This panel includes:

Kristi Ross-Clausen, CTS, CQT, MA, Stagehand/Professor - IATSE L470

Christopher Hope, CTS, Founder & Executive Director - The Loop Lab

Sean Glumace, Owner - 2CPR Group

Moderated by Dave Hatz, VP of Technology - ZDI, Inc.

3:15: The difficulties of finding (and retaining) new talent

Work-life balance and flexibility is key for employees returning to the workforce.

30% of live events professionals did not return to the industry post-pandemic.

CH: Most leads for new talent/interns come from word of mouth. Partnering with community based organizations opens a pipe line to identify potential employees.

SG: Education and information sessions are helpful especially being part of internships/apprenticeships at different levels from high-school to college.

3:30: We need new talent but one of our biggest challenges is creating awareness for the AV industry

The lowest hanging fruit is getting involved at the community level in the classroom. Seek out programs in schools like sports and theater.

KRC: The federal government will give you money to visit schools and educate kids about the industry.

CH: Let's think about what aspects of representation we are sending out into different communities.

For online education, most of the tutorials lack diversity and representation in the instructor base. Access to education is also incredibly important in reaching and on-boarding newer talent into the industry.

3:45: Building foundational knowledge, specializing and building a long lasting career

Starting in the industry with foundational knowledge is paramount. There are cases when specializing may not be the best path particularly in aspects of AV which change with advancements in technology.