For our March ‘26 Xchange Community Spotlight, we’re featuring @Parag Kothari, CTS, Founder and Principal Consultant of Reson8 Consulting. He first stepped into the Pro AV landscape during a pivotal era where hardware‑centric systems dominated, projectors were everywhere, and VGA was trying to hold strong despite the looming transition to HDMI and DisplayPort.

“Major chip and PC manufacturers had already announced the ‘VGA sunset,’” he recalled. “Working in that transition period, constantly bridging existing VGA infrastructure with new digital standards, made every well engineered system feel like a small miracle when it all worked together and that really sparked my fascination with the industry.”

Several years into his career, Parag recognized a recurring gap between what end users truly needed and what projects often delivered. This realization became the foundation for Reson8 Consulting.

“I wanted to build a consultancy that advocates for the client, makes technology decisions business‑driven rather than spec‑driven, and ensures that AV and workplace technology are integrated strategically into the wider built environment,” he explained.

Today, Reson8 collaborates closely with integrators, designers, and manufacturers to deliver solutions that balance experience, reliability, and long‑term value.

When asked what skills matter most in a consulting and project‑development role, he highlighted a blend of technical competence, people‑centered thinking, and leadership. His advice for those looking to grow in the field is equally grounded:

“Stay curious, invest in understanding both the technology and the people using it, and don’t be afraid to question ‘we’ve always done it this way.’ Certifications and standards are important, but your reputation will be built on how well your systems perform in the real world.”

Based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Parag is witnessing firsthand how the region is accelerating into the future of workplace and experiential technology. The Gulf’s rapid development and emphasis on world‑class digital experiences make it a particularly exciting region for AV innovation.

“In the UAE and the wider GCC region, I’m seeing a strong push toward flexible, hybrid‑ready workplaces and experience‑driven spaces,” he said.

He also sees organizations embracing network‑centric AV that brings IT and AV teams closer together, using data‑driven space management to optimize usage and investment. Additionally, he’s observed growing demand for immersive corporate, hospitality, and public environments where content, lighting, and AV combine to create cohesive branded experiences.

For Parag, the AVIXA Xchange community has become an invaluable hub for global connections.

“What I value most about Xchange is the ability to connect with a global community that speaks the same language of AV and experiential technology. It’s a space where practitioners at different stages of their careers can share ideas, challenges, and lessons learned, and where manufacturers, integrators, consultants, and end users can all interact openly. That mix of perspectives keeps you learning, keeps you humble, and keeps you inspired about where our industry is going,” he stated.

You can find his profile here on Xchange.

Thank you @Parag Kothari, CTS! To stay updated on members of our growing community, make sure to follow the Xchange Community Spotlight page.