AVIXA Podcasts

In this episode of the AV Unplugged Podcast, host Mark Metzger is joined by James Tian and Daniel Napier of ikan to explore the growing role of broadcast AV in corporate environments.

Broadcast studios are no longer limited to television networks. Today’s corporations are building flexible, high‑quality studio spaces for podcasting, executive communications, product demos, training, live streaming, and virtual events. James and Daniel share hard‑earned insights from designing and operating real‑world corporate studios, including ikan’s own Houston-based facility and AVIXA’s DC-based space.

Get ready for InfoComm 2026 in Las Vegas with an all‑access episode of Backstage Pass: IC26! Hosts Samantha Powell and Ben Barnard break down everything you need to know heading into the AV industry’s biggest show of the year.

In this episode, we recap recent industry events, share behind‑the‑scenes show prep, and dive into what makes InfoComm 2026 bigger, smarter, and more immersive than ever. You’ll hear exclusive insights from special guest Jen Heinold as she reveals how InfoComm is reimagining the show floor with a Work & Play theme, brand‑new Activation Hubs, enhanced app features, and powerful networking opportunities.

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In the premiere episode of Practically AI, host Mark Metzger sits down with Zachary Fisher, AVIXA’s Director of Learning, to reveal the newly developed CTS Chat Buddy—an AI‑powered study assistant designed to support CTS candidates and AV professionals alike.

This episode dives into how AVIXA trained this custom AI model using vetted educational content, why it’s a trusted companion for exam prep, and how it personalizes study plans, delivers sample questions, and supports ongoing learning in the field. Mark and Zach explore the broader implications of artificial intelligence in the audiovisual industry, discuss how AI can complement instructors rather than replace them, and share insights into what’s coming next as the tool evolves beyond its beta phase.

Pursuing your CTS certification or curious about practical AI applications in Pro AV? This conversation offers a clear look at how AVIXA is shaping the future of learning.

In this episode of Tech Support, host Holger Wiesenberg, CTS, ANP (Audinate) sits down with Yasemin Fröehlacher of Easescreen to break down one of the industry’s most common challenges: effective troubleshooting in AV‑over‑IP and digital signage systems.

Recorded live at ISE 2026, this conversation dives into why modern troubleshooting feels more complex—and how technicians can stay calm, systematic, and successful when things go wrong. Holger and Yasemin explore real‑world examples, from black screens to network discovery issues, and share practical advice on everything from checking physical layer connections to navigating corporate network security.

This episode will help you streamline your troubleshooting strategy and better understand today’s AV‑over‑IP landscape.

In this episode of AV Unplugged, host Mark Metzger sits down on the ISE 2026 show floor with Mattias Llop‑Allevik of JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Bryan Davies of Ross Video for a deep dive into the accelerating convergence of broadcast and pro AV.

From New York to London to global headquarters around the world, enterprise environments are evolving fast—embracing centralized production models, broadcast‑grade reliability, immersive digital signage, and increasingly sophisticated content pipelines. Mattias and Bryan unpack the forces driving this shift.

With practical insights from both the integrator and manufacturer perspectives, this conversation explores how organizations are redefining the modern media ecosystem—internally and externally—and what it takes to build systems that scale, impress, and truly perform.

Join host Mark Metzger in this AV Unplugged episode as he sits down with Jean‑Francois Schoepfer, CTS, Senior AV Engineer at Roche, to explore his journey into the audiovisual industry.

Jean‑Francois shares how his lifelong passion for electronics led him into AV, how he navigated the challenges of balancing work and study, and what earning the Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) certification has meant for his professional growth.

Recorded live at Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2026 in Barcelona, this special episode of AV Unplugged brings together AV leaders from Europe, Latin America, and the APAC region for a powerful conversation about the future of sustainability in the industry and SAVe. Hosted by Danilda Martinez, the panel explores how different regions—each with unique cultural, economic, and regulatory landscapes—are tackling environmental responsibility in their own ways.

Danilda speaks with:

Priscilla Ho — VP of Operations at ESCO, representing the APAC region

Virginia Molina — VP of Digital Projections, representing Latin America

Marjolein Koens-Schaddelee — Managing Director at AVEX and GPA Board Member, representing Europe

This cross-continental conversation highlights one shared truth: the AV industry’s sustainable future will be built together—through collaboration, transparency, and meaningful action.

In this final episode of Backstage Pass for the ISE 2026 season, Sam and special host Hannah Shellswell are joined by ISE Managing Director Mike Blackman, and AVIXA CEO Dave Labuskes as they look back at a record-setting ISE. Mike and Dave discuss their favorite parts of the show, what they look forward to in the future, and are joined by two surprise guests to bestow them with a special honor.

In the Backstage Pass before ISE 2026, Sam and Ben chat about last minute travel preparation and are joined by two special guests.

In the first segment, Mark Metzger interviews Hubert Van Dorn from Nexmosphere. Hubert discusses the evolution of the company over the past decade, highlighting their three main pillars: engaging experiences, data gathering, and device management. He emphasizes how their sensors can transform digital signage from static displays into interactive, data-driven tools that optimize customer engagement and improve operational efficiency.

Next, Sam chats with CJ Farrell of BirdDog to chat about how a Zoom call can easily be transformed into a full-blown production with the right applications, as well as what the company will be bringing to this year's ISE. CJ also provides a demonstration of BirdDog's Connect software and how it can be utilized to take remote productions to the next level.

Futures Made of… Virtual Tech (and more!) Feat. Q-SYS, Cisco, and GoBright

In this feature-packed episode of Backstage Pass, Sam and Ben discuss pre-show preparation, the important of a proper ISE fit, and Jamiroquai (?) Also in this episode, the hosts welcome three special guests to the show!

Kicking off the episode, Ben interviews Patrick Heyn from Q-SYS about the company's latest innovations and offerings for 2026, particularly focusing on the Room Suite Modular System designed for collaboration spaces. They discuss the ease of deployment, the immersive experience at the upcoming ISE trade show, and how Q-SYS is enhancing user experiences through technology.

Next, Sam and Patrick Eustace of Cisco discuss the evolving landscape of workspaces, focusing on the integration of technology and AI in enhancing collaboration and productivity. They explore the challenges organizations face in modernizing their work environments, the role of connected intelligence, and the future of collaboration devices.

Then, Ben sits down with Chris Wiegeraad of GoBright, to discuss the evolution of smart workplace solutions and their plans for ISE. Chris shares insights into GoBright's journey over the past decade, highlighting their focus on creating a comprehensive smart workplace platform that enhances user experience while optimizing building management.

Don’t miss this jam-packed episode as you prepare for ISE!