Senior Technical Training Manager at Audinate (the company behind Dante) for the EMEA region. My journey in the AV world started as a Sound engineer touring with all kinds of bands 25 years ago. Some of the steps that followed: project manager for AV technology, AV System designer, photography, videoproduction, network design, Live sound and system integration, lecturer on "Barrierefree acoustics", network technology and almost all topics related to AV, AVIXA freelance trainer (CTS prep, Webinars, NAVS)

George “Red” Fournier, CTS, serves as Vice President of Technical Services for Laia Technologies North America, leading the company’s technical strategy, partner enablement, and product‑integration initiatives across the U.S. and Canadian markets. With over 40 years in audiovisual engineering, systems design, and unified communications, Red works closely with Laia’s global product and development teams to ensure the company’s camera and software ecosystem delivers seamless, reliable, and customer‑centric experiences. His ability to blend deep engineering expertise with real‑world integrator insight makes him a trusted voice in translating emerging Laia technologies into practical, scalable solutions for corporate, education, and government environments. Red is also known for his leadership and advocacy across the AV industry. He founded AV Gives Back in 2015, uniting the AV community around service and support efforts under the #AVGivesBack banner. He has held several roles within AVIXA’s councils—including the Manufacturers, Diversity, and Women’s Councils—and served as Chairman of the Systems Integrators Council from 2020 to 2022. Throughout the pandemic, he helped guide integrators through unprecedented disruption by establishing collaborative forums, partnering with the ITS Council, and advancing initiatives on contractor best practices, workforce development, and new‑hire onboarding, reinforcing his long‑standing commitment to industry standards and community resilience. Beyond his professional impact, Red is a lifelong volunteer dedicated to service, mentorship, and community support. Since 1985, he has served North Jersey communities as a volunteer firefighter, fire police officer, trainer, and hazardous‑materials emergency responder. He remains deeply engaged in youth development with the Patriots Path Council of Scouting America in New Jersey as a District Commissioner at Large, Unit Commissioner, merit badge counselor, and advancement administrator for both Troop & Crew 144. Red and his wife Beth, celebrated as the first female firefighter and first female captain in the 190‑year history of the City of Paterson Fire Department, are especially proud of their son, Seán, who will enter NJIT’s Ying Wu College of Computing as a first‑year student academically classified as a junior, pursuing Computer Science, Cybersecurity, and AI after completing his A.S., 61 credits, Security+ and ISC2 CC certifications through the County College of Morris/Morris County Share Time Program in Pequannock HS.

Having worked at Allsee Technologies for over 11 years, I have been instrumental in facilitating the significant growth of the business within the commercial display and digital signage market. In my role as Marketing Director, my contribution has been to shape the direction of the company, including expansion into new technology markets and geographical regions. Most recently, I’ve helped Allsee to stand out in a highly competitive market by spearheading the creation, implementation and promotion of a services-driven strategy. As well as making high-level strategic decisions, I manage and mentor the Allsee marketing and customer service teams, also acting in a supporting role to the sales, service and research and development departments. Growing with Allsee has allowed me to cultivate a diverse range of abilities and gain proficiency in all areas of marketing and business.

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.

An award winning AV Professional with an infectious passion for AV, Technology & Media Production. Host of All Things TechIE Podcast. Director of XTS.  Visit my website at www.justinrdawson.com or All Things TechIE Podcast www.allthingstech.ie