Pro AV Today

On this episode of Pro AV Today, host Ben Thomas and guest Joe Piccirilli from Rosewater Energy dig into the future of power and energy automation. They discuss the evolving role of 'energy integrators' who are key to managing diverse power sources in today's homes and businesses.

Joe highlights the impact of technological advancements, particularly home automation and LED lighting, on power consumption and the challenges they bring. The conversation turns to the importance of seeking professional help for complex installations, emphasizing efficiency and expertise.

The episode also touches on the future role of AI in power management, predicting smarter, more efficient homes and businesses. For anyone interested in the future of energy integration and how it's shaping our world, this episode is a must-listen.

Catch the full discussion on Pro AV Today for an engaging and informative dive into the world of energy automation.

On this episode of "Pro AV Today," host Ben Thomas welcomes Shelby Gartner from TransUnion to discuss the evolving dynamics of recruiting and retaining talent in the B2B. Gartner, a seasoned expert in the field, shed light on the transformative strategies and emerging challenges businesses face in this critical area.

Central to the conversation was the impact of technology on recruitment. Gartner passionately explained how technology is not just a facilitator but a catalyst in the recruitment process. “We’re witnessing a paradigm shift towards data-driven recruitment. Analytics now play a fundamental role in identifying the ideal candidates,” she says. This approach marks a significant departure from traditional recruitment methods, emphasizing the need for businesses to embrace technological advancements to stay competitive.

Gartner also addressed the changing workforce dynamics and the growing expectations of modern employees. “The contemporary workforce is searching for more than just financial compensation. They are increasingly driven by the desire for a meaningful purpose, flexible work arrangements, and ample opportunities for personal and professional growth,” Gartner points out. She emphasized that companies must rethink their recruitment strategies to align with these new expectations, highlighting that the future of successful talent acquisition lies in understanding and catering to these evolving needs.

This episode focuses on the shifting landscape of talent management in the B2B sector, but also serves as a valuable resource for businesses striving to adapt and thrive in this new era. Gartner’s insights are helpful for those navigating the complexities of modern-day recruitment, highlighting the need for innovation, adaptability, and a deeper understanding of workforce expectations.

In this episode "Pro AV Today", host Ben Thomas talks with Jeff Boehm from Wicket about biometrics in venues and stadiums. The discussion focuses on how this technology is influencing security and access control, while addressing public concerns and misconceptions.

Recap:

Jeff Boehm highlights the need to clear up misunderstandings about biometrics. He points out that people often fear new technologies due to negative stories or a lack of understanding. “There's a lot of uncertainty...and if there's ever any negative stories about it, they gravitate towards that,” Jeff explains. His main message is to educate people about the safety and benefits of biometrics.

Privacy is a large focus in the conversation. Boehm discusses how certain biometric tech (such as Wicket’s technology) is optional. “It is 100% opt-in. Users have to opt into it, and they can opt out at any time,” he says. This approach helps build trust with users by giving them control over their data.

Jeff also talks about how biometrics can improve experiences at stadiums. For example, facial recognition can make entering stadiums and buying things quicker and smoother. He shares success stories from venues like the Cleveland Brown Stadium, where fans have appreciated the convenience of the technology.

Looking ahead, Jeff sees biometrics becoming more common and useful in various areas, not just for security but for making everyday tasks easier and faster. He emphasizes the importance of using biometric data responsibly to maintain user trust.

In this episode of Pro AV Today, host Ben Thomas is joined by Mark Peterson from Shen, Milson & Wilke to dissect the intricate relationship between consumer preferences and B2B technologies. They focus on shifts in the consumer world that are progressively influencing the B2B technology landscape, particularly in the AV industry.

Mark emphasizes the growing impact of consumer-driven e-commerce and service models on the B2B domain. He highlights the evolution from product-centric to service-oriented offerings, underlining the significance of added value services in B2B transactions. This shift indicates a move beyond traditional technology offerings, focusing instead on the overall customer experience and the added benefits accompanying products.

The conversation then pivots to the role of technology in enhancing human experiences. Peterson points out the accelerated changes due to COVID-19, where technologies previously limited to personal use are now integral in professional settings. He remarks, "We've finally realized that our end users exist both in the home and in the office space," illustrating how the blending of personal and professional tech environments is shaping user expectations and product development in the B2B sector.

In discussing the future trajectory of technology in business, Peterson touches upon the influence of consumer choice and market instability, noting, "Customers' values are changing, but it's (still) inconsistent behavior." This unpredictability necessitates a more flexible and responsive approach from B2B companies to meet the evolving demands of their clientele. The integration of consumer preferences into B2B strategies, especially in retail, shows a significant overlap between the two realms, where strategies like omni-channel marketing are becoming crucial.

Tune in to the full episode for more!

In this episode of Pro AV Today, host Ben Thomas brings together Chris Neto, Jimmy Vaughan, and Dan Vollmayer for a unique discussion on the parallels between professional wrestling and the world of B2B. This unusual combination reveals significant insights into personal branding and content strategy.

Chris Neto, a self-proclaimed wrestling fanboy, discusses how wrestling's narrative-driven approach captivated him, highlighting the importance of storytelling in both wrestling and marketing. He emphasizes that behind every wrestling match is a meticulously crafted narrative, much like the strategies behind effective marketing campaigns. This perspective encourages marketers to view their products and services through a storytelling lens, focusing on engaging narratives rather than just product features.

Jimmy Vaughan, initially not a wrestling enthusiast, reflects on his experience working in the wrestling industry. His key takeaway is the art of storytelling, crucial for engaging audiences. He touches on the importance of characters (wrestlers) in wrestling, analogous to brands in marketing. Vaughan stresses that whether one loves or hates a character (or a product), the emotional response is what drives engagement and, ultimately, sales.

Dan Vollmayer shares his experience as a content creator and emphasizes the evolution of audience engagement in digital spaces. He notes the shift towards personal brand identity on platforms like TikTok and YouTube, where individuals can have a significant impact. Vollmayer suggests that B2B marketing can learn from wrestling's ability to evolve and adapt to audience preferences, especially in the digital arena.

The episode spotlights the importance of storytelling, personal branding, and audience engagement in both professional wrestling and B2B marketing. These insights can help inspire marketers looking to create compelling content and build strong brand identities.

In this episode of "Pro AV Today," host Ben Thomas sits down with Audra Kinsley of Sonos Professional to unpack a topic that's buzzing in the audio industry: the seamless fusion of commercial and residential audio spaces. As we navigate through a landscape where consumer and professional audio worlds are increasingly intersecting, Sonos steps into the spotlight, showcasing its journey from a household name to a burgeoning force in commercial audio.

Audra opens up about Sonos’ evolution, highlighting how the brand has managed to pivot while keeping its core ethos intact. The conversation digs deep into user experience - a cornerstone of Sonos’ strategy - and how it's been instrumental in bridging the gap between home and business audio. Audra shares insights on Sonos Pro, a testament to the brand’s commitment to simplifying commercial audio without compromising on quality. They delve into the challenges and opportunities that come with expanding into the B2B sphere, discussing the importance of brand affinity and user experience in this new territory.

The episode also touches on the future of audio technology. While Sonos keeps its cards close regarding specific plans, Audra's enthusiasm for user feedback-driven innovation gives us a sneak peek into what might be on the horizon for Sonos and the audio industry at large.

Listen now to get the full story on how Sonos is reshaping the audio world, one speaker at a time.

Immersive audio and visual environments have been thrust to the forefront of the audiovisual industry, driven by groundbreaking projects like the Sphere in Las Vegas. In this episode of Pro AV Today, host Ben Thomas welcomes Michael Kastner and Ryan Penny from Holoplot to discuss this shift and break down the future of immersive audio in these environments.

Here are a few key topics covered in the episode:

- Redefining immersive audio

- Overcoming acoustical challenges in unique venues.

- Exploring new workflows, applications, and designs for immersive audio technology.

On this episode of Pro AV Today, we're diving into a comprehensive preview of the Digital Signage Experience (DSE) 2023. Here's what's coming up:

DSE's Renaissance: We're discussing the comeback of DSE and its evolution into a show that is designed to serve the modern AV community.

Innovations and Education: Breaking down the educational opportunities at DSE, showcasing how professionals can stay ahead with insights on the latest AI integrations in digital signage and more.

Co-Location with LDI: Exploring the exciting crossovers between DSE and the Live Design International (LDI) show, examining their combined impact on industry innovation.

Tech's Creative Convergence: Examining the blend of digital displays with live design elements and how this synergy is creating memorable branded experiences.

Join host Ben Thomas, along with AV industry veteran, David Drain, as they delve into these topics, gearing you up for an immersive and enlightening experience at DSE 2023. Stay tuned to Pro AV Today for more AV insights and updates.

The fusion of AV technology and security is stirring up conversations in the tech world. On this episode of Pro AV Today, host Ben Thomas explores this intersection with guest John Neyenhouse from Integrated Security & Control.

Here are a handful of topics they cover:

Integration Evolution: The transition from analog to IP-based systems is driving a closer relationship between AV, IT, and physical security, aiming for streamlined management and enhanced user experiences.

AI and Machine Learning: These technologies are being leveraged for quicker video searches, real-time alerts, and analytics, showcasing a significant leap from traditional security surveillance methods.

Residential Tech Influence: How trends in residential tech are spilling over into commercial installations, pushing the AV professionals to adapt to emerging consumer expectations.

Ease of Installation and Serviceability: The emphasis on making tech installations and troubleshooting more user-friendly and less time-consuming, reflecting a shift towards remote management.

Digital Signage Utilization: An underutilized bridge between security and AV - employing digital signage for dynamic communication, especially in critical situations like emergency alerts in schools or buildings.

In this episode of "Pro AV Today," host Ben Thomas sat down in studio with George Clopp from Korbyt for an insightful chat about the changing dynamics of digital signage within the enterprise setting.

The conversation highlights how perceptions of digital signage have evolved, especially in the wake of the pandemic. It's no longer about generic displays; the focus is now on delivering personalized content, tailored specifically for individual departments. With advancements in AI, content has become smarter, ensuring it's both relevant and timely for its audience.

One of the key discussions revolvs around the integration of real-time data into digital displays. From CRMs to call logs, modern digital signage is all about seamless connectivity. With Korbyt helping lead the way, offering nearly 200 integrations, the possibilities seem endless.

The duo also delved into the challenges presented by the rise of remote work, with an emphasis placed on the collaborative effort required for successful digital signage implementation. It's not just an AV team's responsibility anymore. HR and communication departments play pivotal roles, underscoring the need for a united front in this ever-changing AV landscape.