From InfoComm’s AV Executive Conference 2015 page:

Join your industry peers for the third annual InfoComm AV Executive Conference (AVEC). This year’s event centers on the themes of business renewal and the principles of the “experience economy.”

Your AVEC experience starts with the opening reception and dinner, where you’ll meet your fellow industry executives and make new connections. The interactive, information-packed program kicks off with a keynote from NFL great Joe Theismann, then dives right into talks from leading business management experts and small group discussions with your peers. The first day ends with our popular Homework Express, where you can continue the conversation in a relaxed and casual environment.

(from rAVe tweet with the statement “First up at @InfoComm #AVEC2015 – Joe Theismann”)

Kicks off – I like that. As a lifelong Redskins fan (born in New York) I thought about how great it was to have Joe Theismann as the opening keynote speaker at AVEC. I also was very curious about what kind of presentation he would be giving and while I was not able to attend, I thought I’d track posts on Twitter to get an idea of what was taking place.

With this I decided to post a blog, and here are some of those tweets talking about Joe Theismann (@Theismann7) with InfoComm’s hashtag #AVEC2015.

"People can sense by your presence if you’re energized and excited about what you do" @Theismann7 #AVEC2015

— Lindsey Adler (@lindseymadler) November 19, 2015

A powerful statement. I feel this is a great description of anyone that is passionate about what they do and show it in just about all that they do – as well as how they convey it to others.

Don’t allow your kids to accept participation trophies says @Theismann7 #AVEC2015 For the record… I disagree. I like people who show up, try

— Brock McGinnis (@brockmcginnis) November 19, 2015

This is an excellent post and I do agree with Brock, although to a certain extent. Joe Theismann was always a hard-nosed player as a quarterback and he played for one of the greatest coaches of all time – Joe Gibbs, who I know he talked about. Joe Gibbs would actually sleep in his office overnight during game week, as he coached with all that he expected of his players – hard work and dedication. Joe Gibbs was all about getting his team to the Super Bowl and he did win three, one with Joe Theismann.

I personally don’t consider “everyone wins a trophy” to be the ideal while others will certainly differ in opinion, however showing up and giving it one’s best try in playing the game is – for sure. As a little league baseball manager I gave out game balls and I made sure each of my players got at least one during the season. Not all managers did this, I chose to as what I saw as a reward for that game winning hit along with just giving it that good try – win or lose. Like a good baseball manager or head football coach on any level one needs to inspire, lead and encourage their people in all the proper ways. That certainly gives you and your organization the best chance of succeeding and with this I do agree with Brock’s statement  – I like people who show up, try.

#AVEC2015 do you still do the little things to make your customers/ associates feel special that you did when your organization was new?

— Gina Sansivero (@GinaSans) November 19, 2015

A great statement – any new business strives at its core to make their customers/associates feel like they are the most special, the very best. Why would that change? Customers can of course be something to handle at times, but in the end they are the lifeblood of anyone’s business. Along with high level customer support that I always looked to provide, a written Thank You card every once in a while was a key to my ongoing client relationships.

At the end of the year as an integration sales person I would send out hand-written Christmas cards to each and every one of my customers – I always had the biggest stack as I thanked every one from the large to the smaller clients. If Joe Theismann spoke about it – it’s certainly golden.

#AVEC2015 you cannot be a success in life thinking you're doing it alone. True success begins when you mentor, share and support others

— Gina Sansivero (@GinaSans) November 19, 2015

Certainly on target with my beliefs, and I just have to say thank you for this one Gina.

Joe Theisman recounts 11/18/1985, his life changing day…30 years ago yesterday. Life altering moment. #AVEC2015 pic.twitter.com/5yzeohfp5q

— Jeff Day (@jdaybwt) November 19, 2015

I actually replied to Jeff about exactly what Joe had said to everyone in attendance about that moment, here was Jeff’s reply:

@Cbmoss said two sounds,,,pow, pow (breaks), apologized to 2 people before he understood what happened. Overwhelmed by 55,000 fans applause

— Jeff Day (@jdaybwt) November 19, 2015

I’m sure it was a very impactful part of Joe’s presentation. I remember watching the game on Monday Night Football – the moment it happened Lawrence Taylor, who made the tackle and was known as one of the NFL’s fiercest players, immediately jumped up waving his arm for help (as well as other players) from the Redskins sideline and grabbing his helmet in grief. Watching replay after replay of the moment became tougher and tougher – here it is (you should have a bit of a strong stomach to watch the replays):

It certainly took a very strong individual to come back from that terrible career-ending injury to become the success he is today.

How can Joe Theisman remember all these football stories!?! #AVEC2015

— Maile Keone (@mailekeone) November 19, 2015

Without a doubt some terrific stories – I know as I followed almost every moment of Joe’s pro and even his college career. One of the greatest QB’s to ever walk on a pro football field, as well as his college career at Notre Dame where he won the Heisman Trophy (which many know as Theismann, as in Heisman) and I’m sure these stories also carried true inspiration for all who attended his keynote at AVEC.

Joe showing off his ring @ #AVEC2015 pic.twitter.com/FIt3xzgHJT

— Verrex (@Verrex) November 19, 2015

I do remember this – Super Bowl XVII in 1983 – one of the greatest moments of my life as a Redskins fan for sure. Joe took the Skins back to the Super Bowl the following year, didn’t win it but that in itself was a tremendous achievement.

Your life should not have a "top rung". Joe Theisman. #AVEC2015 #AVTWEEPS

— AVNation (@AVNationTV) November 19, 2015

Very – very true. Never stop striving to achieve.

Joe Theismann with the @InfoComm #AVEC2015 crew. Great presentation. Really great. @Theismann7 pic.twitter.com/yLKU8S2wjg

— Brad Grimes (@BGrimesDC) November 19, 2015

While I couldn’t attend to see Joe in person, I certainly felt like I was there somewhat vicariously through those who offered up these (and other) posts on Twitter. A big thank you again and I do hope I represented the tweets properly.