Powering Projects With Precision AV Delivery | Proud Finalist – AV Awards 2025, AV Professional of the Year

We’re not satisfied with the status quo, nor are our customers. Our goal is to move beyond where AV integrators have traditionally lived – focusing more on outcomes and moving your businesses forward.   For customers across industries and geographies, FORTÉ delivers next-generation visual collaboration solutions built with a people-first approach.    The employee-owners of FORTÉ leverage unrivaled technical experience, talent, and commitment in delivering customized AV solutions that empower you to seize opportunities and imagine new possibilities. Founded in 1974 by Joe Stoebner, FORTÉ has grown from one office location in North Dakota to 42 locations in the United States and four locations in Europe. FORTÉ is also the only employee-owned communications and collaboration company with more than 1,500 employees as of August 2025. The company serves customers in all 50 states and, as the Regional Business Unit of GPA, FORTÉ assists multinational enterprises, providing design, delivery and installation services in 170 cities around the world. FORTÉ's unique approach with its customers includes providing subject matter expertise in enterprise audiovisual solutions, unified collaboration solutions, Microsoft services, digital media, mission critical solutions, and broadcast solutions. In addition, FORTÉ delivers a complete suite of managed services to ensure every solution remains up-to-date and functioning as it should. In 2024, FORTÉ announced the addition of its Velocity Logisitics Center in Dallas, Texas. This center enables FORTÉ to develop and deploy pre-engineered meeting room solutions anywhere in the United States within days, not months. An industry first!

Priyanshu Khandelwal is a seasoned IT and technology marketing strategist with over 6 years of hands-on experience driving scalable growth for tech-driven businesses. He specializes in building performance-focused marketing ecosystems for SaaS platforms, mobile applications, IT services, and enterprise solutions across competitive global markets. With deep expertise in B2B tech marketing, SaaS growth strategy, product-led growth (PLG), enterprise SEO, paid acquisition, and data-driven demand generation, Priyanshu bridges the gap between complex technology and measurable business outcomes. His approach is rooted in analytics, market intelligence, and conversion-focused execution—not vanity metrics. He has successfully led go-to-market strategies, growth funnels, and multi-channel acquisition models for IT companies targeting the USA, UK, and Australia, helping brands establish authority, generate high-intent leads, and scale sustainably. Known for his sharp understanding of emerging tech trends, AI-powered marketing frameworks, and automation-led growth systems, Priyanshu consistently delivers results in high-competition tech environments. If you want a marketer who understands technology at a product level and marketing at a revenue level, Priyanshu Khandelwal brings both to the table.

Performance-driven professional offering over 17 years of insightful experience, building on a strong foundation in AV systems and workplace transformation strategy, I work hands-on with clients to design, implement, and optimize technology that drives collaboration, innovation, and productivity in the modern workplace.

Mike's illustrious career as a multi-award-winning Creative Technical Director is marked by his profound expertise in designing and executing large-scale fixed installations and live event projects that consistently redefine the frontiers of technology and innovation.   Over the span of more than two decades, Mike has meticulously honed his craft, amassing invaluable experience across a diverse range of industries, including live events, automotive exhibitions, financial expos, museums, science centres, and themed entertainment attractions. His ability to seamlessly adapt to these varied domains is a testament to his versatility and technical acumen.   Mike's extensive portfolio is an impressive showcase of his technical prowess, featuring a broad spectrum of projects, from intricately detailed small-scale endeavours to grand, technologically advanced installations. Collaborating with eminent institutions and corporate giants such as The Sphere – Las Vegas, Walt Disney Imagineering, Universal Studios, The Smithsonian Institute, The Adler Planetarium, The American Museum of Natural History, Apple, Barclays, Coca-Cola, Nike, Farah Leisure, Hyundai, Cedar Fair, Changi Airport Group, Merlin Entertainment, Dubai Parks and Resorts, and the BBC highlights the depth and technical diversity of his skill set.   What truly distinguishes Mike is his exceptional proficiency in merging creative artistry with cutting-edge technology. This intricate fusion is often overlooked in the industry, but it forms the cornerstone of his specialized skill set. Whether he's developing immersive environments that seamlessly integrate state-of-the-art audio-visual systems, interactive displays, and sensory experiences to educate and entertain or orchestrating intricate technical collaborations between creative and engineering teams, Mike consistently delivers projects that not only meet the highest technical standards but also captivate and engage audiences with unprecedented technical precision.   Mike's journey is a testament to his unwavering dedication to pushing the boundaries of immersive experiences and technical innovation. His visionary approach, complemented by his exceptional grasp of complex technical intricacies, has firmly established him as a luminary in the realm of creative and technical direction, setting new industry benchmarks and inspiring others to embrace the intricacies of technology and innovation.  

My professional journey began with a deep love for music, starting with creating mixtapes in high school and eventually leading to opportunities as a DJ and Producer. This passion for performance and sound naturally evolved into the world of acoustics, where I founded a company focused on acoustic integration. That unique background gave me a foundational understanding of the technical and creative aspects of sound, which I've leveraged throughout my career in the commercial audiovisual industry. For over two decades, I've excelled in both sales and project management, specializing in design-build turnkey services. I'm skilled at bringing the right resources together to ensure project success. My philosophy is simple: I work for my clients, and my company/resources work for us—a partnership built on shared success. I look forward to connecting with fellow professionals who are passionate about the future of AV and IT.

I started my AV engineering/programming career in 2022. During this time, I earned several certificates, including: Crestron Intermediate Programmer and DM Certified Designer Lutron RA2 Programmer (I can also program Lutron HomeWorks QS, but I don’t hold a certificate) Dante Level 3 Certificate NetGear Level 1 Certificate Control4 Certificate BACnet Basics & BACnet Device Profiles Certificate Q-SYS Audio Level 1 Certificate Xilica Designer Certificate In addition, I am familiar with and have worked with DM Designer (Klark Teknik software), Audio Architect (BSS London), and Lake Controller Software. I am currently learning Cisco CCNA and C# programming.

Recipient of the Young AV Professional of the Year 2025 by SIIA Awards... I have played a pivotal role in leading renowned companies worldwide, consistently achieving outstanding performance. My efforts have been instrumental in transforming startups into process-driven, million-dollar enterprises. Developing and executing go-to-market strategies while reaching targeted goals has been a core part of my methodology. By harnessing technology for innovation, I have consistently stayed ahead of the curve and delivered exceptional results. Throughout the years, I have cultivated a healthy work-life balance that has allowed me to delve into deeper aspects of Self, Life, and Spirituality, firmly embracing the belief in oneness. As a lifelong seeker of knowledge and an avid learner, I am committed to innovating and implementing effective strategies that yield remarkable results for all stakeholders.

Started Journey as Live sound System Engineer For small AV company in 2007. Then join one Dubbing studio and Done Some Movies Dubbing and Music Mixing Till 2008. After 2008 Started working as Freelancer for Audio Jobs as Recording, Dubbing and Mixing engineer for regional language Music and Movies. From 2010 corporate journey Started with Manufacturer of AV Acessories in India. Till 2012 worked as Technical Marketing team Head for the Product developments and Possible solutions for Pro Audio and Video Industry Acessories. After 2013 Started working for Pro Audio Industry Products as BDM for West India. From 2016 Working as Individual Audio, Video and Acoustics Design Consultant for freelance projects across India and in global market.

I am a professional with over 15 years of experience in the AV industry and hold a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, combining practical expertise with a strong academic foundation. I lead engineering teams in developing and deploying innovative AV solutions across key sectors, including defense, education, finance, and healthcare. As the director of Wave AV, I guide the company’s technological roadmap, focusing on the adoption of cutting-edge solutions and emerging industry standards. I’m committed to continuous learning - earning certifications such as CTS-D, CTS-I and ANP reflects that dedication. My leadership is driven by a vision to push the boundaries of AV technology and strengthen the industry’s evolution.

As AVIXA's manager of editorial content, I bring to the role fifteen years of marketing experience and ten working predominantly in editorial and video content. I've spent many years in the entertainment industry working for Nickelodeon, Lucasfilm, Disney, and even a small theater in the heart of Florence, Italy. I love great stories and finding the right way to tell them. I am also a stop-motion animation aficionado who makes puppets and writes books. And if you have a food-related AV story, I'd love to hear it!