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. Technical leadership spans advanced audiovisual ecosystems including digital signage networks, broadcast and media systems, large-format LED environments, video mapping, PAVA and emergency communication systems, intelligent wayfinding, collaboration spaces, lecture theatres, hospitality technologies, and integrated control platforms. Known for bridging the gap between consultants, architects, operators, and technology vendors to ensure cohesive design delivery and future-ready infrastructure. Strong focus on user experience, operational efficiency, scalability, and reliability across complex facilities. Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and AVIXA CTS-D / CTS-I, demonstrating mastery in AV system design, integration, and project governance. Active contributor to the global AV community as an AVIXA Xchange Advocate across the Middle East and GCC. Industry speaker at the Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2023 & 2025 in Barcelona, Infocomm India Sep 2025, representing Qatar and contributing insights on evolving AV technologies, project delivery practices, and knowledge collaboration within the global AV community. 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 technical content 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.

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

Technology Coordinator, Public and School Librarian, and now Standards Coordinator at AVIXA.