Rich Sasson

Global Director Pro Community, Crestron Electronics Inc
Camila Chavarri

Embajadora Avixa XChange | Head of Marketing , Newtech Group

Hi everyone! i´m very happy to be part of this community! I´m Camila, Head of Marketing at Newtech. I´ve been part of this profession for 10 years, going through different industries and now I have been in the AV industry for 4 years and counting! I am very excited about all the innovation and constant evolution that this field brings. It is quite a challenge for us marketers. I would love to hear more from everyone at Avixa Xchange. Let's get in touch!
Christopher Hewitt

Manager, Classroom Technical Infrastructure, University of Guelph

Amy Amesbury

Marketing Manager UK & Ireland, AVMI Kinly Ltd.

► 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
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. 
Emily Burkot - AVIXA

Coordinator, Standards, AVIXA

Technology Coordinator, Public and School Librarian, and now Standards Coordinator at AVIXA.
George Chacko

Sr. Director Academic and Classroom Technology, Pace University

George Chacko is an innovative leader with over 25 years of experience in educational technology, audiovisual, and IT fields. As the Sr. Director of Academic and Classroom Technologies at Pace University, George has transformed the learning landscape by designing and implementing state-of-the-art, technology-enhanced classrooms, event spaces, and digital signage. His leadership has been crucial in Pace’s adoption of HyFlex, hybrid, and remote learning models, ensuring the university remains at the forefront of modern education. In addition to his administrative role, George serves as an adjunct faculty member at Pace University, teaching courses in AV and IT. This dual role allows him to directly engage with students, providing hands-on expertise and bridging the gap between technology strategy and application. George’s approach is defined by his commitment to innovation and exceptional customer service. Overseeing the AV, Helpdesk, and LMS teams across three campuses, he fosters a culture of creativity, collaboration, and responsiveness, continually enhancing the learning experience for both faculty and students. His ability to anticipate the needs of modern education has helped Pace University integrate flexible, forward-thinking AV solutions that support both in-person and remote learners. Beyond his role at Pace, George is a dynamic contributor to the AV industry. He is the co-founder and president of NextLvL Learning, an organization focused on pushing the boundaries of educational technology and experiential learning. George also hosts the popular tech podcast Cables, Coffee, and Curveballs, where he engages with industry leaders and explores the latest trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the field. George holds both a Master’s in Internet Technology and a Bachelor’s in Information Systems, with a minor in Business, from Pace University. His technical expertise is demonstrated through certifications such as Certified Technology Specialist™ (CTS®), Crestron DM Certified Engineer – 4K (DMC-E-4K), and Crestron DM Certified Designer – 4K (DMC-D-4K). In every role he assumes, George remains focused on pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in educational technology, ensuring that students and faculty have the tools they need to succeed in an ever-evolving digital world.
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
Seth Green

Product Designer, Nova Design

CARLOS MURILL0

Regional Manager, LATAM & IBERIA, i3-Technologies N.V.

I’m a proud Colombian that loves life, family, friends, music, sports, food, travel, nature & meditation. I have 20+ years of international experience in Sales, Trade Marketing & Marketing in different industries (Technology, Consumer Goods and Textiles). During this time I’ve had the privilege to travel around and also live in different Countries (Canada, India) which has given me the gift to know different cultures and value the relevance of building cross-cultural understanding across nations. In a nutshell, I’m really good at establishing Strategic Alliances and opening international Channels of Distribution in the Latin America & Caribbean Region, using my ability to build long term relationships with customers and peers, strategically deliver results, manage complex situations, and lead multicultural and multidisciplinary teams.
Liju Raju Varghese

AVP-Technical, Leisung Technologies LLC

Antonio Vaca

Project Manager, Dextra Electronics Mexico

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
Scott Simpson

Director of Business Development- XTG, AVI-SPL

Stuart Weiser, CEM

Senior Manager, Exhibition & Event Services, AVIXA

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.
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.
Rocky Nash

Communications and Content Manager, Savvy Streaming

As a media and marketing professional with a passion for the latest advancements in audiovisual technology, I am ready to cover InfoComm 2024. This event is perfect for networking with industry peers, discovering cutting-edge products, and gaining insights from leading experts. My journey in the AV industry has been driven by a commitment to exploring innovative solutions that elevate professional video and audio experiences for myself and my clients. At InfoComm, I'm excited to connect with fellow professionals and brands that share my enthusiasm for pushing the boundaries of technology. The opportunity to see the newest trends, participate in hands-on demonstrations, and attend educational sessions is key to our growth and expertise in this dynamic field. Covering InfoComm allows me to not only enhance my knowledge but also share these transformative experiences with my audience, inspiring them to embrace the future of AV technology. I hope to see you all at InfoComm 2025!
Our Community Spotlight highlights some of the most prominent, active users in the AVIXA Xchange community. These quick interviews touch on hot topics within the AV industry right from the minds of experts in their respective fields.
María Eugenia Friedlmeier

Market Developer , Molver Technology SA

Hello everyone! I'm very happy to be a part of this community! As a market developer and a marketing professional with focus in the AV industry, I'm always searching for new solutions that work for the technological ecosystem. I'm proud to say that I'm part of Molver Technology, end-user services integration company. I would love to hear more from everyone at AVIXA Xchange. Let's get in touch! :) 
Patrik Lindahl

Support Manager, Special-Elektronik i Karlstad AB