Explore every episode of the podcast AVIXA Podcasts

How do you build a career in AI when the technology is evolving faster than most training programs can keep up? On this episode of Practically AI, host Mark Metzger sits down with Blaine Brown, Chief AI Officer at CTI, to explore his path from AI hobbyist to executive leader.

Blaine shares how a curiosity sparked by early AI image generation tools and large language models turned into a passion that reshaped his career. He discusses the online communities, platforms, and hands-on experimentation that helped him learn AI, including working with tools like Stable Diffusion, ChatGPT, AI coding assistants, and more.

The conversation also examines how CTI is applying AI across its business, from improving workflows and employee productivity to developing intelligent solutions for clients. Along the way, Blaine offers practical advice for anyone looking to learn AI, build new skills, and stay ahead in a rapidly changing technology landscape.

Gareth Hay (Technical Consultant Manager, Barco Control Rooms) offers his expert perspectives on upcoming industry trends, technological innovation, and how organizations can optimize performance in mission-critical environments through smarter, more connected solutions.

InfoComm 2026 is right around the corner, and this episode of Backstage Pass: IC26 offers a first look at what two industry leaders have in store.

Host Ben Barnard is joined by special co-host Jennifer Weaver of AVIXA, stepping in for Samantha Powell. In the first segment, Ben sits down with Brad Hintze of Crestron, who shares updates on his expanded role, Crestron’s vision for engineered collaboration, and how the company is bringing content, control, and collaboration to life—both on the show floor and beyond—at InfoComm 2026.

In the second segment, Samantha Powell connects with Bobby Swartz of Advanced Network Devices (AND) to talk about Bobby’s transition into his new role, AND’s renewed brand momentum, and how the company is continuing to innovate in IP-based paging, mass notification, and life-safety solutions. Bobby also previews what attendees can expect from AND at InfoComm 2026, from new hardware to long-term innovation driven by engineering excellence.

In this episode of the Beyond Visual Podcast, Samantha Powell sits down with Rainy Fu of Design Never Sleeps and Spotify. Rainy chats about how her dreams started from Singapore, and how her journey eventually led her to America as she helps to build a path for the next generation of creatives.

In the 10th episode of Xceptional Insights, Sean Wargo and Peter Hansen look back at the economics and trends in AV as the industry continues to build back.

In the 9th episode of Xceptional Insights, Sean and Peter discuss exploring the experience economy. The AV industry is expected to grow 100 billion dollars over the next 5 years with most growth coming from the experience components of the economy.

Sam and Ben chat about some of the things ISE visitors can experience while at the show. Also featured on this episode is Sanj Surati of Tiger Heart, and Joe Hosken of the ISE team.

The emergence of virtual production tech has elevated the filming process of your favorite blockbusters to the next level. But how far back can we trace these techniques through history? Leon is joined by Hope Roth of QSC, Mark Mims of Home Studios, and Charles Heureaux of AVIXA to break down some movie-making magic.

In this episode of AV Reacts, the AV pros take a look at the Las Vegas phenomenon known as the Sphere. Leon Prather is joined by UCLA's Joe Way, Genevieve Cleary of Sound Connective, and AVIXA's Gibran Nassif.

Join hosts Samantha Powell and Ben Barnard as they begin show preparations for Integrated Systems Europe in Barcelona! Featured in this episode is the big guy of ISE himself, Mike Blackman to talk about the 20th anniversary and more. Amelia Kallman also joins the show to chat about the great content that will be featured this year. Buckle up and let's hit the road!

As the chair of the AVIXA Diversity Council, Frank Padikkala has worked to make the pro AV industry a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all. In this extended conversation with Frank, he describes how the audiovisual community creates a sense of belonging, and how his journey overtime helped define the person he would become. 

Have you ever been to a place and thought "wow, that is some great AV!" Well... this podcast episode will contain none of that. In this AV Reacts Haloween-special, host Leon Prather is joined by AVIXA's Elizabeth Burnham, as well as Jerrold Stevens, the founder of the AV Install Nightmares Facebook group and group admin Ivan Schwartz. Grab some popcorn and be prepared to get spooked by some truly scary AV stories.

Terrance Cooley is the Chief Information Office in a division of the US Air Force. While the early years of his life were tragic and extremely challenging, Terrance has overcome those circumstances and now uses them to mentor other young people through foster parenting. In this episode of Beyond Visual, he goes in depth with Samantha Powell to talk about his life story, his love of technology and the change he hopes to inspire with the next generation.

Artificial intelligence is no longer a buzzword in virtual production—it’s actively reshaping how content gets made.

In this episode of Practically AI, host Mark Metzger (AVIXA) sits down with Florian Gallier, Head of Strategic Partnerships at Mo‑Sys, to explore how AI is changing the virtual production pipeline—from pre‑production planning to real‑time, on‑set interactivity.

Mark and Florian chat about how AI-driven techniques like Gaussian splats let creators scan real locations and bring them into LED volumes, motion capture without mocap suits, how AI helps creators work faster, reduce costs, and maintain creative control and more.

In the 8th episode of Xceptional Insights, Sean and Peter discuss the emergence of artificial intelligence in the realm of AV. What economic impact will this have on the industry and beyond?

In this episode of AV Reacts, our friends at the Digital Signage Federation have convened a panel to discuss their favorite retail brand experiences in New York City. Join Beth Warren and she speaks with Melissa Gonzalez from MG2, David Title from Bravo Media and David Polinchock from Brand Experience Lab to learn more about some of their favorite retail AV installations in the Big Apple.

In the 7th Xceptional Insights, Sean Wargo and Peter Hansen discuss "The Next $100 Billion" and what it means in the realm of pro AV. The duo also chat about staffing and the role artificial intelligence plays in how companies are becoming more aware of its application.

In the sixth episode of Xceptional Insights, hosts Sean Wargo and Peter Hansen go face-to-face and take a look at the state of distribution on the AV market in 2023 as we continue to build back economically.

2023 is a rebound year for many verticals in the AV industry. Interestingly, conferencing and collaboration remains more stagnant in growth. Why? The phenomenon may be more simple than you think. In the fifth episode of Xceptional Insights, hosts Sean Wargo and Peter Hansen take a deep dive into the numbers behind the world of conferencing and collaboration.

In the inaugural episode of AV Reacts, hosts Narin Nara and Gibran Nassif welcome in Rebecca Sullins of Clair Global and Frank Padikkala of Audinate to discuss the power of AV at Super Bowl LVII. In terms of eye-catching AV, did they do too little this year... or was it just right?

When it comes to the economics in our world, there's bad news, but there's good news for AV... In the fourth episode of Xceptional Insights, hosts Sean Wargo and Peter Hansen take a look at the effects of recession on the AV market, particularly what happened in 2022 and what to expect in 2023.

In the third episode of Xceptional Insights, hosts Sean Wargo and Peter Hansen discuss the state of wages on the AV industry workforce. With staff retention and hiring affected by recent economic trends, where will the industry be moving forward?

In the second episode of Xceptional Insights, hosts Sean Wargo and Peter Hansen discuss the effect of inflation in the AV industry. With the economy trending in an ominous direction due to recessionary threats and high inflation looming, what does that mean for pro AV?

Join hosts Sean Wargo and Peter Hansen for the inaugural episode of the Xceptional Insights podcast. As market experts, Sean and Peter will identify trends in the economy and discuss the various implications for the AV industry.

Today's topic is hybrid work - what is the data revealing about plans to return to the office and what could be the impact for professional AV? Are challenges on the horizon if employees don't return to the office or will it create new opportunities for the AV community?  Download and subscribe wherever you access your favorite podcasts for future episodes.

Get an exclusive preview of Las Vegas ahead of InfoComm 2026 in this episode of Backstage Pass: IC26

Hosts Samantha Powell and Ben Barnard kick off the episode with behind-the-scenes stories from their recent time in Vegas, sharing insights on the city’s energy, entertainment, and convention buzz.

The highlight of the episode features Vanessa Claspill, Chief Sales Officer of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), in a conversation with Samantha about what attendees can expect when they come to Las Vegas for InfoComm 2026.

Kirsten Nelson talks with three guests with varying perspectives on human factors in workplace experience design: Rachael Harris, Production Manager; Mary Franck, Creative Director with ESI Design, an NBBJ Studio and Mark Coxon, Sales Director of Technology with Tangram Interiors.

Kirsten  talks with Toshi Hoo, Director of the Emerging Media Lab at the Institute for the Future and Sundar Raman, Director of Technology with the Museum of the Future about creating the ideal balance of technological novelty and more analog forms of interactivity.

Kirsten talks with guests Rainy Fu, Art Director and Founder of Design Never Sleeps, Chris Neto, Market Development Manager with Starin, a Midwich Company and Hanane Abdalla, Audience Engagement Manager with AVIXA about branding design and the many ways to make ourselves memorable online — in a good way.

Kirsten discusses how music and sound are reframing this moment in hospitality with guests Pablo Henderson, Vice President of Marketing for Equinox Hotels and Anida Gurlit, Creative Director of Music Design for Mood Media.

Kirsten Nelson is joined by Chris Hope, Executive Director and Co-Founder of The Loop Lab and Elisa Hamilton, Socially Engaged Multimedia Artist to talk about a bringing a long-needed realignment on diversity and inclusion to media arts.

Kirsten talks with two renowned museum exhibit experience designers and technologists, Sasha Harris-Cronin of BBI Engineering and Maria Mortati of Maria Mortati Experience Design to find out more about the new ways we can use interactive technology in these spaces.

Kirsten speaks with Margot Douaihy and Francesa Birks to talk about the numerous ways technology is reshaping the classroom experience in K-12 and higher education.

Kirsten Nelson talks with Adekambi Laleye with klik and Safeteams, and David Title with Bravo Media to talk about new and evolving uses of tech for virtual and in-person events.

Kirsten discusses a new plan of action and accountability with Latoya Lewis of EnventU, Brittany Anderson of Ballou HS and Will Curran of Endless Events.

Kirsten discusses the ways we can create more authentic remote conversations, featuring Amar Bakshi of Shared_Studios and Julie Johnston of University Information Technology Services Department of Indiana University.

In Episode 2 of Backstage Pass: IC26, hosts Samantha Powell and Ben Barnard dive deeper into the energy building around InfoComm 2026 in Las Vegas. From travel stories and show-floor anticipation to immersive tech landmarks like the Sphere, the conversation sets the stage for what attendees can expect this year.

The episode features a dedicated segment on social media at InfoComm 2026, with insights from Gibran Nassif and Narin Nara, who share practical tips on how attendees, exhibitors, and content creators can get involved online, grow their presence, and be part of the conversation before, during, and after the show.

Kirsten chats with three experts in the 3D printing world: Christina Perla, Co-Founder and CEO, Makelab; Victoria Bill, Director, MakerSpace LAB at New York University Tandon School of Engineering; and James Patten, Director and Principal, Patten Studio.

Kirsten is joined by Wiena Lin of Public Good Labs; Mary Franck of ESI Design and Daniel White, Senior Experiential Media Producer to examine of how we can expand storytelling through transmedia design — telling stories using multiple mediums and reflecting multiple voices.

In the midst of a pandemic, Kirsten examines what makes things memorable with Paul Chavez, Associate, User Experience and Technology with Arup, and Nathan Adkisson, Director of Strategy and Associate Creative Director with Local Projects.

Emily Conrad, Co-Founder and President of Tessellate Studio Program and Songul Aslanturk, User Experience Design Lead with Google join Kirsten to discuss the reimagining of how people will interact with the physical and human elements of public spaces.

This week, AV&C’s David Bianciardi and Arup's Gideon D'Arcangelo dive into a question many experience designers are asking: What should we build next?

In this episode of the AV Unplugged Podcast, host Mark Metzger is joined by James Tian and Daniel Napier of ikan to explore the growing role of broadcast AV in corporate environments.

Broadcast studios are no longer limited to television networks. Today’s corporations are building flexible, high‑quality studio spaces for podcasting, executive communications, product demos, training, live streaming, and virtual events. James and Daniel share hard‑earned insights from designing and operating real‑world corporate studios, including ikan’s own Houston-based facility and AVIXA’s DC-based space.

Get ready for InfoComm 2026 in Las Vegas with an all‑access episode of Backstage Pass: IC26! Hosts Samantha Powell and Ben Barnard break down everything you need to know heading into the AV industry’s biggest show of the year.

In this episode, we recap recent industry events, share behind‑the‑scenes show prep, and dive into what makes InfoComm 2026 bigger, smarter, and more immersive than ever. You’ll hear exclusive insights from special guest Jen Heinold as she reveals how InfoComm is reimagining the show floor with a Work & Play theme, brand‑new Activation Hubs, enhanced app features, and powerful networking opportunities.

#InfoComm #BackstagePass #AVIndustry #LiveEvents #AVTech #TradeShows #LasVegas #ActivationHubs #AVIXA #EventProduction

In the premiere episode of Practically AI, host Mark Metzger sits down with Zachary Fisher, AVIXA’s Director of Learning, to reveal the newly developed CTS Chat Buddy—an AI‑powered study assistant designed to support CTS candidates and AV professionals alike.

This episode dives into how AVIXA trained this custom AI model using vetted educational content, why it’s a trusted companion for exam prep, and how it personalizes study plans, delivers sample questions, and supports ongoing learning in the field. Mark and Zach explore the broader implications of artificial intelligence in the audiovisual industry, discuss how AI can complement instructors rather than replace them, and share insights into what’s coming next as the tool evolves beyond its beta phase.

Pursuing your CTS certification or curious about practical AI applications in Pro AV? This conversation offers a clear look at how AVIXA is shaping the future of learning.

In this episode of Tech Support, host Holger Wiesenberg, CTS, ANP (Audinate) sits down with Yasemin Fröehlacher of Easescreen to break down one of the industry’s most common challenges: effective troubleshooting in AV‑over‑IP and digital signage systems.

Recorded live at ISE 2026, this conversation dives into why modern troubleshooting feels more complex—and how technicians can stay calm, systematic, and successful when things go wrong. Holger and Yasemin explore real‑world examples, from black screens to network discovery issues, and share practical advice on everything from checking physical layer connections to navigating corporate network security.

This episode will help you streamline your troubleshooting strategy and better understand today’s AV‑over‑IP landscape.

In this episode of AV Unplugged, host Mark Metzger sits down on the ISE 2026 show floor with Mattias Llop‑Allevik of JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Bryan Davies of Ross Video for a deep dive into the accelerating convergence of broadcast and pro AV.

From New York to London to global headquarters around the world, enterprise environments are evolving fast—embracing centralized production models, broadcast‑grade reliability, immersive digital signage, and increasingly sophisticated content pipelines. Mattias and Bryan unpack the forces driving this shift.

With practical insights from both the integrator and manufacturer perspectives, this conversation explores how organizations are redefining the modern media ecosystem—internally and externally—and what it takes to build systems that scale, impress, and truly perform.

Join host Mark Metzger in this AV Unplugged episode as he sits down with Jean‑Francois Schoepfer, CTS, Senior AV Engineer at Roche, to explore his journey into the audiovisual industry.

Jean‑Francois shares how his lifelong passion for electronics led him into AV, how he navigated the challenges of balancing work and study, and what earning the Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) certification has meant for his professional growth.

Join us for a special InfoComm Asia edition of Backstage Pass as we preview one of the AV industry's premier events in Bangkok, Thailand. Host Narin Nara sits down with Pang Yee Loy, Senior Director, APAC at AVIXA, to discuss what attendees can expect at InfoComm Asia, including emerging AV trends, AI-driven innovation, education sessions, tech tours, and the rapid growth of the Pro AV market across the Asia-Pacific region. They also share insider tips on experiencing Bangkok’s culture, food, and vibrant technology scene.

In the second segment, Samantha Powell talks with Vince Lepore, Director of Training at Audinate, about the latest Dante innovations unveiled at InfoComm, including new AVIO Install Adapters, Dante Preset Creator, Iris PTZ Camera Management, and Dante Director Professional.

Vince also explains why interoperability, education, and training remain at the heart of Audinate’s mission and what attendees can look forward to at InfoComm Asia.

Recorded live at Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2026 in Barcelona, this special episode of AV Unplugged brings together AV leaders from Europe, Latin America, and the APAC region for a powerful conversation about the future of sustainability in the industry and SAVe. Hosted by Danilda Martinez, the panel explores how different regions—each with unique cultural, economic, and regulatory landscapes—are tackling environmental responsibility in their own ways.

Danilda speaks with:

Priscilla Ho — VP of Operations at ESCO, representing the APAC region

Virginia Molina — VP of Digital Projections, representing Latin America

Marjolein Koens-Schaddelee — Managing Director at AVEX and GPA Board Member, representing Europe

This cross-continental conversation highlights one shared truth: the AV industry’s sustainable future will be built together—through collaboration, transparency, and meaningful action.

In this final episode of Backstage Pass for the ISE 2026 season, Sam and special host Hannah Shellswell are joined by ISE Managing Director Mike Blackman, and AVIXA CEO Dave Labuskes as they look back at a record-setting ISE. Mike and Dave discuss their favorite parts of the show, what they look forward to in the future, and are joined by two surprise guests to bestow them with a special honor.