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.