Explore every episode of the podcast HETMA Presents...

NEXXT is not a booth stop at InfoComm 2026. It is a partner helping the AV community create space for practical AI-era transformation. In the HETMA booth conversation, Byron Tarry, Founder & Chief Transformation Officer of NEXXT, talked about the NEXXT partnership with HETMA, eXplore ISE, The SPRINT with AVIXA, and the need to bring both leaders and front-line teams into the work. For higher ed AV/IT teams, the value is in moving past AI talk and into shared experimentation, practical innovation methods, and campus voices helping shape what comes next.

SAVe is not a booth stop at InfoComm 2026. It is a partner doing work higher ed AV teams should have on their calendar. In the HETMA booth conversation, Christina De Bono shared updates on the SAVe Sustainable Manufacturer Council, SAVe a Second Life, SAVe Certification, volunteer opportunities, and the SAVe 2026 Global Conference coming October 13–14, 2026, to UCLA Covel Commons in Los Angeles. For campus AV/IT teams, the value is in connecting refresh cycles, retired equipment, sustainable purchasing, reuse, recycling, and campus planning to a larger AV industry movement. HETMA members should take a close look at the conference, the certification workshop, and the SAVe a Second Life partnership.

Diversified comes to InfoComm 2026 with a higher-ed focus on the relationship and execution work behind complex campus technology projects. At The Pitch in North Hall Booth N8063, Diversified showed how broadcast, AV, collaboration, live event, and experiential systems can work together in connected environments. For campus AV/IT teams, the value is in having a partner who understands classrooms, athletics, production, events, data, support, and the student experience as connected parts of the same campus technology story.

Sennheiser comes to InfoComm 2026 with a higher-ed focus on rethinking what campus audio systems should do now. At Booth C5313, the company is showing TeamConnect Ceiling M Plus, PartnerLink for Q-SYS, DeviceHub, Spectera updates, and partner workflow demonstrations. For campus AV/IT teams, the value is in spatial voice lift, clearer classroom interaction, simpler control workflows, remote device management, and wireless technology that can support classrooms, lecture halls, events, and production spaces without relying on old assumptions about what the room can be.

Shure comes to InfoComm 2026 with a higher-ed focus on audio that supports more than the room. The company is showing IntelliMix Room Kits for Zoom, MXA925, MXW Next with Fusion, IntelliMix Bar Pro, SLXD+, DCA 901, ANX4, and 901 firmware updates. For campus AV/IT teams, the value is in cleaner classroom capture, stronger remote participation, better transcription and translation, accessibility-ready workflows, and audio systems that reduce unnecessary boxes while still meeting the higher standard modern learning spaces now require.

Huddly comes to InfoComm 2026 with a higher-ed focus on multi-camera classrooms without the preset and programming burden. The company is showing the Huddly Crew platform across room sizes, including five-camera Crew systems for lecture halls and boardrooms, Huddly C1 Crew for medium spaces, and Huddly C1 for smaller classrooms and team rooms. For campus AV/IT teams, the value is in AI-directed framing, modular camera coverage, integrated audio, and systems that help remote students participate in the room instead of just watching it.

Audio-Technica comes to InfoComm 2026 with a higher-ed focus on practical audio solutions and direct engineering support for campus AV/IT teams. The company is showing D50 Digital Wireless Systems, System 20 PRO Wireless, Engineered Sound Wireless, ATND1061 beamforming ceiling array microphones, ATSP-30 ceiling speakers, network microphones, discussion systems, wired microphones, mixers, and more. For higher ed, the value is in matching the right audio path to classrooms, auditoriums, performance spaces, hybrid rooms, and support teams that need reliable systems without unnecessary complexity.

Neoti comes to InfoComm 2026 with a higher-ed focus on LED displays that fit the use case, not just the wall size. UHD Pro 0.8mm is featured in the G&D/VuWall booth at C8867, while UHD 2 is featured in both the HETMA booth and G&D/VuWall booth. For campus AV/IT teams, the value is in true-to-life color, deep black levels, grayscale performance, reduced viewing fatigue, impact-resistant COB technology, and automatic calibration that helps replacement modules match the wall without a manual recalibration process.

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.

Draper comes to InfoComm 2026 with a higher-ed focus on the physical support behind projection, portable events, and DVLED installs. At Booth C7000, the company is showing the UFS Lite portable folding screen, Foundation One universal mounting for DVLED, Foundation custom structure solutions, Foundation Studio, and the Rope Walker Arrow prototype for long screen drops in high-ceiling spaces. For campus AV/IT teams, the value is in better planning, cleaner alignment, easier portable setup, and structural support for the rooms where standard mounting is not enough.

PlexusAV comes to InfoComm 2026 with a higher-ed focus on open standards, IPMX, and a less proprietary future for AV-over-IP. The company is showing 1G and 25G AV-over-IPMX, JPEG XS, Dante integration, HDBT 3.0 to IPMX transceivers, IPMX speakers, signal conversion tools, and Eco Mode for reduced power use. For campus AV/IT teams, the value is in bridging legacy HDMI, HDBaseT, SDI, NDI, and streaming workflows into a more interoperable networked AV architecture without starting from scratch.

Crestron comes to InfoComm 2026 with a higher-ed focus on content, collaboration, and control across the full campus. At Booth C7300, the company is showing Collab Compute, 80 Series touchscreens, 4-Series MPCs, DM NAX, intelligent modular audio, BYOD and native Zoom and Teams solutions, 1 Beyond camera enhancements, and the Spotify Camp Nou exhibit. For campus AV/IT teams, the value is in building rooms, venues, and collaboration spaces that are consistent for users, easier to support, and planned with the AV group at the table early.

Epiphan Video comes to InfoComm 2026 with a higher-ed focus on lecture capture as a full platform, not just a room device. At Booth C8719, the company is showing EC20 PTZ Camera, Pearl Nexus, Epiphan Edge, and Agent-ready AV. For campus AV/IT teams, the value is in scalable capture, remote support, room analytics, usage reporting, and tools that help make complicated classroom video workflows easier to manage across campus.

AJA comes to InfoComm 2026 with a higher-ed focus on bridging broadcast, AV, and IP video workflows across campus. At Booth N7744, the company is showing BRIDGE LIVE IP, IP25-R, OG-GEN10, Io Xpand, Mini-Converters, fiber transmission converters, I/O cards, and other tools for production, streaming, recording, timing, conversion, and delivery. For campus AV/IT teams, the value is in making it easier to connect classrooms, studios, events, student production, and remote contribution workflows without turning every video transition into a custom engineering project.

GUDE Systems comes to InfoComm 2026 with a higher-ed focus on remote power management for classrooms, AV rooms, and distributed campus spaces. The company is showing smart PDUs, UPS products, vertical power strips, cloud management software, and a new AC/DC PDU for smaller applications. For campus AV/IT teams, the value is faster remote reboot, better surge protection, cleaner installs, power monitoring, and fewer trips across campus when a room device simply needs to come back online.

AVI-SPL comes to InfoComm 2026 with a higher-ed focus on the full lifecycle of campus technology spaces. At Booth C5601, the company is showing Symphony, XTG, the Immersive Zone, real-time design, sustainability initiatives, and global services. For campus AV/IT teams, the value is in seeing how room design, usage data, sustainability planning, immersive experiences, and ongoing support connect beyond the initial install. The conversation is not just what gets built, but how campuses manage, measure, and improve those spaces over time.

Catchbox comes to InfoComm 2026 with a higher-ed focus on classroom audio that is simple for users and flexible for AV teams. At Booth C5448, the company is showing the Catchbox Plus system, including Hub DSP, Clip, Stick, Cube, magnetic charging, range alarm, Dante, USB, automixing, feedback suppression, and customization options. For campus AV/IT teams, the value is a microphone system that supports participation, Q&A, HyFlex audio, and room-to-room consistency without asking faculty or students to think about the backend.

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.

Igloo Vision comes to InfoComm 2026 with a clear higher-ed message: immersive learning has to be usable after the demo. At Booth C5823, the company is showing the Igloo Immersive Classroom powered by Igloo Core Engine 2.0, with features including LaunchPad, improved content management, AI image generation, 3D model layers, and multi-Igloo collaboration workflows. For campus AV/IT teams, the value is in a shared immersive space that can support simulation, virtual field trips, design visualization, student content creation, and cross-department use without forcing every session into a specialist workflow. Rebecca Wade helps frame the real question for higher ed: how immersive technology becomes practical, repeatable, and useful across campus.

Lumens comes to InfoComm 2026 with a practical focus on the classroom workflow behind HyFlex, lecture capture, and automated camera tracking. At Booth C9115, the company is showing CamConnect Pro 200 for preset-free speaker tracking, OIP Bridge IP & USB Routing Station, and Voice Connect for intelligent audio-based camera switching. For higher ed AV/IT teams, the story is less about one camera and more about how capture, tracking, routing, and connectivity hold together across real teaching spaces. Chester Lee from Lumens helps frame what campuses should look for when evaluating systems built for daily classroom use.

Logitech comes to InfoComm 2026 with an education portfolio built around the way learning now moves across campus. At Booth C7050, the company is showing Rally Board 65, Rally Camera Streamline Kit, Logitech Scribe, Logitech Reach, Mevo, Rally AI Camera Pro, and new tools including Spotlight 2 Presenter and Rally Board microphone accessories. For higher ed AV/IT teams, the story is not just one room or one device. It is about creating simple, consistent, supportable experiences for classrooms, conference rooms, open collaboration spaces, HyFlex teaching, content sharing, and campus-wide collaboration.

In this field report edition of HETMA Presents…, Ryan Gray walks the table expo at NWMET 2026 for a series of quick conversations with higher ed AV partners. What starts as a conference floor check-in quickly becomes a preview of the road to InfoComm, with exhibitors sharing what they are showing, what they are launching, and what higher ed technology managers should be watching for next.

The episode includes stops with Panasonic, Computer Comforts, Logitech, Ergotron, Audio-Technica, Newline, Extron, Catchbox, Atlona, Shure, Jabra, CDW, VizRT, Zoom, and AVI-SPL. From portable AV carts, lecterns, flexible furniture, wireless audio, display systems, AV over IP, UC bars, campus reservation tools, immersive Zoom workflows, procurement support, and managed services, the throughline is clear: higher ed AV teams are looking for practical, supportable solutions that make rooms easier to deploy, easier to manage, and better for the people using them.

Topics Discussed
NWMET 2026 as a gathering point for the higher ed AV community
How the table expo served as a preview for InfoComm
Panasonic’s AV cart, projector lineup, DirectView LED, and display updates
Computer Comforts lecterns, AV Hub, and collaborative furniture
Logitech classroom, conferencing, esports, headset, and presentation tools
Ergotron’s LX Pro arm and LearnFit mobile teaching desk
Audio-Technica’s commercial audio solutions for classrooms and meeting spaces
Newline’s display ecosystem, digital signage, DirectView LED, support, and warranty approach
Extron’s esports, control, audio, USB-C, and Las Vegas Experience Center plans
Catchbox’s Cube, presenter microphones, hub connectivity, and InfoComm booth experience
Atlona’s new AV over IP direction with the LumaStream platform
Shure’s UC room kits, Zoom-certified systems, and upcoming bar solution
Jabra’s Panacast U30, Panacast 55, and Evolve 3 lineup
CDW’s role in streamlining procurement and cooperative purchasing
VizRT’s Zoom integration, teleportation, augmented reality graphics, and virtual sets
Zoom Rooms as a pro AV platform with Dante, NDI, SDI, and classroom flexibility
AVI-SPL’s higher ed focus, managed services, Symphony, and experiential technology

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

Join the HETMA Community
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 of HETMA Presents…, Ryan Gray comes to you from NW/MET 2026 at the University of Utah, where HETMA is on site connecting with the higher ed AV community. The episode opens with Treb Padula from UCSD, who shares how his role helps bridge the space between classroom technology teams and instructors. Rather than starting with the newest piece of equipment, Treb talks about beginning with teaching goals, instructor pain points, and the larger educational experience that classroom technology is supposed to support.

Ryan also chats with Christopher Dechter for a conversation about an AV SuperFriends session focused on building and using local AI tools for higher ed AV work. Chris digs into why local models may matter for security, cost control, campus data, and real AV engineering workflows, while keeping the emphasis on owning the knowledge work instead of simply handing it off to a tool. The episode closes with Ron Epstein from Epiphan Video, who pushes the conversation toward empathy, listening, and vendor accountability. His challenge to the industry is clear: higher ed does not need more companies chasing purchase orders. It needs partners willing to understand campus realities and build around them.

Topics Discussed
NW/MET 2026 at the University of Utah
HETMA’s presence in the higher ed AV community
Regional conferences as connection points
Bridging classroom technology and pedagogy
Starting with instructor goals and pain points
AV support at scaleLocal AI tools for AV and IT workflows
Security, cost, and campus data in AI use
Maintaining ownership of knowledge work
Vendor empathy and higher ed partnership


Connect with Treb Padula
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/treb-padula-404487b0/

Connect with Christopher Dechter
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cdechter/

Connect with Ron Epstein
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-epstein-29828b60/

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

Join the HETMA Community
community.hetma.org

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

Joe Way records live from the Happy Hour at the HETMA Roadshow in Mechelen, Belgium, hosted by Thomas More University of Applied Sciences, brought the energy of the event to life in a completely different way. Set inside "The Chapel" a beautiful historic venue filled with conversation, connection, and the sound of a live jazz band, the evening captured exactly what the Roadshow is meant to create: community. After a full day of sessions, campus tours, and vendor conversations, attendees were able to relax, build relationships, share ideas, and experience the kind of authentic networking that turns an event into a movement.

Live from the first international HETMA Roadshow in Mechelen, Belgium, this episode captures the energy, curiosity, and community-building that defined HETMA’s first major European event. Through conversations with Troy Powers, Piet van der Zanden, and vendor partners like ScreenBeam, the discussion highlights the importance of regional access, peer-to-peer knowledge sharing, sustainable classroom design, and adapting the HETMA Roadshow model to meet the cultural and educational needs of Europe.

In this May episode of HETMA Presents… Chair to Chair, Erin Maher-Moran sits down with Aaron Baker from Stephen F. Austin State University, who serves as HETMA’s Events Chair. Aaron shares how he found his way into higher ed technology almost by accident, starting as a student worker before stepping into classroom technology work that became a long term professional home.

The conversation explores HETMA’s May theme, Fuel the Fire, The Path Forward, through Aaron’s reflections on leadership, community, event planning, InfoComm, and the lessons he is carrying into another year as Events Chair. From virtual conferences to road shows to the HETMA booth experience, this episode highlights how events become more than logistics when they help higher ed AV professionals connect, learn, and find their people.

Topics Discussed

Aaron Baker’s path into higher ed technologyWorking in AV at a smaller institution
Finding community and support through HETMA
HETMA’s May theme, Fuel the Fire, The Path Forward
Professional growth through networking and learning
Leading as someone who is naturally more comfortable in the background
Delegation, follow up, and lessons learned from volunteer leadership
Planning the HETMA Virtual Conference
Preparing for HETMA’s presence at InfoComm
Why in person and virtual events matter for the higher ed AV community


Connect with Aaron:
conference@hetma.org
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bakeraarond/

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

Join the HETMA Community:
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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.