Kelly Smith - AVIXA

Marketing Manager, US/Canada, AVIXA

Hi! I help connect people to AV education, standards and more resources from AVIXA. I am an expert in finding resources to help you meet your training and certification prep needs to help you reach your goals.
Alexis Bou Farhat, CTS-D, CTS-I

ELV Project Manager, IMAR Trading and Contracting

With over 20 years of experience in the AV and ELV industries, I specialize in AV system design, installation, management, and integration across diverse sectors, including corporate, education, sports, healthcare, hospitality, and government. My career began in 2003 with the AV team at a 5-star hotel in Lebanon, where I developed a passion for AV systems. Technical leadership spans advanced audiovisual ecosystems including digital signage networks, broadcast and media systems, large-format LED environments, video mapping, PAVA and emergency communication systems, intelligent wayfinding, collaboration spaces, lecture theatres, hospitality technologies, and integrated control platforms. Known for bridging the gap between consultants, architects, operators, and technology vendors to ensure cohesive design delivery and future-ready infrastructure. Strong focus on user experience, operational efficiency, scalability, and reliability across complex facilities. Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and AVIXA CTS-D / CTS-I, demonstrating mastery in AV system design, integration, and project governance. Active contributor to the global AV community as an AVIXA Xchange Advocate across the Middle East and GCC. Industry speaker at the Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2023 & 2025 in Barcelona, Infocomm India Sep 2025, representing Qatar and contributing insights on evolving AV technologies, project delivery practices, and knowledge collaboration within the global AV community. Currently, I am part of BLINQ, a division of IMAR Trading and Contracting in Qatar, where I serve as the ELV Projects Manager, focusing on ELV systems and immersive AV solutions. I am committed to continuous learning, staying ahead of industry trends, and mentoring emerging professionals to elevate the AV field
IDEAL SYSTEMS IS ASIA’S LEADING SYSTEMS INTEGRATOR FOR BROADCAST, CLOUD AND PROFESSIONAL AUDIO-VISUAL. Ideal Group provide a full spectrum of services including consultation, design, installation, integration, as well as operational and maintenance support of state-of-the-art technology infrastructure across the APAC region. Ideal Systems professional Audio Visual division is unique in that it can draw from the deep experience we have in Broadcast, Cloud, Software development, Interior Design and Live event production. All Ideal AV projects are efficiently designed and built with broadcast quality techniques, construction standards and experience.
Daniel Fringuelli

Technology Manager, Contract Workplaces

Erin Barker

AV Technologist, Canadore College

Bill Larsen, CTS

District AV Technology Coordinator, Independent School District 197

Bill Larsen, CTS, serves as District AV Technology Coordinator for ISD 197 (West St. Paul-Mendota Heights-Eagan, Minnesota), managing AV services across nine buildings including two high schools, two middle schools, and five elementary schools. He holds the CTS credential from AVIXA and serves as a Subject Matter Expert for CTS exam development. Bill is the founder of Backstage Essentials LLC, an independent consulting practice focused on K-12 performance space and AV systems. His forthcoming book, Backstage Essentials: Skills for Stagehand Technicians in Live Event Production, is being published by Routledge/Taylor and Francis in 2026. He also serves as Education Coordinator for IATSE Local 490 and brings more than 30 years of experience in educational technology and live event production.
Daniel Wright

Associate Principal, Shen Milsom & Wilke

Ben Barnard

Regional Manager, UK & Ireland, AVIXA

Get in touch for anything related to AVIXA in the UK & Ireland - we're here to help and waiting to hear from you!