Pro AV Today

As organizations navigate the complexities of hybrid work models, the integration of Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) has become pivotal. Eptura's 2024 Workplace Index Report highlights that businesses are increasingly investing in data analytics, integrated workplace solutions, and collaboration software to enhance operational efficiency and employee experience. This trend underscores the critical need for unified data systems that bridge IT and OT, fostering a cohesive and responsive workplace environment.

How can companies effectively break down silos across IT, OT, and security operations to create a unified, data-driven workplace that enhances both security and efficiency?

In this episode of Pro AV Today, host Ben Thomas engages with Richard Noel, Director of Security Operations and Infrastructure at Eptura, to explore the convergence of IT and OT data. They discuss strategies for integrating disparate data sources to bolster workplace security and efficiency, drawing insights from Eptura's extensive research and analytics.

Key Highlights:

• Unified Data Systems: Eptura's research indicates that organizations are prioritizing investments in integrated workplace solutions, aiming to consolidate data from various sources to optimize space utilization and enhance the employee experience.

• Cross-Disciplinary Data Usage: The integration of IT and OT data enables more comprehensive security protocols. By analyzing data from systems such as badge readers and HVAC controls, organizations can proactively address security concerns and improve operational efficiency.

• Evolving Roles in Workplace Data Management: The convergence of IT and OT necessitates cross-functional expertise. Professionals are now required to understand and manage integrated data systems, ensuring that technology investments align with organizational goals and enhance overall productivity.

Richard Noel is a seasoned security operations leader with over two decades of experience in information security, specializing in secure operations and intellectual property protection. He currently serves as Director of Security Operations and Infrastructure at Eptura, following a nine-year tenure at Mayo Clinic where he led information security initiatives. His extensive background includes roles at McKesson Canada and SecureOps, making him a recognized expert in healthcare and infrastructure security.

The entertainment landscape is experiencing a profound shift, with immersive experiences leading the way. Advancements in technology and changing audience expectations are transforming how people engage with content. A Deloitte survey found that 58% of sports fans attending live events desire the same in-depth statistics, analysis, and replays available when watching from home, underscoring a significant demand for enhanced in-venue experiences. This trend highlights the need for innovative spaces that foster active audience participation and emotional connection.

How does Cosm leverage technology to create unforgettable immersive experiences?

This episode of ProAV Today, hosted by Ben Thomas, features Rachel Stockham, VP of Sales and Strategic Partnerships at Cosm. Together, they discuss the transformative potential of immersive environments and the guiding philosophy behind Cosm’s venues.

Key Points from the Conversation:

• Redefining Experiences: Rachel explains how Cosm creates not just a venue but a holistic experience that combines technology, community, and emotion, moving beyond traditional entertainment formats.

• Content Diversity: The discussion highlights Cosm's diverse programming—from sports to theater to art—designed to captivate a wide range of demographics and interests.

• Future Aspirations: Rachel shares Cosm's expansion goals, including new venues and partnerships, and the company’s vision to democratize access to immersive experiences worldwide.

Rachael Stockham is an accomplished sales and marketing executive with extensive experience in strategic partnerships, revenue growth, and market expansion. As VP of Sales and Partnerships at Cosm, she leads initiatives that drive market share and deepen customer relationships through innovative outreach and sales strategies. With a background spanning senior roles in sales, marketing, and business development, Rachael is known for her expertise in building collaborative teams and fostering lasting, impactful client connections.

Home automation and luxury residential technology are reaching new heights of sophistication. Previously centered on isolated home theater rooms, this industry now integrates smart features and high-quality audiovisual setups throughout entire homes. In a market once dominated by high-cost, integrator-managed installations, shifts toward accessible DIY technology and e-commerce have introduced new options for consumers. According to industry experts, there’s a growing demand for multi-purpose, connected spaces where media, lighting, and environmental controls all work in harmony.

What does this mean for those seeking both luxury and flexibility in home technology? What does it take to build a truly integrated, high-performance home environment in a rapidly shifting market?

On this episode of Pro AV Today, host Ben Thomas welcomes Tayloe Stansbury, CEO of Kaleidescape, a leader in luxury audiovisual technology. Together, they explore the expanding boundaries of luxury residential technology, from evolving consumer expectations to the critical balance between DIY solutions and professional integrators.

Highlights from the conversation:

• Redefining Luxury Spaces: Shifts in home theater setups from dedicated, isolated spaces to multi-purpose, family-friendly entertainment rooms.

• Integration Challenges: The balance between traditional professional integrator roles and the increasing consumer interest in DIY setups.

• Future of Distribution: The rise of e-commerce and direct-to-consumer channels in the luxury residential space, despite historical reliance on dealer channels.

Tayloe Stansbury is the chairman and CEO of Kaleidescape, known for pioneering high-end, lossless audiovisual technology. With a background spanning tech leadership and engineering, Stansbury has guided Kaleidescape’s expansion to provide high-quality video and audio solutions that elevate the home entertainment experience.

School security has become an urgent topic nationwide, with increasing attention on protecting students from various threats, including school shootings, bullying, and incidents beyond school hours. Amid these challenges, the technology sector is driving innovative safety solutions tailored for educational settings, aiming to redefine and enhance campus security from K-12 through higher education.

How can schools leverage new tools to build a robust, sustainable approach to security?

In this episode of Pro AV Today, host Ben Thomas welcomes David Rogers, CMO of Raptor Technologies, to discuss the latest in school safety technology, from panic alert systems to AI-powered threat detection. David shares insights on current safety issues and how technology can bridge gaps in traditional security models, addressing core questions around security strategy and parent engagement.

Main Points of Discussion:

• Real Threats Schools Face: Rogers outlines the variety of security threats, from school shootings and bullying to incidents that happen outside school hours.

• Technology’s Role: With innovations like AI gun detection, panic alerts, and mobile app communication, technology is expanding the ability to respond to diverse emergencies.

• Parental and Community Involvement: Emphasizing the role of parents and community in school safety, Rogers shares ways technology can improve communication and intervention.

David Rogers, CMO of Raptor Technologies, brings over two decades of expertise in high-tech marketing, specializing in SaaS, security, and communications strategy. He has held executive roles at notable companies, including Intel, Motorola, and CoreLogic, where he led product management, go-to-market strategies, and digital marketing for diverse industry segments. Known for his leadership in product positioning and demand generation, Rogers has a proven track record of fostering innovation and growth across both large tech companies and private equity-backed firms.

The rising complexity of physical and cybersecurity challenges has made integrating digital and physical security systems a priority for many organizations. Threats to physical and digital security have both increased significantly. Studies show that nearly 70% of organizations are now exploring combining IT and physical security to improve protection and enable faster response times.

How can companies close the digital and physical security gap to create comprehensive, effective security frameworks?

Today’s episode of Pro AV Today features host Ben Thomas in conversation with Chris Utah, COO and co-founder of Regroup Mass Notification. Chris shares his expertise on the evolution of integrated security solutions, highlighting the importance of connecting digital systems with physical security measures across sectors, including education and healthcare.

Key Points:

• New Security Collaboration Needs: The growing trend of aligning IT, security, HR, and operations professionals to tackle emerging security demands.

• Balancing Integration with Risk Management: Insights into managing the vulnerabilities of interconnected systems while leveraging the strengths of real-time data exchange.

• Industry-Specific Use Cases: How sectors like corporate, healthcare, and education adopt integrated security for essential business and safety purposes.

Chris Utah is a sales leadership expert with deep expertise in mass notification and security integration across diverse industries. Known for building high-performing sales teams, he has optimized sales strategies in early-stage, venture-backed startups and managed significant growth in companies like AppAssure Software (acquired by Dell) and Allegiance Capital. His combined experience in market expansion, security solutions, and sales optimization allows him to create adaptable, comprehensive security frameworks to meet modern organizational demands.

The conversation around recruitment, career paths and retention in Pro AV is gaining attention, particularly as the industry navigates the shift toward hybrid work models and the influx of new talent. Around 70% of companies are either implementing or planning to implement hybrid work models, and businesses in the AV space are rethinking how they attract and retain the next generation of leaders. As more industries recognize the role of Pro AV technology in supporting remote and hybrid environments, this shift is becoming increasingly important.

But how do young professionals carve out a place in an industry steeped in tradition? How can organizations bridge the gap between evolving tech and the needs of the modern workforce?

In this episode of Pro AV Today, host Ben Thomas talks with Andie Mace, Andie Mace, the Product Marketing Manager at HP, and a recent recipient of the Commercial Integrator's 40 Under 40 Award. Their conversation covers career paths in Pro AV, the role of technology in enhancing workplace well-being, and the future of marketing in a digital-first world.

Key Takeaways from the Episode:

• Marketing Transformation in Pro AV: Andie explains the shift from traditional white papers to fast, impactful social media content, highlighting the growing importance of thought leadership and employee satisfaction.

• The Human Impact of Technology: She stresses that while technology is vital, its real power lies in how it fosters human connections and boosts productivity, especially in hybrid work environments.

• Navigating Resistance: Andie reflects on the challenge of discussing emotional well-being in the workplace and how it impacts productivity, despite some pushback within the industry.

Andie Mace, Product Marketing Manager at HP, has emerged as a thought leader in the Pro AV industry, contributing fresh ideas since joining after HP's acquisition of Poly. Her passion for technology and focus on human-centered solutions recently earned her a spot on the Commercial Integrator 40 Under 40 list, recognizing her as a rising star in the field.

Workplace dynamics have shifted dramatically, with hybrid models and remote work becoming permanent fixtures for many organizations. As a result, companies are grappling with new workplace design approaches that incorporate technology-rich solutions and human-centric elements. A recent study by Cisco found that 98% of meetings now include at least one remote participant, underscoring the need for spaces that support seamless digital collaboration while keeping employees engaged.

But how can companies create environments that integrate advanced tech without losing the warmth and connection that physical spaces provide? What does the future of workplace design look like, and how can technology improve both in-office and remote work experiences?

In this episode of ProAV Today, host Ben Thomas sits down with Kay Sargent, Senior Principal - Director of Thought Leadership, Interiors at HOK, to explore these questions. Together, they discuss the current trends in workplace design, the role of technology in modern office spaces, and the importance of balancing innovation with human needs.

Key topics covered in the episode include:

• Hybrid Office Designs: The shift in office layouts to accommodate both remote and in-person workers.

• Tech-Human Balance: How companies can avoid sterile, overly-automated environments by integrating technology in a way that feels intuitive and personal.

• Designing for Equity: Creating workspaces that offer equitable experiences for remote and in-office employees.

Kay Sargent is a trailblazer in the world of architecture and AV design, with a focus on creating tech-forward yet human-centered work environments. With years of experience in the industry, Kate offers a comprehensive perspective on the future of office spaces in the digital age.

The public safety sector is transforming, fueled by technological advancements and an increasing need for seamless, data-driven solutions. As agencies embrace tools that enhance communication, response times, and decision-making, the market for public safety solutions continues to grow. However, sellers face the challenge of navigating long sales cycles and complex public agency buying processes while maintaining customer retention. Successfully managing both is key to thriving in the public safety market.

What strategies should businesses adopt to build trust, establish authority, and stay relevant in a rapidly evolving market?

On today’s episode of Pro AV Today, host, Ben Thomas sat down with Nitin Kartik, a veteran in product marketing with over a decade of experience across public safety, health care, and other industries. Together, they discuss strategies businesses should adopt to build trust, establish authority, and stay relevant in a rapidly evolving market,

Key Takeaways:

• Relationship-building and thought leadership: Businesses must focus on long-term relationship-building and thought leadership to gain the trust of public sector agencies, positioning themselves as reliable partners in the long sales cycles of the public safety market.

• Adapting to buyer needs with tailored messaging: Companies must pivot their messaging to address buyer concerns, especially with technology adoption, and emphasize practical benefits like time savings and efficiency rather than just technical features.

• Leveraging modern marketing trends: With the growing importance of influencer content, decentralized content creation, and the need for tailored communication in B2B marketing, staying relevant requires adapting to changing buyer preferences and offering solutions that align with current technological advancements.

Nitin Kartik holds a Master’s degree from Stanford University and an MBA from the University of Chicago. With over 10 years of experience at leading tech companies like Amazon and public safety firms like RapidSOS and Carbyne, Nitin is a recognized authority in product marketing across multiple sectors. His cross-industry expertise and thought leadership have earned him features on major platforms like BBC TV.

On this episode of Pro AV Today, we break down the topic du jour in Pro AV: artificial intelligence. Joe Pham, the Chairman & CEO of QSC | Q-SYS, joins Ben Thomas to talk about how AV and AI are coming together and pushing the AV industry forward.

Key Topics:

Decoding AI in the AV Industry

Joe Pham introduces us to the nuts and bolts of AI in the AV industry. He specifically elaborates on AI's practical applications, which include computer vision and cloud-based monitoring and management. These AI-driven technologies help enhance video-conferencing experiences and simplify the management of AV assets.

"Immediate use cases readily available today with high value to the customer include computer vision. This technology is essential for video conferencing, using cameras that automatically switch, track, and crop so that someone on the far end feels like they are in the room," says Pham.

AI vs. Logic-Based Workflows

The conversation moves on to define the differences between AI, machine learning, and logic-based workflows. Pham explains that while logic-based workflows follow the 'if this, then that' principle, AI is probabilistic and uses neural networks trained on data, mimicking human-like decision-making processes.

"AI, on the other hand, is probabilistic. It uses neural networks trained on data to provide human-like answers because humans are not deterministic," explains Pham.

The Future of AI in AV

According to Pham, we're just in the initial phase of AI's lifecycle in the AV industry. But he is optimistic that as AI continues to evolve, it will enable AV systems to do remarkable things that will enhance human experiences and business outcomes.

"This is revolutionary and changes everything. By the time we get to the fourth or fifth inning, our AV systems will be doing remarkable things in terms of elevating human experience and delivering better business outcomes," declares Pham.

Final Thoughts on AI Adoption

Pham advises AV professionals eager to tap into the power of AI to start now with computer vision AI and cloud monitoring management. He encourages them to take the initiative to start learning and capitalizing on these rapidly advancing technologies today.

"Start now with computer vision AI and cloud monitoring management. These are developed and readily available technologies today. Get off of zero—staying on zero is the only losing position," recommends Pham.

To view Joe Pham’s’s keynote at InfoComm 2024, visit qsys.com/ai.

As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, the demand for power has reached unprecedented levels. This surge is driven by data centers, AI capabilities, and ESG requirements, placing immense strain on current power systems. Enterprise energy sources are becoming more critical than ever to address these needs. The challenge of meeting this demand is crucial for maintaining infrastructure stability and supporting technological growth.

How are enterprises managing and optimizing their power usage to meet these increasing demands? What innovative solutions are being implemented to balance sustainability goals with operational efficiency?

In this episode of Pro AV Today, host Ben Thomas sits down with Aron Bowman, President of ELM Microgrid & Solar, to explore the dynamic world of enterprise energy sources, their applications, and the technologies driving these changes.

Key Points of Discussion:

- Integration of Renewable Energy: Aron explains how enterprises are incorporating renewable energy sources like solar and wind into their power grids, supplemented by intelligent control systems to manage energy storage and usage efficiently.

- Microgrid Technology: The role of microgrids in providing reliable, on-site power generation and storage, ensuring seamless transitions and optimal energy usage for data centers, hospitals, and other critical infrastructure.

- Future of Energy Management: The importance of blending various energy sources, including traditional fossil fuels and renewables, to achieve the best solutions for enterprise needs while meeting ESG goals.

Aron Bowman, President of ELM Microgrid & Solar, has a distinguished background in energy solutions and technology integration. With extensive experience in developing and implementing microgrid systems, Aron has been at the forefront of driving innovation in energy management for enterprises. His expertise spans various sectors, ensuring that organizations can meet their power demands sustainably and efficiently.