In this takeover episode of Rants & rAVes, I sit down with Exertis Almo’s Dan Smith (EVP) and John Riley (SVP Sales – East) to dive into everything you need to know about the E4 Experience NY Metro on April 2. We cover the latest ProAV tech, CTS RU-certified courses (including mine!) and why this event is a must-attend for integrators and end users alike. Get the inside scoop on what makes E4 stand out and why it continues to be one of the industry’s leading regional AV events.

In this takeover of Gary Kayye’s Rants & rAVes podcast, I’m joined by Dan Smith, EVP/COO, and Kevin Welling, senior vice president of sales west at Exertis Almo. We discuss the upcoming E4 Experience events, what we’re most excited about and what attendees can expect. I also share details about the class and exclusive VIP tour I’ll be leading at E4, offering insights into the future of AV and tips for making the most of the event. Tune in for an engaging conversation as we preview what promises to be an unmissable experience.

I was joined by WyreStorm’s director of product development, Zec Voislav, who shared the company’s plans for new products at ISE 2025 — and it’s all about UCC. In addition to new BYOD solutions, WyreStorm will introduce the SW-640L, a switcher that manages HDMI, USB-C, and wireless signals; the MX-0402, a 4×2 switcher that handles both HDMI and USB-C signals; and the new IDB, which will debut at ISE but can be previewed by watching this videocast. WyreStorm will be in stand 3A350 — go check it out!

In this pre-ISE-2025 episode, I chat with Aurora Multimedia CEO Paul Harris about what the company is bringing to the show — including the new RXT-4DV, which adds 4K AV-over-IP to the ReAX Room Controller lineup. Plus, Aurora is debuting the VPX-UC1 Ultra, an all-new wireless sharing solution. Watch to get the inside scoop, and be sure to visit booth 5E150 at ISE!

I sat down with XTEN-AV co-founders Vibhav Singh and Sahil Dhingra to get an exclusive first look at their latest innovation ahead of ISE 2025. They debuted a live demo of X-PRO, a new project management module within XTEN-AV’s cloud-based AV design software. This functionality is a game-changer for AV integrators, streamlining workflows and adding powerful AI-driven tools. Check out the demo in this videocast, and don’t forget to visit stand 5L100 at ISE to experience it in action!

I had the chance to chat with Nathan Coutinho, Logitech’s global head of strategic partner relations and market insights, ahead of ISE 2025. Nathan shared insights into Logitech’s new workplace sensor, the Logitech Spot, and explained how the Rally Board 65 collaboration board enhances hybrid work environments. Plus, he detailed the exciting new capability to daisy-chain two Logitech Sight cameras in one room, effectively doubling the number of microphones and cameras. Watch this pre-ISE videocast for all the details, then make sure to visit Logitech at the show!

In November 2024, DCC Technology announced its plans to divest from technology and focus on energy markets, signaling that Exertis Almo (DCC Technology North America) would eventually be acquired. To get the latest on the situation, I spoke with Exertis Almo Executive Vice President Dan Smith, and Chief Digital and Innovation Officer Vishal Chhatralia. They provided insights into the company’s growth strategy for 2025 and shared exciting news — Exertis Almo closed 2024 with a $120 million profit. Vish also detailed five key growth areas driving the business forward. This is a must-watch update!

In this pre-ISE 2025 videocast, I spoke with Aleksejs Kolpakovs, vice president of commerce at Catchbox, about the company’s plans for the show. Known for its throwable and catchable microphone, Catchbox is focusing on the applications of Catchbox Plus in education and workplace settings. Catchbox Plus, launched in 2024, simplifies the addition of wireless microphones to a variety of spaces. Visit Catchbox on stand 2V700, and watch the interview to learn more!

I had the chance to chat with Jeffrey Weitzman, managing director of Navori Labs, about what the company has planned for ISE 2025. Navori Labs, a leader in AI integration since 2018, will showcase new AI signage solutions and highlight collaborations with ecosystem partners to simplify solutions for integrators and end users. Catch Navori Labs on stand 4P330, and watch this interview for a sneak peek of what’s coming!

I had the chance to chat with Andrew Gross, VP of sales at Xyte, about how its cloud-based platform is making it easier for AV and IT integrators to deliver managed services. Andrew explained how the platform streamlines operations and helps integrators provide more value to their clients. Xyte will be at ISE 2025 on stand 2P300 — check out this video to hear what Andrew had to say, and don’t forget to stop by during the show!