Empowering Women in AV: Insights from Integrate Expo 2023 Panel

As a relatively new member of the AV industry, with just three years of experience under my belt, my exposure has been limited. Last year, I had the pleasure of attending Integrate Expo, and found an exciting floor filled with new technology and friendly faces ready to discuss about new products and functionality. However, this year, I was pleasantly surprised to have the opportunity to attend the “Leadership Styles and Building Spaces for Women to Thrive” panel during this edition. A panel discussion that would significantly influence my perspective on the audiovisual industry. Among a gathering of industry experts and enthusiasts, the panel delved deeply into the urgent matter of gender equality and representation in the workplace, particularly within the AV market.

Gender Imbalance: Breaking Down the Walls

The conversation kicked off with a stark acknowledgment of the persistent gender imbalance in the AV industry. It became evident that many women in the field often grapple with feelings of not belonging and imposter syndrome. Stacy Kempton, one of the panelists, shared a striking observation, “Without fail, every single woman I encountered on the floor had imposter syndrome. They openly admitted we don’t belong here, we’re frauds.” It was disheartening to learn how, even in today’s world, such sentiments continue to plague the minds of talented women in AV. Kobe Jonson, Head of Product at Diversified Communications HQ Australia noted that women often find themselves in situations where conversations are directed towards their male colleagues, even when they hold authoritative positions. The need for allies and advocates to challenge these biases within the industry became evident.

Language and Communication: Fostering Inclusivity

Language and communication emerged as potent tools in promoting inclusivity within the AV industry. Jay Davis emphasized, “Language in meetings can be so important. Educating colleagues about the terms they use, even if unintentional, can make a significant difference.” The panel applauded AVIXA Asia-Pacific‘s recent efforts to incorporate inclusive language in their standards. Sarah Joyce, Chief Global officer at AVIXA, stated that “Language evolves, and it’s about understanding what makes us tick.” She highlighted that fostering diversity goes beyond gender alone; it encompasses all aspects that allow individuals to be their authentic selves in business settings.

Advocacy and Allies: A Call for Change

The discussion on advocacy and allies in the panel discussion was a powerful call to action for addressing gender disparity in the AV industry. Kobe Johnson, emphasised that individuals at all levels of the industry have the capacity to make a difference. This message was particularly significant because it highlighted that change is not only the responsibility of top-level executives or those in leadership positions. Everyone within the AV industry can play a role in fostering a more equitable environment. One practical approach highlighted by the panel was the establishment of mentoring groups and the recommendation of buddy systems. These initiatives provide structured support mechanisms that help individuals, especially women, navigate the challenges and opportunities within the AV industry. These mentorship relationships and buddy systems can offer guidance, advice, and a sense of belonging, ultimately contributing to women’s professional growth and advancement.

A reminder from a study by McKinsey was also mentioned during the discussion. The study underscored the tangible benefits of diverse representation within leadership. When companies have diverse leadership teams, it often leads to better decision-making, innovation, and improved financial performance. This research reinforces the idea that gender diversity isn’t just about fairness; it’s a strategic advantage that positively impacts a company’s bottom line.

Networking and Mentorship: A Helping Hand

The significance of networking and mentorship in women’s career advancement was highlighted. However, it was noted that there is currently inadequate support for women in these areas within the AV industry. Expanding mentorship programs and creating networking opportunities emerged as key solutions.

Diversity and Inclusion: A Collective Effort

In summary, the panel discussion at Integrate Expo 2023 underscored the significance of diversity and inclusion in the AV industry. The overarching message was clear: everyone should be evaluated based on their skills and abilities, not their gender.

The passion and commitment were definitely reflected by the panelists who were truly inspiring. They recognized the progress that has been made but also acknowledged the work that lies ahead. As I left the panel discussion, I couldn’t help but reflect on the collective responsibility we all share in making the AV industry more inclusive and equitable for individuals of all genders.

In the end, it’s about breaking down barriers, fostering a supportive environment, and ensuring that talent and merit shine brighter than gender stereotypes. The journey to gender equality in the AV industry is ongoing, but with voices like those of the panelists at Integrate Expo 2023, it’s a journey worth taking.

Guarding the Gateway: The Imperative of Software Security in the Evolving AV Landscape

The rapid adoption of remote and hybrid work models, coupled with the integration of cloud technologies, has reshaped the audio-visual (AV) industry. There is no news that companies are now reevaluating their AV solutions, leading to a notable shift from hardware to software codecs. But the question is: Who is responsible for safeguarding these software codecs, identifying vulnerabilities, and managing major updates? These questions loom large as businesses rely more heavily on software-driven AV solutions. The

Consequences of Neglecting Software Security 🔒 💻

Failure to prioritise software security in the AV landscape can lead to several adverse consequences:

    1. Data Breaches: Vulnerabilities in software codecs can be exploited, potentially leading to data breaches and the exposure of sensitive information.
    2. Service Disruptions: Without proper security measures, AV systems can be susceptible to disruptions, affecting critical business operations.
    3. Reputation Damage: Security incidents can demage a company’s reputation, eroding trust among clients and partners.

Addressing the Security Challenge 🚀📈

To address the growing security concerns in software-driven AV solutions, businesses should consider the following:

    1. Invest in Cybersecurity: Allocate resources to cybersecurity teams or consultants who can assess, monitor, and enhance the security of your AV software.
    2. Regular Updates: Stay vigilant about software updates and patches. Ensure that all AV software is up-to-date to mitigate vulnerabilities.
    3. Employee Training: Educate your workforce about the importance of cybersecurity and best practices for using AV systems securely.
    4. Third-party Audits: Engage third-party security experts to conduct audits and vulnerability assessments to identify potential weaknesses.
    5. Secure Integration: When integrating AV software with other tools and platforms, ensure that security protocols are consistently followed Software codecs in the AV industry is an exciting and necessary evolution.

However, businesses must prioritize the security of their software-driven AV solutions. By doing so, companies can fully embrace the benefits of this transformation while safeguarding their operations and reputation.

State of the AV Industry – An Australian Perspective

By: David Allara

” As a speaker at a recent industry event, I had the privilege of discussing the current state of the AV industry. In this article, I share some of the key takeaways from the conversations with industry experts representing manufacturing, integration, consulting, and our trade association AVIXA”.

The Post-COVID AV Revolution 

Irrespective of an organisation’s work-from-home policy, it has become increasingly evident that AV and communication technology solutions are indispensable in today’s world. A new age of workplace dynamics marked by several prominent themes has emerged in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

One notable change is the expansion of tech-enabled meeting and collaboration spaces within offices. Organisations now recognise the importance of fostering seamless communication, whether employees are in the office or working remotely. These spaces cater to groups of varying sizes as well as remote participants via video conferencing and collaboration technology. A recent shift towards improved inclusivity has transformed the way people can now interact during meetings. Thanks to rapid advancements in AV technology and innovation by industry leading manufacturers, the quality of experience for all meeting participants has taken a remarkable transformation. Remote participants now have the benefit of new tools and features that bridge the geographical gaps to make them feel as if they are right there in the room. 

The wide assortment of choice is benefiting organisations of all sizes, enabling them to select AV setups tailored to their unique needs and budgets. Quality AV solutions are no longer exclusive to those with the bigger technology budgets. We also note however, that with the increased availability of AV solution options in the market, it has become crucial for organisations to define the purpose of their AV investments clearly. Understanding the specific needs and goals is the first step to making optimal and informed choices. 

Stacy Kempton of Prismatic Group specialises in live entertainment, music, theatre, and events. She notes that these sectors were hit hard during the pandemic. They have taken a while to bounce back and are still not at the levels of 2019 but there is still an upward trend, which is encouraging. Stacy also noticed strong investment during the pandemic in AV systems that were designed for remote online purposes e.g., work from home studios. Post pandemic there is a limited use for these set ups, so she is seeing people looking at ways to repurpose this technology they invested in just a few years ago. 

The Rise of Immersive Experiences 

We are seeing the demand for “immersive” experiences across various sectors that cover a wide range of applications, including live performances and concerts, captivating retail stores, interactive museum exhibits, or innovative working spaces at the office. Whilst the focus over the past two or three years has been on meeting technology and remote learning, Graham Barrett of HARMAN, a prominent figure in the AV industry in Australia, predicts significant growth in markets that were temporarily paused during the pandemic. These include stadiums, retail centres, performance venues, and other public centres. This resurgence promises exciting opportunities for the AV industry collectively. 

As a consultant I have seen an uptick in requests from clients for immersive spaces and experiences in recent months. However, there is often a lack of clarity on the customer side regarding the specific purpose or outcome they seek to achieve. David Labuskes of AVIXA and Tom Squilaciotti of the integration company Concept AV have also been seeing this trend. We therefore agreed it is our collective role to spend extra time with customer stakeholders in the briefing and discovery phase of these types of projects. Taking the time to build small proof of concept systems and/or taking a customer to experience live demonstrations with suppliers can go a long way to developing the right immersive solution. In the AV industry, seeing and hearing is often key to helping customers make the best decisions. 

Managing AV Technology Systems and AV as a Service 

An increasingly prevalent challenge in the AV industry pertains to software, firmware, and security updates. Manufacturers are regularly releasing improvements to their products such as new features or more secure configuration settings. These are typically released at no extra cost and end customers would be encouraged to take advantage of these benefits. However, it is important to adopt a structured approach to manage these updates. Failing to proactively manage updates to AV systems and devices can lead to negative end-user experiences. Tom Squilaciotti of Concept AV notes that additional time is now required for his company to spend testing and configuring different AV equipment during the implementation phase of projects. They need to make sure all devices have the right version of firmware and are compatible with each other. 

Once AV systems are installed, commissioned, and handed over to a customer it is then especially important to have an ongoing plan to keep everything up to date. In my consulting work I always advise customers to have the following key things in place: 

      • The AV systems are networked together 
      • The AV systems can be monitored and managed remotely using software platforms 
      • Significant manufacturer released updates should be tested in an isolated environment before being rolled out to the wider organisation 

Organisations that actively manage updates can enjoy the benefits of improved performance and feature sets in their AV systems.  

In the workspace sector there is a growing demand for vendors to provide AV systems as a service. This is being driven by larger organisations that are already consuming other business technology in this way. Examples being end user compute devices, office printers, and even coffee machines.  

Traditionally, upgrading AV technology in the workspace has required the end customer to have the burden of a large upfront capex investment and the responsibility of ongoing service and maintenance to ensure continual operation. Given these cost barriers, many organisations have had to live with outdated technology for years at a time, which is another downside of this procurement model. AV as a service would enable organisations to free up precious resources and cash flow as well as enjoy the flexibility of keeping their AV technology up to date on a more regular basis. 

Manufacturers and service providers have a lot to gain by shifting to the AV as a service model. Owning the AV solutions enables the supplier to see the how, when, and where about usage. Sharing this information with end customers is the key to strategic partnerships over the longer term. Customers are always looking for ways to improve, and data sharing with insightful recommendations is a powerful value add for AV suppliers and advisors. 

The Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in AV 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been a buzzword in AV in recent times, but the practical applications are still to be evolved. David Labuskes of AVIXA acknowledges that AI holds promise for the industry’s future, although the specifics remain uncertain. He reminds us of previous trends like 3D, VR, AR, as well as the Metaverse. All of these started with much hype and then fizzled away. 

Graham Barrett from HARMAN emphasises that manufacturers are actively integrating various forms of AI into their products and are anxious to learn how users will harness the potential. It is an exciting time as we collectively explore AI’s role in AV. 

In my observations I see the effective use of AI in speech and facial recognition tracking cameras. These devices employ advanced AI algorithms to enable automated video capture of people and objects in various settings, including meeting rooms, lecture halls, auditoriums, and even public spaces. Speech recognition technology, with its high-quality audio capture and transcription capabilities, can help ensure every word is captured with precision as well as open the door for automatic translation between languages and voice-activated control of AV equipment. 

In conclusion, the post-COVID landscape of the AV industry is brimming with opportunities for businesses willing to embrace change and innovation. As technology continues to evolve, it is essential for organisations to adapt and stay informed about the latest trends and best practices. Whether it is creating immersive experiences, managing AV technology systems effectively, or harnessing the potential of AI, the future looks bright, and I am excited to be a part of it. 

Enhancing Video Conferencing with Huddly IQ Camera: A Closer Look at the Latest Firmware Update

As an independent #av consultant, I recently had the opportunity to test out the latest firmware update for the Huddly IQ camera 📷, and I must say, I was quite impressed. The firmware update, version 1.6.12, introduced some new features that greatly improve the overall video conferencing experience.
Firstly, the improved gallery view is a game changer. The camera is now able to zoom in on up to four people🧔 simultaneously and compose them into a single shot. This means that the participants on the other end of the video call can see each person up close, allowing them to read facial expressions and body language. In comparison to speaker tracking cameras, which only show the person who is currently speaking, the Huddly IQ’s gallery view provides a much more immersive experience.

In addition to the gallery view, the updated firmware also includes improved genius framing. The Huddly IQ’s individual people framing is fast and responsive, making it ideal for small meeting rooms of up to six people.
However, while the camera is excellent for small rooms, I found that it was less effective in medium and large rooms with more than four people. In these situations, the camera defaults to group framing, making it harder to read body language and facial expressions.

That being said, Huddly is making steady improvements to the gallery view feature. In September 2022, they enabled two people in gallery view, then expanded to three people in January 2023, and now four people. However, I would like to see the camera improve further to enable 6-8 people in gallery view. This would give the camera even greater flexibility and make it ideal for use in medium-sized rooms with up to eight people.

Overall, I highly recommend the Huddly IQ camera for those looking to enhance their video conferencing experience in small meeting rooms. The new firmware update has greatly improved the camera’s capabilities, and I am excited to see what new features Huddly will introduce in the future.

Augmented Reality (AR) Monitors: Unlocking New Possibilities

By: Jonathan Cuthbertson

Spacetop’s new product, now available in early access. This cutting-edge AR headset combined with a keyboard replaces your laptop and brings forth a range of incredible benefits. Imagine having a virtual 100″ monitor wherever you go, right at your fingertips! 🌟

While the concept of AR monitors is not entirely new, we’ve witnessed various announcements and releases over the past ten years. From Microsoft’s Hololens to Magic Leap and adaptations like the Lenovo Nreal glasses, these products have shown immense promise. However, widespread adoption has remained elusive. But that may soon change!

Rumors are swirling that Apple is poised to make a big splash with their own version, codenamed “Reality Pro,” at this year’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WDC) in June. Apple’s entry into the AR market has piqued curiosity and raised expectations across the industry. We can’t help but eagerly await their approach to tackling the field of view and image clarity challenges that have plagued previous iterations.

One crucial factor that has hindered broader acceptance of AR headsets has been the physical appearance of the hardware. Many of us hesitate to wear such devices in public, which has slowed down their adoption. However, technological advancements are constantly pushing the boundaries, and we believe it’s only a matter of time before sleek, comfortable, and stylish AR solutions become the norm.

Now, I want to hear from you! Does this type of product intrigue you? Are you excited about the possibilities of AR monitors, or do you still have reservations? I’m particularly curious about Apple’s upcoming offering and how they might address these challenges. Share your thoughts in the comments below! Let’s discuss the future of augmented reality together. 👓🌍

The Power of Seamless Integration

At konnectus, we’re passionate about creating exceptional audiovisual experiences for our clients. This week, we want to highlight the importance of seamless integration in AV systems and how it can elevate your business operations.

In today’s fast-paced digital world, efficient collaboration and communication are key to success. An integrated AV system brings together various components such as displays, sound systems, video conferencing tools, and control systems to work seamlessly together. Here are a few reasons why seamless integration matters:

1️⃣ Enhanced Productivity: With a well-integrated AV system, you can streamline your workflows, saving time and effort for your team. Imagine effortlessly connecting your presentation systems, video conferencing tools, and audio systems for smooth, uninterrupted communication during important meetings.

2️⃣ Improved User Experience: Clients and employees alike appreciate a user-friendly AV system. Seamlessly integrated technology ensures that everyone can easily navigate and operate the audiovisual equipment, reducing frustration and increasing engagement.

3️⃣ Future-Proofing: Technology is constantly evolving, and investing in a flexible AV system helps future-proof your business. By working with us, you gain access to the latest advancements, ensuring that your AV infrastructure can adapt and grow as your needs change.

If you’re looking to maximize the potential of your audiovisual setup, our team of experts at konnectus is here to help. We specialize in designing custom AV solutions tailored to your unique requirements, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance.