Racheal Aye , CTS (She/Her)

CEO & Founder | Xchange Advocate EMEA Region , Pearl Audio Visuals
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!
Joe Fugere

IT Service Center Director, Univ of Alaska Anchorage

Urmil Vaidhya

Solution Design Engineer and Consultant, AV Industry

Started Journey as Live sound System Engineer For small AV company in 2007. Then join one Dubbing studio and Done Some Movies Dubbing and Music Mixing Till 2008. After 2008 Started working as Freelancer for Audio Jobs as Recording, Dubbing and Mixing engineer for regional language Music and Movies. From 2010 corporate journey Started with Manufacturer of AV Acessories in India. Till 2012 worked as Technical Marketing team Head for the Product developments and Possible solutions for Pro Audio and Video Industry Acessories. After 2013 Started working for Pro Audio Industry Products as BDM for West India. From 2016 Working as Individual Audio, Video and Acoustics Design Consultant for freelance projects across India and in global market.
Gibran Nassif - AVIXA

Manager, Social Media, AVIXA

Hello everyone! I am Gibran, and I am the social media manager at AVIXA. I will be chatting with all of you here and sharing insightful topics from the AV industry and the Xchange with the social media world.
We’re the Hub for All People and Things AV We are the community for the creative professionals who use technology to create integrated experiences. AVIXA is the Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association, producer of InfoComm trade shows around the world, co-owner of Integrated Systems Europe, and the international trade association representing the audiovisual industry.
Allan Rea

Design Engineer, AVI-SPL

Over 40 years of combined experience as a AV integrator, consultant and designer supporting the audiovisual needs of corporate, government, and broadcast clients. Proud Grandpa, old truck and tractor enthusiast, like all the geeky details. 
Jensen Sostre

General Manager, Control AV, LLC

ROBERT NIMAKO BREFO

CEO & FOUNDER, 9K MEDIA HUB

ClearTech is a leader in delivering collaborative technology solutions for today’s active learning and workplace environments. We provide a wide range of AV technology services and solutions to educational institutions and corporations with a focus on our clients'​ overall life cycle requirements. Our mission is to facilitate collaboration through creative and innovative technologies. We offer turnkey AV solutions and services for a variety of applications including smart classroom and conference room AV systems, customized AV integrated systems, streaming and on-demand video, videoconferencing and digital signage. Our comprehensive services range from design and installation to break-fix, managed services such as remote monitoring, virtual helpdesk, asset management, and an easy and cost- effective subscription service that includes equipment on a regular refresh cycle with our innovative ClearTech as a Service model. We believe in a proactive approach to managed services, ensuring that potential issues are addressed before they impact your operations, thereby minimizing downtime and maximizing efficiency. Our mantra is that every minute in your meetings and classrooms matters, and our solutions are designed to make those minutes as productive as possible. Sustainability is at the heart of what we do. Under the leadership of our President, Christina De Bono, SAVe (Sustainability in AV)(www.saveav.org) was founded in 2022. SAVe, a 501(c)(3), is a pioneering initiative focused on reducing e-waste through reuse and reputable recycling practices, aligning with the United Nations' 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. SAVe offers a SAVe certification workshop, providing a framework that empowers organizations to develop their own internal sustainability practices, as well as SAVe a Second Life, which ensures equipment is either reused, working with over 600 universities and 200 NGOs, or properly recycled at vetted legitimate e-waste recycling facilities.  ClearTech has adopted these practices internally as well and offers e-waste solutions to our clients. By partnering with ClearTech, you not only gain access to cutting-edge AV solutions but also contribute to a more sustainable future. 
Marthonis Abdul Azis

System Engineer, DVI asia

Dahlia Abrams

Director of Sales, ClearTech

As Director of Sales at ClearTech  (www.cleartechav.com), a recognized leader in transforming collaboration in today's active workplace and learning environments, I leverage over 10 years of sales & strategy experience, legal & cybersecurity compliance, and ITIL certification to create and deliver innovative multimedia solutions and services that meet the needs and exceed the expectations of our clients.  With a passion for delivering mission-critical AV lifecycle solutions, I specialize in helping large to midsize enterprises, universities, and K-12 institutions enhance their operational efficiency and productivity through cutting-edge AV technologies. At ClearTech, we offer a comprehensive range of services including design, build, break-fix, installation, remote monitoring, virtual helpdesk, asset management and our innovative ClearTech as a Service (CTaaS) subscription model. Our proactive managed services ensure minimal downtime, reinforcing our belief that every minute in meetings and classrooms counts. A key part of our mission is our unwavering commitment to sustainability. ClearTech's visionary President, Christina De Bono, founded SAVe (Sustainability in AV (www.saveav.org)) in 2022. SAVe is the first and only organization of its kind in the US, dedicated to reducing e-waste through reuse and reputable recycling practices. Our sustainability initiatives align with the 2030 SDGs set forth by the UN, and we strive to support our clients with eco-friendly and responsible AV solutions. My role at ClearTech allows me to foster meaningful connections and partnerships, driven by a shared passion for innovation, efficiency, and environmental responsibility. I'm always eager to explore new opportunities and collaborate with like-minded professionals who value sustainability, operational efficiency, collaboration and leading-edge technology. Feel free to reach out if you’re interested in discussing how ClearTech can support your organization with state-of-the-art AV solutions or if you’d like to learn more about our sustainability initiatives. Let’s connect and explore the possibilities together! Specialties: AV Lifecycle Solutions Design and Installation Remote Monitoring and Virtual Helpdesk Asset Management AV as a Service AV Maintenance and Service Sustainable Practices E-Waste Management
Asams Sthanislavos

AV Specialist, United Makgroup Technologies LLC

Peter Schädel - AVIXA

Manager Marketing EMEA, AVIXA Germany GmbH

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.
Nelson Baumgratz, CTS-D, CTS-I | AVIXA

Regional Manager - Mercosul, AVIXA

http://avixa.org
Alissa Haksar

Senior Human Resources Business Partner, AVIXA

I am delighted to be part of the HR Department at AVIXA and an Ambassador of the Jobs Room of the Xchange! I hope to bring my 25+ years of broad-based experience in Human Resources, both in consulting and in-house roles, to our Xchange members as a helpful resource and source of information and best practices. 
Luana Crocco

Coordinator Member Services LATAM, 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. 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
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.