Matt Pana

Assistant Director, Media Technology, ISDA

MattPana.com | @MattPana Navigating the crossroads of content and community in #proAV? Shoot me message, I'd love to hear what you're working on! I am available to contribute to content, webinars, panels and podcasts on the following topics: Diversity and AAPI Marketing and Content Creation Podcasting and Voice-Over Work Trade Associations and Nonprofits AV within an IT environment Matt's roots first took shape in at Seton Hall University, where he studied abroad in 4 countries and was quickly elected as one of the youngest National Chairs of FIND Inc., the east coast’s largest Filipino-American student organization. His latest mission has been to cultivate communities and develop engaging content, garnering a decade of experience in marketing, production, and digital media. After serving as a Communication Consultant for the United Nations (UNDP), Matt would go on to complete a Master’s in Communication at Purdue University. In this current chapter, Matt leverages his passions for media and technology to serve ISDA as a thought leader in the public sector. He is also an AVIXA XChange Advocate, contributing to content that cultivates conversation in the pro AV community. 
Paul Konikowski, CTS-D, CISSP, CISM

Technology & Security Consultant, AECOM

► WHAT I DO: Results-driven professional with extensive, real-world experience in Audio Visual (AV), Information Technology (IT), and Cybersecurity. Proficient in leading cross-functional teams, implementing robust security measures, and optimizing technology infrastructure. Adept at leveraging advanced certifications, including Avixa CTS-D, ISC2 CISSP, CompTIA Security+, ISACA CISM, a certificate from Harvard, a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering and Master of Science in Cybersecurity from Georgia Tech. Committed to staying at the forefront of industry trends and technologies, and leading by example.   ► MY LEADERSHIP STYLE: • Manages issues and solutions with poise and confidence. • Leads and demonstrates the ability to gain support at all levels of the organization. • Maintains a strong sense of urgency to get things done thoroughly, not quickly, and delegates responsibility to others in a personable way. • Plans for the big picture while adapting to shifting gears to achieve goals, using strong foresight and organizational skills. ►WHAT SETS ME APART FROM THE REST: • Audiovisual + IT + Cybersecurity + Architectural + Marketing experience • Seasoned engineer / architect with broad and in-depth technical, analytical, and conceptual skills • Proven track record of effectively communicating with business leadership and other vendors • Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills to drive security messages to teams • Extensive knowledge of subcontracting, construction projects, labor estimates, privacy, control system protocols, and integrated audiovisual systems ▶ RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: 🔹 Cybersecurity: • Developed and executed cybersecurity strategies to safeguard critical systems and mitigate potential threats. • Conducted vulnerability assessments and advanced hunting techniques to identify and address security vulnerabilities. • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with industry regulations and best practices. 🔹 AV and IT: • Successfully managed and supported AV and IT operations, overseeing the implementation and maintenance of technology solutions in military facilities, and audio visual integrators nationwide. • Led the design and deployment of integrated AV systems, enhancing collaboration and communication across the organization. • Implemented cybersecurity protocols to protect sensitive data and mitigate security risks. #GeorgiaTech #Harvard #RiskManagement #SecOps #SecurityOperationsCenter #CloudSecurity #DFIR #SecurityAuditing #Cybersecurity #Confidentiality #Integrity #Availability #IncidentResponse #InfoSec #NetworkSecurity #DataPrivacy #ThreatIntelligence #CTS-D #CISSP #CISM
Rich Sasson

Global Director Pro Community, Crestron Electronics Inc

A long-term AV enthusiast and professional, looking to expand knowledge about the Audio-Visual Industry to the next generation.  A Balloon Pilot and Inflation Team Leader for Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
At Newtech Group, we guide our customers throughout their digital transformation and technological adoption journey. Making complex communications and collaborations solutions simple for all types of organizations. We streamline and transform traditional channels into agile and effective ones, allowing for greater efficiency and productivity. We started the business 22 years ago but before those years we inaugurated the first videoconference service though Latam in 1989, leading us today to help the customers in design and deployments of MTR rooms.  Our knowledge on phone system integration evolved from LCS (Live Communications Services) to OCS (Office Communication Services), to Skype for Business, and now to Microsoft Teams. As we continue to grow, we are leveraging our expertise in audio and video, adoption and change management, cognitive services, and software development, we provide a comprehensive view to ensure successful customer outcomes. Partnering with Microsoft in many areas: FastTrack Ready Partner, Microsoft Teams Rooms partner program, JumpStart Employee Experience Viva program and performing as an ISV to develop extensions to the Microsoft 365 platform, positions us to tackle customer issues from different fronts. Besides, we have strategic partnerships with global hardware vendors, like Poly/HP, Logitech, Crestron, Lenovo, Jabra, Cisco, Neat, Yealink, Jupiter and more to complete our offering. We provide services throughout Latin America with commercial offices in Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Peru, Colombia, Panama, Brasil and the United States.
Liju Raju Varghese

AVP-Technical, Leisung Technologies LLC

Alex Mutambo

Installation Manager, AVI-SPL

Scott Vogt

Audio Visual Technician, Museum of the Bible

Audio Visual Technician | Immersive Experience Specialist | d3 Disguise Operator | Creative Technologist | Project Manager Museum of the Bible Beeple Studios - Beeple LLC
Mohammed Tabraiz

specialist Support Analyst , Resurgent Av Integrators Pvt Ltd

Eduardo Andres Travi

BDM - Technology & Innovation, AVI-SPL

AVLosopher | Lateral Thinking hardwired | Happy to help attitude | Full-time Technologist. Still learning. Desarrollo de negocio, venta técnica, diseño, implementación y soporte de tecnologías de comunicación audiovisual de uso corporativo y educativo. Mas de 20 años de experiencia en tecnologías de comunicación audiovisual, colaboración, signage, control room. Pasión por lograr la felicidad del cliente, que es la satisfacción manifiesta en una relación de confianza y venta consultiva recurrente. Las mejores soluciones son aquellas que consideran la historia completa en lugar de solo una pequeña imagen. UCC, Colaboración, Cartelería Digital, DOOH, pantallas LED, Videowalls, AVoIP.
Shantal Gomez Carrion

Certification Coordinator, AVIXA

Hi there, I'm one of the Certification Coordinators here at AVIXA! 
Camila Chavarri

Embajadora Avixa XChange | Head of Marketing , Newtech Group

Hi everyone! i´m very happy to be part of this community! I´m Camila, Head of Marketing at Newtech. I´ve been part of this profession for 10 years, going through different industries and now I have been in the AV industry for 4 years and counting! I am very excited about all the innovation and constant evolution that this field brings. It is quite a challenge for us marketers. I would love to hear more from everyone at Avixa Xchange. Let's get in touch!
Volney Cortes

Software Consultant, Chetu, Inc.

We want to be an alternative for organizations when their needs require adding developers or programmers. We work very well with other developers' teams. We are always looking to balance and meet our customers' goals from both budget and operational perspectives. We are very cost-effective as we only charge for developers' time and still add a free Team Leader, QA, and Project Manager. The intellectual property (IP) and source code belong 100% to our clients. We have over 24 years of experience and over 2800 in-house developers; we never outsource our work. We are technology agnostic. Some of the technologies we carry are Unreal Game Engine, Unity, Riot Engine, Maya, Houdini, Python, Android Apps, AngularJS, Apple (Objective-C and Swift), BizTalk, C, C# and C++, Coffee Script, ColdFusion, NodeJS, Database, DBA, DELPHI, Dot Net, Flash, Graphics, HTLM5 & CSS, Java, JavaScript, Mobile, PhoneGap, PHP, QA, Ruby on Rails, Test-Driven Development (TDD). We provide support to platforms such as Magento, Shopify, ERP - Oracle NetSuite, SAP, Dynamics, Sage (Microsoft Gold Partners), SharePoint, BizTalk, ESRI (GIS), AutoDesk (BIM), Clover, Odoo, Verifone, Ingenico, (CRM) - Salesforce, Zoho, BI -SAP BusinessObjects, IBM Cognos, (Accounting) QuickBooks, GP, etc. (Block of Hours Available) We create mobile and tablet applications, as well as Kiosks. We have infrastructure services: Network Support, DevOps (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, Oracle),  HelpDesk, DBAs, and Production Support. QA (Manual, Automatic, UFT, Selenium, LoadRunner, Silk, Cucumber, JMeter, Bugzilla, and more
As an experienced Audio Visual Project Manager with a dedicated career spanning 17 years in the dynamic world of AV technology. Throughout my journey, I've cultivated a deep passion for orchestrating seamless audiovisual experiences that captivate and inspire audiences. With nearly two decades of hands-on experience, I've honed my skills in every aspect of AV project management, from initial concept development to final execution. My expertise encompasses a wide range of projects, including corporate events, live concerts, theatrical productions, and immersive installations. What sets me apart is my commitment to excellence and innovation. Over the years, I've remained at the forefront of industry trends, continually exploring new technologies and techniques to push the boundaries of what's possible in the AV realm. This forward-thinking approach has allowed me to deliver cutting-edge solutions that exceed client expectations and leave a lasting impression. Collaboration is at the heart of my work ethic. I thrive in environments where diverse teams come together to turn ideas into reality. By fostering open communication and leveraging each team member's unique strengths, I ensure that every project is executed with precision and creativity. In addition to my technical expertise, I bring a strategic mindset to project management. I understand the importance of meticulous planning, budget management, and timeline adherence. By meticulously overseeing every aspect of the project lifecycle, I ensure smooth execution and successful outcomes, time and time again. As an Audio Visual Project Manager, I don't just deliver projects; I craft unforgettable experiences that leave a lasting impact. My goal is simple: to create moments that inspire, entertain, and connect people on a profound level. With 17 years of experience under my belt, I'm excited to continue pushing the boundaries of audiovisual excellence and shaping the future of the industry.
Ahmed Hussien

Senior AV Pre-Sales / Design Engineer, Egyptian Micro Solutions

• +8 years' experience in AV integration and projects, working with the best technology providers worldwide. • Experience in multinational accounts/ projects as an AV integrator. • Experience in COC, CCC, NOC, and SOC solutions. • 3 years of military service as a reserve technical officer in the Egyptian Air Defense Forces. • Academic background: - Major: Electronic Engineering - Minor: Control Engineering
Angie Toussaint Billingsly

CEO , KMT Technical Services

Hi y'all! I'm Angie and I am the Founder/CEO of KMT Technical Digital Technology Services.  We previously did live events, predominantly business (corporate variety) in addition to integrations services. We recently did a hard pivot and are now exclusively AV Consultants AND Integrators. Some of our projects include Houses of Worship, boutique Hotels, government entities and other similar venues. Me...well that's another story! I'm an Ivy League graduate, wife and mom with many interests outside of technology. I come with an off beat sense of humor, coupled with a hint of sarcasm, and a strong dedication to family and community.  Basically I'm pretty fun once you get to really me. I'm looking forward to meeting (virtually) many of you, in addition to engaging and sharing. I'm always open to discussions on collaborating!
Luis Gustavo Pereira Salgueiro

Product Manager, SigmaOne

Com mais de 59.700 horas de dedicação ao mercado de áudio e vídeo, minha jornada profissional é marcada por diversas experiências. Iniciei minha carreira como DJ em 1994 e, após mudar-me para São Paulo em 1999, trabalhei como vendedor em uma loja de CDs. Paralelamente, meu interesse pelo áudio cresceu durante meu tempo como aluno e depois monitor na escola IAV (Instituto de Áudio e Vídeo). Rapidamente, tornei-me professor, formando mais de 1000 alunos entre 2000 e 2008. Em 2008, adentrei a indústria de som, gerenciando minha própria empresa de locação e prestando serviços à Yamaha musical do Brasil. Posteriormente, juntei-me à Harman do Brasil como especialista de produtos, contribuindo para a introdução de mesas de som digitais Soundcraft no mercado e participando de projetos de sonorização de estádios para a Copa do Mundo. Minha experiência na Harman se estendeu por todo o Brasil, conhecendo diferentes realidades e necessidades dos clientes. Trabalhei com marcas líderes como JBL, AKG, dbx, BSS, Soundcraft e outras. Em 2017, iniciei uma nova jornada na Audio-Technica, expandindo meu conhecimento e rede de contatos na América Latina. Meu trabalho foi elogiado em vários países, incluindo Paraguai, Bolívia, Colômbia, Argentina e México. Em 2019, concentrei-me no desenvolvimento de habilidades comerciais na Musical Express, mas a pandemia em 2020 trouxe incertezas e encerrou minha trajetória lá. No entanto, em agosto de 2020, encontrei uma nova oportunidade na distribuidora Rhox, onde utilizei meu conhecimento de mercado e de pessoas para oferecer soluções a clientes. Em outubro de 2020, assumi o papel de gerente de produto na distribuidora WDC Networks, que distribui marcas como Shure, Yamaha, LG e Leyard. Além de áudio, minha jornada expandiu-se para a gestão de produtos de vídeo. Até hoje são mais de 5800 horas na área de gestão de produtos. Neste ano de 2024, iniciei como gerente de produtos na distribuidora SigmaOne e serei responsável pela gestão dos produtos e soluções do fabricante Biamp. Minha experiência abrange não apenas áudio e vídeo, mas também análise de dados e inteligência artificial. Sou um profissional comprometido com a qualidade, inovação e aprendizado contínuo, sempre em busca de aprimorar minhas habilidades.
Jesse Maddox

Senior AV Engineer, Colorado Judicial

My mission: To learn something new every single day! 🌟 I'm one of the few who can say they've crafted musical instruments played by Imagine Dragons and Metallica on world tours. I was the front-of-house engineer for Billy Bob Thornton's band, the Box Masters when they hit Colorado. I've even shared the stage with the incredible David Byrne & St. Vincent, playing percussion on the song "Road to Nowhere" during their tour stop in Denver, and it was a blast! I wrote an album that several of my favorite musicians contributed to Tony Levin, Rhys Fulber, and Alex Acuna! Tony plays bass with none other than Peter Gabriel! It was a dream come true and an incredible experience. I'm always thrilled to dive headfirst into the tech world, whether it's programming Crestron gadgets or setting up and fine-tuning line array systems for live events. I once had Jay Leno & Queen Latifah as keynote speakers, ensuring their words echoed flawlessly in every corner of the room. I'm currently a Senior AV Engineer for Colorado Judicial creating schematics for courtroom upgrades in CAD.  I commission newly installed gear and train judges and judicial staff to keep the justice system running smoothly. If you're into cool projects, continuous learning, and making a real impact, let's chat! I'm always up for a new challenge and super interested in collaborating with awesome people.