

In Episode 2 of Backstage Pass: IC26, hosts Samantha Powell and Ben Barnard dive deeper into the energy building around InfoComm 2026 in Las Vegas. From travel stories and show-floor anticipation to immersive tech landmarks like the Sphere, the conversation sets the stage for what attendees can expect this year.

The episode features a dedicated segment on social media at InfoComm 2026, with insights from Gibran Nassif and Narin Nara, who share practical tips on how attendees, exhibitors, and content creators can get involved online, grow their presence, and be part of the conversation before, during, and after the show.