I am a member of the AVIXA Market Intelligence team. I joined AVIXA in March 2024 as Senior Industry Analyst, which means I research and analyze data on the Pro AV industry across markets, geographies, solutions and products. I am responsible for content and analysis for the MOAR and IOTA. My background is varied as an IT analyst and consultant with more than 20 years' experience. In addition to building my knowledge in Pro AV, I have expertise in networking, IOT, and cybersecurity, and industry knowledge in telecom.
🎯 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.
For the past 22 years, I have been actively involved in this dynamic Industry, witnessing its incredible evolution firsthand.
I started my career as a salesman, working to understand the intricacies of audio and video market. Through education, I climbed the ranks and am now proud to be a partner and Director of Products at Discabos Group Brasil, a leading value-added distributor that supplies products and services to audio and video integrators.
My responsibilities are relationships with manufacturers, forecasting, logistics, and product development.
In addition to my role at Discabos, I have been an active member of Avixa for the past decade, immersing myself in this vibrant community of professionals. In 2018, I earned my Certified Technology Specialist (CTS), further solidifying my expertise in the AV industry. I am very proud of it.
Four years ago, I received a humbling invitation to join the Avixa Foundation as a Director. Today, I proudly serve as its President, a position that fills me with immense pride and a deep sense of purpose.
For those unfamiliar with the Avixa Foundation, it is a non-profit organization dedicated to encourage the talent pathway and to fostering the careers within the AV industry. We are here to create the futures leaders of our industry.
To achieve this, we have assembled an extraordinary team of staff and directors who work to develop activities and programs aligned with our strategic goals.
In July 2023 I began to command the operation of DUCaaS, an AV technical services outsourcing company that is part of the Discabos Group. I am concerned about the future of the AV industry regarding two important topics: Education and Sustainability.
In November 2023 I started my role at SAVe, as Ambassador for Brazil. Today I serve in The Board of Directors and as co-chair of Sponsorships. I feel a deep sense of purpose in being part of SAVe.
I am marathon runner for pleasure, currently live in São Paulo, Brazil, with my wonderful wife Patricia and children Luca and Bianca.
ISE 2026 will return to Barcelona on 3-6 February 2026.
PUSH BEYOND
Step into out-of-this-world. Ground-breaking. Show-stopping. Spine-tingling. Step into out-of-this-world, for some serious show time.
The world-renowned annual tech show for the systems integration and audiovisual industry returns. Join us for ISE 2026.
Let's turn it up, let's Push Beyond.
#ISE2026 | 📍 Fira de Barcelona Gran Via | 📅 3–6 February 2026 | 🐦 Don’t miss out! Super Early Bird – 50% off ISE Summits until 31 October 2025. 👉 Register now: https://www.iseurope.org/?actioncode=ise2026social
and follow us on Social Media for the latest updates!
As Co- founder of VirtuWall and ARC Studios, Bahir is a visionary leader at the intersection of architectural technology and digital storytelling. With a "narrative-first" philosophy, he specializes in transforming traditional physical spaces into immersive, high-impact environments that bridge the gap between cutting-edge hardware and emotional content. Through his work, Bahir continues to redefine the boundaries of the AV industry, evolving standard displays into living museums that inspire global audiences and advance the cultural and economic landscape of the Middle East.
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.
John Thomas
AV Sustainability and E-waste Research, Member, AVIXA Sustainability Advisory Group
Retired in 2021 after 45 years in the commercial AV Industry, to pursue education and research in sustainability and electronic waste. After completing a three year term on the Board of SAVe - Sustainability in AV, my goal is to further address the environmental impact of AV e-waste—specifically on our water, soil, and air—by promoting thoughtful, sustainable business practices within the commercial AV community.
Digital media maven that's focused on delivering experiences that put users first. Lover of nature, shoes, wine, and tacos. Mom of 2 humans and 2 doggos that love attending my virtual meetings.
Entrepreneur of the AV industry and communication technologies. Enthusiastic and committed to people, in creating companies with a high human sense, passionate about marketing and new forms of digital communication. With more than 27 years of experience, I currently manage Viewhaus, my goal is to lead the company and make it a benchmark in the AV industry in Mexico, as well as being part of the most important AV service provider network around the world. I I volunteer for AVIXA Xchange and I am part of the AVIXA sustainability advisory group, this allows me to endorse my interest and commitment to sustainability, circular economies and the environment.
I am an experienced AV Project Engineer with a strong passion for designing, engineering, and commissioning advanced audiovisual systems for a wide range of clients and projects. Over the past six years, I have held roles as AV Project Engineer, AV Implementation Engineer, and Senior Design Engineer with organizations such as SPOR Group, Hitplay, and Analytix Solutions.
I bring a blend of technical expertise and project leadership, supported by multiple Dante certifications and proficiency in Bluebeam. My background in AV system design and basic engineering enables me to create, review, and optimize drawings and schematics with precision and efficiency. I thrive on delivering innovative, reliable solutions and collaborating with teams to bring complex audiovisual concepts to life.
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.
I´ve been in this industry since 2002, I graduated from electronics engineering while working as AV designer, after a while I realized that there were many things I couldn´t understand about sound that I was passionated about so I decided to do masters on sound and vibration in Sweden, during all these time had the chance to design and be responsible for relevant projects like Panamerican games athletic stadium, soccer stadiums, arenas, concert halls and many other of all kind
As a theatrical consultant, AV design engineer, and ETCP Certified professional with over two decades of experience, my passion lies in merging safety, technology, and innovation to enhance the entertainment and AV industries. I specialize in theatrical rigging inspections, AV system design, and entertainment electrical safety, providing expert guidance to venues, architects, and production teams.
With a background in technical theatre and occupational health and safety, I bring a unique perspective to the intersection of design, engineering, and risk management. My work spans consulting for performing arts centers, designing AV solutions for commercial, community, and entertainment spaces, and educating professionals through standards development and training programs.
I am known for my ability to translate complex technical concepts into actionable solutions, ensuring that technology and safety work hand in hand. As an ETCP Recognized Trainer and industry leader, I actively contribute to ANSI standards, and participate in AVIXA, ESTA, and USITT, sharing insights on best practices in entertainment safety, rigging, and AV systems.
Connect with me to discuss industry best practices, AV system design, or entertainment safety solutions.
Mike's illustrious career as a multi-award-winning Creative Technical Director is marked by his profound expertise in designing and executing large-scale fixed installations and live event projects that consistently redefine the frontiers of technology and innovation.
Over the span of more than two decades, Mike has meticulously honed his craft, amassing invaluable experience across a diverse range of industries, including live events, automotive exhibitions, financial expos, museums, science centres, and themed entertainment attractions. His ability to seamlessly adapt to these varied domains is a testament to his versatility and technical acumen.
Mike's extensive portfolio is an impressive showcase of his technical prowess, featuring a broad spectrum of projects, from intricately detailed small-scale endeavours to grand, technologically advanced installations. Collaborating with eminent institutions and corporate giants such as The Sphere – Las Vegas, Walt Disney Imagineering, Universal Studios, The Smithsonian Institute, The Adler Planetarium, The American Museum of Natural History, Apple, Barclays, Coca-Cola, Nike, Farah Leisure, Hyundai, Cedar Fair, Changi Airport Group, Merlin Entertainment, Dubai Parks and Resorts, and the BBC highlights the depth and technical diversity of his skill set.
What truly distinguishes Mike is his exceptional proficiency in merging creative artistry with cutting-edge technology. This intricate fusion is often overlooked in the industry, but it forms the cornerstone of his specialized skill set. Whether he's developing immersive environments that seamlessly integrate state-of-the-art audio-visual systems, interactive displays, and sensory experiences to educate and entertain or orchestrating intricate technical collaborations between creative and engineering teams, Mike consistently delivers projects that not only meet the highest technical standards but also captivate and engage audiences with unprecedented technical precision.
Mike's journey is a testament to his unwavering dedication to pushing the boundaries of immersive experiences and technical innovation. His visionary approach, complemented by his exceptional grasp of complex technical intricacies, has firmly established him as a luminary in the realm of creative and technical direction, setting new industry benchmarks and inspiring others to embrace the intricacies of technology and innovation.
Senior Director of Development for AVIXA in EMEA with over 20 years experience in AV and IT industries. Started off in sound engineering in the late 90s then pursued a career in IT. After working in web development I returned to AV and have not looked back! I do at times pine to work more directly with the amazing technology available today to help create great AV experiences but I do get to see them being shared and celebrated! I look forward to seeing many of those examples on the Xchange!
► 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+, ISACA CISM, 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 #CISM
My professional journey began with a deep love for music, starting with creating mixtapes in high school and eventually leading to opportunities as a DJ and Producer. This passion for performance and sound naturally evolved into the world of acoustics, where I founded a company focused on acoustic integration.
That unique background gave me a foundational understanding of the technical and creative aspects of sound, which I've leveraged throughout my career in the commercial audiovisual industry. For over two decades, I've excelled in both sales and project management, specializing in design-build turnkey services. I'm skilled at bringing the right resources together to ensure project success.
My philosophy is simple: I work for my clients, and my company/resources work for us—a partnership built on shared success. I look forward to connecting with fellow professionals who are passionate about the future of AV and IT.