Explore every episode of the podcast HETMA Presents...

In the premiere episode of HETMA Presents, the leadership team kicks off the “Road to 10K” initiative with a candid, unscripted conversation about growth, purpose, and what success really looks like for the HETMA community. Host Ryan Gray is joined by Joe Way, BC Hatchett, and Troy Powers to explore the launch of HETMA’s new themed year—one focused not on sales or metrics, but on authentic personal and professional development across the higher ed AV vertical.
This month’s theme, “True North: The Future of You,” asks members to reflect on their mission, their goals, and the values that guide their decisions. The group discusses the reasons behind the year-long framework, how engagement—not just membership—is the real target, and why doing the work themselves as volunteers matters deeply to the organization’s identity.

Topics Discussed

• The origin and purpose of the “Road to 10K” initiative
• How the initiative represents a return to HETMA’s founding values
• The difference between member count and active engagement
• Monthly themes as a structure for personal and community growth
• Why AV isn’t the headline—and why that’s intentional
• The role of volunteerism in leadership development
• Building sustainable events and operational templates
• Creating belonging through participation and shared work
• What “True North” means to each leader
• Hopes for how the community will grow by June 2026

Continue the conversation at community.hetma.org

In this inaugural installment of HETMA Presents… Chair to Chair, host Erin Maher-Moran, Chair of the HETMA Board of Directors, sits down with Chris Kelly of Creighton University and Advisory Boards Chair of HETMA. The conversation dives into Chris’s unique journey from social work and counseling into higher education technology, exploring how his early experiences shaped his leadership style and passion for building community.

Listeners will hear how advisory boards create meaningful connections between manufacturers and higher education institutions, why involvement is open to everyone—from entry-level techs to campus leaders—and how these conversations advance HETMA’s mission of innovation and collaboration. Chris also shares insights on leadership, personal growth, and finding your “true north” while reflecting on how higher ed technology impacts students, faculty, and the future of learning.

• Erin introduces Chair to Chair and its mission to spotlight HETMA committee leaders
• Chris Kelly’s journey from social work into IT and AV technology
• The shift from programming frustration to embracing technology’s broader potential
• Surprises and learning curves entering higher education AV
• The purpose and structure of HETMA advisory boards
• Advisory boards as a platform for collaboration with manufacturers and peers
• Leadership lessons drawn from social work and campus IT experiences
• Personal mission, future vision, and the value of lifelong learning
• Advice for those seeking their own “true north” in higher ed technology careers
• Why every professional, regardless of role, benefits from participating in HETMA programs

Join the conversation at community.hetma.org and subscribe to HETMA Presents… wherever you get podcasts or watch on YouTube.

HETMA Presents... is a production of Higher Ed AV Media, learn more a higheredav.com

In this August installment of HETMA Presents… Chair to Chair, Board Chair Erin Maher-Moran sits down with Membership Chair Tim Neviska of Kenyon College for an honest and uplifting conversation about professional growth, connection, and finding your place in higher ed AV. What starts as a chat about committee work quickly turns into a deeply relatable story about career pivots, introversion, and the quiet power of being seen.

Tim shares how he stumbled into AV from a DJ career, built a reputation as the go-to person at Kenyon College, and found his professional tribe in HETMA. The conversation is full of useful advice for anyone wondering how to get more involved—whether you’re shy, new to the industry, or just feeling unsure of where to start. From smart onboarding strategies to tales of budget-savvy ingenuity, Tim models what it looks like to lead with humility and impact.

Whether you’re one of HETMA’s 3,000+ members or still on the fence about joining, this episode will remind you that real growth doesn’t happen in isolation—and that sometimes, all it takes is reaching out to someone who “gets it.”

Topics Discussed

• How Tim first discovered HETMA through AVNation’s Rave Launch
• Serving as the go-to AV lead at a small liberal arts college
• Becoming a recognizable campus presence through live event support
• HETMA’s unique free-to-join model and its impact on inclusion
• What the Membership Chair actually does (beyond counting heads)
• The importance of onboarding and lowering barriers for new members
• Why professional relationships are built one small ask at a time
• How to grow your network even if you’re introverted
• The value of smaller events like roadshows before InfoComm
• Tips for getting involved, staying connected, and paying it forward

Tim Neviska
Membership Chair, HETMA
Senior Audiovisual Solutions Manager, Kenyon College
📧 Email: membership@hetma.org
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-neviska


Join the Conversation
We want to hear from you! Share your reflections, questions, or connection stories in the HETMA community at community.hetma.org. Whether you’re new to the space or a long-time member, your voice matters—and this is the month to merge lanes and grow together.

In this second installment of HETMA Presents… The Road to 10K, host Ryan Gray is joined by three incredible guests—Tim Albright (AVNation), Britt Yenser (Northampton Community College), and Chris Dieterich (Biamp)—to explore August’s theme: Merging Lanes – Connect to Grow. The conversation is personal, practical, and full of insight, emphasizing that growth doesn’t happen in isolation. Whether you’re building a network, stepping into mentorship, or learning to show up for others in meaningful ways, this episode will give you both encouragement and a push.

The guests share honest reflections about introversion, career shifts, and how networking and mentorship have shaped their journeys. They also offer actionable advice for anyone looking to get more involved, connect more deeply, or help others rise. From small steps to big jumps, this is a conversation about growing yourself by growing with others.

Guest Contact Info:
Tim Albright
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tdalbright/
Email: tim@avnation.tv
Website: https://avnation.tv

Britt Yenser
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/britt-yenser/
X (Twitter): https://x.com/brAVe_britt_
BlueSky: https://blueskydirectory.com/profiles/bravebritt.bsky.social

Chris Dieterich
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-dieterich-cts-cqd-22843190/



Topics Discussed

• The power of building a professional network before you “need” it
• How introverts can thrive in public roles and community spaces
• Britt’s strategy for authentic connection via social media
• Why mentorship is broader than your job title or experience level
• Chris’s leap from higher ed to industry—and what he’s learning already
• Delegation as a form of trust and a way to help others grow
• Representation, inclusion, and creating space for others to be seen
• Why being genuine doesn’t require full transparency
• The role of books and asynchronous mentors in personal growth
• Practical advice for expanding your network with intention

Join the conversation and grow with us—visit community.hetma.org to connect with fellow members, share your takeaways, or ask follow-up questions to today’s guests. The Road to 10K continues with monthly themes, powerful discussions, and a community that shows up.

This show is a production of Higher Ed AV Media, visit us at www.higheredav.com for more great content.

Connect with Ryan:
Ryan@higheredav.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanagray/

This debut episode of This Month in Higher Ed AV kicks off a monthly panel discussion reviewing key content posted to Higher Ed AV Media. Host Ryan Gray is joined by Jon Gunzel of John A. Logan College, Renee Benson of Sony Professional Display Solutions, and Erin Maher-Moran, Chair of HETMA from Johns Hopkins University. Together, they explore major trends and insights shaping the higher ed AV landscape, all grounded in fresh articles and columns.

The discussion dives into HETMA’s Road to 10K membership growth campaign, which aims to expand global engagement through community initiatives and professional development. The panel also breaks down Sony’s partnership with LiquidView and its innovative use of Pro Bravia displays to create virtual windows, opening possibilities for immersive learning and wellness spaces. Finally, the episode examines DSPs in the Classroom and how practical audio design principles can dramatically improve learning experiences. Listeners will hear industry perspectives, implementation ideas, and authentic reflections on how these topics connect to AV’s role in higher education.

https://higheredav.com/breaking-news-hetma-announces-road-to-10k/

https://higheredav.com/sonys-pro-bravia-displays-help-liquidview-turn-blank-walls-into-realistic-windows-to-the-worldsony-at-infocomm-2025-tracking-the-future-of-lecture-capture-sony/

https://higheredav.com/dsps-in-the-classroom-under-the-hood-of-smarter-sound-sound-perspectives/



Guest Contacts:

• Jon Gunzel – jonathan.gunzel@jalc.edu, https://www.linkedin.com/in/jgunzel89/
• Renee Benson – renee.benson@sony.com, https://www.linkedin.com/in/reneebenson/
• Erin Maher-Moran – https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-maher-moran/

Topics Discussed

• Launch of This Month in Higher Ed AV as a monthly series
• Overview of HETMA’s Road to 10K membership campaign and six strategic pillars
• Community-building approaches for higher ed AV professionals
• Sony Pro Bravia displays powering LiquidView virtual windows
• Applications of virtual windows in education and wellness spaces
• Back-to-basics DSP best practices from Teddy Murphy’s Sound Perspectives column
• Audio quality as a foundation for hybrid learning and clear communication
• Panel perspectives from higher ed, manufacturing, and association leadership
• Upcoming Higher Ed AV Media content, including Chair to Chair and new AI-focused columns
• Reflections on how AV professionals can leverage industry content for growth

Join the conversation and connect with the community at community.hetma.org.

HETMA Presents... is a production of Higher Ed AV Media.  Check out all our content at higheredav.com

Dropping in the early days of January 2026, this “December 2025” edition intentionally looks backward before it looks ahead—using the turn of the year as a moment to reflect, reset, and reconnect. Instead of a single host monologue, the episode is built around community voice notes: real people sharing their biggest wins, challenges, and surprises from 2025. 

You’ll hear how relationships, volunteering, and mentorship show up as through-lines across wildly different roles and regions—plus what it looks like to turn hard seasons into forward motion. The episode closes with an open invitation: if you’ve got a win, challenge, surprise, or “here’s what I learned” moment to share, send in a voice note and keep the conversation rolling into the new year. 

Topics Discussed

• Year-end reflection as a professional practice (not just a calendar habit)
• Relationships as the real work that underpins everything else
• Getting involved in community: raising your hand and finding your lane
• Stretching outside your comfort zone as a growth strategy
• Manufacturer/campus partnerships as a two-way ecosystem
• Turning challenges into clarity and progress
• Building new systems and capabilities on campus (and what it takes)
• Recognition, awards, and what they represent beyond the trophy
• Mentorship, collaboration, and support as a professional “infrastructure”
• Road to 10K energy: growing the community by amplifying more voices

Join the conversation (and share your perspective) at community.hetma.org.

Want to be featured on a future episode? Send in a voice note via the widget on HigherEdAV.com.

Host: Ryan Gray
editor@higheredav.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanagray/
www.HigherEdAV.com


This show is a production of Higher Ed AV Media. Visit www.HigherEdAV.com for new content every day.

In this December episode of HETMA Presents… Chair to Chair, Erin Maher-Moran sits down with John Pfeffer from the University at Buffalo, chair of HETMA’s FlexSpace committee, to explore how a long-running learning space repository can evolve to meet the needs of a growing higher ed AV community. John traces his path from a small K–12 district to leading large-scale classroom technology strategy at SUNY’s University at Buffalo, including his early days running a course management system from a server under his desk and helping build the original technology taxonomy behind FlexSpace. He shares why keeping FlexSpace as an open educational resource matters, and how he’s thinking about partnerships, sustainable architecture, and the reality that any system has to outlast the people who built it. 

The conversation then shifts into December’s theme of “Yield to Traffic – Productive Rest,” as John and Erin get honest about boundaries, sustainability, and the myth of being “always on” in AV and IT. John reflects on how robust system design has reduced the need for 24/7 firefighting at Buffalo, why meetings and prioritization matter as much as hardware, and how delegation and realism help him avoid trying to be the “do-it-all” person. They connect space design, time management, and career seasons, closing with a reminder that the real measure of productive rest is whether the job is crowding out the moments that matter most with family and loved ones. 

Topics Discussed:

John’s path from K–12 technology director to higher ed at the University at Buffalo. The origin story of FlexSpace and its roots in LSRS-aligned learning space examples. 
Why keeping FlexSpace as an open, no-cost educational resource is a core value. 
Treating FlexSpace like product management: catalogs of equipment, users, and spaces at scale. 
Sustainable systems design at Buffalo and reducing the need for 24/7 classroom “heroics.” 
Productive rest, meetings, and Patrick Lencioni’s Death by Meeting as a tool for better use of time. 
Delegation, not trying to be at the center of every purchasing or operational decision. 
How realistic constraints in physical space mirror the need for realistic expectations of time and energy. 
Service mindset, faculty partnerships, and knowing when to “yield” and let others take the reins. 
Looking ahead: the vision for a simpler, widely used FlexSpace that becomes a go-to resource across conferences, roadshows, and campuses. 

John Pfeffer
Email: jfeffer@buffalo.edu

Erin Maher-Moran
Email: ErinMaherMoran@hetma.org
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-maher-moran


Join the conversation, share your own strategies for productive rest, and connect with HETMA’s community of higher ed AV professionals at community.hetma.org.

This show is a production of Higher Ed AV Media. Visit www.HigherEdAV.com for new content every day.

In this August edition of This Month in Higher Ed AV, host Ryan Gray is joined by Andy Vogel (The Ohio State University), Ann Kelly (UCLA), and Tim Neviska (Kenyon College) for a lively, insightful, and layered conversation about three timely pieces shaping the AV/IT landscape in higher education.

The panel opens with a discussion of “The Cloud Revolution in Pro AV: Why the Future is Software-Defined” by Richard Jonker, Vice President at NETGEAR Enterprise. The group digs into the implications of cloud-managed AV systems, the role of interoperability, and whether higher ed AV teams are ready—or willing—to give up traditional notions of control.
Read the article ➝ https://www.avnetwork.com/news/the-cloud-revolution-in-pro-av-why-the-future-is-software-defined

Next, Andy shares his own article, “Why Validating AI Matters”, kicking off his new column for Higher Ed AV Media. He walks the group through real-world examples of testing AI tools (including to learn bass guitar), and the panel discusses how institutions are managing AI implementation—from fluency courses to faculty debates about academic integrity.
Read the article ➝https://higheredav.com/ai-insights-with-andy-why-validating-ai-matters/

Finally, the group explores Tim’s personal essay “My Take: InfoComm 2019 to 2025,” which compares his first InfoComm experience to his recent return six years later. The conversation becomes a powerful reflection on professional visibility, industry inclusion, and the collective strength of higher ed voices in a rapidly changing AV world.
Read the article ➝https://higheredav.com/my-take-infocomm-2019-to-2025/

If you want to hear how AV/IT trends meet real campus practice—and what it means to belong in this space—this is the episode for you.

Topics Discussed

• Cloud-managed AV systems and institutional readiness
• Interoperability vs. proprietary ecosystems
• Higher ed AV’s evolving relationship with enterprise IT
• AI validation techniques in learning and operations
• Faculty perspectives on generative AI
• Critical thinking and student use of AI
• InfoComm 2019 vs. 2025: personal growth and industry change
• HETMA’s role in raising higher ed’s profile
• Small institutions and collective influence
• The emotional and strategic value of showing up

Guests:

• Andy Vogel
  • Email: communications@hetma.org
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-vogel

• Ann Kelly
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annkelly9/

• Tim Neviska
  • Email: membership@hetma.org
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-neviska-875b331b/

Host:

• Ryan Gray
  • LinkedIn: 
  • Email: ryan@higheredav.com
  • https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanagray/

Show Links:

• HETMA Community: https://community.hetma.org
• Higher Ed AV Media: https://higheredav.com

This show is a production of Higher Ed AV Media - www.higheredav.com

Feedback:We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Drop us a message on the HETMA Community or email any of the hosts and guests directly. Want to be featured in a future episode? Let us know—your voice matters.

For December’s theme of productive rest, HETMA brings a special crossover: a Big Think Thursday live stream from the HETMA Community feed, captured on Joe Way’s dock in sunny Southern California. Joe and AVNation’s Tim Albright dig into what it really looks like to rest on purpose when your calendar usually makes you wince. From learning to say no after 30 years of always saying yes, to hacking the Thanksgiving week for maximum recharge with minimal PTO, Tim shares how he protects his time and energy while still showing up for the industry. He also walks through how he applies an 80/20 lens to his weekly to-do list, identifying the one or two non-negotiable tasks each day that genuinely move his personal and professional goals forward—including daily rewrites on a book he’s working to release in 2026.

The conversation widens out to travel season and life on the road: balancing plane-time productivity with intentional unplugging through fiction reading and downloaded shows, and why hobbies like golf and Brazilian jiu jitsu become built-in therapy sessions for people who otherwise never stop moving. Along the way, Joe and Tim touch on mentorship, asking for help without feeling like a burden, weather jealousy between California and the Midwest, and a bit of community breaking news around new roles and upcoming HETMA Roadshows. It’s a relaxed, honest episode that models exactly what it’s talking about: making space for rest, connection, and purpose in the middle of a very full life.

Topics Discussed

• Why learning to say no is essential for avoiding calendar overload
• Using the Thanksgiving week as a strategic recharge window with minimal PTO
• Applying an 80/20 framework to weekly planning and daily non-negotiables
• Carving out 30 minutes a day for deep work, like book rewrites or career development
• The difference between technical skills growth and learning to manage and lead people
• Overcoming the discomfort of asking for help and building mentoring relationships
• Managing busy travel seasons by splitting plane time between work and intentional rest
• How hobbies like golf and Brazilian jiu jitsu force real mental and digital unplugging
• Weather, seasons, and the tradeoffs between Midwest snow and Southern California sunshine
• Community moments: job news, HETMA Roadshows, and AVNation’s ongoing partnership with HETMA

Want to keep the #Roadto10K momentum going and continue this conversation about productive rest, boundaries, and career growth? Join the community discussion at community.hetma.org.

In this November edition of HETMA Presents… Chair to Chair, host Erin Maher-Moran sits down with HETMA Sponsorship Chair and UC Berkeley AV leader Matt Kaminski to explore the month’s theme: Pit Stop – Grounded Gratitude. Matt traces his unexpected path from ER, pediatrics, and labor-and-delivery nursing in France to becoming an Audio Visual and digital services leader in higher education at UC Berkeley, where he now steers AV and digital strategy for the College of Computing, Data Science, and Society. Along the way, he talks about capital projects, AV over IP, Zoom rooms, and how HETMA became the community where his ideas were finally understood—and validated.

The conversation gets deeply personal as Matt shares a recent life-threatening medical emergency that forced him to rethink boundaries, energy, and what “matters most” both at work and at home. From small wins like being invited to the executive table and seeing pilot projects become standards, to big-picture changes in how sponsors engage with higher ed, Matt unpacks what a true “win-win” sponsorship model looks like. He and Erin talk about the power of mentoring, community spaces like happy hours and lunch-and-learns, and how the Sponsorship program is evolving to include not just hardware companies, but the SaaS and AI platforms that now shape our AV/IT ecosystems.

Topics Discussed

• Matt’s journey from French ER nurse and EMT to AV and digital services leadership at UC Berkeley
• How 9/11 inspired his interest in U.S. emergency response and ultimately led him to Berkeley
• Moving from an admin role in the dean’s office into AV, capital projects, and campus-wide digital learning initiatives
• Finding HETMA as a place for validation, shared struggles, and professional recognition
• What the HETMA Sponsorship Chair role really entails beyond “getting sponsors”
• Building sponsor relationships that focus on partnership, feedback, and co-designed solutions instead of end-of-quarter sales pushes
• A near-fatal health scare in Hawaii and how it reframed his views on work, boundaries, and mental health
• Practical habits that keep him grounded: planning a week ahead, making space to decompress, and leaning on community conversations
• Celebrating benchmarks in big capital projects and moving from “one step forward, two steps back” to something more sustainable
• The future of HETMA sponsorships: including SaaS and AI platforms while keeping the program focused and manageable

Connect with Matt Kaminski
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthieu-kaminski/

Connect with Erin Maher-Moran
Email: ErinMaherMoran@hetma.org
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-maher-moran/

Join the conversation with the HETMA community at community.hetma.org.

This show is a production of Higher Ed AV Media. Visit www.HigherEdAV.com for new content every day.

Recorded live at Vanderbilt University, this month’s Road to 10K conversation dives into November’s theme: practicing gratitude. Ryan sits down with Dr. Joe Way (UCLA) and Brittany Grant (Aims Community College) to explore how failure, forgiveness, and community shape who we become – not just as AV/IT professionals, but as humans. They trace the origins of the Road to 10K initiative, reflect on HETMA’s rapid growth from “lightning in a bottle” to an established force in the industry, and unpack why authentic gratitude is so much harder – and more vulnerable – than the polite, surface-level kind.

Along the way, they share deeply personal stories: Joe’s house fire and the industry’s response, Brittany’s ongoing medical journey with providers who finally see her as a whole person, and Ryan’s own reframing of a recent injury through the lens of “it could have been so much harder than this.” The group connects these experiences back to HETMA’s mission, the power of community, and the idea that real legacies are built when leaders step aside and empower others. The episode closes with a challenge to every listener: reach out to one person this month with genuine gratitude or reconciliation – and keep the conversation going in the HETMA Community, complete with a #cowboyhatheadphones engagement challenge.

Topics Discussed

• The origin story of Road to 10K and why gratitude follows failure on the year-long theme calendar
• How HETMA grew from “a voice for our people” to a major higher ed AV force in just six years
• The role of the broader AV industry in validating higher ed’s buying power and influence
• Why authentic gratitude feels awkward, vulnerable, and hard to express without sounding cliché
• Failure as a teacher: how repeated missteps, criticism, and pushback shaped Joe’s leadership
• The emotional weight of being truly “seen” by medical professionals during complex health journeys
• Forgiveness, reconciliation, and the challenge to initiate a better relationship with at least one person
• Community and legacy: building structures that can thrive when founders step back
• The importance of inviting colleagues into professional communities instead of walking past their cubicles
• November’s Road to 10K engagement challenge and the #cowboyhatheadphones micro-contest

Contact & Credits
Connect with Brittany Grant
Email: ApprovedProgram@hetma.org
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittneymgrant/

Connect with Dr. Joe Way
Email: JosiahWay@hetma.org
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josiahway/

Connect with Ryan Gray
Email: editor@higheredav.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanagray/
Website: www.HigherEdAV.com

This show is a production of Higher Ed AV Media. Visit www.HigherEdAV.com for new content every day.

Join the Conversation:Keep the Road to 10K gratitude discussion going at community.hetma.org.

Recorded on-site amid the bustle of the HETMA Nashville Roadshow at Vanderbilt University, this month’s roundtable trades polished studio quiet for real-world energy and candid conversation. Ryan sits down with Chris Kelly (Creighton University; HETMA Advisory Board Chair), Rebecca Wade (Igloo Vision), and Scott Ramsayer (Shure, Market Development) to ask a simple prompt with big implications: one year from now, what will feel genuinely different in higher-ed AV? The group wrestles with AI’s real value versus the hype, where automation helps (and where it doesn’t), and why human-centered assessment and experiential learning should keep pushing forward. 

The panel moves from AI skepticism to pragmatic adoption—using AI to speed routine work or coding, while keeping humans responsible for outcomes—and calls out a cautionary tale about replacing people without oversight. They also explore the shift from passive work (and passive learning) to active, human experiences: think voice-enabled control, hands-on tech spaces, and authentic demonstrations of learning (e.g., recorded podcasts) instead of easily AI-generated essays. The episode closes with October-appropriate fun and a quick save-the-date: a HETMA Roadshow at Creighton University in Omaha is planned for July 9, 2026.

Topics Discussed

• On-site recording at Vanderbilt University during the HETMA Nashville Roadshow. 
• Intros: Chris Kelly (Creighton; HETMA Advisory Board Chair), Rebecca Wade (Igloo Vision), Scott Ramsayer (Shure).
• “AI reality check”: less magic, more useful automation—benefits with clear limits. 
• Where automation helps AV teams (auto-DSP/auto-tune) vs. why humans still matter on site. 
• Coding assist: using AI for Python/Lua snippets to “punch above your weight.” 
• Oversight matters: a pointed example of AI-driven decisions going wrong without humans in the loop. 
• Radical acceptance in higher ed: students already use AI; pedagogy must adapt. 
• Experiential learning: prioritize authentic demonstrations over AI-generable essays. 
• Near-term hopes: more voice-enabled control and fewer logistical/Cost barriers for advanced tech installs. 
• Roadshow note: Creighton University in Omaha targeted for July 9, 2026.

Host: Ryan Gray
Email: editor@higheredav.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanagray
Website: https://www.HigherEdAV.com

Guests: 
Chris Kelly LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-kelly-272155122/
Rebecca Wade LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-wade-979094154/
Scott Ramsayer LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-ramsayer-71167824/

This show is a production of Higher Ed AV Media. Visit www.HigherEdAV.com for new content every day.

HETMA Board Chair and host Erin Maher-Moran sits down with Troy Powers, Vice Chair of HETMA and Director at Northwestern University, to trace his path from construction electrician to higher-ed AV leader, and why he believes education is the long-game solution to society’s toughest problems. Troy reflects on mission, basic research, and why higher ed doesn’t always get credit for world-changing innovations—then unpacks how he found his leadership lane inside HETMA. 
 
October’s theme, “Road Work Ahead: Handling Failure,” comes alive through Troy’s unvarnished recap of the rain-soaked Northwestern Roadshow—complete with flooded tents, a late-night pig roast setup, and a dawn-of-day pivot that moved the entire showcase indoors in about an hour. He shares practical, pressure-tested lessons on making fast decisions, owning outcomes, and “being a goldfish” so the team can move forward. The conversation closes with HETMA’s ambitions to deepen sponsor–member connections and continue expanding globally, plus how to plug into the community now.   
 
Topics Discussed

• From electrician to higher-ed technologist: George Mason to Northwestern. 
• Why the higher-ed mission matters (and under-marketed wins from basic research). 
• Entry into HETMA leadership and stepping up when roles are undefined.   
• Chair/Vice-Chair dynamics and HETMA’s collaborative leadership culture. 
• The Northwestern Roadshow: plans, downpour, flooded tent, and the indoor pivot. 
• Outcomes: 198 signups, ~140 attendees—the most to date despite the weather. 
• Decision-making under pressure and owning consequences. 
• Delegation as a learned leadership muscle. 
• “Be a goldfish”: resilience, recovery, and not dwelling on mistakes. 
• What’s next: deeper sponsor–member connections and global expansion. 

Connect with Erin and Troy on the HETMA Community
Join Today: community.hetma.org

This show is a production of Higher Ed AV Media.
Visit www.HigherEdAV.com for new content every day.

In this episode, Erin Maher-Moran interviews Brittney Grant, the chair of HETMA's Approved Program Committee. Brittney shares her unexpected journey into higher education technology, which began with her involvement in high school theater and later at her church's tech team. After working in various fields like healthcare and manufacturing, she returned to live events. The COVID-19 pandemic led to her being one of three people running the entire venue. This experience, along with her role as the SGA’s VP of F&O at Aims Community College, helped her realize her passion for live events and process-oriented work. She applied for a job at Aims after graduating and has been there for three years. 

The Importance of Process 
Brittney emphasizes that her current role at Aims has been a significant learning experience, as there were almost no existing processes when she started. She had to learn everything the hard way, and she and her team are still working to establish and define systems. She likens the situation to "reorganizing the train at full speed," which is a challenging but necessary task. She also discusses the importance of having a balance between structure and flexibility in her work and personal life. She highlights the need to "take a step back" and "let the chips fall" when faced with setbacks, and she advises listeners that it's okay to fail and learn from the experience. 

The HETMA Approved Program 
Brittney explains that the Approved Program provides a service to evaluate technology products through the lens of higher education tech managers. This evaluation helps both HETMA members and manufacturers by giving them confidence that a product is suitable for the higher education environment. She notes that the program is expanding beyond hardware to include software. Brittney's goal is to improve the program's efficiency and communication by implementing clearer organizational processes and encouraging more HETMA members to participate as evaluators. She believes that a diverse group of evaluators is crucial for providing a comprehensive and accurate assessment of products. She ends the discussion by reiterating that building successful systems involves trial and error and the ability to adapt. She believes that the Approved Program will continue to evolve and serve the community better as more people get involved. 
 
Topics Discussed: 
    Brittney's Unconventional Career Path 
    The Importance of Defined Processes 
    What the HETMA Approved Program Does 
    The Challenge of Managing Expectations and People 
    The Value of Trial and Error 

Connect with Brittney Grant 
HETMA Approved Program Chair, Aims Community College – Audio Visual Specialist 
E-mail: approvedprogram@hetma.org 
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brittneymgrant 
Instagram: @btforhim 

Join the Conversation We want to hear from you! Share your reflections, questions, or connection stories in the HETMA community at community.hetma.org. Whether you’re new to the space or a long-time member, your voice matters—and this is the month to merge lanes and grow together. 

Today on HETMA Presents..., Ryan sits down with David Lopez, Global Director of Education Strategy at ScreenBeam, to unpack how wireless display has evolved from a convenience feature to a core building block for learning spaces. David traces the roots from Intel WiDi and Miracast to today’s multi-OS reality (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome) and explains why standards-based casting still matters for scale, support, and security. From there, the discussion widens: what higher ed actually needs beyond “put your screen on the wall,” how to ensure a consistent user experience across rooms, and the operational wins when faculty aren’t fighting drivers and dongles.

They also cover the bigger ecosystem: USB conferencing that lets BYOD laptops use in-room cameras and mics via ScreenBeam Conference; the receiver as a platform (Signage Plus, Alert Plus, Message Manager) for communications and light digital signage; and practical install touches like compact form factors and magnetic mounting. Looking ahead, David talks instruction-focused tools—whiteboarding that plays nicely with laptops, and moderation workflows (e.g., Orchestrate) that shine in labs and active-learning spaces. The through-line: simple, reliable, and IT-manageable experiences that lower friction for instructors and support teams.

Topics Discussed

• Why standards (Miracast/AirPlay/Chromecast) still underpin reliable, multi-platform casting in higher ed
• From “wireless display” to “platform on the display”: signage, alerts, and message management
• BYOD without the pain: using room cameras/mics with a laptop via USB conferencing (ScreenBeam Conference)
• Designing for a consistent end-user experience across rooms and buildings
• Admin/management considerations at scale: profiles, groups, updates, and security posture
• Hardware realities: small receivers, flexible power, clean mounting (including magnets)
• Teaching workflows: inking/whiteboard, annotating, and quick walk-up sharing
• Moderation in labs/active learning: when “raise-hand to share” (Orchestrate) makes sense in higher ed
• Deployment tips: avoiding driver roulette, reducing help-desk calls, and planning for mixed OS fleets
• Roadmap mindset: treating the receiver as an extensible edge device for campus communications

Join the Conversation
Want to weigh in or share your campus approach? Join the discussion at community.hetma.org.

Connect with David
Email: dlopez@screenbeam.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidlopez-edtech/
Website: www.ScreenBeam.com

Connect with Ryan
Email: editor@higheredav.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanagray/
Website: www.HigherEdAV.com



This show is a production of Higher Ed AV Media.  Visit www.HigherEdAV.com for new content every day.

September’s Road to 10K digs into how positive, repeatable habits become the engine of team culture and performance. Host Ryan Gray is joined by Brian Shanks (Texas State University), Annie Foster (Washington and Lee University; HETMA Secretary), and Steve Greenblatt (Control Concepts) to swap practical frameworks: stacking habits so one triggers the next, using “alerts” to spot when you’re slipping, replacing the old “just get it done” reflex with “get it done right,” and gamifying quality through commissioning and scoring handoffs between integration and support. The group keeps outcomes at the center and treats process as a living system—iterated, owned, and measured.  

They also get into the leadership moves that make habits stick: start with trust, invite fresh eyes to question sacred cows, sell the vision (don’t just demand it), and build internal champions who keep momentum when attention shifts. Steve introduces EOS-style Level 10 rhythms as a repeatable structure for reviewing goals and metrics, while Brian and Annie show how empowerment at the “lowest level” creates real buy-in. It’s a timely, practical blueprint for September’s theme—Build a System—so your team can thrive when crunch time hits.  

Topics Discussed

• Habit stacking and using “alerts” to course-correct early.  
• Turning “get it done” culture into “get it done right” quality.  
• Commissioning + scoring spaces to close the loop between integration and support.  
• Trust first: empowering teams to solve problems at the lowest level.  
• Giving new hires permission to challenge the “agreed-upon way.”  
• Selling the vision vs. micromanaging; building champions of consistency.  
• Using cadence (e.g., EOS Level 10) to keep outcomes front-and-center.  
• Personal habit hacks: accountability, tiny disciplines, and rewards.  
• When habits become liabilities—recognizing and retiring outdated routines.  
• Mission → buy-in → habits → outcomes: aligning people systems like AV systems.  

Connect with Brian Shanks

• Email: brianshanks@txstate.edu 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-shanks-06428b36/

Connect with Annie Foster

• Email: afoster@wlu.edu  
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ankneefoster/  

Connect with Steve Greenblatt

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevegreenblatt/
• https://controlconcepts.net
• https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-the-programmer/id1561530169
• https://www.avnation.tv/a-state-of-control/

Join the Conversation

Jump into the monthly thread: https://community.hetma.org

Show Links:

• HETMA Community: https://community.hetma.org
• Higher Ed AV Media: https://higheredav.com

This show is a production of Higher Ed AV Media - www.higheredav.com

Feedback: We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Drop us a message on the HETMA Community or email any of the hosts and guests directly. Want to be featured in a future episode? Let us know—your voice matters.

In this special edition of Chair to Chair, Erin Maher-Moran sits down with Joe Way (UCLA; HETMA co-founder; Higher Ed AV Media founder) to unpack two major recognitions: induction into SCN’s Hall of Fame and inclusion in a Top 100 innovators and entrepreneurs list. Joe frames the awards as bigger than personal accolades—signals that higher ed AV’s voice is increasingly being treated as a peer in the wider industry, and a reminder of how much progress the community has made in earning its seat at the table. 

From there, the conversation turns into an honest reflection on what innovation actually looks like in practice: taking risks, learning business fundamentals, leveraging relationships, and building teams with complementary strengths. Joe also digs into mentorship, trust, and legacy—why doors get held open, why people still have to walk through them, and why the most meaningful impact is measured in the people who grow beyond your shadow. The episode closes with Joe’s focus on a next chapter theme: letting go—not just delegating, but truly creating space for others to lead. 

Topics Discussed 

• What Joe’s SCN Hall of Fame recognition represents for higher ed AV’s standing in the broader industry 
• Why awards matter (and why they don’t), especially for credibility inside institutions 
• The role of timing, institutional context, and “stars aligning” in career growth 
• Joe’s approach to innovation: risk tolerance, iteration, and embracing failure as tuition 
• A blunt take on innovation in commercial AV and why that creates opportunity for leaders who push 
• Mentorship as intentional giving back—and as a long-term leadership multiplier 
• Building trust and loyalty: ambition, visibility, and genuine care for others’ success 
• Legacy in two places at once: UCLA transformation and community-wide influence through HETMA 
• HETMA’s evolution from a focused gap-filler to a durable organization that outgrows its founders 
• What’s next: letting go, creating bandwidth, and redirecting energy into lifting others up 

Join the conversation at community.hetma.org.

Erin Maher-Moran
Email: ErinMaherMoran@hetma.org
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-maher-moran/

Joe Way
Web: https://www.josiahway.com
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/josiahway
X (Formerly Twitter): https://www.x.com/josiahway
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josiahway

This show is a production of Higher Ed AV Media. Visit www.HigherEdAV.com for new content every day.

The Road to 10K kicks off 2026 with a theme that hits right where higher ed AV/IT teams actually live: the calendar turns, the mission stays the same, and the real work is recommitting with fresh intention. Ryan Gray is joined by Atkins Fleming (Texas State University, HETMA Treasurer), Erin Maher-Moran (Johns Hopkins University, HETMA Chair), and Scott Sanders (Sennheiser) for a wide-ranging conversation about what New Year’s motivation looks like when your environment is moving faster than your planning cycles.

The group digs into the tension between short-term execution and long-term direction: quarterly realities vs five- and ten-year roadmaps, stable standards vs best-in-class experiences, and the difference between working hard and actually moving forward. Along the way, they get practical about self-care as a professional responsibility (vacation time, boundaries, and culture), how feedback loops can become real KPIs, and why institutional values aren’t what a website says—they’re what leaders reward, fund, and tolerate when risk is involved. The month’s challenge is simple: don’t just start the engines—keep them tuned, aligned, and pointed at the goal.

Topics Discussed

• January theme framing: Start Your Engines, New Year’s, Same Goal — renewing intention without pretending the mission resets
• How planning horizons are shrinking: yearlong goals vs quarter/semester realities
• The micro/macro balance in higher ed: semester deliverables while still steering toward five- and ten-year outcomes
• Institutional culture as a driver: why some teams prioritize stability and standards, and where innovation can safely live
• The classroom expectation gap: student experience shaped by consumer tech and hospitality-style expectations
• Trouble-free vs best-in-class: when standardization is the strategy and when raising the bar is the differentiator
• Risk tolerance as the hidden switch: what happens when leaders say they want experimentation but punish failure
• Continuous assessment: aligning to what leaders actually do (time, money, rewards, discipline), not just stated values
• Performance management shifts: quarterly coaching conversations and the role of ongoing one-on-ones
• Self-care and boundaries as leadership work: scheduling time off proactively, protecting time away, and building redundancy so nobody is “the only one”

Keep the conversation going in the HETMA Community: community.hetma.org

Connect with Atkins Fleming

• Email: atkins@txstate.edu
• HETMA: treasurer@hetma.org

Connect with Erin Maher-Moran

• Email: ErinMaherMoran@hetma.org
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-maher-moran/

Connect with Scott Sanders

• Email: scott.sander@sennheiser.com 

Connect with Host (Ryan Gray)

• Email: editor@higheredav.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanagray/
• Website: www.HigherEdAV.com

This show is a production of Higher Ed AV Media. Visit www.HigherEdAV.com for new content every day.

This episode is a deep dive into a joint AVIXA and Logitech research effort focused on the lived technology experience in higher education. Host Ryan Gray speaks with Jackie Young, who leads global marketing for Logitech for Education, about why Logitech invests in human centric research and what the survey surfaced about the connection between classroom technology and overall institutional reputation.   
 
They discuss what it means when hybrid course expectations outpace room performance, why faculty satisfaction shows up as a defining success metric for AV and IT leaders, and how seemingly small friction points can ripple into student and faculty decisions about whether they stay.    The conversation closes with a practical set of pillars from the research and a reminder that future ready planning starts with reliability and intuitive setup today. 

Topics Discussed

• Who was surveyed and why Logitech partnered with AVIXA 
• Why technology experience shapes institutional perception and reputation 
• Innovation is not optional and what that means for campus roadmaps 
• The hybrid expectation gap and common weekly or daily faculty challenges 
• Faculty satisfaction as a primary success metric for AV and IT leaders 
• Designing rooms for five minute setups and low stress teaching flow 
• Retention risk when technology fails and why it matters financially 
• Budget storytelling with numbers and the maintenance and replacement reality 
• Flexibility, reliability, and insight as planning principles for learning spaces 
• The three pillars: high quality video, crystal clear audio, intuitive setup 

Download the research infographic: https://www.logitech.com/en-us/education/education-center/infographic/avixa-research-av-technology.html

Host
Ryan Gray
ryan@higheredav.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanagray
www.HigherEdAV.com

Guest
Jackie Young, Logitech for Education
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackie-boyle-young/

This show is a production of Higher Ed AV Media. Visit www.HigherEdAV.com for new content every day.

In this Chair to Chair conversation, Erin Maher-Moran welcomes Andy Vogel from The Ohio State University, HETMA’s Communications Chair, for a candid look at what it really takes to keep a fast growing professional community informed, connected, and genuinely engaged. Andy shares how his career started in the trenches of campus support, including managing high pressure student media workflows, before expanding into central AV support and eventually instructional design inside the College of Engineering.   

From there, the episode zooms out to the craft of communication in higher ed technology: why usability and peer proof often beat raw specs, how to explain tech value to non technical stakeholders, and why partnerships with teaching and learning centers can unlock real faculty adoption. Anchored to the month’s theme of leveling up, Andy reflects on building confidence through presenting, staying curious through ongoing learning, and using vulnerability and transparency as a practical leadership skill.
 
Topics Discussed
• Andy’s path from campus AV and classroom support into instructional design 
• How HETMA connections grew out of virtual conference involvement during 2020 
• Why the Communications Chair role blends newsletters, partners, social, and storytelling 
• Translating technical features into value statements that resonate with end users 
• The outsized power of peer institutions, case studies, and social proof 
• Communicating technology investments through teaching impact, not shiny gear 
• Practical ways to get faculty into training, including partnering with teaching and learning centers 
• A real world lesson on requirements gathering and why people ask for one thing but mean another 
• Leveling up through presenting, starting virtual, then moving into in person formats 
• Authentic community storytelling through nuance, listening, and self critique 

Erin Maher Moran
ErinMaherMoran@hetma.org
https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-maher-moran/ 

Andy Vogel, The Ohio State University
vogel.234@osu.edu  
https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-vogel/

Join the conversation at community.hetma.org

This show is a production of Higher Ed AV Media. Visit www.HigherEdAV.com for new content every day.

We talked with Criss Neimann from Shure at ISE 2026 about what they are showing for classrooms and collaboration spaces. The conversation covers the IntelliMix Bar Pro Kit, including design choices aimed at scalable deployments like built-in PoE+ switching and expansion options. We also dig into Microflex classroom approaches and what Shure is doing for larger spaces and production needs, including ANX4 for high channel-count wireless. If you are on-site in Barcelona, Shure is at Stand 3M300. 

We talked with Henry Brown and Theo Penty from Igloo Vision at ISE 2026 about shared immersive spaces that deliver a VR-like experience without headsets. The conversation covers how Igloo rooms support group learning and collaboration, and why usability matters as much as the visuals for higher ed adoption. We also dig into Igloo Core Engine 2.0 and what changes when sessions, content, and room control are designed to be instructor-friendly. If you are on-site in Barcelona, you can experience Igloo Vision on the Fujifilm stand at 5B100. 

We talked with Joe Andrulis from Biamp at ISE 2026 about what they are showing for larger higher ed spaces like classrooms and auditoriums. The conversation covers Parlé Presenter Lift and the idea of voice lift that does not require instructors to manage microphones. We also dig into MAX Connect with Auditorium Mode and why content sharing to personal devices can matter in big rooms. If you are on-site in Barcelona, Biamp is at Stand 3D700. 

We talked with Katie Watts from Vizrt at ISE 2026 about what they are showing for enterprise and education video workflows. The conversation covers Zoom-focused tools like InteractifAI for adding broadcast-style graphics and interactions to meetings, and CaptivAIte for AI-driven keying in Zoom rooms without a green screen. We also touch on TriCaster Vizion and how Vizrt’s live production stack scales from small teams to bigger campus productions. If you are on-site in Barcelona, Vizrt is at Stand 4Q500. 

We talked with Dan Wallace and Ron Epstein from Epiphan Video at ISE 2026 about what they are showing for higher ed capture and streaming. The conversation covers the Pearl lineup, including Pearl Nexus, and why appliance-based lecture capture still matters when you are deploying at campus scale. We also dig into the EC20 PTZ camera and what changes when cameras are managed as a fleet through Epiphan Edge. If you are on-site in Barcelona, Epiphan is at Booth 4R660. 

We talked with Ryan Willden from INOGENI at ISE 2026 about what they are showing for BYOM and hybrid room workflows. The conversation covers TOGGLE ROOMS for flexible laptop and room PC use, plus CAMTRACK as a voice-activated multi-camera switching approach. We also dig into IP2USB, including why bridging NDI and RTSP to USB matters for modern room designs and how Dante audio fits into that path. If you are on-site in Barcelona, INOGENI is at Booth 2W640. 

We talked with Brad Hintze from Crestron at ISE 2026 about what they are showing for higher ed classrooms and collaboration spaces. The conversation covers Collab Compute for Teams Rooms and Zoom Rooms, plus deployment details that matter when you are standardizing at scale. We also dig into intelligent video setup improvements, including AutoMeasure and ArUco markers, and how Crestron is approaching flexible audio with pods and AV over IP. If you are on-site in Barcelona, Crestron is in Hall 3 at Stand 3H300. 

In this conversation with Jay Lyons we catch up on the latest from Logitech. We dig into the Rally ecosystem, including Rally AI Camera Pro, and what campuses have been asking for around tracking, control, and room predictability. We also talk through the Rally Camera Streamline Kit and why camera control, not just camera placement, is often the real friction point in classrooms. If you are on-site in Barcelona, Logitech is in Hall 2 at Booth 2K100, with the Connected Classroom at Stand 2W100.

CDW is at ISE 2026 focused on the part of higher ed AV that is hardest to standardize: turning technology choices into repeatable, supportable campus experiences. In this conversation with Mike Peters and Tim Russell, we talk about moving beyond “shipping tin” into end-to-end work that connects sourcing, design, implementation, and managed services. They also dig into why specs only matter when they map to the student experience, and how institutions can keep consistency across distributed and international footprints. If you are building a roadmap for the next refresh cycle, this is a useful listen. 

PlexusAV is at ISE 2026 making the case that AV over IP should be built on open standards, not proprietary lock-in. In our quick conversation with Jim Reinhart, we dig into why IPMX matters for higher ed, and how real interoperability changes the long-term support and refresh story. We also talk about practical migration paths, including gateways that let campuses connect existing HDBaseT rooms into an IPMX network without ripping everything out. If you are on-site in Barcelona, you can find PlexusAV in Hall 5, Booth 5J700. 

Recorded live as the Friday keynote session on Day 3 of the HETMA Virtual Conference, this hybrid episode combines #Roadto10K and This Month in Higher Ed AV into one fast moving conversation. The panel starts with the month’s community theme, Time to Level Up, sharing what each person has improved over the past year, what the turning point looked like, and how they decide what is worth learning deeply versus what only requires functional competence.

The second half pivots into a timely industry discussion sparked by an AV Magazine piece that framed growing education AV spend as wasteful and trend driven. The panel unpacks why the tone landed as dismissive, why combining K 12 and higher ed as one story leads to bad conclusions, and how real higher ed purchasing is shaped by governance, accessibility, security, procurement, and lifecycle realities. The discussion also stresses the importance of a healthy feedback loop between campuses, manufacturers, integrators, and the rest of the channel, plus a reminder that burnout helps nobody and stepping away can be part of staying effective.

Topics Discussed

Live hybrid format and why these two monthly shows were merged for the keynote 
Tim’s role change to Rutgers Newark and leveling up leadership, mentoring, and networking knowledge 
Britt’s classroom design growth and the hidden skill of time blocking and patience 
Gina’s leadership evolution: facilitation over fixing, plus guiding questions as a coaching tool 
The 80 percent mindset and why progress and learning can beat perfectionism in real operations 
Choosing what to learn deeply based on role, direction, and passion, including learning purely for joy 
Neurodivergence, hyperfocus, and the flip side of overwhelm and freeze, plus self awareness about learning style 
Tackling discomfort: imposter syndrome, returning to the classroom, and using external accountability 
Personal documentation and knowledge transfer as an emotional hurdle, and the parallel to workplace continuity 
The AV spending controversy, the AVWeek discussion, and HETMA’s published response pushing back on the framing

Articles Discussed:
Original article: https://www.avinteractive.com/news/systems-design-integration/are-educational-institutions-wasting-their-money-on-av-14-01-2026/ 
Discussion on AVWeek: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FLQnVhkwlA 
HETMA response op ed: https://www.avnation.tv/2026/02/04/oped-higher-ed-is-not-wasting-money-on-av-but-we-are-tired-of-being-talked-down-to/ 

Join the conversation at community.hetma.org 

Host: Ryan Gray
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanagray/ 

Panel Britt Yenser
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/britt-yenser/
Tim Van Woeart LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-van-woeart-cts-45416826/ 
Gina Sansivero LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gina-sansivero/ 

This show is a production of Higher Ed AV Media. Visit www.HigherEdAV.com for new content every day.

Panasonic’s ISE 2026 story is focused on what higher ed teams feel every day: keeping display and projection fleets stable, supportable, and easier to manage at scale. In this quick conversation with Joe Dolce, we dig into new remote monitoring capabilities aimed at clearer diagnostics and more preventative maintenance, plus education support programs designed to reduce downtime. We also talk about the practical path from projection to dvLED, including modular approaches that fit real refresh cycles instead of one-off special projects. If you are on-site in Barcelona, Panasonic is at Booth 3J500. 

PSNI Global Alliance is at ISE 2026 talking about the part of AV that often matters most in higher ed: consistent delivery and support, not just the hardware. In this conversation with Executive Director Chris Miller, we dig into why outcomes and user experience have to lead the discussion, especially as software and AI reshape expectations. He also explains how PSNI’s global network of vetted integrators is built around trust and a high membership bar, because quality is only as strong as the weakest link. If you are on-site in Barcelona, you can find PSNI at Booth 2W480. 

NETGEAR AV is at ISE 2026 talking about the part of modern AV that has to be right before anything else works: the network. In this quick show-floor conversation with Richard Jonker, the focus is what AV over IP really means for higher ed, including why low latency matters, how campuses end up supporting multiple standards and profiles, and why “simple” only stays simple when the infrastructure is designed to scale. The conversation also stays practical on manageability and security, including why you cannot cloud-manage a USB cable and what it looks like to do more with less as expectations keep rising. If you are in Barcelona, NETGEAR AV is at Booth 2U240.

XTEN-AV is at ISE 2026 showing how to speed up the parts of AV work that usually eat the most time: design, documentation, quoting, and keeping everything aligned when requirements change. In this quick conversation with co-founder Sahil Dhingra, we talk about why that matters for higher ed teams trying to standardize room types and deliver more projects with the same staffing. 

We also dig into XAVIA, XTEN-AV’s AI agent built to turn text or voice inputs into schematics and supporting documentation like rack elevations and cable schedules. If you are on-site in Barcelona, you can find XTEN-AV in Hall 1, Booth 1G800. 

This episode is a quick, on-the-show-floor conversation with Jay Taylor from ScreenBeam at ISE 2026. We talk through what ScreenBeam is focused on this year at Booth 2V150, including updates around active learning workflows, advanced video routing, and BrowserCast, plus where their roadmap has shifted based on what customers are asking for. 

A big chunk of the discussion is about campus-wide communication on top of the displays you already have, including administrative tools for digital signage, messaging, and alerts, and why that matters operationally in higher ed. If you are thinking about standardizing wireless display or reducing the number of separate systems you support across campus, this is a useful listen. 

Recorded live from the HETMA booth at ISE 2026, host Joe Way guides a rapid fire wrap up of what mattered most on the show floor and why this year felt like a turning point for higher ed AV on a global stage. The conversation keeps circling back to the same throughline: community, representation, and practical solutions that help campus teams do more with the same or do more with less. 

Along the way, the group calls out standout ideas and moments from key exhibitors including Crestron, Panasonic, Inogeni, ScreenBeam, Logitech, Biamp, Vizrt, Zoom, PlexusAV, Uniguest, Igloo Vision, Netgear, Epiphan, Diversified, Shure, CDW, XTEN-AV, and PSNI, plus broader show forces like AVIXA, ISE, Nexxt and SAVE. Expect a mix of product takeaways, industry direction, and a lot of booth energy as HETMA closes out the week and looks ahead to an even bigger return. 

Topics Discussed

• Why ISE 2026 felt like a global inflection point for HETMA and higher ed AV 
• Booth based community building and what people were asking for in person 
• Crestron booth approach and the idea of curated, role based tours 
• Panasonic highlights and why projection and short throw still matter on campuses 
• Inogeni, ScreenBeam, and Logitech as signals of where collaboration and capture are heading 
• Biamp presenter lift and the push toward faster commissioning and auto tuning in learning spaces 
• Vizrt plus Zoom and what lightweight broadcast style production could mean for education teams 
• PlexusAV, IPMX, and the appeal of avoiding vendor lock in for AV over IP strategies 
• Uniguest and the expansion of signage into emergency and campus wide communications 
• Sustainability and SAVE: circular economy, manufacturing accountability, and what comes next 

Join the conversation at community.hetma.org. 

Host:
Dr. Josiah Way 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josiahway/ 
X: @JosiahWay 

This show is a production of Higher Ed AV Media. Visit www.HigherEdAV.com for new content every day.

HETMA opens the Virtual Conference with a candid State of HETMA conversation led by Board Chair Erin Maher-Moran, joined by board leaders and community voices including Troy Powers, Dustin Myers, Joe Way, Ryan Gray, BC Hatchett, Britt Yenser, Teddy Murphy, and Annie Foster. The panel reflects on what changed over the last year, what is working, where the organization is still stretching, and why the heart of HETMA is still member driven community building.

The discussion covers growth and global momentum, the impact of roadshows and regional connection, the evolving Education Summit and conference programming, and the push to convert passive followers into active contributors. The group also highlights partnerships, sponsor relationship stewardship, and HETMA’s focus on practical pathways for professional development, including the HEX micro credential concept and mentorship ideas that help more members step into speaking, writing, and leadership.

Topics discussed

1. State of HETMA framing: transparency, celebration, vision
2. Community first identity and volunteer powered momentum
3. Roadshows and regional meetups as a growth engine
4. International expansion and the Belgium event
5. Education programming: virtual conference, Lunch and Learns, Education Summit
6. Engagement challenge: moving from followers to participants
7. Practical ways to get involved without it becoming a second job
8. Sponsor relationship stewardship and deliverables mindset
9. Partnerships with other orgs and broader industry collaboration
10. Professional development pathways including HEX micro credential and mentorship ideas

Join the conversation at community.hetma.org

From the HETMA booth at ISE in Barcelona, this special episode flips the mic to the people who usually stay off camera. The plus ones. Spouses and friends who helped run booth life, kept the vibe light, and somehow learned just enough AV language to survive a week on the show floor. Erica Fleming hosts a roundtable with Amy Murphy, Andrea Myers, Jay Matz, and Jessi Taylor calling in from JFK on the way home. 

It is funny, honest, and weirdly insightful. They talk about how they explain their partners’ jobs to normal humans, what they tell attendees who walk up asking for beer, and what it feels like to be part of a community you are adjacent to but still proud of. Then it turns into travel talk, food talk, and a rapid fire tour of Barcelona highlights, with a side quest into what McDonald’s is doing differently in Spain and Portugal. 

Topics Discussed
• Who the plus ones are and how they ended up running booth life at ISE 
• Trying to describe what AV people do without knowing anyone’s exact job title 
• Classroom tech and support work, from help desk to designing simulation spaces 
• What you say when someone walks up to the booth and just stares at you 
• A plain language attempt at AV over IP and spanning tree issues 
• HDMI vs HDBaseT vs ST2110, and why everyone chooses HDMI 
• Favorite Barcelona moments, including the Banksy Museum and city history 
• Sagrada Familia reactions and the insane craftsmanship at scale 
• Driving in Barcelona, fear levels, and two hour dinners 
• Fast food anthropology: McDonald’s, KFC, Starbucks, and the international menu surprises 



Connect with the Guests
Erica Fleming
Amy Murphy
Andrea Myers
Jason Matz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-matz-1717836a/
Jessi Taylor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessi-taylor-66407b145/


This show is a production of Higher Ed AV Media. Visit www.HigherEdAV.com for fresh content every day! 

Erin Maher-Moran sits down with Stephen Ashby from Riverside City College, HETMA Education Chair, for a grounded conversation about what it means to start the year with intention in higher ed AV and IT. Stephen shares how a student job in AV turned into a 26 year career, and why the work still feels fresh when the tech, the expectations, and the campus footprint keep evolving.

They dig into what teams actually need to finish strong, from standards and documentation to training consistency, digital audio fluency, and listening to faculty feedback without defaulting to defensiveness. The key takeaway is timely: the HETMA Virtual Conference is next week, and this episode is both a preview and a nudge to show up for your own growth, plug into the community, and get in the room for the conversations that help you do the job better.  s

Topics Discussed
• Stephen’s path from UC Riverside student AV work to Riverside City College
• Why the new year is a useful moment for intentional career reflection in higher ed
• Team growth, scaling support demand, and the reality of being pulled into projects late
• Standards, documentation, and why the missing step is usually not the technical one
• Digital audio upskilling, including Dante and AVB as real team priorities
• Turning faculty and user feedback into better support instead of background noise
• What the HETMA Education Chair role actually includes, beyond Lunch and Learns
• HETMA Virtual Conference preview, including AV over IP, AI, accessibility, monitoring, analytics
• Why live virtual events still matter when content is available on demand
• HECS credential progress and how it is meant to support career pathways

Call to Action
Register and join the HETMA Virtual Conference happening February 18, 19, and 20, 2026 on Zoom. Registration details are on the HETMA Community.

Join the conversation at community.hetma.org

Connect with Stephen
education@hetma.org
Education Committee meeting, Thursdays at 12 pm Pacific

Connect with Erin
ErinMaherMoran@hetma.org
LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-maher-moran/

This show is a production of Higher Ed AV Media. Visit www.HigherEdAV.com for new content every day.

PlaceOS stopped by the HETMA booth at ISE to talk about what a “smart campus” platform looks like when it goes beyond room control. Jonathan explains how PlaceOS connects AV, scheduling, Wi-Fi occupancy signals, and base building systems like HVAC so spaces can automate based on real context instead of manual touches. We also talk about why universities are a strong fit for this kind of integration work, since they often control both the rooms and the facilities systems that usually sit in separate silos. If you want to learn more, visit www.placeos.com or campus.placeos.com and connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn.

We talked with Felipe Henao and Frank Padikkala from Zoom at ISE 2026 about what Zoom is focused on for rooms and campus spaces. The conversation covers Zoom’s partnership approach on the show floor, including work with Cisco room systems and integrations that bring higher production value into Zoom. We also dig into media quality improvements and why “AV serious” matters when higher ed teams have to troubleshoot fast. 

We talked with Christina De Bono from SAVe at ISE 2026 about sustainability work that ProAV teams can put into practice. The conversation covers SAVe a Second Life for reuse and end-of-life pathways, plus SAVe Certified as a structured program for building an actionable plan. We also dig into how the SAVe Ambassador network helps scale the work across regions and why higher ed AV teams can lead inside their institutions. If you are on-site in Barcelona, you can find SAVe in Congress Square at Booth CS204.

In this episode of HETMA Presents… Chair to Chair, Erin Maher-Moran sits down with HETMA Regional Chair Jon Youse of Ivy Tech Community College for a thoughtful conversation about self-advocacy, career growth, and learning to speak up for yourself even when it does not come naturally. Framed around the monthly theme, “Need for Speed: Self-Advocating,” Jon shares his path into higher education technology, from college TV production and early AV work to managing campus technology in the community college environment. Along the way, he reflects on what it means to work in a setting where resources are limited, priorities are practical, and success often depends on doing the best you can with what you have.
The conversation also highlights Jon’s work as HETMA’s Regional Chair, where he helps coordinate road shows that bring networking, professional connection, and industry engagement directly to higher ed professionals in their own regions. Erin and Jon talk about mentorship, patience, continuous learning, and the importance of documenting your accomplishments so others can better understand your value. It is a grounded and honest discussion about advancement that does not rely on bravado, but instead on preparation, consistency, and a willingness to raise your hand when opportunity appears.
Topics Discussed

• Jon Youse’s path from college TV production into higher education AV and technology
• The realities of supporting technology in a community college setting
• Why self-advocacy can feel uncomfortable for quieter professionals
• Asking for the support and staffing needed when responsibilities expand
• How being rifed during the pandemic changed Jon’s perspective on professional value
• The importance of documenting accomplishments before asking for advancement
• Why higher ed professionals should take advantage of tuition benefits and continuing education
• The role mentorship plays in career growth and leadership development
• How HETMA road shows create regional connection and community
• Jon’s long-term vision for more consistency and refresh planning in campus AV systems

Connect with Jon Youse
Email: regionalgroups@hetma.org

Connect with Erin Maher-Moran
Email: ErinMaherMoran@hetma.org
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-maher-moran/

Join the conversation at community.hetma.org

This show is a production of Higher Ed AV Media. Visit www.HigherEdAV.com for new content every day.

EDUCAUSE is a bigger higher ed IT table where AV needs to be part of the conversation. In this InfoComm interview, Dan Stone helps frame EDUCAUSE as a place for campus technology professionals to connect across IT, AV, leadership, research, cybersecurity, teaching and learning, and institutional strategy. For higher ed AV/IT teams, the value is in showing up where CIOs and broader technology leaders are already talking, making sure learning spaces are part of the larger campus technology plan.

Panasonic comes to InfoComm 2026 with a higher-ed focus on projection, DVLED, content management, and campus experience spaces beyond the classroom. At Booth C8325, the company is showing the PT-VMQ85, PT-RQ45K, all-in-one DVLED, 55-inch DVLED panels, Hive media management, and other visual solutions for education, simulation, arenas, public art, and projection mapping. For campus AV/IT teams, the value is in planning display and projection systems that support classrooms, venues, events, and content workflows across the full campus.

Talem3 comes to InfoComm 2026 with a higher-ed focus on the data behind learning space support. At Booth C5921, the company is showing Learning Space Manager, Learning Space Profiles+, and new mobile capabilities that let technicians update room data, verify assets, capture notes, and complete assessments from the field. For campus AV/IT teams, the value is a single source of truth for classroom technology, standards, service workflows, lifecycle planning, faculty resources, and budget decisions.

Biamp comes to InfoComm 2026 with a higher-ed focus on making classroom and collaboration spaces easier to control, tune, manage, and support. At Booth C7822, the company is showing Biamp Control, Devio UCX, BMA360D, Biamp Launch, Biamp Workplace, and scalable room solutions built around audio, UC, and network management. For campus AV/IT teams, the story is how fewer disconnected systems can make rooms easier for faculty and students to use while giving support teams a more consistent path across classrooms, seminar rooms, and hybrid collaboration spaces.

ScreenBeam comes to InfoComm 2026 with a higher-ed focus on turning wireless display into a broader classroom and campus communication platform. At Booth C6109, the company is showing BrowserCast, ScreenBeam Connect, Active Learning, Signage+, Message Manager, Alert+, Signage Player, and BYOM plus USB switching. For campus AV/IT teams, the value is in making displays do more across teaching, collaboration, signage, alerts, and student participation without forcing every room into a complex redesign.

Jabra comes to InfoComm 2026 with a higher-ed focus on clearer hybrid teaching and collaboration across campus. At Booth C7373, the company is showing PanaCast video solutions, including PanaCast 55 and the new PanaCast U30, along with the Speak series and Evolve, Engage, and Evolve3 headset portfolios. For campus AV/IT teams, the value is in creating consistent room and personal audio-video standards that support classrooms, seminar rooms, study spaces, faculty offices, and meeting rooms without adding unnecessary complexity.