Dion Cooke

Member Services Global Industry Engagement, AVIXA
Exzavia Cochran

Technical Coordinator, CSM Productions

Tammy Fuqua

Developer Partner Manager, QSC

I have been in the Audio-Visual industry for 20+ years in various sales and marketing roles in both the private and public sectors. My work history includes working with integrators and manufacturers such as Christie Digital, Epson, and currently with QSC. I am passionate about helping women succeed in the industry and have spent the past 6 years working with the AVIXA Women’s Council, a group of professionals committed to supporting and empowering women who work in the technology and AV industry – first as a member, two years ago appointed as co-chair to the Los Angeles/Orange County region, and at the start of 2022, Co-Chair to the council. The council has over a thousand members and 50 groups throughout the world.
Coran Smith

Manager, Live Content US/Canada, AVIXA

Freddy Sampayo

CTO & Head of Growth, Schaller DesignLab

Hi everyone, I'm Freddy, Co-founder and Head of Growth of DesignLab. We specialize in high-end lighting design, and we're eager to partner with AV integrators like you. We understand that lighting is often the missing piece in completing a truly immersive AV experience, and we're here to bridge that gap. Our team of architects, lighting designers and engineers can collaborate with you on your projects, providing the design expertise and support you need to create stunning and profitable illumination solutions. My background in electronic engineering and a lifelong fascination with technology have driven me to explore the cutting edge of innovation. This passion led me to co-found DesignLab, where we're constantly seeking new ways to elevate spaces and inspire those who inhabit them. We believe that collaboration is key to success, and we're excited to explore partnership opportunities with AV integrators who share our vision. Whether you need assistance with a specific project or are looking to expand your service offerings from high-end lighting, to museums and interactive solutions, we're here to help. We offer a range of services, including design consultation, specification assistance, and ongoing support. I'm looking forward to connecting with you and exploring how we can work together to create truly exceptional spaces. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or would like to discuss potential collaborations.
John Cheatham, CTS-D

Engineering Manager, AVI-SPL

Up through May 2022, I managed the AV Engineering & Operations team at the University of North Georgia. We maintained multiple campuses of classrooms with control systems in each and we worked with a team of support technicians who handle work on incident management while we handled incident escalations as well as problem management, change management, and request fulfillment (to use the ITIL vernacular). In May 2022, I became a Design Engineer 1 for AVI-SPL, based out of the Atlanta, GA office. I worked with the Account Managers to design systems for customers prior to sales, then worked with the post sales team once a system is purchased. Over the next two years, I was promoted to Design Engineer 2. In October 2024, I became an Engineering Manager for AVI-SPL, managing the Design Engineers and Project Engineers in the Atlanta, GA office.
Brian Wheeler

System Design Engineer, Bluewater Technology

James Maltese

VP of Quality Standards, Level 3 Audio Visual

► 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
Minal Papalkar

Head of Pre-Sales Department, Panacor Technologies LLC

21+ years of rich experience in Corporate, Home Automation Industry in GCC and India. Expert in providing commercial solutions to the clients. 
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.
Sandeep Upadhyaya

Asst. Marketing Manager , Sigma AVIT Technology Solutions PVT., LTD

I work as a liaison between an organization and its clients to discern their needs to offer them the best services. I am an individual with 10+ years of work experience, working and consulting with Digital Media Houses, and Marketing & Events agencies. My strengths are in Ideation, Conceptualisation, Effective decision-making, Coordinating, and Executing projects. I currently lead the Marketing and Communication functions for Sigma AVIT, an Audio Visual System integration company with different verticals and cater to the digital, and on-ground marketing and communication needs. My keen interest in music and the other arts has enabled me to hone my creativity in this industry and keep up with its ever-changing landscape.
Clyde Harmon

Systems Administrator, AVIXA

Joshua Kaufman

CEO and Consultant, Back of the Hill Media

Peter Eduard Mozart Santoso

Business Development Manager, Vega Technology Indonesia

Marcella Walsh

Manager, Live Content, AVIXA

As Content Manager, I develop both in-person and digital programs for AVIXA. I'm always looking for new content ideas that highlight topics and trends of importance to the AV industry, particularly in the areas of Content Production and Streaming, Learning and Live Events. My favorite part of my job is finding cool immersive experiences for our tours during InfoComm. Contact me at mwalsh@avixa.org with your thoughts.
Jay Rubik

AV Solutions Manager, GigaSpan Solutions

Harrison Radie

Director Global Industry Engagement, AVIXA

Kirk Banton

Audio Visual Analyst , Nielsen

An exceptionally skilled, Audio Visual and Desktop Engineer, with a strong background in project management, Video conference management, managing and setting up/connecting AV equipment and desktop support (PC and Mac OS). Strong analytical skills combined with creative problem-solving skills, possessing strong understanding of all audio-visual equipment and components.
Virginia Wu

VP Sales & Marketing, Aavara | AVIXA Foundation BoD | AVIXA Women's Council Taiwan Chair, Aavara Innovation Corp.