Volume 12, Issue 2 — January 24, 2020

January 24, 2020 | Volume: 12 | Issue: 2

Welcome to our second issue of rAVe DS [Digital Signage] in 2020, where we’re EXCITED to bring you two original rAVe columns, a rich collection of timely product and industry news, and a case study on a new(ish) partnership between VuWall and LG.

I want to talk about that word, partnership, for a moment. When trying to decipher what stood out to me in this week’s issue, I noticed that almost every single one of our features talked about a partnership, a joint venture, an endeavor between two parties — whatever you want to call it. We see manufacturers working with other manufacturers, manufacturers partnering with distributors, distributors working with designers and designers working with distributors. I could keep going, but I think you get it.

When I read one article in this week’s DS newsletter, however, I started thinking about the idea of “partnership” a little differently. In “Diversity, Inclusion and 2020 New Year’s Resolutions for the AV Industry,” rAVe writer Leonard Suskin talks about diversity and inclusion. Through this lens, we realize that it’s not about the obvious — the “yeah, that makes sense” — partnership. It’s about including, connecting with, and understanding others who are NOT like you. We need to challenge ourselves to get a better, more-rounded perspective — a view that’s different from our own — outside of our comfort zones. Because this is what’s really going to make the AV industry better — in addition to the obvious partnerships currently fueling AV.

When you stop and think about it, really, everything in this industry is all about partnerships. And *lightbulb moment* isn’t this exactly parallel with all of human life? What really matters in life is our ability to love, coexist and work with others who are different from ourselves, all in an effort to make life better. So spread the love, #AVtweeps, and enjoy this issue of rAVe DS.

— Leah McCann

COLUMNS

+ Diversity, Inclusion and 2020 New Year’s Resolutions for the AV Industry [Leonard Suskin]

Those who follow know me to be a supporter of diversity in an industry which remains too white, too male, too old – and I say that as a white male rapidly approaching the half-century mark. What frustrates me about the discourse? Too much of it focuses on why we need diversity. On how diverse workforces are more productive. On how they are more creative. And yes, on how there is a moral imperative to treat everyone equitably regardless of gender, race, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation or any other aspect of one's personal identity. We know that diversity at the highest levels provides an example and an aspiration, and tells everyone entering the field that someone like them can accomplish anything. We all know this.

+ The Importance of Language and Communication in Technical Industries (Particularly AV) [Christopher Gillespie]

There are many words that have dramatically different meanings based on our experience and, most importantly, context. Take the name of our industry: AV. It means audiovisual, right? Not to everyone. If I was in IT, there is a good chance that I might define AV as anti-virus. And if I'm in the self-driving automobile space, then it's actually autonomous vehicles. So as we can see, it's important to ensure that we are on the same page as other folks PRIOR to getting into depth on what we want to accomplish.