Recorded in August 5, 2025, the crew reunites to catch up on summer adventures before diving into a full recap of InfoComm Asia. Host Tim Van Woeart is joined by Joe Way and Nancy Blanchard, bringing listeners into a lively conversation about vacations, baseball on the beach, Disneyland anniversaries, and the “tourist” spots that locals love to avoid. Joe shares his recent experience representing HETMA at InfoComm Asia in Bangkok, offering insights into the show’s unique size, focus, and energy compared to its North American and European counterparts.

Joe’s recap paints a vivid picture of the event’s intimate feel, diverse range of smaller exhibitors, and a heavy emphasis on innovation — from paper-thin rollable LED to AI-driven solutions. He also reflects on meaningful conversations with attendees, the region’s approach to technology in education, and the opportunities for HETMA to expand its advocacy in APAC. The crew compares notes on other events like the Utah Integrated Audiovisual Expo, Northwestern’s HETMA Roadshow, and upcoming stops in Nashville and beyond. Between the travel tales and trade show talk, the episode delivers both a personal and professional look at AV life in 2025.

Topics Discussed

• Summer highlights from the crew, including beach baseball and Disneyland trips
• Joe’s full recap of InfoComm Asia in Bangkok
• Differences in scale, exhibitors, and atmosphere compared to InfoComm and ISE
• Notable tech trends and innovative products spotted on the show floor
• The role of smaller companies and startups in the APAC AV market
• Education technology adoption in the region, especially at the high school level
• Opportunities for HETMA’s advocacy and networking in APAC
• Attendance stats and growth potential for InfoComm Asia
• Updates from recent and upcoming HETMA Roadshows
• Other AV events on the horizon, including Nashville and potential new locations

The AV Life is a Higher Ed AV Media production. More at https://higheredav.com.

Connect with Tim:
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-van-woeart-45416826/
Twitter (X) – https://twitter.com/TVanWoeart

Connect with The AV Life:
Twitter (X) – https://twitter.com/TheAVLifePod
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@theavlife3337

Recorded May 6, 2025

This crew episode features Tim Van Woeart and Murphy Daley catching up on life, career moves, travel mishaps, and what it means to hit the reset button. Tim talks about his new role at Rutgers Newark, his experiences with classroom technology, and how it’s changing his day-to-day approach. Murphy shares her own updates, from local government projects to family trips that include Weird Al, Annapolis, and even Germany.

The conversation dives into everything from air traffic control meltdowns and cross-country road trips to learning the “language” of new teams and navigating big transitions. This episode embodies what The AV Life does best—authentic dialogue about life and AV, infused with humor and personal insight, reminding us why sometimes a reset is exactly what’s needed.

The AV Life is a Higher Ed AV Media production. More at https://higheredav.com.

Connect with Tim:
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-van-woeart-45416826/
Twitter (X) – https://twitter.com/TVanWoeart

Connect with The AV Life:
Twitter (X) – https://twitter.com/TheAVLifePod
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@theavlife3337

This episode dives into the human side of AV life—mistakes that teach us lessons, networks that support us, and how professional growth often happens in the most unexpected ways. Tim Van Woeart leads the conversation with crew members Nancy and James as they welcome guest Aaron Peterson to share his experiences navigating challenges, finding mentors, and embracing the power of connection.

The team explores the role of vulnerability and authenticity in professional networks, how learning from failures can strengthen relationships, and why having a strong community of peers is critical in the AV industry. Whether you’ve been in the field for decades or are just starting out, this episode offers valuable perspectives on turning missteps into opportunities and building a network that lifts everyone higher.

The AV Life is a Higher Ed AV Media production. More at higheredav.com.

Connect with Tim:
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-van-woeart-45416826/
Twitter (X) – https://twitter.com/TVanWoeart

Connect with The AV Life:
Twitter (X) – https://twitter.com/TheAVLifePod
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@theavlife3337

Topics Discussed

• Aaron Peterson’s background and career journey
• Why mistakes are valuable learning opportunities
• The role of professional networks in overcoming challenges
• How vulnerability builds stronger professional relationships
• Memorable stories of career missteps and recovery
• The difference between “networking” and “building networks”
• Peer support in the AV industry and beyond
• Lessons learned from both success and failure
• Advice for those starting out in AV or IT fields
• Reflections on growth and the human side of technology work

Recorded July 22, 2025
Tim Van Woeart and Renee Benson welcome Brittney Grant, AV professional at Aims Community College and Chair of HETMA’s Approved Program, for a conversation themed around “True North.” They discuss professional growth, mentorship, and how to navigate an evolving AV industry while staying grounded in purpose and values.

Brittney shares her journey from student to AV leader, her passion for creating excellent experiences, and the mentors who shaped her career. The group reflects on lessons learned from recent HETMA Roadshows, the importance of quality over quantity in industry relationships, and how AV professionals can guide the next generation. Whether you’re seeking your own professional direction or looking to mentor others, this episode is packed with insight, encouragement, and a little humor.

The AV Life is a Higher Ed AV Media production. More at higheredav.com.

Connect with Tim:
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-van-woeart-45416826/
Twitter (X) – https://twitter.com/TVanWoeart

Connect with The AV Life:
Twitter (X) – https://twitter.com/TheAVLifePod
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@theavlife3337

Topics Discussed

• Brittney Grant’s path from student to AV professional at Aims Community College
• Her role as HETMA’s Approved Program Chair and what it entails
• Lessons learned from the Chicago HETMA Roadshow and the value of quality over quantity
• Finding a personal “True North” in technology leadership and career development
• The power of mentorship and how AV professionals can guide future talent
• The influence of early AV experiences, from churches to theaters to higher education
• Why mentorship and passing knowledge forward is vital for the industry’s future
• The importance of community involvement and professional collaboration
• Staying engaged and continually learning in an evolving AV landscape
• How to ask for help, accept support, and keep moving forward

Recorded May 13, 2025

This “lost” episode of The AV Life goes back to a recording that didn’t post when originally captured but remains as relevant as ever. Host Tim Van Woeart is joined by Joe Way and Renee Benson for an unfiltered conversation that blends industry insight with personal updates and plenty of laughs.
The crew talks about Tim’s career transition to Rutgers Newark, the frantic run-up to InfoComm, and how tariffs, supply chain quirks, and travel shifts are changing the conversation in higher ed AV. It’s part industry talk, part after-hours planning session (yes, party invites included), and all classic AV Life.

The AV Life is a Higher Ed AV Media production.

More at higheredav.com.
Connect with Tim:
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-van-woeart-45416826/
Twitter (X) – https://twitter.com/TVanWoeart

Connect with The AV Life:
Twitter (X) – https://twitter.com/
TheAVLifePodYouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@theavlife3337

Topics Discussed

• Tim’s move to Rutgers Newark and what drove the change
• The crew’s take on InfoComm 2025 planning and party invites
• Tariff shifts and whether manufacturers will adjust pricing
• Travel restrictions and what they mean for end-user attendance
• Regional roadshows as a response to travel cutbacks
• The debate over product announcements and interoperability trends
• How higher ed AV users respond (or fail to respond) to supply chain disruptions
• The value of keeping projects moving despite funding uncertainty
• Booth highlights, swag, and DJ Carbon keeping the HETMA booth energized

In this reflective and heartfelt episode of The AV Life, host Tim Van Woeart is joined by crew members Murphy Daley, James King, and Nancy Blanchard for a meaningful conversation with special guest Tammy Fuqua. Together, they explore the idea of discovering and living your “true north”—that internal compass that guides how you lead, grow, and show up for others.
Tammy shares her journey with vulnerability and strength, opening up about the importance of clarity, personal alignment, and staying grounded in your values, even in the face of challenges. The crew brings their own perspectives to the table, making for a rich discussion on empathy, trust, reflection, and purpose in both life and AV. Whether you’re a leader, a teammate, or just trying to figure things out—this episode is an invitation to pause and realign.

• Defining your “true north” and what it looks like in action
• How reflection fuels personal and leadership growth
• Leading with empathy, clarity, and consistency
• Balancing vulnerability with resilience
• Staying aligned to values in fast-moving environments
• What it means to “show up” for others and yourself
• The importance of trust in teams and communities
• Intentionality in leadership and life
• Lessons from career pivots and personal challenges
• Advice for finding clarity when you feel off course

The AV Life is a Higher Ed AV Media production. More at higheredav.com


Connect with Tim:
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-van-woeart-45416826/
Twitter (X) – https://twitter.com/TVanWoeart

Connect with The AV Life:
Twitter (X) – https://twitter.com/TheAVLifePod
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@theavlife3337

Recorded June 11-13, 2025, live at the HETMA Booth (4887), InfoComm Orlando.

The AV Life crew returns with a three-part episode recorded live from the show floor at InfoComm 2025. Across Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, host Tim Van Woeart is joined by Nancy Blanchard and Renee Benson to reflect on the energy of the show, highlight key moments at the HETMA booth, and share their own experiences navigating a packed InfoComm schedule. With surprise guests—including a championship belt–wearing Ryan Gray—this live series captures the spirit of community, exhaustion, and excitement that only InfoComm can deliver.

Over the course of these daily recordings, the crew discusses traffic patterns, social events, standout technology, and the evolving presence of HETMA on the show floor. From chaotic booth setups to an Amazing Race–style showdown and the emotional highs of the Higher Ed AV Awards, this episode is an authentic snapshot of the higher ed AV community’s biggest week of the year. Whether you were there in person or watching from afar, this one brings the floor to you.

• Daily booth traffic, attendance trends, and scheduling surprises
• Reflections on the Higher Ed AV Awards and Renee’s back-to-back wins
• Swag strategies and the art of last-day scavenging
• HETMA’s Camp-themed engagement, including the sash-and-pin challenge
• Reactions to major manufacturers pulling out vs. creative partner activations
• Highlights from vendor meetings and product discoveries (Sony, Absen, Newline, Q-SYS, etc.)
• Social events and after-hours meetups including CTI, Midwich, and Universal Studios
• The “Tech Tangle” and “Amazing Race” contests featuring higher ed leaders
• Commentary on tariffs, budget cuts, and their impact on InfoComm attendance
• Behind-the-scenes moments with the AV Life crew reconnecting in person

• Host: Tim Van Woeart
• Co-hosts: Nancy Blanchard, Renee Benson
• Special Guest: Ryan Gray (HETMA, Higher Ed AV Media)

The AV Life is a Higher Ed AV Media production. More at higheredav.com.

Connect with Tim:
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-van-woeart-45416826/
Twitter (X) – https://twitter.com/TVanWoeart

Connect with The AV Life:
Twitter (X) – https://twitter.com/TheAVLifePod
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@theavlife3337

Recorded June 26, 2025

After a hot and humid week in Orlando, the crew of The AV Life reconnects to swap stories, shout out favorite moments, and wind down from another whirlwind InfoComm. With Tim Van Woeart back at the helm, the team dives into their personal takeaways from the show floor, standout booth designs, and a few philosophical detours about the AV community itself. It’s equal parts reunion, recap, and real talk.

Nancy Blanchard, Renee Benson, and Murphy Daley join Tim for this informal, wide-ranging episode that celebrates what makes InfoComm special beyond the gear: the people. Whether they’re hyping up Canadian karaoke, marveling at logistics, or reflecting on AV’s evolving landscape, the crew brings insight, laughter, and a big dose of post-conference camaraderie.

Topics Discussed

• Favorite booths and product experiences from InfoComm 2025
• AVIXA’s role in growing community and conversation
• Reflections on booth size, presence, and approachability
• Canadian karaoke and after-hours fun
• Cross-border AV representation and the international vibe
• The shift in expectations for trade show content
• Travel logistics, exhaustion, and the “post-con fatigue”
• Building genuine connection through podcasting and presence
• How “family” feels different in AV than in other industries
• Looking ahead to how The AV Life shows up at future events

In this special 4th of July release, The AV Life team gathers for a conversation that connects where the show started with where the AV community is heading.

Host Tim Van Woeargt is joined by Renee Benson, Nancy Blanchard, and James King, and Joe Way.

Joe shares recent updates from HETMA, including growth, outreach, and upcoming initiatives.

The crew also takes a few moments to reflect on the early days of the podcast and the legacy of Corey Moss, one of its original creators. Though Corey isn’t on the mic, his influence on the show and the broader AV community still resonates.

This is an uplifting episode with space for both updates and reflection—something to play while the fireworks go up.

This is an episode made for YouTube!  Tim, Murphy, Nancy and Joe talk about so many conference items that are coming up or just happened. HETMA Virtual Conference, HETMA Toronto Roadshow, Infocomm, HETMA Education Summit! Check out all the fun times!! Head over to YouTube and search for The AV Life! Make sure you like and subscribe while you're there!