As a Principal Design Consultant at HMBA, I lead the transformation of performing arts and facility projects from innovative concept through construction and commissioning. In this leadership role, I ensure that every project not only meets aesthetic and technical standards but also resonates with our clients' vision and needs. Core Responsibilities: - Project Leadership: Direct and oversee the design of various theater components—including stage rigging, seating, lighting, acoustics, and sound systems—ensuring that each project is executed with precision and creativity. - Client Communication: Serve as the primary client contact, expertly translating their unique needs into practical design solutions that bring artistic visions to life. - Team Management: Lead and mentor multidisciplinary design teams, fostering an environment of collaboration and innovation to achieve successful project execution. - Technical Expertise: Apply a deep understanding of theater technology, design principles, and industry best practices to elevate every project from concept to completion. - Business Development: Drive firm growth by identifying new opportunities and actively engaging with prospective clients in diverse markets. - Strategic Planning: Develop and implement strategic plans to address complex client needs and achieve project goals effectively. - Quality Assurance: Rigorously maintain the highest quality standards in design and construction, ensuring impeccable outcomes for every project stage. - Problem-Solving: Proactively identify challenges in design, construction, or project execution—and implement innovative solutions to overcome them. - Documentation and Reporting: Prepare comprehensive project drawings, detailed reports, specifications, and other critical documentation for internal teams and clients. - Budget Management: Collaborate in developing and managing project budgets, ensuring that initiatives remain within scope and are delivered on time.

Analytical and results-driven Project Manager with extensive experience leading large-scale projects and on-site implementations in Control & Automation, Low-Current Systems, and AV technologies. Passionate about smart building and smart home solutions, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with client expectations. Strong background in physics and computer science, enabling structured problem-solving and innovative system integration.

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.

With over 20 years of experience in the AV and ELV industries, I specialize in AV system design, installation, management, and integration across diverse sectors, including corporate, education, sports, healthcare, hospitality, and government. My career began in 2003 with the AV team at a 5-star hotel in Lebanon, where I developed a passion for AV systems. I hold certifications as a Project Management Professional (PMP) from PMI, as well as CTS-D and CTS-I from AVIXA, blending technical expertise with strong project leadership. I have extensive experience deploying technologies from leading manufacturers such as Crestron, Extron, Biamp, and many others, while managing vendors and ensuring seamless integration. Currently, I am part of BLINQ, a division of IMAR Trading and Contracting in Qatar, where I serve as the ELV Projects Manager, focusing on ELV systems and immersive AV solutions. I am committed to continuous learning, staying ahead of industry trends, and mentoring emerging professionals to elevate the AV field

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.

I am a client centric AV/IT Technologist / Account Manager working with enterprise clients on a national and global level. With a long career focused on convergence technology, I am passionate about developing great user experiences through development of solving collaboration challenges.

In my role with AVIXA standards and content teams I provide technical advisement and strategic leadership. This primarily includes standards publications and the Exam Guide books. My interests span the broad spectrum of AV/IT technologies and systems our industry provides.  Prior to taking a staff role with AVIXA I worked supporting AV/IT solutions for both public and private education as a "Technology Manager" (roles including repair, installation, design and project management) as well as a longtime volunteer for AVIXA education and standards programs.

As Manager, Italy & Member Services EMEA at AVIXA I lead the EMEA Member Services Team, collaborating with AVIXA's Global Member Services Team. My regions of responsibility are Italy, Benelux & Nordics, Iberia, France and Malta, and together with my Team I give support to AVIXA’s initiatives, courses and events throughout the EMEA region. I also oversee all AVIXA activities in Italy, collaborating also on Italian translation and communication projects. -- In qualità di Manager, Italy & Member Services EMEA di AVIXA dirigo il Member Services Team EMEA, collaborando con il Member Services Team Globale di AVIXA. Le regioni di mia competenza sono Italia, Benelux & Nordics, Iberia, Francia e Malta e insieme al mio Team mi occupo di dare supporto alle iniziative, i corsi e gli eventi di AVIXA in tutta la regione EMEA. Supervisiono inoltre tutte le attività di AVIXA in Italia, collaborando anche ai progetti di traduzione e comunicazione in italiano.