As part of our Xchange Community Spotlight series, we're excited to speak to a dedicated member of the Xchange community, @Alexis Bou Farhat, CTS-D, CTS-I! Like many other AV professionals, Alexis started his career journey with a single venue, transforming his experience into something that grew bigger.

"I became interested in the audiovisual industry over 20 years ago, specifically in the summer of 2003. During that time, I had the privilege of working with the AV team in 5S Hotel in Lebanon. This experience sparked my passion for the industry and ignited a strong desire to further develop my skills and knowledge in AV systems," said Alexis. 

That initial opportunity allowed Alexis to absorb as much knowledge as possible, familiarizing himself with various AV technologies and processes. While he worked through more levels of responsibility, the scope of his projects also increased in size. In 2017, Alexis was promoted to a Project Manager with a specialization in Extra-Low Voltage (ELV) systems. And as he has progressed in his career, he gained a deeper understanding of the intricacies and specific AV requirements of different industries. Alexis has also supplemented his on-the-job experience with an array of professional certifications.

"I hold a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI), which has provided me with a solid foundation in project management methodologies and practices," he said. "Additionally, I have obtained CTS-D and CTS-I certifications from AVIXA, which have enhanced my technical expertise and knowledge in audiovisual technology, systems design and installation, project management, and customer service."

Alexis currently works for BLINQ, a sub-division of IMAR. BLINQ specializes in integrating ELV systems and designing immersive experiences, working with clients every step of the way. 

"We prioritize building strong and lasting relationships with our clients. We believe in open communication, collaboration, and a client-centric approach. Our dedicated team works closely with our clients, understanding their unique requirements and goals while providing them with tailored solutions that surpass their expectations," Alexis said.

Additionally, Alexis emphasized the potential for the growing integrations between AV and IT.

"Collaboration and communication in the AV industry have been revolutionized by cloud-based platforms, video conferencing technologies, and unified communication platforms that facilitate remote work and effective communication," he explained. "Smart AV systems, incorporating automation, AI, and IoT connectivity, have transformed AV technologies in smart environments, enabling centralized control, automation, and enhanced energy efficiency."

Alexis prides himself on keeping up to date on emerging technologies, trends, and practices. His insightful perspective can be seen across Xchange, where he shares his own knowledge alongside notable updates he comes across. He firmly believes in building a solid relationship between AV companies, manufacturers, and clients, ensuring that clients get the solutions they're looking for while receiving the appropriate support in the process.

Thanks so much to @Alexis Bou Farhat, CTS-D, CTS-I, for joining us in our Community Spotlight series! You can check out more knowledge and insights from him on his Xchange profile, where he writes about various topics across AV. If you'd like to submit a member of the Xchange community to be considered for the Xchange Community Spotlight, please email xchange@avixa.org!