Last week, we hosted our annual ProAV Symposium, where industry experts came together to dive into the latest trends, innovations and hot topics in ProAV. In this article, we’re giving you a sneak peek at the exciting panel discussions we had. But to get the full, in-depth experience and hear directly from the experts, don’t miss out —register to watch the ProAV Symposium on demand here. It’s a great way to catch up and stay ahead in the industry!

AV Meets Security: Enhancing Compliance and Safety

In our first panel, Editor-in-Chief of LAVNCH [CODE] Megan A. Dutta sat down with Cynthia Menna of ADI Global, Michael Peveler of AtlasIED and Alan Mendez of VectorUSA to explore the convergence of AV and security. The panelists shared insights on how the lines between these two industries are blurring and what that means for compliance and safety. They debunked common misconceptions about the security industry, particularly around licensing and liability, and delved into the broader implications of Alyssa’s Law on AV educational technology. If you’re curious about how institutions can keep their AV systems compliant amidst rapid technological change or want to learn more about the future influence of AI and IoT, this is a session you won’t want to miss!

Sustainable Practices for Network Video Distribution

Next up, Managing Editor of rAVe [PUBS] Steph Beckett was joined by Jordan Christoff of Visionary Solutions and Eric Snider of CTI to discuss how sustainability is shaping the future of network video distribution. The panel revealed recent advancements that not only boost efficiency but also naturally enhance sustainability — an essential focus for today’s industry. They highlighted the significant role power consumption plays in operational costs and sustainability and shared tips on how to minimize energy use by reducing heat-generating components and adopting a holistic approach to installations. Looking to the future, they also touched on emerging technologies that could drive even greater sustainability. If you’re interested in making your AV setups more eco-friendly, be sure to check out this session on demand.

Enhancing Meeting Room Audio: Improving Intelligibility and Reducing Listener Fatigue

Megan A. Dutta returned to lead a discussion on optimizing meeting room audio, joined by Mark Donovan of Audio-Technica, Iffat Chaudhry of Involve Visual Corporation, Joey D’Angelo of Joseph D’Angelo and Associates and Jarrod Hillman of Hillman Audio Video. The panel dove into what makes audio intelligible in meeting rooms, with a focus on the importance of acoustics. They offered practical tips for overcoming challenges like poor room acoustics and background noise, which can lead to listener fatigue. The discussion also cleared up common misconceptions and highlighted emerging trends that could make your meetings sound even better.

Demystifying KVM-over-IP: What You Need to Know

Steph Beckett teamed up with Jason Jacoby of Diversified and Jim Trudell of McCann Systems to break down the essentials of KVM-over-IP technology. This session is perfect for anyone looking to get up to speed on how KVM-over-IP can benefit the AV industry by enhancing remote access and centralized management. The panelists explained the key features that make this technology scalable and efficient, while also highlighting important security measures. Whether you’re new to KVM-over-IP or just looking to deepen your knowledge, this session has you covered.

Why USB-C Could Be the Future of AV

In our final panel, Gary Kayye joined forces with Roger Takacs from Lightware, Bill O’Donnell of Rutgers University and Jimmy Vaughan of Microsoft to explore the potential of USB-C in the AV industry. They walked through the history of USB-C, dispelled common misconception  and showcased various use cases where USB-C can simplify and enhance AV operations. From connectivity to distribution, the possibilities with USB-C are vast and exciting. If you want to stay ahead of the curve and see how USB-C could revolutionize your AV setups, this is the session for you. Catch it on demand for the full discussion!