Almo Pro AV aims to build a collaborative Pro AV community. We encourage you to ask questions and participate in the conversation. Our trusted, in-house experts provide thought leadership, audiovisual industry trends, event coverage, technology news, and resources to help grow your AV business. Almo Pro AV is the largest value-added North American Professional AV distributor offering its manufacturer and reseller partners the most expansive range of products, managed services, technical support and training to drive business growth and generate profits. Formed in 2022 following DCC’s acquisition of Almo Corporation, Almo Pro AV harnesses the combined sales, service, marketing and subject matter expertise to deliver customized business development strategies, programs and educational events that enable partners to thrive. With a highly-accomplished joint leadership team, more than 300 employees, 12 distribution facilities, and 2.7 million square feet of warehousing space, Almo Pro AV provides the specialization and resources its partners need while maintaining the personal distribution approach they expect. For more information about Almo Pro AV, go to www.AlmoProAV.com.

As an architect by training (BS Architecture, Cal Poly SLO) and a collaborative technologist with four decades of practice, I’m passionate about mentoring the next generation of AV professionals in the intersection of technology, strategy, and leadership. I've been active in AVIXA since 1986, and served on the national board, 1993-2000. I'm a Fellow of the Society of Marketing Professional Services (SMPS), and an Associate member of the American Institute of Architects.  My expertise spans audiovisual systems design, integrated building technology, strategic business development, and higher education technology planning. I bring an award-winning, B2B design thinking approach developed through leadership roles with national AEC and technology firms. I’ve led marketing and sales strategy, designed future-ready digital experience environments, and helped organizations implement AI-powered tools to scale expertise and performance. I’m available as a mentor or advisor in areas including AV system design for education and civic spaces, AI-enhanced business development, strategic marketing for integrators and consultants, digital experience planning, and leadership development for rising professionals. I’m especially focused on helping firms utilize technology not just to build systems, but to establish credibility, save time, and drive revenue growth. Known throughout the AEC and AV industries for my thought leadership and integrity, I share insights through industry publications, AVIXA and SMPS events, and my blog, CatalystFactor—a resource for growth strategies, leadership development, and marketing innovation. .

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.  

A marketing professional and 20-year AV industry veteran, I am a proud CTS holder and enthusiastic #AVfoodie who is passionate about innovative technologies, design, and all things AV. I look forward to connecting with you here on Xchange and invite you to join me on LinkedIn as well.  To reach me, please message me on LinkedIn, as I am unable to reply to conversations here. 

Ben currently serves as the Head of Pro AV and the Sr. Director of Publishing for MarketScale, a B2B publisher and strategic marketing firm. He has over a decade of award winning experience in media publishing for large scale events, OTT & live streaming platforms, marketing, network television, and podcasting. Ben decided on his career path at the age of 7, and to date has led some of the most influential brands in the world including Intel, Nokia, Samsung and Segway, to billions of content interactions. A huge hockey fan (Go Stars!), and former contestant and current fan of Family Feud, Thomas resides in Dallas, Texas.