I’m Douglas Hoag, Principal Consultant and owner of DCH Technology Consulting, based in Chicago, IL. With more than 15 years in the audiovisual industry, I specialize in consulting, design, and owner’s representative services for complex built environments. My work spans courtrooms, council chambers, emergency operations centers, police stations, and corporate experience spaces, where technology must seamlessly support both in-person and hybrid collaboration. At DCH Technology Consulting, I take a human-centered design approach—balancing AVIXA, SMPTE, AES, ANSI, and AIA best practices with real-world workflows. My background includes global technology standardization efforts with Fortune 500 clients as well as civic projects requiring coordination between state and county stakeholders. I focus on creating cohesive, intuitive systems that support transparency, equitable conferencing, and future-ready infrastructure through solutions like AVoverIP, broadcast integration, and smart workflow design. I’m passionate about helping architects, owners, and technology teams bring their vision to life with audiovisual systems that feel intentional, intuitive, and built to last.

I started as a technician in the early days of HB Live and have garnered invaluable and intimate expertise in the audiovisual event production industry over the course of my 30+ years career managing thousands of events at HB Live. Under my leadership, our teams actively pursue innovative solutions to even the most challenging problems through purposeful collaboration with our clients and affiliates with the sole purpose of providing an event that leaves a lasting impression.

I am a production and AVL expert dedicated to bringing creative visions and concepts to life. I left my production home of 16 years in November 2021 and am currently building my own consulting business while keeping my options open for the right opportunity.  Since 1994, I have had the opportunity - both as a freelancer, small business owner, and an executive team leader - to work in delivering solutions on a scale that most people rarely see while up against timelines that seem impossible. My diverse, well-rounded background allows me to understand almost any organization or project's technical, creative, time management, and team building needs. I pride myself on the ability to creatively overcome challenges while creating an enjoyable experience for both my team and our clients along the way. I believe the job of a true leader is about more than creating and executing a strategic vision or strategy. It is about being a trusted team member, mentor, and leader. It is about creating a culture of earned respect and mutual trust where everyone believes they are a vital member of the team. It is about a firm commitment to the complete satisfaction of every customer, stakeholder, and employee.

Vertical AVTV was founded in 2002 in Atlanta, GA by Robert Harlin and Bill Shiverick.  We provide a range of technology services - design, installation, integration and management - in the commercial market.   Audio Visual | Structured Cabling | Access Security | Digital Signage | Sound Masking | Satellite Television | WiFi/DAS We provide these services to our clients throughout the US.

Managed Audio Visual services for School District 197 that includes Two Rivers High School, two (2) middle schools, and five (5) elementary schools. Provide leadership and management to the Audio Visual department. CareHawk system administrator for the two middle schools. Started a service club for Two Rivers High School and District called Tech Warriors. Tech Warriors provided level 1 computer support, event production services, and TV/Streaming production.

Long time AV industry member, lover of tech, and wizard.