Pro AV Today

For years, the AV industry has discussed the long-anticipated convergence with IT—but that shift is no longer theoretical. With cloud adoption accelerating, hybrid work normalizing, and organizations rebuilding digital infrastructure after years of rapid change, AV systems now sit squarely on the IT backbone. In fact, the majority of newly upgraded conference rooms require network-centric workflows compared to five years ago, a trend amplified by the pandemic-driven overhaul of collaboration spaces.

What does this convergence actually look like when deployed at scale? And how can AV professionals adapt to an environment where IT now influences everything from user experience to data strategy?

Welcome to Pro AV Today. In the latest episode, host Ben Thomas speaks with Sean Hobday, SVP of Sales, Global Supply Chain, and Doug Eckrote, SVP and Chief Operating Officer at Zones, to explore how a global IT-centric company is applying decades of cross-industry expertise to its new foray into Pro AV. The conversation covers how real-world IT practices can streamline AV deployments, enhance user outcomes, and set new expectations for consistency and scale across locations.

Key highlights from the conversation…

• Why AV has officially become part of IT—and how cloud, networking, and post-pandemic upgrades accelerated the shift.

• How retail and QSR experience shaped Zones’ approach, especially around user experience, standardization, and scaling digital environments across many locations.

• What success looks like for modern AV/IT implementations, from security and efficiency gains to measurable revenue impact and exceeding operational expectations.

Doug Eckrote is a seasoned executive with 30+ years of leadership in multinational technology, operations, and enterprise transformation, specializing in large-scale business operations, supply chain optimization, and go-to-market strategy. He has overseen multibillion-dollar business units, led major digital and operational transformations—including CDW’s $1.9B Small Business unit and its $4.2B eCommerce platform—and driven initiatives that significantly improved efficiency, revenue performance, and organizational capability. Recognized with industry honors such as Crain’s Forty Under Forty and Logistics Management’s Gold Award, he is known for guiding complex organizations through growth, modernization, and high-impact operational change.

Sean Hobday is a global sales executive with more than 30 years of experience transforming IT organizations through scalable infrastructure strategy, market expansion, and high-performance team development. He has led Zones’ worldwide sales growth across North America, Europe, India, the Middle East, and Asia, driving double-digit annual gains while advancing cloud, network, and data center modernization initiatives for enterprises across retail, utilities, finance, and manufacturing. Known for turning complex technology landscapes into clear, measurable business outcomes, he specializes in IT lifecycle management, competitive innovation strategy, and building customer-centric sales cultures that accelerate global growth.

Audiences worldwide have cherished The Wizard of Oz for over eight decades, but a new production is reimagining the classic for today’s technology-driven entertainment world. Las Vegas’ cutting-edge Sphere venue will host an immersive revival, pairing groundbreaking visuals with immersive audio technology that brings the Academy Award-winning score to life in ways never before possible. According to the Library of Congress, the 1939 MGM film has been seen by more viewers than any other movie, making this reinvention both a tribute and an opportunity to reintroduce the story to a generation raised on large-scale, sensory-rich experiences.

How do you preserve the soul of a cultural icon while using state-of-the-art technology to amplify its magic for modern audiences?

On this episode of Pro AV Today, host Ben Thomas sits down with Grammy Award-winning music supervisor Julianne Jordan to explore how the Sphere’s advanced audio capabilities elevate The Wizard of Oz. They discuss the delicate process of preserving original performances while re-recording the film’s score, the technical and emotional challenges of adapting a 1939 masterpiece to a futuristic venue, and how this production bridges nostalgia and innovation for both longtime fans and first-time viewers.

Key conversation points include:

• The decision was made to re-record the original score on the historic MGM (now Sony) scoring stage, while preserving Judy Garland’s original vocals.
• How the Sphere’s immersive audio technology reveals new layers and intricacies in the music, from thematic motifs to the tornado scene’s complex orchestration.
• The importance of keeping large-scale film scoring in Los Angeles to preserve world-class musicianship and historic recording spaces.

Julianne Jordan is a Grammy Award-winning music supervisor with over 30 years of experience in film music production. She has worked on projects ranging from traditional theatrical releases to groundbreaking immersive presentations. Her credits include major studio films and innovative collaborations at the Sphere, where her expertise in preserving musical authenticity while embracing new technologies continues to distinguish her work.

Video conferencing technology has evolved dramatically since the early days of codec-based systems. Today, the challenge is no longer just about better audio or sharper video—it’s about human connection. With hybrid and remote work models now entrenched, the next frontier in conferencing is immersive, spatial experiences that closely mimic face-to-face interaction. At InfoComm 2025, HP and Google introduced “HP Dimension with Google Beam,” a technology that stunned attendees with its lifelike, 3D meeting experience.

How close are we to truly feeling like we’re in the same room during virtual meetings—and what does that mean for productivity, retention, and collaboration in the enterprise?

In this episode of Pro AV Today, host Ben Thomas sits down with Brian Phillips, Director of Product Marketing at HP, to explore the next generation of conferencing technology. From immersive 3D meetings to non-wearable spatial displays, the conversation unpacks what’s driving innovation—and what’s holding it back.

Main Takeaways:

Immersive experiences are no longer experimental: With AI and advanced optics, conferencing systems like HP Dimension now offer spatial realism without headsets or complex setup, significantly improving user engagement and emotional connection.

Enterprise-first rollout is strategic but scalable: Although the current price tag sits around $25,000, HP and Google are laying the groundwork to make immersive conferencing more accessible through Moore’s Law and market adaptation.

Impact goes beyond tech—into team culture: HR leaders see immersive conferencing as a tool for improving trust, reducing turnover, and enhancing communication in hybrid work environments where physical co-location is rare.

Brian Phillips is a seasoned product marketing leader with over two decades of experience in the video conferencing and collaboration technology space. Currently Director of Product Marketing at HP, he leads go-to-market strategies for conferencing devices, SaaS management tools, and cloud platform integrations. Prior to HP, Brian spent 17 years at Poly, where he played a key role in launching innovative hybrid work solutions and driving adoption across enterprise markets.

AV technology is transforming the healthcare experience by supporting patient-centric care, easing staff workloads, and meeting the evolving demands of modern clinical environments.

The security space is at an inflection point. Rapid technological advancements—like AI, cloud platforms, and big data—are fueling a broader security industry transformation, reshaping how solutions are deployed and consumed. At the same time, the profile of the security buyer is changing, with IT, HR, and compliance leaders playing a much bigger role in decision-making. As these shifts accelerate, companies are increasingly focused on how to scale growth without introducing greater risk.

How can the security industry strike the right balance between innovation and operational stability?

This episode of Pro AV Today, hosted by Ben Thomas, features a timely conversation with Kumar Sokka, the newly appointed CEO of Acre Security. Together, they explore the security industry transformation underway—from the evolving mission of the security industry, the increasing importance of data-driven outcomes, and how to build platforms that scale securely in a multi-stakeholder environment.

Key Highlights from the Episode:

• Mission Meets Innovation: How modern security companies must now align business growth with a deeper sense of purpose—protecting people and places while staying ahead technologically.
• The Changing Buyer Landscape: With IT, HR, and compliance now at the table, security solutions must speak to broader business goals, not just technical specs.
• Driving Value from Data: How actionable analytics—like occupancy insights—are reducing operating costs and creating cross-functional ROI.

Kumar Sokka is the CEO of Acre Security, bringing cross-industry expertise in digital transformation, manufacturing, and operations. Before joining Acre, Kumar led digital strategy initiatives focused on efficiency and data value creation. At Acre, he’s building on that background to drive a unified, cloud-first, AI-enhanced security portfolio. Known for his passion for purpose-driven innovation, Kumar is championing solutions that go beyond security to solve larger business problems.

The security space is at an inflection point. Rapid technological advancements—like AI, cloud platforms, and big data—are fueling a broader security industry transformation, reshaping how solutions are deployed and consumed. At the same time, the profile of the security buyer is changing, with IT, HR, and compliance leaders playing a much bigger role in decision-making. As these shifts accelerate, companies are increasingly focused on how to scale growth without introducing greater risk.

How can the security industry strike the right balance between innovation and operational stability?

This episode of Pro AV Today, hosted by Ben Thomas, features a timely conversation with Kumar Sokka, the newly appointed CEO of Acre Security. Together, they explore the security industry transformation underway—from the evolving mission of the security industry, the increasing importance of data-driven outcomes, and how to build platforms that scale securely in a multi-stakeholder environment.

Key Highlights from the Episode:

• Mission Meets Innovation: How modern security companies must now align business growth with a deeper sense of purpose—protecting people and places while staying ahead technologically.
• The Changing Buyer Landscape: With IT, HR, and compliance now at the table, security solutions must speak to broader business goals, not just technical specs.
• Driving Value from Data: How actionable analytics—like occupancy insights—are reducing operating costs and creating cross-functional ROI.

Kumar Sokka is the CEO of Acre Security, bringing cross-industry expertise in digital transformation, manufacturing, and operations. Before joining Acre, Kumar led digital strategy initiatives focused on efficiency and data value creation. At Acre, he’s building on that background to drive a unified, cloud-first, AI-enhanced security portfolio. Known for his passion for purpose-driven innovation, Kumar is championing solutions that go beyond security to solve larger business problems.

In crisis scenarios, portable AV systems must perform under pressure because failure is not an option. As Keysight Technologies notes, the evolution of mission-critical communications now depends on low-latency, mobile-ready platforms that can operate reliably in unstable, infrastructure-poor conditions, making portable AV systems essential for real-time response and public safety operations. These are the environments where mission-critical AV must deliver, regardless of power outages, damaged infrastructure, or unreliable networks.

How do AV and connectivity providers design systems that can operate seamlessly in chaotic, ad hoc environments, where infrastructure is limited, connectivity is fragile, and failure is not an option?

On this episode of Pro AV Today, host Ben Thomas sits down with Dan Marcus of RGB Spectrum and Rory McCabe of Dejero to explore the complexities of delivering audio-visual and video systems in the most demanding environments. From bonded cellular and LEO satellites to user-friendly interfaces for first responders, the conversation highlights how AV technology is evolving to meet the realities of field operations.

Key Highlights:

• System Portability Meets Chaos-Ready Design – Portable AV systems must account for unreliable power, minimal infrastructure, and high-stakes, real-time decision-making.
• Simplifying User Experience for First Responders – Tools must work out-of-the-box for users who aren’t AV or IT experts, particularly in emergency environments.
• Hybrid Connectivity is Essential – Aggregating 5G, satellite, and cellular links ensures redundancy and resiliency when traditional infrastructure fails.

Dan Marcus is a seasoned sales and marketing executive with deep expertise in telecom, networking, security, and AV, particularly in complex control room and mission-critical environments. Currently Vice President of New Business Development at RGB Spectrum, he has held multiple leadership roles over his decade with the company and brings more than 20 years of experience across enterprise sales, product marketing, and video production. His career spans work with major technology firms, including Metaswitch, UTStarcom, and Lucent Technologies, where he consistently focused on making complex technologies accessible and operationally impactful.

Rory McCabe is a channel sales leader specializing in mission-critical connectivity for public safety, with over a decade of experience bridging technology solutions and first responder needs. At Dejero, he drives channel growth by expanding real-time communication tools across emergency services, building on prior success leading OEM and IoT initiatives at AT&T/FirstNet across a 10-state region. His background blends entrepreneurship, sales operations, and public sector technology strategy, making him a trusted partner in delivering solutions that keep communities safe when seconds matter.

Derek DuPont of QSC discusses marketers having to create authentic, value-driven stories to engage Gen Z B2B buyers effectively.

The rapid rise of AI technologies, cloud computing, and digital services is driving a renewed surge in electricity demand across the United States, reversing nearly two decades of flat growth. A major contributor to this trend is the exponential expansion of data centers, which are now expected to consume a growing share of the U.S. electricity grid. In fact, the Electric Power Research Institute estimates that data centers, which made up about 4% of U.S. electricity usage in 2023, could account for as much as 9% by the end of the decade.

With energy demand accelerating and infrastructure pressure mounting, how are today’s data center operators preparing for a future that demands both scalability and sustainability?

In this episode of Pro AV Today, host Ben Thomas speaks with Anthony Seiler, Global Director of Data Centers Strategy at Johnson Controls, to explore how the industry is navigating the growing complexity of powering, cooling, and designing next-generation data infrastructure. From global energy impacts to multi-stakeholder collaboration, Seiler offers a candid and informed perspective.

Key takeaways from the episode include…

The evolution of compute—from 6kW racks to potentially 1MW racks—demands a complete rethink of power, cooling, and spatial design in data centers.

Sustainability goals are colliding with rising energy use, prompting innovations in liquid cooling, renewable integration, and energy-efficient infrastructure, though no silver bullet exists yet.

Coordinating diverse stakeholders—from grid operators to IT teams—is essential for aligning long-term strategies and ensuring resiliency, redundancy, and reliability.

Anthony Seiler is the Global Director of Data Centers Strategy at Johnson Controls, where he leads strategic vision and go-to-market execution for a $3.5 billion global data center portfolio. With expertise in building technology solutions, cross-functional leadership, and market expansion, he has driven consistent double-digit CAGR growth by aligning innovation with enterprise KPIs. Seiler’s career spans roles in strategy, sales, and vertical program leadership across the U.S., LATAM, and Canada, with a strong foundation in operational excellence and customer-centric growth.

The hospitality industry is undergoing a rapid transformation, driven by the rising expectation for hyper-effortless, personalized guest experiences. Across industries, research from McKinsey shows that 71% of consumers expect companies to deliver personalized interactions—raising the bar for service excellence in every sector, including hospitality. As hotels, casinos, and resorts race to meet evolving demands, technology is proving to be the critical differentiator for guest loyalty, operational efficiency, and revenue growth.

In an increasingly competitive landscape, the essential question becomes: How can technology be better leveraged to not just “wow” guests, but truly improve loyalty, operational outcomes, and long-term profitability in hospitality?

In this episode of Pro AV Today, host Ben Thomas is joined by hospitality executive Radley Medina to explore how technology is revolutionizing the guest experience. They dive into how psychographic segmentation, connected ecosystems, and future-ready infrastructure are reshaping the way hospitality businesses operate and succeed.

The main topics of conversation…

Why psychographic guest segmentation is replacing traditional demographics—and how it drives deeper loyalty.

How frictionless, personalized, and interconnected technology creates seamless guest experiences across entire resort ecosystems.

What infrastructure and open-system strategies operators need today to stay flexible and competitive tomorrow.

Radley Medina is a senior executive with over 25 years of leadership experience across the hospitality, gaming, services, and SaaS industries. He has held leadership roles at major brands including Caesars Entertainment, Station Casinos, and The Cosmopolitan, and most recently served as Chief Revenue Officer at The Service Companies, where he led enterprise revenue growth and operational transformation. Specializing in customer experience innovation, revenue optimization, and large-scale operational leadership, Medina has overseen P&Ls exceeding $325 million and helped organizations achieve EBITDA targets of over $140 million.