Kelly Smith - AVIXA (She/Her)
Marketing Manager, US/Canada, AVIXA
- Xchange Members
- United States of America
With 14 years of experience in audio-visual system integration, consultancy, and deployment across the Asia-Pacific region, I’ve developed a strong understanding of the region’s unique challenges and opportunities. I’ve had the opportunity to work on large-scale AV and broadcast systems for some of the world’s leading multinational companies, aligning with global standards to support seamless collaboration and productivity across diverse teams and locations. I enjoy crafting practical, user-focused technology solutions, and increasingly draw on AI and emerging tech to improve workflows and outcomes. Outside of work, I teach immersive media as an adjunct lecturer, where I get to share my curiosity and inspire students to explore what’s possible.
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.
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.
