While working in the #proAV industry can be dynamic and ever evolving, we may find ourselves in seasons of burnout or even being deceived by negative self-talk in environments that can be taxing on our minds and souls.  
 
But never forget, “Here on the mountain, the air is clear, and your mind is clear.” Establishing mental health practices are crucial to navigate the technologies and systems that make our meetings and events successful.  
 
Without further ado, here are some exciting sessions at this year’s InfoComm in Orlando that seek to integrate mental health in a #proAV context! 

Arthur Holm: How Table Design & Technology Influence the Psychology of a Meeting 
 

How we position ourselves plays a huge role in how we are seen and heard. And that reigns true even in the physical environment of our meeting rooms and event spaces. 

Join Henrik Holm bright and early on Wednesday as he discusses how to cultivate participant engagement and shape engaging interactions through neuroarchitecture. (Yes, this has become my new word of the day) 

As someone who manages the AV offerings for ISDA’s board meetings, I can attest to the need of producing a technological environment with our furniture and office services teams to influence the quality of decision-making while establishing inclusivity in communication.

Diversified: Next-Gen Wellness: Experiential Tech Powers Patient-Centered Care 

Beginning on Wednesday, Diversified will assemble a team of leaders from Gensler and TELUS Health to cover how #proAV plays a role in the new patient lifecycle. It will be amazing to hear how technology can play a role in building a wholistic experience. Having family in nursing and healthcare, I am pleasantly surprised to see AV in a medical context. 

I am intrigued to hear about these amazing case studies from exam room technology to the real-time visualization that establishes clarity through collaboration.

Mindful Tech: Supporting Student Mental Health and Learning through Responsible Technology Ecosystems 

As we move on to Thursday, Blair Rubio of Verbit.AI will host a session on Mindful Tech. It’s refreshing to hear mindfulness and technology in the same breath. In our world today, we forget that we belong to one another. And that these new and growing tools at our disposable should bring us closer together, not divide us.  

As a Tech Manager in the nonprofit sector, I tend to forget the correlation between mental health and academic performance. The ability to learn in classroom settings is heavily dependent on the mindset and approach to teaching, and that all begins with how faculty and staff leverage technology for everyone! 

Toolbox Talks - Tools for Mental Health and Wellness 

Interactivity is the name of the game when it comes to memorable InfoComm sessions, and the team at IATSE strives to bolster that notion showcasing how our workplace environments can impact our mental health.

Working in #proAV and creating event experiences for clients and attendees can take a toll on all of us. I personally wrestle with people-pleasing tendencies, which require the use of healthy boundaries when engaging with stakeholders.  

Ultimately, keeping an open mind is vital to growth. Equipping ourselves with respectful and mindful language practices, in addition to fundamental and hands-on mindfulness exercises, can really shine a light on how we are present in our careers. 

Designing Neuroinclusive Workplaces: Advancing Sensory Processing and Cognitive Well-Being  

For those still in town on Friday, our very own fearless leader in diversity Jenn Steinhardt will be hosting an insightful discussion with the legendary Kay Sargent on neurodiversity.  

I was humbled to learn that neurodivergent individuals represent roughly 20% of the global population. As someone with family members with a wide variety of neurological needs, crafting spaces for cognitive engagement is truly meeting equity in action.  

I am intrigued to learn how #proAV can help with the significant uplift in experiences for all people, especially when it comes to the “artful application” of features like patterns, textures, and other elements. 

This empowering haven will conclude with the AVIXA Diversity Council Meetup & Book Signing - InfoComm 2025. It’s been great to feel a sense of belonging as AVIXA prioritizes diversity within the industry. All in all, this will be a great way to wrap up a full week... to recharge, to recalibrate, and to refresh (all puns intended when it comes to the caffeine at these things!) 

To close with one last CS Lewis quote, “Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it.” Incorporating mental health into the #proAV world will give us all a lens to recognize the vulnerable in our communities. Leading with a childlike curiosity can spark technological magic which can open minds that move the industry forward!