Liju Raju Varghese (He/Him)

AVP-Technical, Leisung Technologies LLC
Iulia Popescu - AVIXA

Coordinator, Digital Content, Avixa

A University of Central Florida double-alum with a Master’s in Digital Media, I'm a content creator who loves bringing people together over shared interests. As AVIXA's Coordinator of Digital Content, I produce articles on a myriad of technology topics. I've also worked on virtual reality projects, transforming Romanian folk tales into VR narratives. 
Presently as Regional Director, AVIXA for India and GCC, I do aspire to support the AV and IT industry with  access to the resources that are most beneficial to the businesses and professional outcomes. My focus will be to bring to the AV/IT community in the region, knowledge and skill development through AVIXA Education, Certification and Training Resources. I look forward to work closely with allied associations, industry groups and professional society in the region with a similar focus. And my areas of interest and learning are indeed the Emerging Technologies (what we know as AI, Metaverse, Cloud, Industry 4.0, and the likes) and how they impact what we do in our professional and personal lives as Humans! Do feel free to reach out to me.
At Leisung Technologies, we believe that audio-visual solutions have the power to transform spaces and elevate experiences. As a specialized company, we stay at the forefront of innovation by accessing the latest industry updates and technical training from leading experts. Our strength lies in crafting tailored solutions, meticulously designed after a deep analysis of each client’s unique requirements, ensuring alignment with their goals.
Elkin Gamba

CEO, STRONG TOWER BUSINESS GROUP LLC

Administrador de empresas, conferencista, asesor en desarrollo, crecimiento de negocios, talento humano, planeacion estratégica y liderazgo. Consultor de expansión y desarrollo corporativo en EJM Broadcast INC.
Pak-Lun Cheung, CTS

Senior Solutions Consultant, HKT (Hong Kong, China)

Senior Solutions Consultant of HKT in Hong Kong, China. I used to be UC and Call Centre (Voice) consultant for 16 years but shifted the role to AV consultant for another 8 years. Fully experience on AV integrated solution with UC, Networking, Security, WIFI 6, 4G/5G Mobility, Cloud, and even Cabling for different projects from smart building, smart office, smart shopping mall, multipurpose hall, auditorium, lecture theater, centralized control room, even to large outdoor LED wall etc. Aiming for CTS-D now.
Sanj Surati

Digital Atelier, Tiger Heart

I am an award winning multi disciplined Digital Creative with over twenty years of experience within the music, fashion and luxury industries. I attribute all of my success to all of the teams I have worked with, as without them none of my achievements would have been possible. I started work in the Music Business developing an understanding of ecommerce and social trends within the web back in the late 90s. From there I started to help Digital Start Ups target Music Industry Professionals during the seismic shift of consumer habit evolution from physical products to digital. My exposure to luxury began when the Head of Music at Burberry approached me regarding the use of holographic technology for a show in Beijing back in 2011. Over 120 million viewers watched the show live. Since then I have worked with some of the biggest luxury brands in the world. My specialty is working with technology to develop new live digital experiences for the purpose of product launches and experiential events. I have worked with many award winning artists and have brokered some exciting initiatives with some of the biggest brands in the world. My most notable project so far being part of the team that delivered the 2Pac hologram at Coachella back in 2012. This initiative won Titanium at the Cannes Lions and broke Digital PR Records faster than anything before that feat. I am the lead singer in a political rock band and I love scarves and trainers. Favourite projects so far: Producing the Magic Mirror installations for Charlotte Tilbury, wowing the Chef de Cave of Dom Perignon and delivering the world’s largest holographic installation for Alfred Dunhill in Shanghai. May 2017: I have just set up my own agency called Tiger Heart which is the next stage in my digital journey.
Ken Branson

Director of Video Production, Tech Factory

Ken Branson, a Published Photographer, Documentary Filmmaker & 13-time convicted felon...has earned millions of dollars from Visual Storytelling after starting a business from the basement of his church. Some of his clients include Google, AARP, Cisco and a host of National & International Organizations, Churches, Colleges & Universities. Through therapy and the journey of self-awareness, Ken learned that the negative drama he attracted in life could be re-directed into a healthier and profitable form of drama…STORYTELLING! This basement level strength is continually being refined everyday as Ken makes a full-time living helping Businesses and Organizations get their messages out through effective storytelling. 
Andy Ciddor ~ In Memoriam

Writer / consultant, The Kilowatt Company

Andy was a deeply committed tech-head who had played with a broad range of AV technologies since well before there was something called AV.  He hungered to know how and why things work, and stumbled on the fact that he had a talent for explaining what he'd learned, so he taught and wrote about all kinds of technologies, in books, magazines, manuals, seminars, and online.  He worked in AV, broadcast, live production, IT, publishing, consulting, and events. In the early 2020s he wrote the new editions of the CTS, CTS-I, and CTS-D Exam Guides. The most fun part of what he did was the research into developing technologies to see how they could fit into the future of AV and IT. Most recently, he became heavily involved in initiatives to improve the sustainability of the technologies we use in the audiovisual industries. Vale Andy Ciddor — AV.technology
Benedict Onodu. CTS.MBCS

AV Governance. Risk and Compliance (GRC) Consultant, Experian

A CTS with more than 20 years in Pro AV. ISO/IEC 27001 Information Security Management System Practitioner -Information Security Officer and Comptia Security ce + certified cybersecurity analyst. I am passionate about mainstreaming and standardising data and information Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) best practices in ProAV.
Paul Konikowski, CTS-D, CISSP

Freelance Consultant, Open to New Opporitunities

► 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
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.
Rich Sasson

Global Director Pro Community, Crestron Electronics Inc

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.
As an experienced Audio Visual Project Manager with a dedicated career spanning 17 years in the dynamic world of AV technology. Throughout my journey, I've cultivated a deep passion for orchestrating seamless audiovisual experiences that captivate and inspire audiences. With nearly two decades of hands-on experience, I've honed my skills in every aspect of AV project management, from initial concept development to final execution. My expertise encompasses a wide range of projects, including corporate events, live concerts, theatrical productions, and immersive installations. What sets me apart is my commitment to excellence and innovation. Over the years, I've remained at the forefront of industry trends, continually exploring new technologies and techniques to push the boundaries of what's possible in the AV realm. This forward-thinking approach has allowed me to deliver cutting-edge solutions that exceed client expectations and leave a lasting impression. Collaboration is at the heart of my work ethic. I thrive in environments where diverse teams come together to turn ideas into reality. By fostering open communication and leveraging each team member's unique strengths, I ensure that every project is executed with precision and creativity. In addition to my technical expertise, I bring a strategic mindset to project management. I understand the importance of meticulous planning, budget management, and timeline adherence. By meticulously overseeing every aspect of the project lifecycle, I ensure smooth execution and successful outcomes, time and time again. As an Audio Visual Project Manager, I don't just deliver projects; I craft unforgettable experiences that leave a lasting impact. My goal is simple: to create moments that inspire, entertain, and connect people on a profound level. With 17 years of experience under my belt, I'm excited to continue pushing the boundaries of audiovisual excellence and shaping the future of the industry.
Eduardo Andres Travi

Product Manager - Video | Collaboration | Signage | Control Rooms, Footprint Global

AVLosopher & AVIator | Lateral Thinking hardwired | Happy to help attitude | Full-time Technologist. Still learning. Preventa, diseño, implementación y soporte de tecnologías de comunicación audiovisual de uso corporativo y educativo. Mas de 20 años de experiencia en tecnologías de comunicación audiovisual, colaboración, signage, control room. Pasión por lograr la felicidad del cliente, que es la satisfacción manifiesta en una relación de confianza y venta consultiva recurrente. Las mejores soluciones son aquellas que consideran la historia completa en lugar de solo una pequeña imagen. UCC, Colaboración, Cartelería Digital, DOOH, pantallas LED, Videowalls, AVoIP.
Angel Barco

General Manager, BRCO

Ingeniero Empresarial con especialización en centros de control. Actualmente lidero BRCO como Gerente General y también dirijo Control Rooms Academy. Mi pasión por la innovación y la excelencia en el diseño y la gestión de operaciones críticas me ha llevado a contribuir activamente en la comunidad global como Embajador de Avixa Xchange y SAVe. Con una trayectoria dedicada a la mejora de la eficiencia operativa y la implementación de tecnologías avanzadas, me especializo en optimizar los entornos de trabajo de los centros de control para mejorar la toma de decisiones y la gestión de crisis. A través de BRCO y Control Rooms Academy, me comprometo a desarrollar soluciones que no solo atiendan las necesidades actuales de seguridad y monitoreo, sino que también preparen a las organizaciones para los desafíos futuros. Invito a profesionales y organizaciones interesadas en elevar sus capacidades de monitoreo y respuesta a conectarse conmigo para explorar cómo podemos alcanzar nuevos niveles de excelencia operativa juntos.
Alejandro Zilberstein

Global Marketing Manager, ICAP Global Argentina

Janell Smith

CEO, Iron Dragon Productions

Jasmin Martinez

MKT & DISEÑO, NOVOTECH

Graphic designer with knowledge of Digital Marketing, more than 7 years experience in the audiovisual market working in one of the most important distribution companies in Mexico NOVOTECH®. Diseñadora Gráfica con conocimientos de Marketing Digital, más de 7 años de experiencia dentro del mercado Audiovisual laborando en una de las compañías de distribución más importantes en México NOVOTECH®.
Matt Pana

Assistant Director, Media Technology, ISDA

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. 
Scott Simpson

Director of Business Development- XTG, AVI-SPL