The InfoComm Connected Roundup and Where We Go From Here Article
AVIXA hosted its first-ever complete virtual InfoComm show – InfoComm 2020 Connected – June 16-18, bringing together AV professionals from around the globe to learn about the latest products from top manufacturers, tune into keynotes and presentations on trends in technology and markets, and forge new relationships.
“When we made the decision to cancel the InfoComm 2020 show in Las Vegas, the AVIXA team was determined to gather the industry together for an immersive experience of learning, engagement and networking in a virtual online event,” said Rochelle Richardson, CEM, senior vice president of expositions and events, AVIXA. “The enthusiasm and participation for InfoComm 2020 Connected exceeded expectations and reinforced something we already knew – the ProAV industry is resilient. Our world is undoubtedly changing, and we recognize the need to be agile and change with it. While we anticipate virtual and hybrid to be a part of the conversation, we look forward to when we’ll return to the in-person event and everyone joins us for InfoComm 2021 in Orlando.”
Total registrations for InfoComm 2020 Connected came to 23,408, and 41% of attendees were from outside the U.S. The show featured 495 exhibitors, and views of the exhibitor showcases came to 53,433.
rAVe’s reporting team covered the virtual trade show live — it’s all here on our own InfoComm Connected microsite — rAVePubs.com/InfoComm2020
The show’s sessions were highly viewed – totaling 59,662. There were 74 live sessions and on-demand presentations from 67 companies. Live sessions were presented for 11 hours each day from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. EDT to reach attendees globally. Popular topics included conferencing and collaboration; fusing space, technology, and content; trends that have emerged through the COVID crisis; higher education; and the state of the industry.
On Tuesday, David Labuskes, CTS, CAE, RCDD, CEO of AVIXA, delivered the keynote address on AV’s role in creating a post-COVID world that combines the best of physical and virtual experiences. Labuskes was then joined by Kate Wik, chief marketing officer, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, who discussed the intricate safety measures the city is taking as it gradually reopens for business. The session also featured Sam Taylor, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Almo Professional A/V, who talked about the technology advancements and macroeconomic factors that have driven the ProAV industry’s evolution.
Here’s a video interview that rAVe founder, Gary Kayye, did with Dave Labuskes, earlier this week. In it, Labuskes offers all sorts of insight into where our industry is headed and how we stay, technologically, ahead of it all:
The AVIXA Women’s Council hosted its annual breakfast event on Thursday, June 18, with keynote speaker Sara Potecha, author of West Point Woman. Potecha was one of the first women to graduate from the United States Military Academy at West Point. She discussed the competitive environment of the academy and the physical, educational, and mental challenges she experienced. Her talk centered on leading through crisis with character, competence and composure.
Attendees embraced virtual networking during InfoComm 2020 Connected – 1,117 exhibitor meetings were scheduled, and 14,277 chat messages were exchanged.
The InfoComm 2020 Connected virtual platform will remain live through Aug. 21 for attendees to browse exhibitor showcases and view on-demand sessions. Visit infocommshow.org/connected
InfoComm 2021 will take place June 12-18 (exhibits June 16-18) at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.