In this episode of HETMA Presents…, Ryan Gray comes to you from NW/MET 2026 at the University of Utah, where HETMA is on site connecting with the higher ed AV community. The episode opens with Treb Padula from UCSD, who shares how his role helps bridge the space between classroom technology teams and instructors. Rather than starting with the newest piece of equipment, Treb talks about beginning with teaching goals, instructor pain points, and the larger educational experience that classroom technology is supposed to support.

Ryan also chats with Christopher Dechter for a conversation about an AV SuperFriends session focused on building and using local AI tools for higher ed AV work. Chris digs into why local models may matter for security, cost control, campus data, and real AV engineering workflows, while keeping the emphasis on owning the knowledge work instead of simply handing it off to a tool. The episode closes with Ron Epstein from Epiphan Video, who pushes the conversation toward empathy, listening, and vendor accountability. His challenge to the industry is clear: higher ed does not need more companies chasing purchase orders. It needs partners willing to understand campus realities and build around them.

Topics Discussed
NW/MET 2026 at the University of Utah
HETMA’s presence in the higher ed AV community
Regional conferences as connection points
Bridging classroom technology and pedagogy
Starting with instructor goals and pain points
AV support at scaleLocal AI tools for AV and IT workflows
Security, cost, and campus data in AI use
Maintaining ownership of knowledge work
Vendor empathy and higher ed partnership


Connect with Treb Padula
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/treb-padula-404487b0/

Connect with Christopher Dechter
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cdechter/

Connect with Ron Epstein
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-epstein-29828b60/

Connect with Ryan
[email protected]
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanagray/
www.HigherEdAV.com

Join the HETMA Community
community.hetma.org

This show is a production of Higher Ed AV Media. Visit www.HigherEdAV.com for new content every day.