🎯 Role Overview 🔸AV Systems Designer / Solutions Architect 🔹Crafting bespoke audio-visual systems tailored to client needs. 🛠️ Core Responsibilities 🔸Designing customized AV solutions with precision and technical depth. 🔸Creating comprehensive technical documentation. 🔸Acting as a technical authority during business development. 🔸Managing multiple projects while balancing account managers' expectations. 💻 Specialization in Video Conferencing Platforms 🔸Expertise in designing AV systems for: 🔹Microsoft Teams Rooms, Zoom Rooms, Webex Rooms, Google Meet Rooms 🔧 Technology Stack 🔸Solutions built using leading AV brands: 🚀 Design Philosophy 🔸Integration of the latest corporate AV trends. 🔸Focus on innovation, security, and scalability. 🔸Incorporating networking and security into AV designs. 🔸Ensuring alignment with user experience through close collaboration with teams and clients.

Performance-driven professional offering over 17 years of insightful experience, building on a strong foundation in AV systems and workplace transformation strategy, I work hands-on with clients to design, implement, and optimize technology that drives collaboration, innovation, and productivity in the modern workplace.

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.

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!

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. .

Our Community Spotlight highlights some of the most prominent, active users in the AVIXA Xchange community. These quick interviews touch on hot topics within the AV industry right from the minds of experts in their respective fields.

𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐦-𝐦𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐮𝐦𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬. 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐦-𝐦𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐮𝐦𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬. - 20+ years of expertise. - Our lecterns are manufactured with pieces of 4-6mm aluminium, meaning that our products will last for decades, - We count with more than 100's of resellers worldwide. - Custom-made for a perfect fit and style. Check all our models: https://www.intelligentlecterns.com/index.html

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.

Me considero una persona apasionada por lo que hace, me gusta trabajar y solucionar problemas.  Tengo afinidad con la fotografía, la música y las artes en general.  Dada mi formación profesional y el caminar en esta industria he aprendido a diseñar sistemas AV que generan experiencias de usuarios, que satisfacen necesidades y con una rápida adopción tecnológica.  Soy capaz de liderar y motivar equipos en torno a metas concretas, siempre preocupado del crecimiento del área como también de cada uno de sus miembros en particular. 

15+ years in the design engineer audiovisual industry with a focus on Corporate AV & video conferencing.

A long-term AV enthusiast and professional, looking to expand knowledge about the Audio-Visual Industry to the next generation.  A Balloon Pilot and Inflation Team Leader for Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

MattPana.com | @MattPana Navigating the crossroads of content and community in #proAV? Shoot me message, I'd love to hear what you're working on! I am available to contribute to content, webinars, panels and podcasts on the following topics: Diversity and AAPI Marketing and Content Creation Podcasting and Voice-Over Work Trade Associations and Nonprofits AV within an IT environment Matt's roots first took shape in at Seton Hall University, where he studied abroad in 4 countries and was quickly elected as one of the youngest National Chairs of FIND Inc., the east coast’s largest Filipino-American student organization. His latest mission has been to cultivate communities and develop engaging content, garnering a decade of experience in marketing, production, and digital media. After serving as a Communication Consultant for the United Nations (UNDP), Matt would go on to complete a Master’s in Communication at Purdue University. In this current chapter, Matt leverages his passions for media and technology to serve ISDA as a thought leader in the public sector. He is also an AVIXA XChange Advocate, contributing to content that cultivates conversation in the pro AV community. 

► 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+, 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