Women in AV – Lessons from Integrate Expo 2023
Why the conversation matters
Women in AV still face bias, imposter syndrome and a lack of visible role models. At Integrate Expo 2023 a panel titled “Leadership Styles and Building Spaces for Women to Thrive” tackled those barriers head-on. AVIXA Xchange
1 · The gender gap—still real
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Most women on the show floor said they felt like outsiders.
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Clients and vendors often speak to male colleagues first—even when a woman holds the senior role.
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Imposter syndrome can sap confidence long after the first promotion.
Quote of note
“Without fail, every single woman I encountered had imposter syndrome.” – Stacy Kempton (panelist)
2 · Language shapes culture
Words matter. Educating teams to swap exclusionary terms for neutral ones signals that everyone belongs. The panel praised the [AVIXA Inclusive Language Guide] for giving the industry clear examples. cdn.avixa.org
3 · Advocacy starts with allies
You don’t need a C-suite title to drive change:
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Call out bias when you see a woman’s voice sidelined.
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Sponsor talent—invite emerging leaders to client meetings.
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Share credit publicly for ideas, not just deliverables.
4 · Mentoring & networking—more than “nice-to-have”
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Buddy systems help newcomers decode unwritten rules.
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Formal mentoring accelerates skills and confidence.
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Peer networks create safe spaces to swap strategies.
McKinsey research links gender-diverse leadership to better financial performance—a 15 % lift over the industry median. McKinsey & Company
5 · Key takeaways for women in AV
| Challenge | Quick win |
|---|---|
| Imposter syndrome | Keep a “wins” journal; review before big meetings. |
| Being talked over | Use hand signals agreed on with allies to reclaim the floor. |
| Lack of role models | Join AVIXA Women’s Council or local tech-women meetups. |
Final thought
Progress is real, but unfinished. Breaking bias, using inclusive language and building support networks ensure women in AV are valued for skill, not stereotype.
Want to keep the momentum going?
Konnectus actively mentors emerging women leaders and designs AV spaces where everyone can thrive. Book a 15-minute call to learn how we can support your next step or project.
