Pro AV Today

Rural broadband expansion is at a turning point. The FCC’s updated benchmarks for high-speed internet have significantly increased the number of underserved households, with nearly 28% of rural Americans still lacking access to adequate fixed broadband. As demand surges for reliable connectivity to support telehealth, online education, and remote work, providers and policymakers are rethinking how to build rural fiber infrastructure that can serve both immediate needs and long-term growth.

How do we build long-term, scalable fiber infrastructure in rural areas without wasting resources on short-term fixes or duplicative efforts?

On Pro AV Today, recorded from the floor of Connected America 2025 in Irving, Texas. Host Ben Thomas sits down with Lance White, Solutions Manager at KGPCo and longtime telecom industry leader, to dig into the practical realities of rural fiber infrastructure rollouts—from co-op partnerships and workforce shortages to the long-term ROI of fiber over wireless alternatives.

Key Takeaways from the Episode:

• Fiber remains the only true long-term solution. While satellite and wireless serve as temporary fixes, only fiber provides the bandwidth, latency, and scalability to support rural economic development and next-gen technologies like AI and data centers
• Electric co-ops are leading the charge. With existing infrastructure, billing systems, and customer trust, co-ops are uniquely positioned to drive rural broadband, often succeeding where legacy telcos or ISPs have struggled.
• Workforce remains the bottleneck. As the industry faces a looming wave of retirements, recruiting young talent into telecom trades is vital. White emphasizes giving new workers a path for growth and ownership to keep them engaged.

Lance White is a telecommunications leader with nearly three decades of experience driving fiber and wireless infrastructure projects across rural and suburban markets. He has held senior roles at KGPCo, Corning, and Grayson Collin Communications, where he led large-scale broadband deployments, secured multimillion-dollar grants, and built strategic partnerships with ILECs, CLECs, and electric co-ops. White specializes in network expansion, project management, and broadband business development, with deep technical expertise in fiber-to-the-home (FTTH), LTE, and data/voice solutions.

Fredrik Nilsson, VP of Americas at Axis Communications, discusses the forecast of security technology in 2025 and what changes are expected.

Russell Agle, VP of Biarri Networks discusses how infrastructure communities can seize fiber deployment ahead of Connected America 2025.

Southwest Airlines has long been synonymous with customer-friendly policies, but a recent shift in its business model has ignited controversy. The airline, once known for its no-change fees, free checked bags, and approachable customer service, has begun implementing policies that put its brand loyalty to the test. The changes—including assigned seating and new baggage fees—have left frequent travelers and industry watchers questioning whether Southwest is abandoning the very principles that built its loyal fan base.

This raises a crucial question: How important is brand equity in maintaining customer loyalty, especially in a business landscape where commoditization threatens to erase differentiation?

Welcome to Pro AV Today. In the latest episode, host Ben Thomas sits down with Jeffrey Boggess, Senior Product Marketing Manager at Checkr, and David Venus, Western Regional Manager for Commercial Audio & Nexo at Yamaha Corporation of America. The discussion explores Southwest’s evolving identity and the broader implications for brand trust, customer retention, and community engagement in the B2B world.

Key takeaways from the conversation…

Brand Equity vs. Short-Term Gains – Southwest’s recent moves resemble a departure from its “customer-first” philosophy, prompting discussions on how companies can balance profitability with maintaining a strong, loyal customer base.

The Role of Community in Business – Just as Southwest had a cult-like following among frequent travelers, brands in the B2B space must recognize the power of community-driven loyalty.

Lessons for B2B Marketers – The conversation highlights the importance of customer trust, clear brand positioning, and the long-term value of maintaining a strong relationship with loyal customers.

Jeffrey Boggess is a seasoned product marketing leader with expertise in brand strategy, customer loyalty, and go-to-market execution. With experience at Checkr, Avocor, and RingCentral, he has successfully launched multiple products, forged high-impact partnerships with industry giants like Microsoft and Google, and built marketing frameworks that drove revenue growth. Known for his creative storytelling and customer-centric approach, he has a track record of elevating brand equity and enhancing user engagement across the B2B technology space.

David Venus is a seasoned sales and marketing leader specializing in pro audio and commercial AV solutions, currently serving as Western Regional Manager for Commercial Audio & Nexo at Yamaha. With a strong background in brand management, sales process development, and multichannel marketing, he has successfully driven regional growth, exceeding sales targets and earning multiple Presidents Club Awards. A graduate of Belmont University, he has extensive experience in lead generation, content marketing, and strategic partnerships, helping brands expand market share and strengthen customer engagement.

Maile Keone, president and CEO of Listen Technologies and Ampetronic, discusses assistive audio technologies transforming the AV industry.

The defense sector is increasingly turning to advanced simulation technologies and simulated environments in defense to better equip military operators for the complexities of modern combat scenarios. The stakes are high—technological advancements in modeling and simulation (M&S) not only enhance operational readiness but also serve as a critical deterrent against adversaries. Recent developments highlighted at ITSEC, the premier event for modeling, simulation, and training, showcase milestones like F-35 testing in fully immersive simulated environments. These strides underscore the growing reliance on simulations to replicate the complexity of modern battlefields.

But how close are simulated environments to reality? And why does bridging this gap matter so much for military training and operational success?

On Pro AV Today, host Ben Thomas explores these questions with Chris “SLAM” Duncan, the Director of Business Development at CAE USA's Next Generation Test & Training Systems. Their conversation delves into the transformative power of simulated environments in defense training, the technological advancements driving this evolution, and the implications for the future of military readiness.

The two discuss...

Realism in Training: Modern simulation environments, from domes to VR systems, replicate complex scenarios to enable operators to develop "muscle memory" for decision-making in high-stakes situations.

Technological Drivers: Advances in GPUs, connectivity, and AI are revolutionizing the fidelity and scalability of simulations, enabling decentralized and collaborative training across global locations.

AI's Role: While still emerging in M&S, AI is poised to enhance pre-mission planning, scenario generation, and post-mission analysis, driving more effective and efficient training outcomes.

Chris Duncan is a leading expert in defense training and simulation, currently serving as Director of Business Development at CAE USA's Next Generation Test & Training Systems. With nearly two decades in the U.S. Air Force, including serving as the first Commander of the 31st Combat Training Squadron, he has led large-scale teams and pioneered advancements in modeling and simulation for next-generation aircraft and weapons systems. An active member of numerous defense councils, Duncan's expertise spans artificial intelligence, data analytics, and strategic planning for high-end training and operational readiness.

Trade shows have long been a cornerstone of industry evolution, offering unparalleled opportunities for networking, education, and innovation. As the Pro AV and integrated systems community navigates a rapidly shifting landscape, ISE (Integrated Systems Europe) continues to stand out as a global leader. With over 1,600 exhibitors and attendees from 160+ countries, ISE 2025 promises to set the tone for the year ahead, spotlighting transformative trends like AI, cloud technology, and immersive experiences.

So, as we gear up for ISE 2025, the question arises: How can attendees maximize their experience to stay ahead of the curve in such a dynamic industry?

Welcome to Pro AV Today, where host Ben Thomas delves into the latest developments shaping the industry. In this episode, Ben sits down with Michael Blackman, Managing Director at Integrated Systems Events, to discuss the significance of ISE 2025, how the event is evolving, and why it remains an essential gathering for industry professionals.

Key highlights from the conversation:

A Curated Experience for New and Returning Attendees: ISE has segmented its show into themed halls for specialized focus, from residential solutions to live events and education technology, ensuring tailored experiences for all visitors.

Emerging Trends to Watch: AI, cloud-based solutions, esports, and digital art are driving innovation across sectors like hospitality, retail, and broadcast, making ISE 2025 a hub for exploring these advancements.

Education and Exploration: A robust content program, including themed tracks on AI and immersive experiences, offers attendees the tools to gain deeper industry insights and discover creative applications.

Michael Blackman is the Managing Director of Integrated Systems Events and a prominent leader in the Pro AV and systems integration industry. With over 40 years of experience in technology events and publishing, he has built ISE into the world’s largest AV and electronic systems exhibition, growing it from a single hall in 2004 to a globally renowned event. Known for his expertise in business development, strategy, and marketing, Blackman has successfully launched numerous technology events across Europe and was inducted into SCN Magazine’s AV Hall of Fame in 2023.

The global push for food security and efficiency is driving unprecedented innovation in farming. Autonomous technology, often associated with self-driving cars, is transforming agriculture by enhancing efficiency, addressing labor shortages, and improving sustainability. John Deere's recent announcement at CES 2025 unveiled the Autonomous 9RX Tractor. This is an advanced system designed to redefine large-scale farming operations. It integrates precision planting, tillage, and crop monitoring into a single, fully autonomous solution.

How is autonomous technology transforming agriculture, and what does it mean for farmers striving to meet global food demands efficiently?

Ben Thomas and Willy Pell, CEO of Blue River Technology, discuss the evolving role of autonomous systems in agriculture on Pro AV Today. They explore the historical journey of autonomous technology in farming, the benefits it brings to modern operations, and the game-changing potential of innovations like the Autonomous 9RX Tractor.

Episode Highlights:

• The Evolution of Autonomy in Farming: Autonomy in agriculture began with GPS-guided tractors in the 1990s, allowing operators to steer precisely and focus on other tasks. Today, sensors and machine learning advancements have turned these early systems into fully autonomous solutions like the Autonomous 9RX Tractor.

• Labor and Efficiency Challenges: Labor shortages during critical farming seasons make efficiency essential for success. Autonomous systems save time by automating repetitive tasks, enabling farmers to focus on higher-value operations like optimizing yields and market strategies.

• The Autonomous 9RX Tractor: Unveiled at CES 2025, this tractor combines advanced autonomous capabilities for planting, tillage, and crop monitoring. Its retrofit design ensures accessibility, allowing farmers to adopt cutting-edge technology even with older equipment models.

Willy Pell serves as the CEO of Blue River Technology, a subsidiary of John Deere, where he leads advancements in agricultural autonomy. With over 12 years at Blue River, he has held pivotal roles, including VP of Autonomy and Sr. Director of Autonomous Systems, driving innovation in robotics, machine learning, and cross-functional engineering. He holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering and has extensive experience in software architecture, computer vision, and geospatial systems from previous roles at companies like 510 Systems (acquired by Google) and Boeing. Recognized for his contributions to AgTech innovation, Willy has been instrumental in shaping autonomous technology across industries.

The growing skills gap in trade professions poses a significant challenge for industries like HVAC, construction, and manufacturing. Training and simulation technologies, particularly AR and VR, are playing a pivotal role in addressing this issue. Platforms like BILT are leveraging these technologies to create interactive, user-friendly training solutions that simplify complex processes. Studies show that immersive digital tools can boost knowledge retention by up to 75% compared to traditional methods.

Can tools such as 3D interactive instructions and digital simulations close the gap in blue-collar industries and empower workers to adapt quickly to industrial needs?

Pro AV Today tackles these questions with host Ben Thomas and guest Nathan Henderson, CEO and Chairman of BILT Incorporated. The episode explores how AR and VR are reshaping the training landscape, improving worker retention, and enhancing operational efficiency.

Key Points of Conversation:

• Addressing the Skills Gap: The discussion outlines how AR/VR tools make training more effective for digital-native workers entering trade professions with little prior knowledge.

• Interactive Digital Training: Platforms like BILT use interactive 3D instructions, validated by manufacturers, to improve comprehension and performance, reducing turnover in training programs.

• Broad Industry Impacts: Improved training reduces installation errors, enhances customer satisfaction, and builds long-term brand loyalty, particularly for industries struggling with workforce shortages.

Nathan Henderson, co-founder, chairman, and CEO of BILT Inc., has revolutionized the customer experience with the award-winning BILT app, providing interactive 3D Intelligent Instructions® for brands like Siemens, Weber, and The Home Depot. With over 20 years of leadership, innovation, and product management experience, he previously spearheaded transformative initiatives at SAP, including next-generation solutions for assembly and customer engagement. Henderson leads BILT in transforming training and installation processes, enhancing user experience, and bridging the gap between consumer and industrial applications through cutting-edge technology and analytics.

As technology reshapes the AV industry, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are emerging as critical partners for businesses seeking tailored solutions. Whether it’s bespoke LED displays or high-end audio systems, OEM in the AV industry is redefining how companies innovate, differentiate, and meet market demands. This raises a crucial question for professionals navigating this space—how do OEM partnerships shape innovation, quality, and market competition?

What’s driving the demand for OEM partnerships in AV, and what challenges come with it?

Welcome to Pro AV Today. In the latest episode, host Ben Thomas sits down with George Pappas, CEO of i5LED, to explore the expanding role of OEM in the AV industry. The discussion sheds light on the multifaceted relationships between OEMs and manufacturers, offering insights into why companies opt for OEM solutions over in-house production, how the partnerships are structured, and what future trends might shape this dynamic.

Key Discussion Points:

Understanding OEM’s Value: Why AV businesses leverage OEM partnerships to customize products, meet high-quality standards, and achieve scalability.

Challenges in OEM Operations: Navigating compliance, tariffs, and manufacturing logistics, and how i5LED addresses these issues.

Future Trends: The potential rise of onshoring manufacturing and how it could redefine OEM practices in the U.S. market.

George Pappas is a seasoned executive and entrepreneur with extensive expertise in LED technology and manufacturing. Currently the CEO of i5LED, he has over two decades of leadership experience, including roles as President and CEO of MotherLoad Enterprises and SafeStation. With a strong track record in operations, manufacturing, and product innovation, Pappas has been instrumental in driving advancements in AV and LED solutions.