The AV Life

Hosted by Tim Van Woeart

TechnologyInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

189

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

About the show

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

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 15, 2026Episode 3371 hr 19 min

337: The One To Start InfoComm 2026

This week's AV Life Podcast is the one to start InfoComm 2026! Join our full panel of hosts Tim Van Woeart, Nancy Blanchard, Murphy Daley, Brandy Johnson, Joe Way, and James King as they welcome guests Michael Gunderson of Highland Community College and Steve Borho. The lively conversation includes reflections on previous InfoComm experiences and looks ahead at preparing for this year's InfoComm with tips on maximizing networking opportunities, navigating the show floor, and taking advantage of HETMA events and campus tours.Michael shares practical advice for first-time attendees, emphasizing the importance of getting oriented before tackling the massive exhibit floor. Joe highlights several HETMA initiatives, including the Qualified Buyer Happy Hour, Education Summit, booth activities, and networking opportunities designed to connect higher education AV professionals with manufacturers. The group also celebrates the 2026 HETMA Hall of Fame inductees, recognizing their lasting contributions to higher education AV. Additional discussions cover AV-over-IP trends, professional development, campus tours, and the value of building authentic relationships throughout the industry.Topics Discussed:Tips for first-time InfoComm attendeesNavigating and organizing time on the show floorHETMA booth activities and networking eventsQualified Buyer Happy Hour programHigher Ed AV Summit and educational sessionsCampus technology tours at UNLVAV-over-IP adoption and future trendsBuilding vendor and peer relationshipsAV Project Manager Handbook audiobook plans and course development2026 HETMA Hall of Fame inductees and their contributionsThe 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/TVanWoeartConnect with The AV Life:X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheAVLifePodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theavlife3337

June 8, 2026Episode 33650 min

336: One Week Until InfoComm 2026: Booths, Parties, and Predictions

With InfoComm 2026 just around the corner, Tim Van Woeart, Nancy Blanchard, Brandy Johnson, and Murphy Daley preview the upcoming show, share booth information, discuss networking opportunities, and highlight key events attendees should not miss. The conversation covers HETMA activities, the Higher Ed AV Awards, community meetups, vendor events, and the importance of building relationships across the AV industry.Murphy delivers a project management segment focused on running efficient meetings and the value of strong agendas. The group also explores AI adoption, autonomous vehicles, workplace automation, and balancing technology with human expertise. Nancy announces ScreenBeam’s sponsorship of the HETMA Happy Hour, while Brandy shares exciting news about PTZOptics’ newest hire. Throughout the episode, the hosts emphasize that InfoComm is about far more than products—it’s about reconnecting with colleagues, learning new solutions, and strengthening the AV community.Topics Discussed:InfoComm 2026 planning and event scheduleHETMA booth activities and AV Life live recordingsHigher Ed AV Awards and Education SummitVendor booth previews and product demonstrationsScreenBeam sponsorship of the HETMA Happy HourPTZOptics booth activities and partnership showcasesNetworking opportunities and industry meetupsProject management best practices and meeting efficiencyAI adoption and workplace technology trendsAutonomous vehicles and trust in automationBuilding relationships within the higher education AV communityInfoComm travel preparation and attendee tipsThe AV Life is a Higher Ed AV Media production. More at higheredav.com.Connect with Tim:LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-van-woeart-45416826/Twitter (X) – https://twitter.com/TVanWoeartConnect with The AV Life:Twitter (X) – https://twitter.com/TheAVLifePodYouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@theavlife3337

June 1, 2026Episode 33520 min

335: One Host, Big Thoughts: June in Higher Ed AV

In this solo episode, host Tim Van Woeart reflects on the fast arrival of June and the transition period it represents for higher education AV professionals. Tim discusses the close of the academic and fiscal years, graduation season, summer campus projects, and preparations for InfoComm. He shares personal thoughts about family milestones, including his son’s move to middle school, and emphasizes the importance of work-life balance, vacations, and professional growth.The episode also highlights the value of continuing education, community involvement through HETMA, and upcoming events like the HETMA Education Summit and Higher Ed AV Awards. Tim congratulates Tim Albright on his new book release and encourages listeners to stay engaged, hydrated, and connected as the AV industry heads into its busy summer season.Topics Discussed:June as a transition month in higher educationPreparing for InfoComm 2026Importance of hydration during Las Vegas eventsSchool graduations and personal milestonesEnd-of-fiscal-year budgeting in higher ed AVSummer AV infrastructure and classroom projectsWork-life balance and taking vacation timeSummer camps and youth development experiencesProfessional development and lifelong learningHETMA Higher Ed Summit detailsHigher Ed AV Awards and CTS continuing education creditsCommunity building within higher education AVThe AV Life is a Higher Ed AV Media production. More at higheredav.com.Connect with Tim:LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-van-woeart-45416826/Twitter (X) – https://twitter.com/TVanWoeartConnect with The AV Life:Twitter (X) – https://twitter.com/TheAVLifePodYouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@theavlife3337

May 25, 2026Episode 33456 min

334: Hiring AV Talent in 2026: What’s Changed?

This week on episode 334 of the The AV Life Podcast, our hosts cover a wide-ranging discussion from practical hydration tips at InfoComm in Las Vegas to today's hiring challenges in AV, AI impacts, and career growth.The team kicks off with InfoComm preparation tips, emphasizing hydration, conference planning, certification preparation, and excitement around industry networking events. Murphy Daley’s Project Management Minute focuses on organization systems, emphasizing that successful AV project management depends on structured information management. A major discussion centers around hiring within higher education AV and IT departments. Hosts share experiences reviewing applicants, interview strategies, culture fit considerations, and concerns about candidate preparedness.The conversation expands into workforce readiness, education gaps, life skills, parenting responsibilities, and how younger generations enter the workforce. AI also emerges as a major theme, with debate around automation, layoffs, and how AV professionals should embrace AI as a tool rather than fear it as a replacement. The episode closes with advice for job seekers: prepare, research organizations, ask thoughtful questions, and prioritize finding the right culture fit.Topics Discussed:InfoComm 2026 preparation and conference planningHydration and conference survival tips for Las VegasAI-generated marketing and event promotion examplesHETMA Education Summit and certification preparationProject management organization strategiesHiring challenges in higher education AV and ITCandidate interview preparation and culture fitWorkforce readiness and life skills developmentGenerational differences entering the workforceAI’s impact on jobs and business decisionsHuman skills versus technical skills in hiringJob application processes and applicant experienceThe AV Life is a Higher Ed AV Media production. More at higheredav.com.Connect with Tim:LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-van-woeart-45416826/Twitter (X) – https://twitter.com/TVanWoeartConnect with The AV Life:Twitter (X) – https://twitter.com/TheAVLifePodYouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@theavlife3337

May 18, 2026Episode 33348 min

333: A Dongle Has Entered the Courtroom

In Episode 333 of The AV Life, Tim Van Woeart may be temporarily off camera, but the crew has no trouble keeping the show moving. Renee Benson checks in from the road as InfoComm preparation ramps up, sharing the pace and pressure of visiting customers ahead of major product announcements. Brandy Johnson joins the conversation with her usual energy, humor, and road-tested perspective, while Murphy Daley gives an update on the continued momentum around The AV Project Manager Handbook, including plans for an audiobook, a possible course, and the idea of making project management more accessible to AV professionals who may not learn best by reading alone.The conversation moves from practical project management into full AV Life chaos in the best possible way. Murphy’s PM Minute focuses on the value of every project team member understanding just enough about everyone else’s role to improve handoffs, respect timelines, and reduce friction. From there, the crew dives into a very AV-adjacent courtroom story involving Elon Musk, OpenAI, a monitor, a dongle, and a group of lawyers trying to solve what every AV person has seen before: the room is ready until someone actually has to connect something. The episode wraps with a more serious higher ed discussion about the recent Canvas disruption, teaching continuity, Princeton’s move to require exam proctors again, and the broader question of how institutions should rethink learning, assessment, and academic integrity in a world where AI tools are now part of the landscape.Topics DiscussedTim’s camera trouble and the rare host blackout episodeRenee’s road schedule ahead of InfoCommNew product launches and pre-show customer preparationMurphy Daley’s AV Project Manager Handbook momentumPlans for an audiobook version of Murphy’s bookTurning the book into a course or training resourceThe PM Minute: learning enough about other roles to improve project handoffsAV project teamwork, respect, boundaries, and cross-training lightThe Elon Musk, OpenAI, monitor, and dongle courtroom storyCourtroom AV standards, or the lack of themInfoComm planning, HETMA activity, and hydration remindersRumors about InfoComm locations and Vegas versus OrlandoRutgers, Canvas recovery, and teaching continuityBusiness continuity thinking in higher education technologyPrinceton, AI-assisted cheating, and the return of exam proctorsWhether traditional assessments are becoming too easy to hack with AILockdown browsers, phone collection, and exam room controlsWhy academic integrity may require redesigned learning experiencesThe need for future AV Life episodes on AI, teaching, and continuityInviting more voices into future AV Life conversationsThe AV Life is a Higher Ed AV Media production. More at higheredav.com.Connect with Tim:LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-van-woeart-45416826/Twitter (X) – https://twitter.com/TVanWoeartConnect with The AV Life:Twitter (X) – https://twitter.com/TheAVLifePodYouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@theavlife3337

May 11, 2026Episode 33248 min

332: The Canvas Outage and the InfoComm Countdown

This week on The AV Life, Tim Van Woeart is joined by Brandy Johnson, Nancy Blanchard, Renee Benson, Steve Borho, and a surprise drop-in from Joe Way for a classic crew conversation that starts with a serious higher ed technology disruption and somehow still finds its way to dogs, border crossings, World Cup logistics, InfoComm plans, and youth sports officiating.The episode opens with the recent Instructure and Canvas cyberattack, its impact on higher education during finals week, and the reminder of just how dependent campuses have become on learning management systems. From there, the conversation moves into the ripple effects of exam delays, student travel, residence life, and campus operations before shifting into World Cup planning in New Jersey, Kansas City, and Toronto, HETMA Lunch and Learns, the Higher Ed AV Awards, InfoComm FOMO, and why live events always seem easier to plan until the calendar gets real.Topics Discussed• The Instructure and Canvas cyberattack during finals week• How LMS outages affect exams, grades, student travel, and campus operations• Cybersecurity, phishing, and the frustration of malicious technical talent• Rutgers’ response and the challenge of protecting student data• Residence life complications when exams are postponed• Joe Way’s travel through Japan and Dubai• World Cup 2026 logistics in New Jersey, Kansas City, and Toronto• Train pricing, parking restrictions, and event transportation headaches• HETMA Lunch and Learns and staying connected to the community• Dave Labuskes’ Higher Ed AV Podcast appearance ahead of InfoComm• Higher Education Summit keynote announcements• Higher Ed AV Awards submissions and judging timelines• Why giving finalists more notice matters for higher ed travel approval• InfoComm Vegas versus InfoComm Orlando energy• Tim’s InfoComm FOMO and plans for remote AV Life coverage• Brandy’s driving reputation and Chris Neto’s survival story• Steve’s dog Marty making an unofficial AV Life appearance• Joe’s voluntary guest status after arriving late• Tim’s softball injury and player-manager self-demotion• Youth sports, officiating frustration, and passionate parent momentsThe AV Life is a Higher Ed AV Media production. More at higheredav.com.Connect with Tim:LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-van-woeart-45416826/Twitter (X) – https://twitter.com/TVanWoeartConnect with The AV Life:Twitter (X) – https://twitter.com/TheAVLifePodYouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@theavlife3337.

May 4, 2026Episode 33136 min

331: Project Confidence, PM Wisdom, and Spring Transitions

This episode of The AV Life features host Tim Van Woeart alongside Murphy Daley for a spring check-in that blends higher ed life, project management lessons, family milestones, and the growing momentum around Murphy’s Audio Video Project Manager Handbook. Recording on the final day of April, Tim reflects on Rutgers University Newark kicking off its 80th anniversary celebration and finishing his first MBA course, while Murphy shares updates from Southern California and her recent experience speaking at Cavlo in Tennessee.Murphy’s PM Minute centers on one deceptively simple idea: people matter. Drawing from her Cavlo education sessions, survey feedback, and her own experience with imposter syndrome, she talks through the importance of bringing the project team into uncertainty instead of pretending to have every answer. Tim connects that directly to his own higher ed AV work, emphasizing transparency, team learning, and the value of giving younger staff real project context instead of keeping information siloed.The conversation also covers Murphy’s possible next steps for turning her handbook into a course, Tim’s education and personal development planning, HETMA’s growing event presence, InfoComm updates, the Education Summit, and a potential non-attendees episode for those not traveling to the show. The episode closes with a lighter family-focused turn, including prom dress adventures, fifth-grade dance prep, talent shows, and the reminder that wherever AV is happening, HETMA is probably somewhere nearby.Topics Discussed:Rutgers University Newark kicking off its 80th anniversary celebrationTim completing his first MBA course and reflecting on imposter syndromeMurphy’s experience speaking at Cavlo in TennesseeThe value of smaller AV events compared with the scale and intensity of InfoCommAirport Whataburger, AV foodies, and post-conference travel storiesMurphy’s PM Minute on bringing people into project uncertaintyWhy transparency matters when sharing project information with AV teamsThe importance of mentoring younger staff through real project involvementMurphy’s ideas for expanding the AV Project Manager Handbook into a coursePossible CTS-credit project management training opportunitiesHETMA roadshows, InfoComm Education Summit, and the Higher Ed AV AwardsTim’s plan for a virtual InfoComm non-attendees episodeSpring semester wrap-up, exams, summer projects, prom, and school milestonesThe 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/TVanWoeartConnect with The AV Life:X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheAVLifePodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theavlife3337

April 27, 2026Episode 33057 min

330: Trade Shows, Travel Hacks, and Changes at Apple

In this episode of The AV Life, host Tim Van Woeart is joined by Brandy Johnson, Nancy Blanchard, virtual Murphy Daley, and special guest Chris Kelly, Managing Editor for Higher Ed AV Media. The crew reflects on a successful NAB Show, noting a pivot toward "quality over quantity" in leads. Excitement builds for InfoComm 2026, with plans forming for a multi-state "HETMA mobile" road trip involving a minivan and several industry veterans.The conversation shifts to casinos as conference venues before pivoting to major tech news regarding Tim Cook’s transition out of his role at Apple and what a hardware-focused successor means for the company's AI strategy. As AV professionals in academia, the group discusses AI becoming a "Gen Ed" requirement for students and the necessity of daily AI engagement for staff.The episode concludes with a review of the AI-centric film Mercy and a breakdown of upcoming HETMA roadshows spanning from Omaha to Belgium.Topics Discussed:NAB 2026 Recap: Analyzing the shift toward high-quality leads and booth experiencesInfoComm Travel Logistics: Navigating airline discounts and Southwest/Delta promo codesThe HETMA Road Trip: Planning a "minivan" journey from Jersey to Vegas for InfoCommCasino-Based Conferences: Discussing the atmosphere and logistical challenges of events at casino resortsLas Vegas Experiences: Personal anecdotes regarding gambling, dining at Capo’s, and wedding chapelsApple Leadership Transition: Implications of Tim Cook stepping down as President of AppleHardware vs. Software Focus: Predicting Apple’s future trajectory under new hardware-centric leadershipAI in Higher Education: The rise of AI as a core general education requirementWorkplace AI Training: The importance of using AI tools for at least one hour daily to stay relevantAI Ethics and Cinema: A review of Chris Pratt’s Mercy and AI’s role in the legal system2026 HETMA Roadshows: Upcoming events at Marshall, Creighton, Buffalo, and BelgiumPodcast Recruitment: Opening the floor for listeners to join The AV Life as future guests

April 20, 2026Episode 32941 min

329: AV Industry Shakeups & Summer Prep: What’s Ahead for Higher Ed

This episode features Tim Van Woeart, Nancy Blanchard, and Murphy Daley discussing current trends across the AV industry and higher education. The conversation highlights a recent wave of mergers and acquisitions, supply chain and labor challenges impacting installations, and preparations for summer project season. Murphy’s “PM Minute” focuses on eliminating unnecessary project documentation and instead prioritizing clarity around project goals and key performance indicators. The group also explores the importance of mission vs. vision alignment in AV work.Additional discussions include PPE requirements for on-site work, real-world installation challenges, upcoming industry events like InfoComm and Cavlo, and the value of hands-on AV experience. The episode blends practical insights with industry observations, offering a grounded look at how AV professionals can stay focused and adaptable in a rapidly evolving landscape.Topics discussed:Recent M&A activity in the AV sector (CTI acquiring Nomad, AJA acquiring Comprimato)Higher Ed AV challenges, specifically increased lead times for furniture like podiumsSite safety and PPE, including personal anecdotes about steel-toed boots and OSHA-approved slip-onsThe technical nuances of rack building and why it often requires a "woman’s touch" for detailZip tie etiquette and the physical dangers of not using flush-cut snipsProject Management documentation, specifically the utility of RACI and RAID logs in AVThe distinction between vision statements and mission statements in business successThe impact of mass layoffs at Disney and the "cyclical" nature of reliance on AIStrange current events, such as unauthorized drone sightings at baseball stadiumsUpcoming trade shows, including Cavlo in Nashville and InfoComm in Las VegasThe 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/TVanWoeartConnect with The AV Life:X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheAVLifePodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theavlife3337

April 13, 2026Episode 3281 hr 9 min

328: Why “This Is How We’ve Always Done It” Fails in AV

This episode of The AV Life features host Tim Van Woeart alongside Nancy Blanchard, Joe Way, Murphy Daley, and new crew member Brandy Johnson, with guest Steve Borho, a 40-year AV veteran.Murphy delivers a “PM Minute” focused on understanding project systems at a foundational level—encouraging professionals to decouple rigid workflows and adapt when disruptions occur. The group reinforces the importance of flexibility in both project management and AV sales, especially in higher education environments.Murphy also shares momentum around her newly released AV Project Manager Handbook, highlighting strong early feedback and its growing adoption as a training resource.The conversation underscores that successful AV work—whether in project delivery or sales—requires adaptability, collaboration, and a deep understanding of outcomes rather than rigid processes.Topics Discussed:Introduction of new crew member Brandy JohnsonGuest background: Steve Borho’s 40 years in AVAV integrator evolution and business focus“PM Minute”: systems thinking in project managementAdapting workflows when project dependencies failReal-world install challenges (paint, wallpaper delays)Flexibility in AV sales strategiesDifferences in selling to higher ed vs corporateMurphy Daley’s book launch and marketing strategyUsing LinkedIn for AV thought leadershipTraining and onboarding value of AV project frameworksIndustry events (InfoComm, Kavlo, HETMA involvement)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/TVanWoeartConnect with The AV Life:X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheAVLifePodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theavlife3337