June 13 @ 1:30 PM, C8676  Chris Bischoff, Sr. Manager, Core Infrastructure - Republic Services Inc.  Roopam Jain, Vice President Research, Information and Communications Technologies - Frost & Sullivan  Jane Hammersley, Queen of Collaboration - Blue Touch Paper  Philip Langley, SVP Global Enterprise AV & UCC - Wesco  Timothy Mackie, Senior Field Systems Engineer - Yamaha Unified Communications https://www.infocommshow.org/infocomm-2024/trend-forecast-conferencing-and-collaboration Navigating AI, Sustainability and Commodification in a perfect storm… The convergence of artificial intelligence (AI), sustainability concerns, and increasing commodification presents both opportunities and challenges. In this panel debate, experts from diverse backgrounds come together to explore the multifaceted implications of these intersecting trends.  The discussion kicks off with an examination of AI's role in revolutionizing conferencing and collaboration. Panellists delve into how AI-powered tools enhance communication, streamline processes, and personalize user experiences. However, they also confront the ethical dilemmas surrounding data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the potential displacement of human labour.  Sustainability emerges as another critical theme, with panellists scrutinizing the environmental footprint of conferencing technologies and the importance of ESG when selecting suppliers and vendors and generally fostering eco-friendly practices within the industry.  The conversation then shifts to the commodification of conferencing and collaboration solutions. Panellists debate that reducing the cost of conferencing and collaboration solutions has the potential to significantly enhance the CX by increasing accessibility, fostering innovation, improving scalability, enabling customization. Whilst it might be argued that reducing costs and services surrounding the installation and training could have the opposite effect.  Have a question for a speaker? Ask the question in this Discussion thread, and the speaker may answer your question on-stage, or in this thread after the session! 

June 14 @ 11:15 AM, W2847  David Lopez, Founder / CEO - MediaCentric  Mark Delguidice, Sr. Sales Director - Viper Cabling Inc.  Bill Fons, President - PTG  Anthony Castillo, Sr. Director Pro AV Division - Rightech, Inc https://www.infocommshow.org/infocomm-2024/av-integration-is-your-business-fine-tuned-for-todays-more-competitive-landscape A variety of AV industry trends have many AV integrators rethinking outsourcing in some areas, to improve both their efficiency and profitability. Industry data is pointing to shrinking margins on gear, rising costs for labor, and a shift to more services not just installing equipment. And challenges in an era of what seems like a saturation of marketing messages is leading to more thoughtful, targeted approaches to marketing, including account based marketing.  Some integrators are looking more closely now at outsourcing some labor, design, complimentary tech services (like acoustical analysis), or marketing and content marketing services. What’s behind this thinking, and is outsourcing one or more of those elements an option for your AV integration company?  Presented by the AVIXA Independent Technical Services Council.  Have a question for a speaker? Ask the question in this Discussion thread, and the speaker may answer your question on-stage, or in this thread after the session! 

June 14 @ 10:30 AM, W2847  Jenn Steinhardt, Associate - Shen, Milsom & Wilke LLC  Jessica Sanders, Senior Distribution Development Manager - Absen  Kaz Pearman, Client Development - DCE Agency Ltd  https://www.infocommshow.org/infocomm-2024/wellness-in-the-workplace-a-focus-on-mental-health  Wellness is comprised of seven interdependent dimensions: mental, physical, social, financial, spiritual, environmental, and vocational.  Mental health issues can have a significant impact on employees wellbeing and can be a major cause of long-term absence from work. Join this panel to hear how the AV industry can promote good mental health and provide support for employees who are experiencing mental ill health including anxiety or depression.  Have a question for a speaker? Ask the question in this Discussion thread, and the speaker may answer your question on-stage, or in this thread after the session! 

June 13 @ 3:30 PM, W2847  Georgie-Ann Getton, CEO & Founder - GSD Solutions  https://www.infocommshow.org/infocomm-2024/content-connections-how-to-design-your-event-for-audience   Events have evolved significantly in the last 4 years. This evolution was already underway due to new technology but it was accelerated due to the COVID-19 pandemic which forced event producers to think about event format, attendees to think about event participation style, and sponsors to think about their overall ROI from events. This is why understanding how to design your event so that you can maximize stakeholder content and connections is key! In this session, Georgie-Ann Getton will share three key elements that every event needs to review and establish no matter it is in-person, virtual, or hybrid to establish.   After this session, you will understand:  What will produce the most connections during your event,   How to ensure that your audience achieves the expected goal from the session, and  Why it's important to design your event around the audience format.  Have a question for a speaker? Ask the question in this Discussion thread, and the speaker may answer your question on-stage, or in this thread after the session!

June 13 @ 11:30 AM, C8676  Oliver Van Camp, Product Manager - Barco  Jenn Steinhardt, Associate - Shen, Milsom & Wilke LLC  Jimmy Vaughan, Partner Technical Specialist - Microsoft  Hope Roth, Professional Services Engineer - Q-SYS  Colin Birney, Manager, Consulting - AV MSP  https://www.infocommshow.org/infocomm-2024/trend-forecast-enterprise-it   We will discuss a number of enterprise challenges including those associated with:    Deploying generative AI technologies  Deploying shared space devices that might not align with your AI strategy  How enterprise IT challenges traditional AV  How remote and in-person working is challenging the role of enterprise IT  How cloud solutions play a part in helping enterprise IT with hybrid working challenge  Also, how security needs to be embedded in product development and the importance of supporting IT operations to roll out products in the most secure way and ensuring frequent firmware releases and monitoring, post installation.  And as sustainability becomes increasingly important - how to harness the benefits for IT operations on power consumption, product (end of) lifecycles and reduced waste and reduced carbon footprint.   Emerging technologies are bringing true network convergence and a path towards unified, data-driven AV/IT management. However, the need for user-friendly and secure experiences creates a headwind against putting “anything and everything” on the network. Our panel will explore these tensions and debate their implications for enterprise IT pros.   Have a question for a speaker? Ask the question in this Discussion thread, and the speaker may answer your question on-stage, or in this thread after the session! 

June 13 @ 11:00 AM, W2847 Michelle Montazeri, Director, Digital Signage - Legrand AV  Rich Ventura, Vice President, Sony Electronics Inc - Professional Display Solutions  Misty Chalk, Vice President of Sales – BrightSign  https://www.infocommshow.org/infocomm-2024/coffee-controversy-what-drives-your-display  Join industry experts to discuss the always-controversial topic of media players vs. SoC as they outline best practices for your digital signage deployment.   We will discuss:      Advantages & Disadvantages of media players and system-on-a-chip      Identify the right choice based on your client needs      Highlight real-world applications of successful implementations of each  Have a question for a speaker? Ask the question in this Discussion thread, and the speaker may answer your question on-stage, or in this thread after the session! 

June 13 @ 9:30 AM, W2847  Nicki Sun, Host + Creative Director - Nicki Sun Media  https://www.infocommshow.org/infocomm-2024/livestreaming-success-tips-and-tricks-for-seamless-online-video-presentations  Nicki Sun joins us fresh after hosting NAB Show LIVE, a daily live remote production broadcast spotlighting thought-leaders, creators, and exhibitors on the Show floor, aired internationally over the internet on the NAB Show homepage.  With her extensive live hosting experience and expertise in producing/hosting at-home studio live streams like “TechNicki Speaking with Nicki Sun” on Amazon, she’ll share her strategies for looking and sounding your best on location. Discover essential tips and tricks, from boosting your on-camera confidence to selecting the right gear and gadgets.  Have a question for a speaker? Ask the question in this Discussion thread, and the speaker may answer your question on-stage, or in this thread after the session! 

June 12 @ 4:00 PM, C8676  Lance Ford, Zoom Spaces Educator – Zoom  Erin Maher-Moran, IT Manager - Classroom Technology - Johns Hopkins University  Britt Yenser, AV Manager - Northampton Community College  Kat Taub, Product Marketing Manager, Networked Video – Audinate  https://www.infocommshow.org/infocomm-2024/trend-forecast-learning  This session will look at 'hybrid' learning in the new normal for education including whether your campus network is ready for campus networks and the best strategies for monitoring and remote management for networked AV devices.  We will also look at what technologies work for both students and academics in terms of adoption and understanding and enabling both ends of the spectrum. Then we will take a look at how campuses are enabling metaverse learning and how VR and AR spaces should be designed to accommodate immersive learning content. Finally, predictions - and what the panel believes will be the most important AV technologies for learning in the next few years.  Have a question for a speaker? Ask the question in this Discussion thread, and the speaker may answer your question on-stage, or in this thread after the session! 

June 12 @ 11:30 AM, C8676  Kiersten Gibson, Executive Vice President - Reach Media Network  Laila Jensen, CEO and Business transformation leader - Zenova  Jim Nista, Creative Director - Nista Digital Content  Michelle Montazeri, Director, Digital Signage - Legrand AV  Jenny Hicks, Head of Technology & Market Intelligence - Midwich Group  https://www.infocommshow.org/infocomm-2024/trend-forecast-digital-signage  This panel of digital signage experts, thought leaders and leading technology and service suppliers will explore hot topics such as equity in technology, AI and Machine Learning and how interactive applications can provide multiple opportunities to maximize the user experience. Learn what’s next for the sector including green signage, the role of computer vision AI, and much, much more.  Have a question for a speaker? Ask the question in this Discussion thread, and the speaker may answer your question on-stage, or in this thread after the session! 

June 12 @ 3:30 PM, W2847  Heather Best, Sr. Program Manager Media & Consulting – Diversified Jamie Duemo, CTO - Media Innovation Labs Erin Bigelow-Umar, Head of Production Operations & Strategy - Amazon Live  Anna Csontos, EVP, Chief of Staff & Chief Market Officer - QSC  https://www.infocommshow.org/infocomm-2024/diversified-raise-her-up-innovation-led-by-women  Women (and allies) at InfoComm unite! This isn’t just another tech talk or another conversation about equity and equality. It’s women in tech, talking tech! We're taking a deep dive into the thought leadership, explosive growth, and cutting-edge advancements women bring to the tech table.   Join us for a powerhouse panel of female trailblazers as we explore real-world examples of innovations shaping our world. From AI breakthroughs and predictive analytics to the wonders of experiential and immersive technologies, journey into the heart of tech's future.  Have a question for a speaker? Ask the question in this Discussion thread, and the speaker may answer your question on-stage, or in this thread after the session! 

June 12 @ 3:00 PM, W2847  Adam Lopez, Director, Media and Workplace – Diversified John Ball, Sr. Systems Engineer - Microsoft Production Studios Marc Brown, Director of Engineering - Microsoft Production Studios  https://www.infocommshow.org/infocomm-2024/diversified-how-microsoft-does-enterprise-broadcasting  Are you already using Microsoft Teams to collaborate across your organization? Research suggests almost half of you are. Did you know that Microsoft Teams can also be used for high-quality broadcast productions reaching tens of thousands of live virtual attendees all over the world at one time?  When you need high-quality, professional productions, start with the technology you already have. And who better to learn from than Microsoft themselves?  In this session, we’ll highlight the recent upgrade of Microsoft Production Studios, and how they broadcast using Microsoft Teams on the regular. Join us to get a glimpse behind the curtain!  Have a question for a speaker? Ask the question in this Discussion thread, and the speaker may answer your question on-stage, or in this thread after the session! 

June 12 @ 11:00 AM, W2847  Erica Carroll, CEO - CharBett Strategies  Bradford Benn, Chief Advisist - Advisist Group, LLC  Brittany Greer, Executive Director - Rosie Riveters  https://www.infocommshow.org/infocomm-2024/empowering-innovation-the-critical-role-of-women-in-stem  A timely exploration of the essential value diversity brings to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields- including AV. This panel will delve into how diversity, especially the inclusion of more women, fuels innovation, enhances profitability, and addresses the critical blind spots that arise in a homogenous work environment. Through a blend of industry insights, groundbreaking research, and real-world examples, we'll uncover where the lack of diversity has historically hindered STEM progress and how a more inclusive approach can lead to breakthroughs in technology and science. This session is a must-attend for professionals and enthusiasts eager to understand and champion the role of women in shaping the future of STEM and AV.  Have a question for a speaker? Ask the question in this Discussion thread, and the speaker may answer your question on-stage, or in this thread after the session! 

June 12 @ 9:30 AM, W2847  Scott Josephson, Sr. Corporate Operations Engineer – Google  https://www.infocommshow.org/infocomm-2024/supporting-videoconferencing-at-google  Gain insight into Google's scalable, repeatable approach and process for selecting and replacing technology to ensure user productivity and satisfaction. This session will provide a high-level overview of how Google supports videoconferencing, including network considerations, escalation paths, cross-functional partnerships to ensure stability and reliability, new product introduction, and hybrid work.  Have a question for a speaker? Ask the question in this Discussion thread, and the speaker may answer your question on-stage, or in this thread after the session!