The AV Life

Hosted by Tim Van Woeart

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199

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Aug 2026

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About the show

Host Tim Van Woeart of Rutgers University discusses topics relevant to the commercial AV industry.

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August 24, 2026Episode 34832 min

348: The Recognition of Women in AV

Join this week's panel as they discuss how the AV industry continues improve its recognition of women in the AV industry. Brandy Johnson introduces her new LinkedIn Women of AV Hall of Fame award, beginning with the recognition for Renee Benson. The group reflects on women’s representation in AV, the industry’s progress away from booth-babe culture, and why inclusive representation benefits both teams and customers. Nancy shares firsthand concerns about investment-firm ownership, including pressure for short-term financial performance and its effects on employees and business development. Murphy connects the conversation to project management: successful organizations must understand the difference between ongoing operations and the projects that sustain them, while listening to experienced people at every level. The episode closes with upcoming HETMA Golf Classic and EDUCAUSE activities. Topics Discussed: Brandy Johnson’s LinkedIn Women of AV Hall of Fame Recognition of Renee Benson’s industry and community contributions Women’s representation and leadership in AV Progress beyond booth-babe culture at industry events Inclusion as a business and customer-experience priority Women as AV end users and decision-makers HETMA’s women-forward perspective in higher education Private equity and investment-firm involvement in AV Layoffs and short-term financial pressure Acquisitions and strategic alignment in AV Project management versus ongoing operations Listening to experienced teams during organizational change The AV Life is a Higher Ed AV Media production. More at higheredav.com . Connect with Tim Van Woeart: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-van-woeart-cts-45416826/ X (Formerly Twitter): https://www.x.com/TVanWoeart Connect with The AV Life: X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheAVLifePod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theavlife3337

August 17, 2026Episode 34752 min

347: Private Equity's Growing Presence in the AV Industry

What happens when private equity enters AV? This week's AV Life Podcast is a wide-ranging episode that moves from higher education AV events into one of the industry's biggest business questions about private equity's growing presence in AV. The group recaps the Buffalo Roadshow, discussing how HETMA continues evolving its events and learning from each experience. They also highlight accessibility and Title II discussions from a recent industry event. The main conversation centers on private equity, sparked by a reported $2.6 billion investment involving the New York Yankees. The panel compares investment in professional sports with AV-industry acquisitions and debates the potential benefits and risks. They discuss profitability, operational efficiency, company culture, customer relationships, employee retention, and the importance of investors understanding that AV is fundamentally a people business. The discussion then shifts into NIL, professional sports economics, and reported allegations involving the LA Clippers and Daktronics, with the panel emphasizing the importance of researching headlines and separating data from verified information. Topics Discussed: Buffalo Roadshow recap and lessons learned HETMA's evolution from advocacy organization toward events organization Accessibility and Title II discussions in higher education HETMA Golf Classic and the new vendor-expo concept Private equity investment in professional sports Private equity's growing presence in the AV industry Profitability, efficiency, and business management Preserving company culture and customer relationships after acquisitions Employee retention and the impact of organizational changes NIL, salary caps, and the economics of professional sports Reported Clippers/Daktronics allegations and the importance of context Misinformation, headlines, research, and becoming an informed consumer The AV Life is a Higher Ed AV Media production. More at higheredav.com . Connect with Tim Van Woeart: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-van-woeart-cts-45416826/ X (Formerly Twitter): https://www.x.com/TVanWoeart Connect with The AV Life: X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheAVLifePod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theavlife3337

August 10, 2026Episode 3461 hr 3 min

346: In the Heat of Summer--From Classrooms to Coaching Sports

This week's AV Life heats up as storms continue to wreak havoc on life and projects across the nation. Tim Van Woeart, Murphy Daley, Renee Benson, Brandy Johnson, James King, and guest Steve Borho discuss the pressures of late-summer AV work in higher education. Murphy shares a project-management reminder: focus on what the project truly needs, especially during tense, high-emotion situations. The group explores extreme heat, severe storms, HVAC challenges during classroom installations, and the need for strong coordination among AV, IT, facilities, and campus leadership before planned power outages. They also discuss backup cooling and monitoring needs in medical-school spaces. The conversation later turns to youth sports, artificial turf, player safety, coaching, officiating, and the importance of making sports accessible and visible to young people. Topics Discussed: A project-management approach centered on the project’s real needs Managing difficult customer expectations during project issues Minimum viable classroom functionality for semester openings Late-summer AV installations and orientation deadlines HVAC reliability in classrooms during installation work Coordination between AV, IT, facilities, and administration Planning for building power outages and recovery time Backup cooling and supervision for critical medical-school spaces Extreme heat, storms, tornadoes, flooding, and water restrictions Artificial turf, field conditions, and athlete injury concerns Youth sports visibility, affordability, and coaching development Referee conduct, parent behavior, and player safety The AV Life is a Higher Ed AV Media production. More at higheredav.com . Connect with Tim Van Woeart: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-van-woeart-cts-45416826/ X (Formerly Twitter): https://www.x.com/TVanWoeart Connect with The AV Life: X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheAVLifePod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theavlife3337

August 3, 2026Episode 3451 hr 31 min

345: The AV Life Takeover: Joe Way Unscripted

With Tim Van Woeart unexpectedly unable to host, Joe Way takes over The AV Life for an impromptu episode that turns into an engaging conversation with Nancy Blanchard of ScreenBeam. What begins as an unscripted discussion evolves into a wide-ranging look at the AV industry, higher education, and career experiences. Joe and Nancy discuss the current state of higher education funding, the importance of supporting community colleges, consultant and manufacturer relationships, and why application-focused conversations are more valuable than feature-heavy product pitches. They also debate AI's role in AV, standardization versus customization, remote management, wireless collaboration, and the growing number of video bar products entering the market. The episode also offers a more personal side of the guests, touching on volunteer work in the Philippines, career journeys, life in Canada versus California, and the importance of building genuine relationships within the higher education AV community. Despite its spontaneous beginning, the conversation delivers valuable insights for AV professionals across education and enterprise. Topics discussed: Tim's last-minute cancellation and Joe Way's surprise takeover Volunteer work in the Philippines Higher education funding and community college opportunities Building long-term manufacturer and consultant relationships Supporting HETMA and the higher education community Application-based selling versus feature demonstrations Wireless collaboration and ScreenBeam use cases AI's future role in the AV industry Standardization versus customization in AV deployments Consultant best practices and customer trust Rapid-fire AV opinions (Zoom, Teams, ISE, AI, ecosystems) Career experiences, layoffs, and navigating today's AV market The AV Life is a Higher Ed AV Media production. More at higheredav.com . Connect with Tim Van Woeart: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-van-woeart-cts-45416826/ X (Formerly Twitter): https://www.x.com/TVanWoeart Connect with The AV Life: X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheAVLifePod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theavlife3337

July 27, 2026Episode 34446 min

344: Summer, Stadiums, and Smarter AV Systems

As the summer moves along quickly, our hosts pause to discuss concerts, travel, major sporting events, and the approaching fall event season. The conversation highlights the community impact and logistical scale of FIFA fan festivals, stadiums, volunteers, and event production, with curiosity about the AV, IT, and project-management lessons learned behind a global event. In the PM Minute, Murphy Daley emphasizes that effective AV professionals should regularly reassess their systems, standards, software, and tools—especially as AI introduces new possibilities. The group also discusses the value of transparent product evaluation, exploring alternatives beyond familiar consultant specifications, and maintaining an open-minded approach to emerging AV solutions. Topics discussed: Summer schedules, family activities, and back-to-school timing Post-InfoComm workload and the value of taking time to decompress Wildfire smoke and event disruptions Concerts, festivals, and live-performance experiences Upcoming travel, including Napa and San Francisco CEDIA, HETMA, and EDUCAUSE planning FIFA events, fan festivals, and host-city experiences Stadium infrastructure and dedicated soccer venues Community engagement, volunteers, and major-event logistics FIFA event wrap-ups and lessons learned Reassessing AV project-management systems and standards AI, product evaluation, and openness to new AV tools The AV Life is a Higher Ed AV Media production. More at higheredav.com . Connect with Tim Van Woeart: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-van-woeart-cts-45416826/ X (Formerly Twitter): https://www.x.com/TVanWoeart Connect with The AV Life: X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheAVLifePod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theavlife3337

July 20, 2026Episode 34344 min

343: Is “Good Enough” AV Good Enough?

On this week's AV Life Podcast, Tim Van Woeart is joined by James King, Murphy Daley, Renee Benson, and Nancy Blanchard to discuss whether "good enough" AV is still sufficient in higher education. The panel begins by recapping the successful HETMA Roadshow at Creighton University, highlighting collaboration between vendors, institutions, and smaller colleges that rarely attend major industry events. Murphy Daley’s PM Minute focuses on asking questions, communicating openly, and never assuming something is impossible without first exploring the options. The main discussion centers on whether “good enough” AV is still sufficient in higher education. The group argues that modern AV design is less about flashy technology and more about creating reliable, consistent, easy-to-use environments that improve student and faculty experiences. They discuss accessibility, neurodivergent learners, sustainability, standardization, manufacturer feedback, AI integration, and the growing importance of end-user input in product development. The episode concludes with a call for manufacturers and integrators to listen closely to higher education professionals when designing future technologies. Topics Discussed: HETMA Roadshow recap at Creighton University Benefits of regional higher education technology events Murphy Daley’s PM Minute: asking questions and embracing possibility Technology as a factor in student recruitment and retention Is “good enough” AV really good enough? Standardization versus flashy technology Improving the student and faculty user experience Accessibility and supporting neurodivergent learners Sustainability through intentional technology design Higher education becoming more self-sufficient in AV planning Manufacturers listening to customer feedback AI and the future of AV management The AV Life is a Higher Ed AV Media production. More at higheredav.com . Connect with Tim Van Woeart: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-van-woeart-cts-45416826/ X (Formerly Twitter): https://www.x.com/TVanWoeart Connect with The AV Life: X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheAVLifePod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theavlife3337

July 6, 2026Episode 34259 min

342: The Women of AV Takeover

In a special Women of AV Takeover episode of The AV Life, Renee Benson hosts an engaging discussion with Nancy Blanchard, Murphy Daley, Brandy Johnson, and guests Gisela Ramirez & Erin Maher-Moran about leadership, mentorship, and the experiences of women working throughout the AV industry. The panel reflects on networking events from InfoComm 2026, including the AVIXA Women's Breakfast and WAVIT's Glow Up event, highlighting the importance of authentic relationships, trust, and intentional mentorship. Inspired by the women's council breakfast keynote speaker Mariana Atencio, the conversation explores building confidence, discovering purpose, and developing meaningful professional connections. The group also shares personal stories about overcoming challenges in a traditionally male-dominated industry, earning a seat at the table, and the male mentors who helped support their careers. The discussion concludes with ideas for attracting younger professionals into AV through internships, outreach, and continued mentorship to strengthen the future of the industry. Topics Discussed: Reflections on InfoComm 2026 networking opportunities AVIXA Women's Breakfast keynote by Mariana Atencio WAVIT and the Glow Up networking event Building trust through authentic professional relationships Mentorship and supporting women entering the AV industry Personal experiences overcoming gender bias Developing confidence and finding your voice The importance of supportive male allies and mentors Work-life balance and customer relationships Recruiting younger professionals into AV Internships, career awareness, and the future workforce The AV Life is a Higher Ed AV Media production. More at higheredav.com . Connect with Tim Van Woeart: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-van-woeart-cts-45416826/ X (Formerly Twitter): https://www.x.com/TVanWoeart Connect with The AV Life: X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheAVLifePod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theavlife3337

July 3, 2026Episode 34142 min

341: Three Tims Talking Tech

In this special episode of The AV Life, host Tim Van Woeart is joined by Tim Albright (AVNation) and Tim Neviska (HETMA) for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, professional growth, and the state of the AV industry. Tim Albright discusses the inspiration behind his new book, Building on Ashes, sharing lessons about resilience, failure, and the importance of developing a personal operating system while continually passing knowledge to others. The conversation then turns to InfoComm 2026, where the group reflects on attendance trends, higher-quality conversations, changing trade show dynamics, and the value of discovering innovative products through guided tours. Tim Neviska shares his transition into retirement, remaining active through HETMA while exploring new opportunities. The episode wraps up with a lighthearted discussion about the popularity of the name "Tim," mentorship, welcoming new AV professionals into the industry, and the importance of always continuing to learn and share knowledge. Topics Discussed: Tim Albright's new book Building on Ashes Learning from failure and developing resilience Building a personal operating system for career growth Sharing knowledge and mentorship in the AV industry Reflections on InfoComm 2026 attendance and engagement Quality vs. quantity of trade show attendees Value of guided booth tours and discovering new technology HETMA's role in supporting higher education AV professionals Tim Neviska's retirement and next career chapter Bringing new professionals into higher education AV Industry trends and professional development The story behind three AV professionals all named Tim The AV Life is a Higher Ed AV Media production. More at higheredav.com . Connect with Tim Van Woeart: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-van-woeart-cts-45416826/ X (Formerly Twitter): https://www.x.com/TVanWoeart Connect with The AV Life: X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheAVLifePod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theavlife3337

June 22, 2026Episode 34026 min

340: Live from InfoComm 26 - Day 3

Missing Tim Van Woeart for the final live report from InfoComm, our hosts fight through the noise of the HETMA happening happy hour below to wrap-up InfoComm 2026. The group debated whether traditional booth tours still provide value for experienced AV professionals, with manufacturers emphasizing the importance of demonstrating new technology, gathering customer feedback, and showcasing concepts that can’t be replicated over a video call. The conversation shifted to how end-user feedback directly influences product development, the increasing focus on cybersecurity in AV, and the overall health of the industry. The panel also reflected on memorable networking experiences, the standout Peerless-AV party, and the importance of reconnecting with colleagues across higher education and commercial AV. Although attendance felt lighter than previous years, everyone agreed the conversations were higher quality, making InfoComm 2026 a successful and encouraging event. Topics Discussed: Value (or lack thereof) of booth tours for experienced AV professionals Demonstrating products that can’t be appreciated remotely Manufacturers using InfoComm to gather customer feedback How customer suggestions shape future AV product development Tailoring booth experiences for technical end users Building stronger relationships between manufacturers and higher education Growth of cybersecurity awareness within the AV industry Overall impressions of InfoComm 2026 attendance and quality Networking and reconnecting with industry peers Highlights from the Peerless-AV party and networking events Canadian attendance and international travel observations Final reflections and biggest takeaways from the week The AV Life is a Higher Ed AV Media production. More at higheredav.com . Connect with Tim Van Woeart: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-van-woeart-cts-45416826/ X (Formerly Twitter): https://www.x.com/TVanWoeart Connect with The AV Life: X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheAVLifePod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theavlife3337

June 19, 2026Episode 33918 min

339: Live from InfoComm 26 - Day 2

Day two of The AV Life's live coverage from InfoComm 2026 focuses on the momentum building across the show floor as attendees juggle booth demonstrations, networking events, and evening receptions. Murphy shares the overwhelming response to her AV Project Management Handbook, including selling out the books she brought on her first day. The panel also highlights one of the week's most impactful events—the AVIXA Women's Council Breakfast—where NBC journalist Mariana Atencio delivered a keynote centered on trust, human connection, and leadership. The discussion expands into the growing importance of manufacturer partnerships, integrated AV solutions, and collaboration across the industry rather than standalone products. Topics Discussed: Day two observations from InfoComm 2026 Navigating the expanded convention floor Murphy Daley's AV Project Management Handbook success Industry partnerships and integrated AV ecosystems PTZOptics technology demonstrations Sony partner ecosystem and solution-based demonstrations AVIXA Women's Council Breakfast with Mariana Atencio's keynote on trust and leadership HETMA networking events and happy hours The AV Life is a Higher Ed AV Media production. More at higheredav.com . Connect with Tim Van Woeart: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-van-woeart-cts-45416826/ X (Formerly Twitter): https://www.x.com/TVanWoeart Connect with The AV Life: X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheAVLifePod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theavlife3337