Renaldo Peña
Sr. Industry Outreach Representative- Employer Development, Full Sail University
For more than 20 years, Renaldo has been involved in many projects, high profile clients, world known companies, members of the media in almost every aspect of the Creative, Promotional, Commercial, Technical, Marketing, Branding, Internet Marketing, Media Project Management, International Relations, Broadcasting, Music Business, Entertainment, Theme Park, High Profile Event Production, Pro-Sports, Recruiting, University Relations, Higher Education, Training & Career Advancement. Born in Ponce, Puerto Rico, his parents enrolled him at the famous Juan Morell Campos Music School where he mastered music theory, piano & vocal training, performing in several theaters, concerts & talent shows around the island. He's a two time graduate of Full Sail University in 1998 with both a Recording Engineering & Film Production Degree. He started his career working on Dreamworks/Steven Spielberg's Amistad as a Production Assistant (Academy Award Nominee Wardrobe Department). In 1999, discovered by Latin Jazz legend Giovanni Hidalgo, he joined ASCAP as a Writer/Publisher member with the release of Humberto Ramirez & Giovanni Hidalgo Best Friends. In 2004 signed with Warner Music Latin & Warner Chappel Music Publishing. In 2008 signed a distribution deal with Universal Music/ FLO Records with his own Necomusic Group. His professional career has been recognized by companies like Discovery Channel, Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Warner Music & Warner Chappel Music Publishing, Telemundo, American Idol, Disney Performing Arts, Lucasfilms, Star Wars Weekends, Atlanta Braves, WESH-TV, Orlando City Soccer, USA Soccer, the Orlando Magic & Full Sail University. He has produced & has been the face of network campaigns and has consulted major television shows like NBC / Telemundo La Voz Kids & Yo soy el Artista, to name a few. Renaldo has come full circle, as an Industry Outreach Representative with the Employer Development Team at his alma mater serving multiple degree programs, VIP Clients, High Profile Recruiters & Partner employers, nationally and internationally. He is a 3 time Grammy & Latin Grammy considered Artist & Producer, a Recording Academy Member, has contributed numerous years to Disney Live Entertainment & is part of the NBA's Orlando Magic Audio & Video Team.
What 3 accessories does the "Elissa Action Figure" come with? -A 5-shot Latte - usually from a local spot or a seasonal Starbs -Mobile phone - love having information & connection at my finger tips -Funky Earrings - nothing wrong with making a bold, fun statement With over 15 years in various Sales-centric roles, I always aim to empower my clients to make purchasing decisions that best suit their unique needs. I do this by creating an environment built on educating, trust, and respect... and a bit of humor, too!
I launched my career in Special Event Management & Hospitality, which included Corporate A/V consulting and planning. After a decade-long career of executing 547 special events - and two babies later, I pivoted to Hotels & Hospitality, where I served as the Director of Sales & Marketing over multiple mid-size properties. Just before the pandemic, I made another unique shift into K12 print book sales, working primarily with school and public libraries curating their Children's/YA collections. Most recently, I made a bold career move entering the Tech world, and have never felt more motivated by what I do! The excitement, the energy, the brilliance - all unmatched!
On the days in between, you can find me hiking/exploring with my two kiddos (and cocker spaniel, Duke), working on home projects, learning Italian on Duolingo, indulging in history, or concocting a new dish. Let's connect!
Experienced AV professional with more than 15 years of expertise in project management, design, coordination, and technical consulting. I have a deep understanding of the audiovisual field, with a diverse background spanning nonprofit organizations, the public sector, and interactive museums. My career has been defined by a strong focus on immersive experiences — creating environments that blend technology, storytelling, and space to engage audiences in new ways.
At the heart of my work is a passion for transforming museums into interactive and immersive spaces, where audiovisual design enhances visitor engagement and creates memorable cultural experiences. My interests center on the intersection of technology and creativity, and I have always stayed at the forefront of this rapidly evolving landscape.
For the past 22 years, I have been actively involved in this dynamic Industry, witnessing its incredible evolution firsthand.
I started my career as a salesman, working to understand the intricacies of audio and video market. Through education, I climbed the ranks and am now proud to be a partner and Director of Products at Discabos Group Brasil, a leading value-added distributor that supplies products and services to audio and video integrators.
My responsibilities are relationships with manufacturers, forecasting, logistics, and product development.
In addition to my role at Discabos, I have been an active member of Avixa for the past decade, immersing myself in this vibrant community of professionals. In 2018, I earned my Certified Technology Specialist (CTS), further solidifying my expertise in the AV industry. I am very proud of it.
Four years ago, I received a humbling invitation to join the Avixa Foundation as a Director. Today, I proudly serve as its President, a position that fills me with immense pride and a deep sense of purpose.
For those unfamiliar with the Avixa Foundation, it is a non-profit organization dedicated to encourage the talent pathway and to fostering the careers within the AV industry. We are here to create the futures leaders of our industry.
To achieve this, we have assembled an extraordinary team of staff and directors who work to develop activities and programs aligned with our strategic goals.
In July 2023 I began to command the operation of DUCaaS, an AV technical services outsourcing company that is part of the Discabos Group. I am concerned about the future of the AV industry regarding two important topics: Education and Sustainability.
In November 2023 I started my role at SAVe, as Ambassador for Brazil. Today I serve in The Board of Directors and as co-chair of Sponsorships. I feel a deep sense of purpose in being part of SAVe.
I am marathon runner for pleasure, currently live in São Paulo, Brazil, with my wonderful wife Patricia and children Luca and Bianca.
Co-host "Experience AV" Podcast
Quality Evangelist
Life-Long Learner
Ken Branson, a Published Photographer, Documentary Filmmaker & 13-time convicted felon...has earned millions of dollars from Visual Storytelling after starting a business from the basement of his church. Some of his clients include Google, AARP, Cisco and a host of National & International Organizations, Churches, Colleges & Universities. Through therapy and the journey of self-awareness, Ken learned that the negative drama he attracted in life could be re-directed into a healthier and profitable form of drama…STORYTELLING! This basement level strength is continually being refined everyday as Ken makes a full-time living helping Businesses and Organizations get their messages out through effective storytelling.
I am an award winning multi disciplined Digital Creative with over twenty years of experience within the music, fashion and luxury industries.
I attribute all of my success to all of the teams I have worked with, as without them none of my achievements would have been possible.
I started work in the Music Business developing an understanding of ecommerce and social trends within the web back in the late 90s. From there I started to help Digital Start Ups target Music Industry Professionals during the seismic shift of consumer habit evolution from physical products to digital.
My exposure to luxury began when the Head of Music at Burberry approached me regarding the use of holographic technology for a show in Beijing back in 2011. Over 120 million viewers watched the show live. Since then I have worked with some of the biggest luxury brands in the world.
My specialty is working with technology to develop new live digital experiences for the purpose of product launches and experiential events.
I have worked with many award winning artists and have brokered some exciting initiatives with some of the biggest brands in the world. My most notable project so far being part of the team that delivered the 2Pac hologram at Coachella back in 2012. This initiative won Titanium at the Cannes Lions and broke Digital PR Records faster than anything before that feat.
I am the lead singer in a political rock band and I love scarves and trainers.
Favourite projects so far: Producing the Magic Mirror installations for Charlotte Tilbury, wowing the Chef de Cave of Dom Perignon and delivering the world’s largest holographic installation for Alfred Dunhill in Shanghai.
May 2017: I have just set up my own agency called Tiger Heart which is the next stage in my digital journey.
Andy was a deeply committed tech-head who had played with a broad range of AV technologies since well before there was something called AV. He hungered to know how and why things work, and stumbled on the fact that he had a talent for explaining what he'd learned, so he taught and wrote about all kinds of technologies, in books, magazines, manuals, seminars, and online. He worked in AV, broadcast, live production, IT, publishing, consulting, and events. In the early 2020s he wrote the new editions of the CTS, CTS-I, and CTS-D Exam Guides. The most fun part of what he did was the research into developing technologies to see how they could fit into the future of AV and IT. Most recently, he became heavily involved in initiatives to improve the sustainability of the technologies we use in the audiovisual industries.
Vale Andy Ciddor — AV.technology
AV Designer & Programmer Specialist with the knowledge and experience necessary to advise the client in the decision to implement high-tech & Entertainment systems.
• +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
As a broadcast professional and multiplatform strategist with a passion for writing, I bring a unique perspective to content creation. Throughout my broadcasting career, which began in 2005, I have honed my skills in video production, system integration, and live event management. I have also managed interns and performed field marketing projects while maintaining a self-driven commitment to ongoing learning and growth. In addition to my technical expertise, I am also an avid reader and enjoy exploring new avenues for personal and professional development. My work in the digital media and web development sector has given me a fresh perspective on the power of content to connect with audiences and create meaningful change. As a multifaceted individual, I take pride in excelling in various pursuits. From international competitions and sports events to writing and volunteering, I always seek new ways to challenge myself and positively impact the world. If you're looking for a collaborator who can help you bring your ideas to life and deliver results on time, I'm here to help. Let's connect and explore how to work together to achieve your goals.
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