The Consultant Council aims to serve as an advocacy group with a global focus, cultivating emerging talent and promoting the role of consultants to the broader market.
We’re not satisfied with the status quo, nor are our customers. Our goal is to move beyond where AV integrators have traditionally lived – focusing more on outcomes and moving your businesses forward.
For customers across industries and geographies, FORTÉ delivers next-generation visual collaboration solutions built with a people-first approach.
The employee-owners of FORTÉ leverage unrivaled technical experience, talent, and commitment in delivering customized AV solutions that empower you to seize opportunities and imagine new possibilities.
Founded in 1974 by Joe Stoebner, FORTÉ has grown from one office location in North Dakota to 42 locations in the United States and four locations in Europe. FORTÉ is also the only employee-owned communications and collaboration company with more than 1,500 employees as of August 2025. The company serves customers in all 50 states and, as the Regional Business Unit of GPA, FORTÉ assists multinational enterprises, providing design, delivery and installation services in 170 cities around the world.
FORTÉ's unique approach with its customers includes providing subject matter expertise in enterprise audiovisual solutions, unified collaboration solutions, Microsoft services, digital media, mission critical solutions, and broadcast solutions. In addition, FORTÉ delivers a complete suite of managed services to ensure every solution remains up-to-date and functioning as it should.
In 2024, FORTÉ announced the addition of its Velocity Logisitics Center in Dallas, Texas. This center enables FORTÉ to develop and deploy pre-engineered meeting room solutions anywhere in the United States within days, not months. An industry first!
Get in touch for anything related to AVIXA in the UK & Ireland - we're here to help and waiting to hear from you!
AV, Bacon, sports, and watermelon in no particular order.
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At SpinetiX, I drive multichannel comms campaigns and oversee digital marketing, from website management to social media growth. I collaborate in cross-functional initiatives together with the product, support, and development teams to create product documentation. My role also involves directing our digital signage academy with AVIXA-approved courses and developing engaging brand-aligned content, as well as coordinating with internal and external partners to fulfill our marketing strategies. All this, while thriving in a multicultural setting of teammates from across the globe.
I'm a huge fan of everything related to audiovisual (AV), photography, and videography. Working for an incredible company enables me to access the necessary gear for various purposes like live-streaming, content creation, broadcasting, and even independent filmmaking. If you're curious about my current favorite products, here's a list of what I use:
When it comes to content creation, live-streaming equipment, and cinema gear, I rely on Blackmagic Design. Their products have been outstanding:
Blackmagic Design ATEM Constellation 8K : This powerful tool is perfect for my live-streaming needs.
URSA 12K Netflix Camera: With this camera, I can capture stunning footage, ideal for professional projects.
URSA Mini Pro 4.6K G2 Netflix Camera: Another fantastic camera from Blackmagic Design, which I frequently use for my video work.
Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro w/ DaVinci Resolve: This compact camera, combined with DaVinci Resolve software, provides excellent results for my content creation.
When it comes to point-and-shoot cameras that are easy to use and versatile, I highly recommend FujiFilm and Sigma. These are some of my go-to options:
Fujifilm X-T30 II Camera: This camera is perfect for capturing high-quality photos and videos effortlessly.
Fujifilm X-T5: Another excellent option from FujiFilm, providing exceptional performance for my photography and videography needs.
Sigma fp and fp L Mirrorless Camera: These mirrorless cameras offer great flexibility and produce impressive results. And are the size of a deck of cards
Fujifilm X-S20, this is my new go to for hiking,
Now, let's talk about lenses, which are an essential part of my gear:
Sigma Art Lens: I simply can't get enough of these lenses. They deliver exceptional image quality and are a joy to use.
Tokina Cinema Lens: When it comes to cinema lenses, the more options, the better. Tokina offers a fantastic range of lenses that cater to my specific requirements.
Meike Cinema Lens : We all know that as photographers and videographers, we can never have too many lenses. Meike provides great quality lenses that I'm always excited to add to my collection.
I hope this gives you an insight into my favorite AV, photography, and videography gear. If you have any specific questions or need further information, feel free to ask.
As a broadcast professional and multiplatform strategist with a passion for writing, I bring a unique perspective to content creation. Throughout my broadcasting career, which began in 2005, I have honed my skills in video production, system integration, and live event management. I have also managed interns and performed field marketing projects while maintaining a self-driven commitment to ongoing learning and growth. In addition to my technical expertise, I am also an avid reader and enjoy exploring new avenues for personal and professional development. My work in the digital media and web development sector has given me a fresh perspective on the power of content to connect with audiences and create meaningful change. As a multifaceted individual, I take pride in excelling in various pursuits. From international competitions and sports events to writing and volunteering, I always seek new ways to challenge myself and positively impact the world. If you're looking for a collaborator who can help you bring your ideas to life and deliver results on time, I'm here to help. Let's connect and explore how to work together to achieve your goals.
Recipient of the Young AV Professional of the Year 2025 by SIIA Awards...
I have played a pivotal role in leading renowned companies worldwide, consistently achieving outstanding performance. My efforts have been instrumental in transforming startups into process-driven, million-dollar enterprises. Developing and executing go-to-market strategies while reaching targeted goals has been a core part of my methodology. By harnessing technology for innovation, I have consistently stayed ahead of the curve and delivered exceptional results. Throughout the years, I have cultivated a healthy work-life balance that has allowed me to delve into deeper aspects of Self, Life, and Spirituality, firmly embracing the belief in oneness. As a lifelong seeker of knowledge and an avid learner, I am committed to innovating and implementing effective strategies that yield remarkable results for all stakeholders.
Rob has worked in high tech for four decades, establishing himself as a veritable veteran of the moving image.
He has spent time in engineering, sales and marketing, in positions spanning the content-creation, distribution, and transmission industries and more recently AV. Previously, he was an active member of the International Association of Broadcast Manufacturers, serving on its technical sub-committee as well as presenting technical sessions for the Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers in London (including 'resettlement' courses for those leaving the UK military) , the Control Room Summit and AV Broadcast Summit - both in Europe and for Infocomm University in Dubai and the US.
His education includes a CTS. He also has degrees in Information and Communication Technologies (BSc) and Electrical and Electronic Engineering (BSc). Additionally, he complemented this with a Chartered Institute of Marketing post-graduate diploma.
He has been with Matrox Video for 20 years over which time has been associated with many projects, large and small – national and international. His current remit is the furtherance of strategic partnerships - both technological and organizational. He is particularly involved with the new IPMX open standard - the AV focussed extension to ST2110.
Rob is held in high regard internationally for his technology training sessions and was recognised by Infocomm in 2016 as a ‘distinguished talent’ in the industry.