David Labuskes, CEO of AVIXA, announced he will retire at the end of 2026, concluding more than 13 years leading the global audiovisual industry association.

Labuskes has served as CEO since 2012. During his tenure, AVIXA expanded its global presence, introduced new certification programs and rebranded from InfoComm International to AVIXA in 2017.

“I would have never predicted the level of personal growth and fulfillment that accompanied these many years at the helm of AVIXA,” Labuskes said. “ … The responsibility and privilege inherent within the role I played for a tiny part of that timeline was one that could not have been fulfilled without the brilliance of the team of executives, industry volunteers, and dedicated AVIXA employees giving everything they have to deliver on our mission every day.”

AVIXA said more than 50% of its revenue is now generated outside North America through training, trade shows, certifications and other programs — citing as evidence of its global expansion during Labuskes’ tenure. The association also reported that its highest audience growth is occurring outside North America.

Certification programs expanded during Labuskes’ leadership. In 2025, AVIXA reported that the number of Certified Technology Specialist credential holders reached 15,000 worldwide. In 2024, the association launched the Audiovisual Network Professional certification, aimed at AV and IT professionals working with networked AV systems. According to AVIXA, 30% of certification holders are based outside North America.

Labuskes also oversaw the creation of the AVIXA Women’s Council and Diversity Council. The Women’s Council has more than 1,100 members and hosts an annual breakfast at InfoComm in North America.

His tenure included leading the association through the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in the cancellation of in-person events and the expansion of digital engagement platforms. AVIXA also reworked its trade shows and conferences during that period.

“On behalf of the AVIXA Board of Directors, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to David for everything he has done for AVIXA over the past 13 years,” said Tobias Lang, chair of the AVIXA Board of Directors and CEO of LANG AG. “His vision and leadership have been instrumental in establishing the audiovisual industry as a globally relevant profession with a strong and positive outlook for the future. David not only helped redefine what our industry stands for, he also built an exceptional leadership team and a culture that is both value-driven and uniquely collaborative.”

Lang said the AVIXA board has begun the search for Labuskes’ successor.

Before joining AVIXA, Labuskes spent nearly 14 years at RTKL Associates, now Arcadis, where he established the firm’s Technology Design practice. He later served on the board during RTKL’s merger with Arcadis in 2011.