Nicole Verardi

Senior Director of Marketing, AVIXA
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. I hold certifications as a Project Management Professional (PMP) from PMI, as well as CTS-D and CTS-I from AVIXA, blending technical expertise with strong project leadership. I have extensive experience deploying technologies from leading manufacturers such as Crestron, Extron, Biamp, and many others, while managing vendors and ensuring seamless integration. 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
Summer Campagna

Marketing, LRAV

Hi there! I am Summer, I work as a marketing specialist for LRAV, a luxury AV company that provides audio, lighting, video, and entertainment solutions for any event. 
Michelle Muggli - AVIXA

Manager, Digital Product, AVIXA

Digital Product Manager at AVIXA, eager to engage with the community and collaborate to create a better user experience! Works from her home office in Minnesota with two kitty coworkers. Snowshoeing? Yes. Curling? You betcha! Lutefisk? Hard pass.
Elisa Ayala

Creative Writer, Streamer, and Marketing Student, Freelance/Student

Anna Sallows

Marketing Coordinator (Integrate), Diversified Communications Australia

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. 
Daniel Ayers, MS, CTS, ETCP

AV + Theatre + Safety, IATSE 31

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.
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
Andrew Gildin

VP, Global Partners, Korbyt

GRIFITHS ZACHARIAH

Associate Vice President EMEAIO Sales & Global Alliances, ClearOne Inc

Grifiths Zachariah, CTS, is an experienced professional in the Pro AV industry, currently serving as the Associate VP for the EMEAIO Sales and Global Alliancesgion at ClearOne Inc. With a background in electronics engineering and nearly two decades of experience in the industry, Grifiths has worked in various technical, training, project management, and sales leadership roles. This extensive experience has given him a deep understanding of the latest trends and innovations in the field and a passion for sharing his knowledge with others. Throughout his career, Grifiths has worked with various system integration companies and manufacturers, managing large-scale projects and troubleshooting complex systems. This experience has equipped him with the skills needed to deliver high-quality, comprehensive training to AV professionals, focusing on sharing his experience to empower others to succeed in their careers.
Agil Huseynov

CEO, AVENDOR (LED Solutions LLC)

Deborah Boyle

Marketing Manager, Diversified Communications Australia

Yealink is a global-leading provider of Unified Communication & Collaboration Solutions specialized in video conferencing, voice communications, and collaboration, dedicated to helping every person and organization embrace the power of "Easy Collaboration, High Productivity". Trusted by top partners, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Qualcomm, Yealink continues to provide the most reliable products and services in strategic product lines, including Desk Phone, Video Conferencing Solutions and Headsets.
keith neves

Creative Director / Tech Director, Neves Creative Inc

Keith Neves is a design expert with over 25 years of experience in live entertainment, permanent installations, and experiential marketing. His creative explorations span multiple media and industry platforms, with a particular emphasis on the intersection of technology and art. He is a driven creator with a long list of accomplishments; brands worldwide rely on him to bring large-scale projects to life. Keith's notable accomplishments include serving as the lighting designer for the Wu-Tang Clan's live performance at Coachella, acting as technical director and designer for the GoPro Hero launch live streamed from Squaw Valley, serving as technical director for Spotify's Grammy Event in Los Angeles celebrating all ten Best New Artists, and being the designer and technical director for Panasonic Avionics' international tradeshow booth for ten years in a row. He founded Neves Creative Inc. in 2010 and collaborates with award-winning production teams and agencies to create projects that wow audiences and win awards. Some of Keith's past projects include well-known companies like Adobe, Spotify, Slack, Panasonic, Tinder, Google, Disney, Pfizer, Nickelodeon, Webflow, Appian, GoPro, Samsung, Cadillac, Intel, Netflix, Nintendo, Amazon, T-Mobile, AT&T, WB, Jaguar, Meta, and Apple in the US and abroad. Keith, an avid explorer of the technological frontier, is particularly interested in emerging technologies such as AI, AR, XR, and VR. He is constantly investigating these tools as new forms of creative storytelling, looking for case studies, and imagining novel use cases. His enthusiasm for fusing art and technology drives his work, which pushes boundaries and seeks transformative digital experiences that captivate and engage audiences. Keith's extensive portfolio showcases his technical and creative direction expertise for live concerts, trade show exhibits, theater, corporate events, art installations, festivals, virtual production, and experiential brand activations. Keith has a well-deserved reputation for serving not only his clients but their teams, dedicating himself to being a solution-based designer who is always looking for new and innovative tools to bring into play.
Sarah (Xiaoyu) Huang

Communication manager, Budee China Canada office

I have been working for Budee China for 9 years as a communication manager, acting as a bridge of communication between Budee and manufacturers. Budee China started in 2002 as a small dealer of pro audio hardware, building up over the years and establishing branches beyond its Beijing headquarters in Hangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu and Hong Kong. With technical staff experienced in installation, commissioning, training and project management, Budee China has supported dealers, engineering business and systems integrators in completing countless AV projects across China, and today employs 122 staff across the group. 
Michael Elias

Director of strategic partnerships, Glass-Media

Lighting&Sound America is a monthly publication for lighting, sound, and staging professionals working in theatre, music, theatre architecture, film and TV, corporate a/v, houses of worship, and much more.  www.lightingandsoundamerica.com
Althea M Ricketts

Associate Vice President Corporate Initiatives , Shure, Inc

Chanan Averbuch

EVP of The Americas, Primeview

Primeview was launched in 1997 as a company specializing in Visual Solutions, with a focus on the corporate market. Primeview designs produces and delivers cutting-edge visual display technology for a wide variety of markets. Our diverse team of artists, engineers, animators, producers and developers work seamlessly to bring your vision into reality. From captivating digital-out-of-home (DOOH) engagements, casinos, LED Spectaculars, retail facelifts, hospitality, real-estate sales offices, eSports, workplace ‘wow’ factors, digital art, data visualizations, one-of-a-kind forced prospective or anamorphic environments, we help you elevate your visual experience. Primeview is committed to embracing your content challenges.
Dave Hatz

VP of Technology, RoomReady