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.

For over 80 years, passion and innovation continue to drive Peerless-AV forward. We proudly design and manufacture the highest quality products, including outdoor displays and TVs, dvLED and LCD video wall systems, complete integrated kiosks, professional carts and stands, and more. Whether a full-scale global deployment or high volume custom project, Peerless-AV develops meaningful relationships and delivers world-class service. In partnership with Peerless-AV, you are trusting an award-winning team of experts who will support your business every step of the way. For more information, visit peerless-av.com.

With a background in content strategy, brand management, and community building for global franchises like Star Wars and Star Trek, I’ve spent my career connecting people to the stories they love. At AVIXA, I’m doing the same—only now, the story is AV itself: how it connects, empowers, and transforms us. I’m especially drawn to the intersection of AV and pop culture, immersive tech, and storytelling. I’m here to help others unlock the potential of Xchange—whether it’s building their brand, expanding their reach, or just finding their people.

Powering Projects With Precision AV Delivery | Proud Finalist – AV Awards 2025, AV Professional of the Year

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. .

George Chacko is an innovative leader with over 25 years of experience in educational technology, audiovisual, and IT fields. As the Sr. Director of Academic and Classroom Technologies at Pace University, George has transformed the learning landscape by designing and implementing state-of-the-art, technology-enhanced classrooms, event spaces, and digital signage. His leadership has been crucial in Pace’s adoption of HyFlex, hybrid, and remote learning models, ensuring the university remains at the forefront of modern education. In addition to his administrative role, George serves as an adjunct faculty member at Pace University, teaching courses in AV and IT. This dual role allows him to directly engage with students, providing hands-on expertise and bridging the gap between technology strategy and application. George’s approach is defined by his commitment to innovation and exceptional customer service. Overseeing the AV, Helpdesk, and LMS teams across three campuses, he fosters a culture of creativity, collaboration, and responsiveness, continually enhancing the learning experience for both faculty and students. His ability to anticipate the needs of modern education has helped Pace University integrate flexible, forward-thinking AV solutions that support both in-person and remote learners. Beyond his role at Pace, George is a dynamic contributor to the AV industry. He is the co-founder and president of NextLvL Learning, an organization focused on pushing the boundaries of educational technology and experiential learning. George also hosts the popular tech podcast Cables, Coffee, and Curveballs, where he engages with industry leaders and explores the latest trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the field. George holds both a Master’s in Internet Technology and a Bachelor’s in Information Systems, with a minor in Business, from Pace University. His technical expertise is demonstrated through certifications such as Certified Technology Specialist™ (CTS®), Crestron DM Certified Engineer – 4K (DMC-E-4K), and Crestron DM Certified Designer – 4K (DMC-D-4K). In every role he assumes, George remains focused on pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in educational technology, ensuring that students and faculty have the tools they need to succeed in an ever-evolving digital world.

Founded in 1980, the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) is the world’s largest, most widely recognized association for facility management (FM) professionals. Supporting more than 24,000 members in over 130 countries, IFMA is a key contributor to the development of international FM standards and works with decision makers to inform FM-related policy. IFMA provides career resources and continuing education, offers three industry-respected credentials, maintains the largest repository of FM-related content on the web and hosts year-round global events. With a vision to lead the future of the built environment to make the world a better place, IFMA believes in the benefit of global diversity, inclusion and social equity and recognizes that sustainability, resilience and responsible environmental stewardship are paramount. For more information, visit ifma.org and our LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook, Threads, X and Flickr pages. Follow IFMA’s Connected FM podcast and blog for expert insights on trending industry topics.

As AVIXA's manager of editorial content, I bring to the role fifteen years of marketing experience and ten working predominantly in editorial and video content. I've spent many years in the entertainment industry working for Nickelodeon, Lucasfilm, Disney, and even a small theater in the heart of Florence, Italy. I love great stories and finding the right way to tell them. I am also a stop-motion animation aficionado who makes puppets and writes books. And if you have a food-related AV story, I'd love to hear it!

I´ve been in this industry since 2002, I graduated from electronics engineering while working as AV designer, after a while I realized that there were many things I couldn´t understand about sound that I was passionated about so I decided to do masters on sound and vibration in Sweden, during all these time had the chance to design and be responsible for relevant projects like Panamerican games athletic stadium, soccer stadiums, arenas, concert halls and many other of all kind