Leah McCann reporting for rAVe Digital Signage this week.
In addition to some DS product news from Sony, NEC Display, Visix, Digital Projection, Navori Labs and more, we’re sharing four columns today. The first is from Gary Kayye about some digital signage news from IBM. One comes from moi — it’s a look at one of AVIXA’s latest webinars that compiled 10+ weeks of data on ProAV to see how the industry has been affected. The third comes from the National Systems Contractors Association — it’s about the future of integration and, specifically, how HR fits into the conversation. Lastly, Mark Coxon shows up (as always) with his best advice on how to build trust and value. Plus, Digital Signage Connection shares five interactive digital signage DOs and DON’Ts. If you DON’T mind me asking, which DO you agree with?
I have a few calls to action for you this week:
Our Readers’ Choice Awards are open, and nominations are due TOMORROW. So nominate your homies (favorite display manufacturer, favorite distributor, 24 other categories) today — link is below. We’ll announce the winners on June 16 during Digital Signage Day of LAVNCH WEEK 2.0.
Oh, we didn’t tell you? Well, welcome — there’s a second LAVNCH WEEK coming June 22-26. Sign up here: http://rave.pub/LAVNCHweek2.
InfoComm 2020 Connected takes place June 16-18. If you haven’t registered yet, you can get the info via the link in our “Events” section below.
IBM is canceling all its facial recognition programs, it’s just a matter of time before Amazon, Apple, Google and nearly everyone else does too. It’s a technology that’s too early for society. We’re just not ready for “someone” to always know where we are.
Last week, AVIXA (the Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association) held an important and data-driven webinar based on consolidated findings from the past 12 weeks of its Impact Survey — a weekly assessment of proAV industry trends, attitudes and perceptions in light of the pandemic. The “COVID-19 Impacts to Pro AV Businesses Webinar,” available to AVIXA members, sought to summarize almost three months’ worth of data from two main groups in the AV industry, providers and end users.
As an industry that has our own revenue challenges right now, how do we treat people in a way that they’ll remember us favorably when this is all over? Lead with empathy and transparency. Put yourselves in your client’s position. What uncertainty do they face? What hard decisions are they having to make? What course of action will help them best reach their new goal, as it has most likely changed since March? How can you help them maximize their resources by offering solutions that accelerate them reaching their goals?
As integration companies battle through a COVID-19-depleted market, there is much uncertainty about what the future of the integration industry holds. One feeling, however, has been consistent throughout NSCA’s countless conversations with integration firm leaders: Even when the integration market enters its reboot and recovery phase, the “new normal,” as it’s often called, will be different.