AV News by AV News

In this Issue

UK companies no more fully remote working

Voice: the interface of the future

PLASA: “the best show for many years”?

IBC 2024 sets new records

Two

thirds of UK companies no longer allow fully remote working

It probably had to happen, here is confirmation that, despite the environmental and mental wellbeing benefits, a new survey of business leaders has revealed that:

• 64% of companies will no longer advertise future roles as fully remote

• 42% of employers will ‘wait’ for the right applicant who is willing to commute to office regularly

• 23% of UK firms have increased number of office-days in the past 12-months

• Fifth of leaders would not be against linking pay and promotions to workplace attendance

• Recruitment boss warns employers not to ‘jump on bandwagon’ with a full return to office

• Over two thirds (64%) of professional services firms in the UK have stated that as of 2024, new job adverts will not feature the option of being ‘fully remote.’

So, let’s hope that you haven’t over committed to remote working solutions! The widespread change in policy, according to business leaders, is to encourage professionals to come back into the office – with close to half of hiring managers (42%) stating that they are ‘willing to wait’ for the right applicant able to commute into the office. The findings - from a survey by global talent solutions business Robert Walters, of 500 professional services companies in the UK - come amidst an all-time low in the number of fully remote job adverts posted in the UK.

According to data from LinkedIn, the share of remote positions posted on the job site has plummeted in the last 12 months. In the U.K., remote job postings have dipped more than 13% since February last year - higher than in Germany, France, and the Netherlands. Gerrit Bouckaert, CEO of Robert Walters, comments: “Looking back to the jobs market a few years ago and employers were desperate for talent as they tried to navigate the post-pandemic bounce back. Companies were forced to meet applicants’ demands – which included accommodating remote work. Fast forward to 2024, and the power dynamic has shifted back in favour of employers – who have introduced a range of changes including true flexibility in hours, hybrid working, office refurbs, enhanced digital infrastructure, as well as endless soft perks such as free lunches. With that, employers want

some give and take – and it seems the ‘take’ is fully remote working.”

According to the survey from Robert Walters, almost a quarter of professional services (23%) firms have stated that they have increased the number of compulsory days in the office in the past 12 months – by at least one additional day. A further fifth (19%) admit that ‘conversations are ‘on-going’ on whether they will increase in-office time to 4-5 days. Such a move will mimic the likes of Boots – who have requested administrative staff back into the office for five days a week from this month, and Santander who announced earlier this week that they intend to formalised a minimum 3-day a week office attendance. Gerrit adds: “What has been interesting to observe is the U-turn from big firms – such as Meta - who have typically led the way on workplace trends including being early adopters of remote working. Given it is too early to tell whether this method will result in increased productivity - other organizations should be mindful of jumping on the ‘bandwagon’ of a full return-to-office, without considering the impact this will have to your ability to attract and retain employees.”

Robert Walters analysts note the prominence of a ‘topdown approach’ to return-to-office - where managers are being asked to do more days in the office compared to their team. Recently, Barclays bank in London announced that it would follow its US-counterparts and

PwC – one of the world’s biggest consulting and accounting firms – announced plans to monitor its employee’s locations to ensure compliance with a stricter return-to-office policy that requires staff to spend at least three days a week, or 60% of their time, in the office or with clients.

push for a 5-day return to office – with a number of VPs reportedly being told to come back to the workplace full-time from 1 Jun this year to help set a precedent. IBM informed their managers that they must be at the office, or meeting a client, for a minimum of three days a week. If not, they could leave the company.

Gerrit adds: “Whilst I am a complete advocate for management leading from the front, a ‘one size fits all approach’ to working practices does not lend itself well to diversity or inclusion. For example, with hybrid (or remote) working, managers who are working parents or carers get to reap the benefits of increased time with family whilst continuing to do their job effectively. Forcing them back into the office could be a significant disruption to their family life – both personally and financially if you consider childcare.”

For large, multi-site organisations the deterrent to increasing more days in the office has been the inability to keep-track of whether policies are being followed –according to the research from Robert Walters. Interestingly, the survey found that a fifth of company leaders (18%) would not be against linking pay and promotions to workplace attendance. Google made a similar move recently – with a memo revealing it will now track how often employees badge in and include in-person attendance in employees’ performance reviews.

PwC – one of the world’s biggest consulting and ac-

counting firms – announced plans to monitor its employee’s locations to ensure compliance with a stricter return-to-office policy that requires staff to spend at least three days a week, or 60% of their time, in the office or with clients. Gerrit concludes: “The desire for companies to push for a return-to-office is born from economic instability and stalling growth. Employers are looking at ways they can improve their productivity and output - one of these being to go back to ways of working when ‘times were good.’ However, in the increasing age of global-working and digital proficiency employers need to ensure they consider all the options available rather than returning immediately to the past for the answers.”

Exertis AV – Aiming to be THE Number 1 AV and UC & C Distributor in the UK

Last month, Jamie Brothwell, Chief Sales and Commercial Officer for Exertis AV, spoke about some of the changes that had been happening within the Exertis AV business. This month, AV News Editor Bryan Denyer (BD) spoke to Jon Grundy (JG), Exertis’ Head of AV Solutions, about his views on how their business has evolved.

BD - For readers who don’t already know you, can you please provide a little background on yourself and what you do?

JG - I am Jon Grundy, Head of AV Solutions for Exertis AV, and I have been with the business for around three and a half years. I’ve been involved with the AV and UC&C industry for a little over ten years, having previously worked at Imago, and subsequently at ScanSource, following their acquisition of Imago.

BD - Jamie spoke a little about the new culture, specifically within the Exertis AV business. What effects have you seen both internally and externally?

JG -There is no question that all the hard work we have put into recruiting the right people has a massive internal and external effect. Our processes are so much better in terms of how we train people and work together as a team and with our vendors and customers. Our employee engagement score now regularly sits around 86%, which is up hugely from where it was three years ago before Jamie took over. Externally, I think the sales numbers speak for themselves… In 2022, we were 25% up, and a further 15% in 2023, and this year, I believe we will be up significantly again.

BD - Jamie spoke about SAP and the warehouse working well. How much easier has that made life for you and the team?

JG - Without a doubt, both those projects have massively changed our capabilities, especially when coupled

with significantly improved stock profiling. When I was first introduced to Al Coyne, our Commercial Director, we talked about getting back to basics which is what we have done. Of course, there will always be areas you can further improve on; for example, we recently introduced a new two-person ‘white glove’ delivery courier for larger and high-value products, so the work is never done, but for sure the SAP and warehouse improvements have helped us grow our business and made life a lot easier for us and our resellers.

BD - What were the areas that you have personally been focused on since you started your role?

JG - I have spent a lot of my time looking to support our resellers, whether they are system integrators or VARs. I wanted our AV business to become a truly specialist business unit that just happened to be part of a larger business, and I really feel that we have now achieved that. We now have a dedicated team of 70 focused purely on AV and collaboration, which includes sales, commercial, purchasing and marketing, to enable the level of focus required to deliver above-industry standard service levels and bespoke solutions from concept to installation; furthermore, offering post-sale support including renewals and 24/7/365 support.

Within our core Exertis AV business, we support over 6,700 unique resellers, approximately 1,400 of which are within the AV function and managed in some form. The strategic/managed partners are managed by exter-

nal-facing Business Development Managers, Account Directors, and Account Managers. The unmanaged accounts are profiled and targeted by our internal acquisition teams.

BD - How has this been achieved?

JG - Nowadays, we will only bring on a new key vendor if we are able to fully support them by having all our backroom team trained on their products and how to sell and support them before launch. There is no point in having a technical product if you don’t know how it works and how it fits within your business and your customers. We have an in-house dedicated AV presales team to support our sales teams, our vendors, partners, and their customers across a range of technologies and solutions.

BD - Jamie talked about the credit relationship with Chubb being important to not only Exertis AV but also your resellers. How is that the case?

JB - The way the credit insurance and finance industry works means that many technology companies and distributors often use the same insurance or finance company to insure their business. This can become a real issue if one of the other companies already has a significant project/exposure into a particular account, as it means you can’t always obtain the credit line you need. By having an exclusive arrangement with Chubb, we don’t experience that issue, so we are able to provide a full line of credit to our partners. If they choose to share more information on the project and end user, our finance team will often go above and beyond that limit to ensure that the partner can get the credit they need. It’s proven to be a real differentiator for us, just like the 24/7/365 technical support.

BD - Jamie also talked about the demonstration facilities and stock you now hold. Can you tell us more about that?

JG - We spoke in depth to all our customers about what

would help them in their day-to-day business. In addition to increased stock and next-day delivery, they pushed us for a higher level of tech support and demonstration stock. They asked us to create spaces where they could bring their end users to demonstrate the solutions they sell. That is why we now have over 50 of our own meeting rooms in Burnley, Basingstoke, and Snetterton fitted out with the key brands on demonstration. We also installed all those rooms ourselves as part of our internal training. After all, how can we understand the needs of our customers if we haven’t experienced the installation ourselves? If the reseller or end user can’t access our facilities, that is no issue. We have now invested over £100k in demonstration stock to ensure that we can either send out or hand deliver what they need. We can even help set the kit up, leaving the reseller more time to spend with their client.

BD - So, does Exertis AV offer an installation service as well?

JG - We offer a range of professional services to enhance our partner’s skill set and bandwidth - whether this is our state-of-the-art commissioning and pre-staging facility, or boots on the ground via our experienced in-house engineers, we can assist our customers in delivering projects in true partnership. Additionally, we work with a range of trusted 3rd party service partners to ensure we have the expertise and capacity to deliver for almost any project. Most of the leading system integrators we deal with, and even some VARs, already have their own installation services. However, if they don’t have the required experience or are struggling for resources, we can help with that. Just to be clear though, we only offer that service as a ‘trade only’ service via our channel. We don’t offer that service to end users directly, of course…

BD - I know Exertis AV is really focused on sustainability. Why is that such a key topic for the AV reseller?

JG - I am sure all of us, as parents, feel a real respon

sibility to our children to look after the planet; I know I do. That said, sustainability is now another major differentiator in helping an SI or VAR win a major project. We have found that most Blue Chip and Governmental bids are weighted significantly in terms of DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) and sustainability. By partnering with Exertis AV, our resellers can show they have a supply chain partner dedicated to this key subject—another differentiator for us and our resellers.

BD - Can you provide some examples of your commitment in this area?

JG - We have an internal team of eight people, all dedicated to our sustainability journey and credentials. Currently, we are working towards ISO 14001. We have already installed solar panels and EV charging in our main UK locations and invested in an EV fleet. We also have a strong 2nd life and IT asset disposition offering, preventing old equipment from going to landfills and risking client data while releasing value back to the client where possible.

BD - So, what does the future hold for Exertis AV?

JG - We still have many ongoing projects, from developing our LED offering and audio business via some of our existing tier 1 brands, to bringing on some complementary new brands. We recently launched our new in-house marketing team, which is solely dedicated to AV and UC & C and not centralised as previously. Our vision is to continue bringing more AV and UC & C specialism into our team and deliver the best products and support services available from any UK distributor. We want to be the best AV and UC&C distributor in the UK.

BD - It’s been a great pleasure speaking with you today, Jon, and I look forward to seeing where this journey takes Exertis AV over the coming years.

JG - Many thanks for your time, Bryan.

AUO Display Plus acquires Avocor

AUO Display Plus (ADP), a subsidiary of AUO Corporation (AUO) and a global leader in industrial and commercial displays, has announced the acquisition of Avocor. This strategic acquisition is set to accelerate Avocor’s growth by integrating AUO Display Plus’ extensive expertise in display technology and global resources. As part of AUO’s ongoing biaxial transformation strategy, the acquisition marks a significant step in deepening its vertical market applications under the Go Vertical initiative.

By integrating Avocor’s expertise in interactive display solutions and its sales capabilities and distribution channels, AUO Display Plus is positioned to offer more diverse product platforms and comprehensive services to global customers in the education and enterprise markets. Through the acquisition, ADP will be able to

accelerate its expansion into new verticals and solidify its position as a leader in smart display solutions with a reinforced value chain ecosystem.

Since 2022, AUO Display Plus has been a significant investor in Avocor, fostering a partnership that has enabled Avocor to expand its product offerings, including DvLED displays, digital signage and commercial displays. The acquisition represents a natural progression of this successful collaboration, with AUO and ADP fully committed to investing in Avocor’s future. “We are excited to embark on this journey with Avocor,” said Frank Ko, CEO and President of AUO. “This strategic move will further strengthen our presence in the solution business while also amplifying the cross-business synergies within the AUO group. Together, we are poised to set new benchmarks in the display industry, leveraging our combined expertise to deliver unparalleled value to our customers and partners.”

The acquisition will significantly strengthen both AUO Display Plus and Avocor’s capabilities in several key areas:

• Roadmap Expansion: Increased investment in R&D to bring innovative display solutions to market, addressing customers’ evolving needs.

• Accelerated Go-to-Market Strategies: Enhanced marketing and sales efforts to rapidly introduce cutting-edge products and expand global reach.

• Supply Chain Enhancements: Optimised supply chain management to ensure the seamless production and delivery of high-quality products.

• Regional Operations Alignment: Strengthened regional operations to better serve customers and partners worldwide.

“All sides are incredibly excited to welcome Avocor into the AUO Display Plus family,” said Scott Hix, CEO of Avocor, GM of AUO Education and Enterprise Business Group and CMO of ADP. “This acquisition is a testament to our shared vision and commitment to innovation and excellence. With AUO and ADP’s support, Avocor is positioned for unprecedented growth and expansion, enhancing our product roadmap and accelerating our go-to-market strategies.”

As Avocor becomes a core part of the AUO Display Plus family, the union of these industry leaders will usher in a new era of innovation and growth. With a shared vision of pushing the boundaries of collaboration and display technology, ADP and Avocor remain committed to delivering exceptional products and solutions to a global customer base.

Boom’s North American distribution deal

Video conferencing manufacturer Boom Collaboration is celebrating a major new milestone after partnering with TD SYNNEX, global distributor and solutions aggregator for the IT ecosystem. Boom’s complete range of high-performance cameras, audio and connectivity hardware will be distributed by TD SYNNEX across the

US and Canada.

Texas-based Boom was created in 2020 by founders Fredrik Hörnkvist and Holli Hulett and now operates in over 30 countries. “TD SYNNEX sits at the centre of the technology partner ecosystem with access to a wide variety of customers. They represent a major milestone in our expanding worldwide reach and we are very excited by the huge potential this partnership represents,” Hörnkvist said. “TD SYNNEX is renowned as a leading IT distributor with over 150,000 customers encompassing the SMB, enterprise and Pro AV sectors. Working together is a significant step forward for us.”

Boom’s MAGNA Pro 4K PTZ camera and innovative HALO, AURA and UNO videobars are set to become some of the company’s most popular product lines according to Hörnkvist. He also outlined how the new Boom ZYGO multi-connectivity hub will create even more sales opportunities for TD SYNNEX customers. Fellow founder Holli Hulett says the company’s Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) technology ethos and plat

Far left and far right: Boom Founders Holli Hulett and Fredrik Hörnkvist. Centre: Alex Duncan, Manager, Business Development and Bryson Boggs, Manager, Vendor Business Management at TD SYNNEX.

Boom to star in South Africa

Boom Collaboration is planning to become a star name in the South African video conferencing market, after striking a new distribution deal with one of the country’s longest established supply specialists. Solution Technologies (Soltech) has many years of experience in the conferencing market and sees Boom as a ‘perfect partner’ to complete the company’s offering – with Boom’s complete portfolio of high performance cameras, videobars, audio and connectivity hardware.

“Close to 40 years ago, Soltech was born and the partnership with Boom is the dawning of an exciting new era for us,” explained Managing Director Murray Matthews. “Our logo is a rendition of the Proxima Centauri star – the nearest known star to the sun. It is representative of the ambitions and vision instilled by our founder – that of being a guiding light in the industry and carving out new paths and opportunities. We are constantly engaging with new technologies to ensure South Africa remains at the forefront of the latest technology evolutions. Boom represents another important step forward for us.”

Murray highlighted: “Soltech has remained a leading professional, trusted, technically competent and reputable AV distributor. We provide and integrate a wide range of quality, unified communication solutions using leading brands to both the consumer and Pro AV markets. We are entrusted to represent the best global brands across the AV industry. We deliver this capability and expertise to our customers. Our turnkey solutions fully encompass and provide access to our certified experts that will engage; understand and provide solutions to specific needs.”

Soltech employs a dedicated team of 20 staff from a Johannesburg HQ as well as Durban and Cape Town operations. “We are currently canvassing many resellers who have taken demo units and their comments have been positive about the look and feel as well as the video and audio quality of the Boom products,” Murray explained. He concluded: “We are in for the long haul to get the brand established in our market. It’s a new name that offers something different. To this end we are training resellers on a regular basis and our marketing department is sending out regular social media and email shots.”

TD SYNNEX Maverick and Salamander increase value-add

TD SYNNEX Maverick, the specialist professional audiovisual and collaboration business of TD SYNNEX has been appointed as a distributor for Salamander Designs, a manufacturer of specialist wall and free-standing display mounts and office technology furniture, giving professional audiovisual resellers in the Microsoft Teams Rooms ecosystem more added-value potential.

Salamander Designs has an extensive, award-winning range of mounts and stands that can be used with leading-brand displays, including mobile carts and electric lift wall stands for the Microsoft Surface Hub 3. The company also offers innovative table mounting solutions for small and medium-sized spaces and office furniture that has been specially designed for modern collaboration settings. “TD SYNNEX Maverick will be offering

Scott Srolis, senior vice president, sales and marketing for Salamander Designs: “TD SYNNEX Maverick has all the expertise, resources and capabilities required and is perfectly positioned at the hub of the channel to extend the reach of Salamander Designs in the UK channel and the Microsoft Teams Rooms ecosystem.

partners access to demonstration facilities along with expert consultancy, design and installation support on Salamander Designs’ products. Together, they provide a compelling proposition”, said Mark Glasspool, senior director, UK and Ireland, TD SYNNEX Maverick:

“Salamander adds a new dimension to the Maverick portfolio and presents partners with a good opportunity to add more value for customers. We’re particularly excited about the potential within the Microsoft Teams Rooms ecosystem for Salamander’s electric mobile carts and lift stands for Surface Hub 3, which are ideal for both education and corporate settings. We also see excellent potential for Salamander’s huddle space solutions, which are both affordable and simple to install, and their expertly designed arc tables in optimising the ‘front-row’ layout and providing a more inclusive experience for users in Microsoft Signature Teams rooms and smart meeting spaces”, he continued.

“TD SYNNEX Maverick will be offering specialist support and services, including design, shipment and installation to ensure partners can make the most of their opportunities with the Salamander range of products. We’ll also be offering access to a full Signature Teams Rooms demonstration facility, fully equipped with Salamander solutions in our Technology Centre in Basingstoke.”

Scott Srolis, senior vice president, sales and marketing for Salamander Designs, said: “TD SYNNEX Maverick has all the expertise, resources and capabilities required, and is perfectly positioned at the hub of the channel to extend the reach of Salamander Designs in the UK channel and the Microsoft Teams Rooms ecosystem. This news enables fast, premium service levels to all TD SYNNEX Maverick customers. We’ll be working

closely with their team to ensure existing and new partners have access to all the resources and support they need to maximise their potential with our solutions.”

Salamander Designs’ wall and free-standing mounts, tables, huddle stations, and A/V cabinets are designed to elevate user experiences while delivering practical, high-quality solutions for meeting and collaboration spaces, digital signage, and individual desktops in the workplace or the home. The company’s products for Surface Hub have been rigorously tested, validated and certified under the Microsoft Designed for Surface (DFS) program, ensuring they are fully compatible and interoperable with the collaboration solution, well-con-

Brompton Technology joins Q-SYS partner program

Brompton Technology has announced its new Q-SYS plugin integration, the Brompton Tessera LED Controller Plugin. As part of the Q-SYS Ecosystem, software and hardware manufacturers collaborate with Q-SYS, to create market-ready solutions that integrate seamlessly with its cloud-manageable audio, video and control platform. Brompton Technology worked closely with Q-SYS, who have fully vetted and endorsed the plugin integrations with a Q-SYS Certified (developed with Q-SYS and supported by Brompton and Q-SYS) badge.

The plugin introduces advanced reporting and control features, creating a comprehensive solution for high-specification LED video installations. With simple configuration and setup, this powerful combination brings together Brompton’s quality, reliability and exten-

sive feature-set with the industry-leading capabilities of Q-SYS to meet the needs of even the most demanding applications. Cesar Caceres, Product Lead, Brompton Technology said: “Q-SYS integration with Brompton introduces advanced reporting and control features, creating a comprehensive solution that redefines the possibilities for LED installations. This powerful combination brings together Brompton’s world-class quality standards with the robust performance and reliability of Q-SYS systems.”

“We are proud of our collaboration with Brompton Technology to create a plugin integration that will enable elevated experiences across our shared customers,” said Geno Zaharie, Principal, Alliances & Ecosystem, Q-SYS.”

OneAV and Connected Distribution to partner

UK custom installation distributors, OneAV and Connected Distribution have announced a partnership, designed to deliver an enhanced customer success proposition to their respective client bases. The collaboration will bring together the capabilities and strengths of both companies, whose skills and product offerings are complementary. Connected Distribution’s extensive technical experience in distributed audio and immersive cinemas is matched by OneAV’s first-hand knowledge of high-definition video distribution and as a resimercial AV solutions provider.

The custom installation market has seen a recent trend towards consolidation among a number of distribution businesses, creating some very large-scale organisations. OneAV and Connected Distribution are adopting a

partnership model that optimises their complementary skills and product lines. This shared approach allows them to better serve their customers while preserving their dedication to outstanding service. As part of the new arrangement, OneAV’s dedicated warehousing and shipping team in Malvern, Worcestershire, will handle Connected Distribution’s logistics. This will allow Connected staff to focus more on customer support, providing product and technology guidance, and assisting with on-site technical issues. Connected will relocate its office functions, meeting, and training spaces to Malvern, while also maintaining offices south of Cheltenham, Gloucestershire.

OneAV will gain access to Connected Cinema’s stateof-the-art immersive cinema demonstration facility, which will be relocated to Malvern. This facility will showcase products from both OneAV and Connected Cinemas, including Aurea, Acurus, KEF and Pioneer, allowing OneAV to leverage Connected’s technical expertise and further enhance its product offerings. “We are very excited by the next chapter in the development of Connected Distribution,” says Mike Bonnette, product director. “Moving offices and warehousing after 24 years of operating out of our Cheltenham base is a big step, but the opportunity for us to build up a strong joint operation with our friends from OneAV, which will greatly benefit our collective clients, is one that we all felt was very worthwhile.”

“We’re excited for Connected Distribution to join us in Malvern,” says OneAV commercial director, Joe Wilks. “This partnership not only enhances our ability to deliver exceptional customer service but also fuels our ambition to expand our product offerings and expertise across the entire spectrum of installed technology. Together, we’re strengthening our position as a leading provider of comprehensive AV solutions.”

OneAV is an employee-owned, independent, specialist trade only distributor, founded in 2016, to service the resimercial market with installed audio-visual technology. It holds distribution agreements with several wellknown manufacturers. Connected Distribution, set up in 2000 initially as an installation business, transitioned into distribution within two years and has been servicing the UK residential sector ever since, with a number of high-profile exclusive product ranges.

The partnership comes into effect on 1st October, at which point Connected Distribution’s products will be shipped to customers from the OneAV facility and the Connected team will operate from the Malvern offices. The demonstration cinema will be reconfigured over the coming weeks, with the aim of opening to visitors at the end of November.

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Voice: the interface of the future

Voice control and activation have the potential to radically enhance the AV user experience. Now a new generation of voice applications supported by AI promise even more.

Its probably too early to assess the impact of AI solutions as a whole. But one area where advances are immedi-

ately apparent is that of voice control and activation. It is to be hoped that the days of fumbling with remote controls and touchscreens no longer act as a barrier to user adoption and a constraint on productivity. In the place of visual controls voice-controlled AV systems will see a new era of AV use and applications.

AI-enhanced voice recognition technology enables users to control AV devices and settings with natural language commands. Adjusting volume and brightness levels to initiating video calls, voice control is making AV systems more accessible and user-friendly. The trend in favour of voice aligns with the growing demand for intuitive interfaces that simplify the user experience and enhance accessibility across diverse user groups, with obvious examples including the dexterity and visual impairment.

The intelligent workplace

As a consequence of time lost in stating video and audio conferences, particularly when staged in a venue unfamiliar to the conference participants, AI can automate basic solution setup taking into account room booking criteria and past behaviours. Smart algorithms can learn and adapt to user behaviour, automating tasks such as adjusting lighting, setting up audio levels and configuring display options. For fine tuning a solution, to take into account conditions and the specifics of participants, with voice control will result in a hassle-free,

personalised AV experience without a significant user training overhead. Those adopting these solutions can look forward to enhanced productivity and improved efficiency meeting and learning scenarios.

Ease of use is one thing, but what about the quality of the outcomes? If use of meeting room and classroom solutions can be encouraged though the deployment of voice-controlled AI, solutions can be personalised to deliver appropriate content to individual participants or students so-called ‘decision support’. This does not necessarily involve a greater degree of preparation by those leading sessions or classes. AV systems properly configured and equipped with AI algorithms can analyse user preferences and behaviours to deliver the right content to the right participants. Personalised content has been found to result in a more immersive and engaging experience, leading to better decisions.

Why voice control?

Voice control and activation are natural bedfellows with artificial intelligence. A single word can trigger a chain of events, even when in its infancy with devices triggered by commands by technologies including Alexa and other smart speakers. Voice-controlled assistance in our cars is commonplace and prompting revolutionary change in home entertainment. Aside from safety and convenience, even early voice control and activate devices offer accessibility – essential in, for example,

automative applications where training is not really an option. The technology, however clever, must work.

For those who may have found traditional interfaces challenging, voice control and activation is now an option for a range of increasing sophisticated AV solutions. Indeed, voice-activated devices are considered to be at the forefront of technology. In essence, voice controlled and activated devices capture and understand spoken commands, performing actions or providing responses based on those commands. Voice technologies make complex technologies accessible and user-friendly so creating a more inclusive world.

While apparently simple to use, the technology underpinning voice control and activation relies on a combination of sophisticated technologies. Firstly, voice recognition allows devices to receive and interpret human speech. This involves breaking down speech into ‘phonemes’ - the smallest units of sound in a language for analysis by algorithms. Secondly, natural language processing (NLP), enables devices to understand the context of commands and intent behind speech input. This involves parsing sentences, recognising speech patterns and even different dialects and accents. Machine learning algorithms continuously improve the system’s accuracy by learning from each interaction.

Voice technologies

Most of us have used voice control and activation, at least at the consumer level. Smart speakers, like Amazon Echo and Google Home, which have become com-

FEATURE

mon household installs. These devices can play music, set timers, provide news and weather updates. When pared with compatible technologies, they can also control other smart devices through, including lighting and heating, with voice commands.

A second category of voice-enabled devices, include virtual assistants found in smartphones and tablets, such as Apple’s Siri, Google Assistant, and Samsung’s Bixby. These assistants complement the role of the Personal Assistant, helping sending messages, making calls, and providing navigation assistance. Extra to these general-purpose devices, there are specialised voice controlled and activated devices designed for specific professional purposes. For instance, there are devices tailored for security and surveillance purposes, responding to voice commands to monitor and protect premises.

But it is in the home that the first wave of voice controlled and activated devices have found initial success. Voice-control and activation has turned the concept of a ‘smart home’ from a science-fiction dream into an everyday reality. With simple voice commands, users can can control lighting, adjust thermostats, operate home security systems and manage home entertainment systems. Smart devices can also create routines and scenarios, automating a chain of actions with a single command. A one word command can trigger a series of actions, including turning off the lights, locking the doors and setting the security system.

Voice technology and inclusivity

One sector where the advantages of voice control and activation are immediately apparent is that of inclusivity for individuals with mobility challenges or visual impairments. For those who find traditional interfaces difficult to navigate, voice commands provide an intuitive and user-friendly alternative. This technology empowers users, granting them greater independence and control over their environment. For some visually impaired individuals, voice-controlled or activated devices can be a pathway to independence and connectivity. These devices mitigate many challenges faced by the visually impaired, providing an efficient and effective way to interact with technology and the environment.

For the visually impaired, the level of assistance provided by voice interface is invaluable, enabling visually impaired individuals to perform daily activities that many take for granted, such as reading emails, browsing the internet, or even navigating through a city. For example, OrCam MyEye is a wearable AI assistive companion, which seamlessly attaches to virtually any glasses, providing a revolutionary accessibility solution for the blind and visually impaired community. OrCam Read, on the other hand, is a handheld device designed for people with reading difficulties due to mild to moderate low vision, age-related vision loss or reading fatigue. Both devices are voice-activated, allowing users to control all features and settings by simply speaking commands. In a professional setting, OrCam’s devices enable visually

impaired individuals to perform their job effectively. For instance, an employee uses OrCam MyEye to read documents and emails, ensuring they can keep up with the fast-paced demands of the workplace.

Conclusion

The future of voice-controlled and activated technology appears game changer as important as the first interactive displays. The integration of voice technology with artificial intelligence (AI) will create smarter, more intuitive and user-friendly solutions. These systems will not only understand commands but also anticipate needs, offering a more personalised and proactive user experience. We can expect advancements in natural language processing to lead to more nuanced interactions, where devices understand not just the words but the context and emotion behind them.

The expansion of voice activation into various sectors, including healthcare, education, and transportation, is another exciting development. For instance, voice-activated devices could play a crucial role in telemedicine, enabling patients to communicate with healthcare providers effortlessly. In education, these technologies could offer personalised learning experiences, adapting to each student’s unique needs. In conclusion, the journey through the world of voice-activated technology reveals a landscape rich with innovation and potential. These devices, are now an integral part of our daily lives, bringing unparalleled convenience and accessibility. The future promises more intuitive interactions

and wider applications across various sectors, with continued advancements in AI integrat SET as a boxout:

Voice interface for commercial applications

URC is among the leaders in voice control systems for AV professionals seeking to enhance the end-user experience with commercial AV solutions. Leveraging its experience and equity with connectivity and entertainment providers, in 2022, URC launched what it claimed to be the first and only in the custom electronics the certified integration with Comcast Xfinity. The Xfinity platform delivers leading internet, TV, voice, mobile, and device control. URC products with voice activation can now integrate devices controlled by Comcast Xfinity. With professional installation, this new integration can control both smart home and commercial environments with simple voice commands.

Following Comcast Xfinity’s firmware update, this integration will work across URC’s portfolio of user interfaces which feature voice control are:

• Tabletop Controllers with 7” to 10” touch screens: TDC-9100 and TDC-7100

• In-Wall Controllers with 5” to 10” touch screens: TKP9600, TKP-8600, TKP-7600 and TKP-5600

• Ergonomic Handheld Remote with 2.4” capacitive touch screen: TRC-1480

Voice control is a continuing priority for URC following years in the segment. Since its launch in 2019, the TRC-1480 includes an integrated microphone for easy voice communication The TRC-1480, aimed at both residential and commercial applications, provides full

control URC’s Total Control system, including control of televisions, cable and satellite boxes, AV gear, music systems, lighting systems, door locks, thermostats, motorised shades and more. The 1480 includes Push-ToTalk technology which ensures that end-users can turn off listening/voice activation for enhanced privacy.

Launched earlier in 2021, the TKP-8600, URC’s latest innovation in user touch screens, offers next generation integration of automation, control, voice activation and audio capabilities. This premium in-wall touch screen features an 8-inch high-resolution screen and sleek profile. The brilliant, high-resolution LCD displays vivid images including live video from door stations and surveillance cameras. The built-in AV intercom offers convenient room-to-room communication. It is designed for bpth high-end residential and commercial installations. URC recognized a clear consumer preference for Voice Assistant products and usage occasions. According to recent studies, U.S. Hearable Voice Assistant Users have more than doubled from 2018 to 2020. Estimates place the number of users at nearly 50 million and growing exponentially. According to recent studies, the market for voice and speech recognition products is expected to grow around 17% compounded annually and reach $26.8 billion by 2025.

ViewSonic climbs the golf leader board

As the traditional season for golf comes to an end in September, novices learning the game and experienced players looking to improve now have an option to play year-round. Simulated golf is a huge and rapidly developing market. The global golf simulator market was valued at $1.77 billion in 2023, and is projected to reach $4.34 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 10.5%. To take advantage of this burgeoning market, ViewSonic has introduced an extensive range of projectors to suit both commercial and residential immersive golf simulator applications.

For years, entry level consumer golf devices, from the likes of Nintendo and Oculus, were fun and entertaining but did little to develop the skills and understanding of the actual sport of golf. Those new to the game and even experienced players demand solutions that closely simulate playing the sport on real golf courses, using real golf clubs and real golf balls, allowing players to experience the thrill of driving, chipping and putting in lifelike setting.

With extensive experience in providing projector solutions, ViewSonic has identified two markets for golf simulation solutions – commercial organisations (including golf clubs, specialist retail outlets and social clubs) plus the residential market for golfers to continue their practice in the closed season for outdoor golf courses. A golf simulator is a solution that enables users to play golf indoors in a simulated environment for an immersive and realistic golfing experience. It allows golfers to practice, receive feedback on their strokes, and play virtual rounds of golf irrespective of weather conditions or time of day.

Market opportunity

For the typical systems integrator, golf simulation repre-

sents a growing and readily accessible market opportunity. The game’s popularity in the UK saw a huge initial surge in 2020 with the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. During that year, a staggering 5.2 million adults played on either a nine or 18-hole course across Great Britain, with 540,000 in Ireland (north and south of the border) for a total of 5.74m.

For the systems integrator, the golf opportunity uses existing skill sets in situations ranging from a single unit in a residential environment, through to a multi-system installation in a commercial setting. We have even heard reports of six figure installs in golf centres. And the number of golfers is growing throughout Europe: the 2021 European Participation shows that England had the most registered golfers in 2021, with Germany in second place with just 40,000 fewer participants.

What are the AV technologies in play?

A golf simulator is a projection-based solution with ancillary devices for ball tracking, driving, iron play and putting. A golf simulator enables individuals to play golf indoors in a simulated environment for an immersive and realistic experience. It allows golfers to practice, receive feedback on their shots, and play virtual rounds of golf irrespective of weather conditions or time of day. Early adopters of the latest golf simulation technology include the ViewScreen Screen Golf Centre. An initial installation of lamp projectors has recently been upgraded with a ViewSonic LS740HD high-brightness laser projector, which offers 5,000 ANSI Lumens and1080p, Full HD resolution and vivid colours. Not only does the projector deliver the consistent colour quality and clarity essential for a genuinely immersive experience, the

Colour rendered by certain projectors can turn yellowish over time.

ViewSonic’s laser projectors deliver high-quality visuals enhancing the immersive experience. lamp-free light source also reduces costs, maintenance overhead and downtime. Kim Seong-hui, ViewScreen’s owner explains the positive impact of the hardware change: “As a store operator, cost is a top priority, and the ViewSonic projector offers significant savings on maintenance costs, such as lamp replacement and filter cleaning. Our customers are pleasantly surprised by the impressive brightness and vivid colours produced by this compact projector”.

Reseller opportunity

Growing public interest in golf, the development of new courses and technological advancements in projector technology have seen golf simulators becoming more popular and affordable. Design and installation of a golf simulator solution is well within the capabilities of any competent VAR or SI. Installation of the projector is the vital element for projecting the virtual golf course and gameplay onto a screen.

ViewSonic offers a comprehensive selection of brightness level, resolutions, throw ratios, light sources, and advanced installations features, designed to meet the diverse requirements of different environments. For a commercial application, ViewSonic recommends a 1080p Full HD model, but some B2B storeowners may opt for 4:3 aspect ratio resolutions, like XGA, enabling more screens to fit within the same space. Again, depending on space, either standard or short-throw projectors can be used. Important considerations include

lifelike colours to enhance realism - making players feel truly on the golf course. ViewSonic projectors include a Golf Colour Mode that adjust the colours to make elements like greens and skies appear more natural, helping to create a more realistic golfing experience. Features like H/V keystone correction enable side projection, while offset, lens shift and optical zoom facilitate easy installation and accurate image adjustment to fit screen size and setup.

For commercial installs, a brightness of 5,000+ ANSI Lumens is recommended by ViewSonic, compared to 2000+ ANSI Lumens for a residential install. For both use cases, ViewSonic recommends lamp-free projector models eliminating the hassle of lamp replacement, lowering the total cost of maintenance.

An opportunity for all the skills

The opportunity presented by golf simulators represents a growing market for both commercial and residential business, with demand for AV and audio hardware products, software, digital content and aesthetic shills such as decoration of the playing area. Installations call for virtually the entire gambit of VAR and SI skills and services, and, as such, represent an almost unparalleled market opportunity on a commercial or residential scale. For more information and advice please speak to your local ViewSonic representative on https://www. viewsonic.com/global/products/projectors/?f_features=golf_mode#vsLeadModal-biz

AI-driven kiosk enhances guest engagement

Ripley Entertainment has engaged VUIX AI for the launch of their AI Interactive Penguin Exhibit at Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach, in South Carolina. This innovative AI kiosk experience brings a new level of interaction and education to visitors at Ripley’s Penguin Playhouse, offering immersive, multilingual engagement with the aquarium’s beloved penguins.

VUIX AI, a cutting-edge collaboration between Immersive Arts and Smart Matter AI, is an award-winning software and hardware solution that enhances guest experiences at attractions, hospitality venues, and cultural properties worldwide. At Ripley’s Aquarium, the VUIX AI kiosk allows guests to ask any question about the penguins and receive instant, accurate responses from a custom Ripley’s Animal Care Team member avatar, providing a dynamic and personalized experience for every visitor.

In just over two months since its installation, the VUIX AI kiosk at Ripley’s Aquarium has successfully answered over 10,000 penguin-related questions from guests, with a portion of these interactions conducted in languages other than English. The VUIX AI kiosk supports over 20 languages, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity for all visitors. The success of the audience engagement technology is a testament to storytelling with a unique and inclusive guest experience. Beyond providing informational support, the powerful AI technology behind VUIX AI can also be integrated with point-of-sale, wayfinding, reservation, and management systems, offering operators a comprehensive tool to enhance guest services and streamline operations.

Ripley Entertainment and VUIX AI are excited about the potential to expand the interactive AI technology across other Ripley’s locations, to create new guest experiences. As this ongoing relationship develops, visitors can look forward to more groundbreaking AI-driven exhibits in the future. Josh Cohen, Founder of VUIX AI and Immersive Arts, said: “We are thrilled with the innovative collaboration and the impact that VUIX AI has had on guest engagement. With over ten thousand

questions being answered in a two-month period, we know we’ve created a successful turn-key AI system for Ripley’s and other attraction operators. Our technology extends beyond experiential guest engagement, as it can be utilized to automate daily operational tasks and drive revenue, via integration with a property’s wayfinding, point-of-sale, reservation, or management systems.”

Streamlined collaboration and efficiency boosts at cattle feed supplier

In the cattle feed industry for 50 years, Midwest PMS, LLC in Englewood, Colorado, is constantly striving for growth and innovation. Recognising the potential for a more collaborative work environment, the company decided to upgrade its main AV displays and related audiovisual equipment to a more user-friendly, touchbased system that would empower teamwork and expedite workflows. AVI Systems, its trusted AV integration partner for some time, stepped in to deliver a solution. After careful consideration of Midwest PMS’s needs, AVI recommended the Avocor L Series widescreen to address all key requirements.

Midwest PMS operates a vast 67-acre facility, and their legacy AV system hindered effective team com-

munication and collaboration. The engineering team at the company often perform complex tasks which can

involve viewing long pipe runs on the display. It became apparent that a more interactive and user-friendly solution could improve teamwork and streamline workflows and decision-making processes. The L Series’ 105” ultra-wide 21:9 aspect ratio not only broadens the visual workspace but also enhances participation and creativity in a variety of meeting scenarios.

For example, because the widescreen format of the L Series provides such a generous viewing area, Midwest PMS can now display large intricate diagrams and other visual content directly on the screen. Also, the expansive display eliminates the need for crowded huddles around screens or laptops. This allows multiple users to work simultaneously on the display, fostering a col-

laborative environment for brainstorming sessions and real-time project updates. Team members can now actively engage with content, manipulate on-screen data, and contribute ideas in real time.

The Avocor L Series boasts a highly responsive touchscreen interface, enabling a truly interactive experience. Avocor displays also seamlessly integrate with popular platforms like TV1 and SharePoint. This integration eliminates compatibility hurdles and streamlines content sharing, fostering a more collaborative work style. As such teams can easily share documents, presentations, and other visual aids directly on the Avocor display, removing the need for cumbersome file transfers or multiple devices.

“The implementation of the Avocor L Series has transformed the way Midwest PMS operates,” says Mario Mentana, Director of Information Technology at Midwest PMS. “Up to five team members can now work together on the Avocor L Series large touchscreen, to foster a dynamic environment for collaborative problem-solving. The ability to share ideas and manipulate data in real time fosters a more engaged workforce and leads to better decision-making. Tasks that once took an hour can now be completed in just 15 minutes.”

One key benefit for the engineering team is the ability to effortlessly pull up long pipe run diagrams from Google Maps directly onto the Avocor display. This feature has transformed maintenance planning processes at Midwest PMS. This real-time visualization of their facility empowers teams to make informed decisions about repairs, and new installations, for example, by providing a central hub for visualizing data and collaborating on projects. The intuitive touch interface and streamlined content sharing capabilities allow teams to work smarter, not harder.

John Dace, Account Manager at AVI Systems, commented: “Mario and the team at PMS were really impressed with the Avocor L Series when they saw our HQ demo model in action. They were impressed with the responsiveness of the touchscreen, as Mario said, it was the best he’d seen. The installation process was smooth and efficient, with minimal disruption to daily operations. As we already knew, the Avocor L Series is a reliable solution which delivers consistent performance ensuring a quick return on investment for Midwest PMS.”

Danish football takes control

Broadcast Solutions, one of Europe’s largest media systems integration groups, has built a new remote production facility, housed in a shopping mall in Copenhagen for DMC Production. The facility is crafted to provide excellent remote coverage of all top-flight professional football in Denmark. As part of a change in rights-holder broadcaster to TV2 and Viaplay, Superligaen A/S, the body responsible for football, took the bold decision to

Broadcast Solutions, one of Europe’s largest media systems integration shopping mall in Copenhagen for DMC Production.

bring all content creation in house, including the production of more than 800 matches a year.

To do this, they partnered with DMC Production to form their own broadcast arm, Matchday Production. As well as empowering the league with more creative and operational control, it opened up a whole wealth of new commercial opportunities for exploiting the value in the games. To meet the high expectations of Matchday, DMC drew on its extensive experience in remote sport production to develop a new production centre. As part of the fan engagement aspect of the project, the centre is in a very public location, within a shopping mall in Copenhagen.

Broadcast Solutions has collaborated with DMC on a number of other projects and was brought in to implement the production facilities. The centre has four large-scale control rooms, with capacity for up to 40 cameras, built around the Grass Valley Kahuna switcher. As well as the main control rooms, there are five smaller galleries, typically for one- or two-person operation. Broadcast Solutions also built four vehicles and four flypacks for the on-site facilities, including control for the Grass Valley LDX 98 cameras and Lawo audio mixers. In Copenhagen there is an extensive EVS server network to provide live capture and so-so replays. Asset management uses Framelight X from Grass Valley. The whole infrastructure, including Cisco IP switches and Riedel SDI routers, is managed by hi human interface,

integration groups, has built a new remote production facility, housed in a

the innovative control solution for media infrastructures developed by Broadcast Solutions.

The extensive availability of fibre across Denmark means that all signals are routed from the stadiums to Copenhagen using SMPTE ST2110 IP streams for maximum quality. Riedel Mediornet provides the conversion between incoming and outgoing feeds and the internal SDI architecture. “With the rare chance of a blank sheet of paper to design both workflows and facilities, we have been able to deliver fully on all the benefits of remote production,” said Paul Henriksen Heitmann, CEO of DMC Production. “Staff working in familiar surroundings perform better and are more productive, allowing us to cover far more games than could possibly be shown using old-fashioned models. Housing all production in one centre also brings other benefits,”

Henriksen Heitmann continued. “VAR referees have their own dedicated workspaces in our centre, with access to all the content and signals in the building. And by having nine control rooms, when available we can run live training exercises, allowing potential directors and operators to practice on a real game with the full set of feeds – that is an important investment in the future.”

Christie Inspire projectors power Urânia’s mobile planetariums

Fulldome, a pioneering Brazilian company in educational technology, is transforming the way students across the country learn about astronomy through its innovative project, “O planetário móvel vai às escolas” (The planetarium goes to schools). This ambitious initiative brings immersive, 360-degree educational films directly to schools in different states across Brazil, using mobile domes equipped with Christie Inspire Series 1DLP laser projectors. The 13 mobile inflatable domes, which measure 7 metres (23 feet) in diameter and 3.8 metres (12.5 feet) in height, are travelling Brazil in dedicated trucks, visiting different schools across the country. The goal is to foster the school community’s interest in astronomy and related sciences.

Each portable planetarium is equipped with a single 8,500 lumen 4K UHD Christie 4K860-iS projector and provides a fully immersive visual experience for up to 60 students seated on tatamis on the floor. With multiple sessions throughout the day, each dome has the capacity to serve up to 600 students daily. The domes’ synthetic fabric construction, tailored specifically for Urânia, allows for quick and easy setup, with the entire structure inflating in minutes.

Since the project’s launch, 1 million students have had the opportunity to experience the wonder of the cosmos through these Full HD and 4K films, making complex astronomical concepts accessible and engaging for young minds. “The Christie 4K860-iS projectors have been an essential component of our mobile planetariums,” said Tiago José da Silva, CEO of Urânia Fulldome. “These projectors are not only powerful, compact, and flexible but also resilient enough to withstand the demanding conditions of being set up and packed up daily, and the rigours of the road. Their reliability and ease of use are crucial for the success of our project.”

In addition to their durability, Urânia Fulldome highlights the accessibility of these projectors in Brazil, thanks to Christie’s local distributor, SolutionShop. Tiago José da Silva added, “Finding projectors of this calibre in Brazil is not always easy, but Christie, through SolutionShop, provided us with simple access and excellent conditions, enabling us to bring this unique educational experience to students nationwide.”

Beyond its school outreach programme, Urânia Fulldome also contributed to the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA), held in Rio de Janeiro state in August 2024. For one of the event’s presentations, the company provided three of its mobile planetariums, each equipped with a Christie Inspire Series projector, to deliver a memorable experience to the participating students. The IOAA, an annual competition for high school students from around the world, at-

tracted 250 students from 57 countries this year. “The students were highly impressed by the quality of the projections and the immersive movies showcased in the domes”, said Tiago José da Silva.

INSERT PIC with caption:

Immersive projection

‘Crown and Coronation’ debuts at Tower of London Historic Royal Palaces has launched ‘Crown and Coronation’, an immersive light and sound show developed by the Luxmuralis Artist Collaboration. The premiere event, which took place at the Tower of London from 17th to 25th November 2023, provided visitors with a unique opportunity to explore the splendour of the Crown Jewels and the historical significance of the coronation ceremony. After its successful debut, the show will embark on a UK-wide tour in 2024.

In collaboration with Luxmuralis, ‘Crown and Coronation’ transforms the Tower of London through remarka-

ble projections and soundscapes, celebrating the British monarchy’s rich heritage. The event offers a visual and auditory journey through the ages, from the coro-

nation of William the Conqueror to that of King Charles III. Projected imagery lights up the Tower’s historic architecture, complemented by music that narrates the story of the Crown Jewels and their role in coronation ceremonies throughout the centuries.

As part of the experience, visitors enjoyed after-hours access to the Crown Jewels, allowing them to view these iconic treasures without the usual crowds, making for a more intimate and memorable visit. Following its Tower of London launch, ‘Crown and Coronation’ toured several notable UK landmarks, giving audiences across the country the chance to experience this celebration of royal history.

Featuring stunning visuals from the coronations of monarchs such as Queen Victoria to King Charles III, ‘Crown and Coronation’ showcases the grandeur, tradition, and importance of the Crown Jewels. This immersive event provides a fresh perspective on the monarchy’s history through the use of cutting-edge technology. The projection artwork, designed by the Luxmuralis Artistic Collaboration—comprising sculptor Peter Walker and composer David Harper—was developed in partnership with Historic Royal Palaces and captures the splendour

Historic Royal Palaces has launched ‘Crown and Coronation’, an immersive light and sound show developed by the Luxmuralis Artist Collaboration

Follow-Me appoints

Thijs Bruins as global sales manager

Follow-Me, manufacturers of high-end performer tracking solutions for lighting, immersive audio, video mapping and stage automation applications, has announced the appointment of Thijs Bruins as Global Sales Manager. Thijs will oversee the Follow-Me global sales network, aligning existing partners, expanding the network to improve customer experience and providing a strong base for the company’s future growth. “We are really happy Thijs is joining Follow-Me,” Marc van der Wel, Managing Director says, “He brings lots of technical and commercial knowledge, industry experience and enthusiasm to our growing company.”

Thijs has a wealth of technical expertise. Starting out at a young age as a lighting technician and continuing to juggle this freelance work and training, his early experience underpins his deep understanding of the live events, theatrical and AV industries. After years of freelancing, Thijs moved on to the role of Manager of Special Projects at Trekwerk, before joining TAIT as Business Development Manager. Thijs oversaw the growth of TAIT’s presence in Europe, even though a global pandemic. “Thijs will be communicating with our customers, show designers and sales partners to further establish and grow our market presence, expanding our renowned client support,” explains Marc. “We are looking forward to working on our company’s future together with Thijs.”“I’m thrilled to join Follow-Me as the Global Sales Manager,” Thijs concludes. “Follow-Me is a company that has truly revolutionized the live entertainment industry with its innovative performer tracking solutions and I’m eager to contribute to our continued global growth by connecting even more clients with the cutting-edge technology that Follow-Me is known for. Together, we’ll push the boundaries of what’s possible in live entertainment.”

Avantis Education appoints new VP of Product

Avantis Education has appointed Manjinder Kaur as Vice President of Product to help drive the global growth strategy for ClassVR. This latest leadership appointment follows the company’s expansion of its C-suite earlier this year. As VP of Product, Kaur will lead the international development of ClassVR, embedding consumer behaviour and user psychology into the core product strategy. Focusing on insights, innovation, and impact, Kaur will ensure that ClassVR continues to be the leading VR/ AR solution for education by delivering a roadmap that balances global growth with localisation strategies.

Kaur brings extensive experience to Avantis Education, with a career spanning decades in teaching and educational technology. Studying product design at university and working in a variety of companies before becoming a teacher, Kaur provides a unique perspective on designing edtech solutions for the classroom. Alongside a master’s degree in Leading Innovation in Teaching, Kaur has been recognised with accolades that include the James Dyson National Design and Technology Teacher of the Year and the Barclays West Midlands Startup of the Year award.

“I am happiest when my work has a far-reaching impact, and my role at Avantis delivers exactly that,” explains Kaur. “ClassVR is already enhancing learning for millions of students around the world. My aim is to build on this foundation by taking ClassVR forward and cre-

ating experiences that are even more immersive, engaging, exciting and have a strong educational impact. I strongly believe Avantis is perfectly positioned to bring about real, meaningful changes and transform education for learners across the globe.”

Commenting on the appointment, Bruce Grove, Chief Technology Officer, Avantis Education, said: “This strategic appointment underscores our commitment to developing ClassVR to meet the evolving needs of education worldwide. Bridging the gap between product design and the classroom, Kaur brings invaluable experience and insights that will help drive global growth of ClassVR.

Laurent Theurin joins Brompton as technical sales manager

Brompton Technology has announced the appointment of Laurent Theurin as Technical Sales Manager for France. Theurin brings over two decades of experience in the audiovisual industry, with more than 10 years specialising in image processing. Starting his career in the late 90s, Theurin held various positions, ranging from technical support to software workflow creation and UX design, as well as project management and customer training. His past experience includes working with prestigious companies such as INSEAD, UTRAM, and Barco.

“Image quality, reliability, and innovation are what I love about my job,” says Theurin. “For these reasons,

I’m thrilled to join the motivated and professional team at Brompton Technology. I know their LED processors reach all my expectations, and I’m proud to present and support their products for professionals with LED wall needs.” As part of Brompton’s expanding sales team, Theurin will report to the company’s Director of Sales, Lotta Schiefer, who is extremely enthusiastic about his appointment. “Laurent is highly regarded in the industry, and his vast experience in image processing is a valuable asset,” says Schiefer. “His strong network of contacts, combined with his technical expertise, will allow Brompton to further strengthen relationships with clients in France and beyond.”

Calabrio appoints Robert Rivera as chief sales officer

Calabrio, the workforce performance company, has announced the appointment of Robert Rivera as Chief Sales Officer (CSO). Rivera is responsible for accelerating Calabrio’s growth with strategic new logos along with expanding on the company’s existing key relationships and partnerships. Rivera brings over two decades of technology sales experience to Calabrio, with a proven track record managing direct sales, partners and cross-functional teams. His deep expertise in building high-functioning sales teams and driving successful customer outcomes will be instrumental in Calabrio’s continued growth.

Avantis Education has appointed Manjinder Kaur as Vice President of Product to help drive the global growth strategy for ClassVR

Brompton Technology has announced the appointment of Laurent Theurin as Technical Sales Manager for France.

Calabrio, the workforce performance company, has announced the appointment of Robert Rivera as Chief Sales Officer (CSO).

Rivera joins Calabrio’s executive leadership team overseeing sales, enablement and partnerships globally and will report directly to Joel Martins, CTO and Interim CEO. “Robert’s extensive experience in developing top-performing sales teams, operational excellence and effective growth strategies will be invaluable as Calabrio continues to expand its market presence and deliver exceptional customer experiences,” said Joel Martins. “We are thrilled to have Robert on board as we embark on the next phase of our growth.”

Rivera comes to Calabrio from Dynatrace, where he served as GEO Vice President of Sales, LATAM. During his tenure, he played a key role in the company’s IPO in 2019 and contributed to Dynatrace’s successful growth trajectory, establishing it as a $1B+ revenue company in a highly competitive industry. Prior to Dynatrace, Rivera co-founded and served as SVP of Sales at Vigilant Enterprise Solutions, where he led the company to a remarkable 200% revenue growth during his tenure. “This is a pivotal time to join Calabrio as the opportunities for expansion are significant,” said Rivera. “My passion lies in coaching and developing global sales teams that drive impactful customer outcomes, and I am eager to contribute to Calabrio’s expanding international footprint and support its mission of empowering customer-centric contact centres.”

Calabrio has announced the appointment of Dave Rhodes as Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Rhodes succeeds Interim CEO Joel Martins who will continue in his role Calabrio appoints Dave Rhodes as CEO

as Calabrio’s Chief Technology Officer (CTO). With decades of leadership experience along with extensive subject matter expertise in growing and scaling software businesses, Dave joins a dynamic executive leadership team dedicated to redefining the future of contact centres globally through its commitment to continuous innovation and strategic partnerships.

“Calabrio stands at the forefront of revolutionising contact centres worldwide by leveraging its unparalleled Workforce Engagement Management (WEM) solution integrated with artificial intelligence (AI)-powered analytics and advanced business intelligence (BI) built into its core,” said Rhodes. “The company continuously strives to redefine service excellence with technology advances and a unique focus on operational efficiency that drives transformative customer experiences. I am excited to lead the Calabrio team as we seize the immense growth opportunities ahead.”

Rhodes joins Calabrio from Sauce Labs, the leading provider of continuous test and error reporting solutions that give companies the confidence to develop, deliver and update high quality software at speed, where he was CEO. Prior to Sauce Labs, Rhodes served as the SVP/ GM of Unity Software’s Digital Twins Business as well as the company’s Chief Revenue Officer (CRO), where he

grew revenue from $130M to $600M. Before Unity, he was EVP Sales, Services and Marketing at Paradigm/ Emerson, where he oversaw the development, implementation and execution of worldwide growth strategies. Rhodes also spent 11 years at Autodesk where he last served as VP of the Americas.

Kris Weston, Thoma Bravo Chair of the Board and Operating Partner stated: “We are thrilled to welcome Dave Rhodes as Calabrio’s new CEO. His experience in transforming software companies into market leaders, combined with his go-to-market expertise and passion

Calabrio has announced the appointment of Dave Rhodes as Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

for software-driven innovation, uniquely positions him to lead Calabrio’s next growth phase. His visionary leadership and strategic acumen will accelerate our innovation efforts crucial for the future of contact centres. We are confident that under Dave’s guidance, Calabrio will

Diversified expands global enterprise capabilities

Diversified has announced the appointment of Johannes Stehr as Vice President of Enterprise EMEA. This strategic hire underscores Diversified’s commitment to developing world-class enterprise offerings and addressing the growing demand for consistent global technology standards with robust local support.In this newly created role, Stehr will lead Diversified’s expansion of Workplace and Media operational capabilities across Europe, with an initial focus on Germany. His appointment marks a significant step in Diversified’s global strategy to enhance its ability to serve multinational enterprises with a harmonised approach to technology deployment and support.

“As organisations increasingly seek standardised technology experiences across their global footprint, they also require deep local expertise and support,” said Will Hegan, Managing Director of EMEA at Diversified. “Johannes brings an outstanding track record in delivering precisely this balance. His extensive experience and regional insights will be instrumental in accelerating our growth strategy and expanding the value we deliver to enterprise clients globally.”

Stehr joins Diversified with 23 years of industry experience, most recently serving as Managing Director for Germany at AVI-SPL Deutschland GmbH. In that role, he successfully established and grew the company’s German office, providing services to organisations across the majority of the European Union. This experience, combined with his previous work at Crestron, has equipped Stehr with an extensive local network, deep cultural understanding, and comprehensive knowledge of regional supply chains.

“The opportunity to further build Diversified’s EMEA capabilities on the foundation of its existing global portfolio is truly exciting,” said Stehr. “This role allows me to leverage and expand established networks while driving growth in a market that’s critical for many of our global clients. I’m eager to enhance our ability to deliver consistent, high-quality solutions that respect local nuances across the diverse European landscape.” Stehr’s appointment will enable Diversified to:

• Enhance local capabilities, cultural understanding, and language support across Europe

• Provide more agile and proactive service to both global and local enterprise clients

• Strengthen the company’s position as a trusted advisor for technology standardisation and digital transfor-

mation initiatives

• Further develop sustainable business practices through optimised regional operations

As enterprises continue to navigate the complexities of hybrid work environments and digital-first operations, Diversified’s expanded European presence under Stehr’s leadership will offer clients a powerful combination of global scale and performance with local presence.

Dalet expands leadership team

Dalet has announced three new members of its executive team. Tara Bryant joins as Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) with responsibilities spanning sales, marketing and customer success, while Marcy Lefkovitz joins Dalet as the new Senior Vice President (SVP) of Product Innovation. Stephen Garland has been appointed Chief Product and Technology Officer leading Dalet’s product and engineering organization; he will also continue in his role as Senior Advisor to the Dalet Board. These Dalet leadership appointments bring a steadfast focus on innovation and customer success to generate even more value for its customers, while propelling the company into its next phase of growth. “Tara, Marcy and Stephen embody the culture and values we have and strive for at Dalet: proactive collaboration, high accountability, strategic drive, balanced pragmatism and a focus on execution,” said Santiago Solanas, CEO, Dalet. “All three are exceptional individuals who combine assertiveness with excellent listening skills and, most importantly, passion. I look forward to collaborating with them closely to shape the future of the media industry.” Dalet CRO Tara Bryant brings a wealth of global go-tomarket experience in all areas of revenue creation. As a trusted and proven leader of high-performing teams,

Diversified has announced the appointment of Johannes Stehr as Vice President of Enterprise EMEA

Since 2006, he has been actively volunteering with AVIXA, serving on various councils and committees, and speaking at numerous sessions and webinars. In 2010, he helped establish the Independent Technical Services Council, representing companies that subcontract and provide services to the AV industry. Mark has attended every InfoComm since 2005 and will now represent AVPros.io.

AVPros.io has announced the appointment of Mark Delguidice as the new Vice President of Sales. Mark Delguidice brings a distinguished career spanning 34 years in the AV industry to AVPros.io. Mark began his career in AV Installation in 1991, pioneering the concept of a company dedicated to providing highly skilled AV Installation Technicians.

Ciaran Hamilton, CEO of AVPros.io, shared his enthusiasm: “With over 30 years of experience in the Audio Video industry, Mark brings a wealth of industry knowledge and expertise. He will lead the sales division and spearhead the expansion of our service territories, particularly on the West Coast, driving growth and innova-

as the new Vice President of Sales.

tion for AVPros. I’m excited about what the future holds as we continue serving our customers with high-quality AV services.”

Mark Delguidice expressed his excitement: “I’m thrilled to join this dynamic company and the opportunity to bring my experience in providing services to the AV industry. Ciaran and the whole team have created a recognized and successful organization, so bringing our talents together to build on that is very exciting. I am looking forward to helping our clients in new ways and continuing the seamless project services AVPros is known for!”

COO Giovanni Agramonte added: “I am thankful and deeply humbled that Mark has accepted the opportunity to join our team. Having known Mark for some time now through our shared work on the council within AVIXA, I’ve always admired his extensive experience and the remarkable work he has done. It is a privilege to work alongside someone of his calibre, and I am excited about the opportunity to learn from him and collaborate in any capacity.”

AVPros.io has announced the appointment of Mark Delguidice

Mark Delguidice appointed VP of Sales at AVPros.io

InfoComm India 2024 17%

increase in unique attendance

InfoComm India 2024, the premier professional audiovisual and integrated experience solutions event in India, concluded its 10th in-person edition at the Jio World Convention Centre (JWCC) on 5 September with resounding success. The show recorded 10,867 unique attendees, marking a 17% increase compared to the previous edition.

InfoComm India 2024 saw a significant surge in visitor interest to spend more time at the show, with an 80% increase in same-show return visitors compared to the last edition. Nearly 30% of visitors are technology end users – a 5% growth compared to 2023. Almost 50% of visitors hold managerial positions or higher or directly influence technical and purchasing decisions.

The rise in attendees who are highly engaged and have purchasing authority combined with increased time spent at the show underscores not only InfoComm India’s growing relevance in India’s pro AV market but also aligns with the country’s thriving economy and increasing adoption of cutting-edge technologies across various market sectors and industries. InfoComm India 2024’s success is a testament to the immense potential and opportunities the Indian market holds for the ProAV industry.

“The Indian market is one of the most important markets for us,” shared David McKinney, Managing Director of Generation AV, a new exhibitor at the show. “We have attended past InfoComm India editions (as visitors), and we saw so many opportunities here. Coming off the back of a successful InfoComm Asia in Bangkok in July, we have high hopes to show off our brands and technology to our customers in India.”

InfoComm India welcomed 76 qualified high-value buyers from all over India. These buyers actively seeking solutions for their ongoing projects for various high-growth sectors that the show organizers specially identified, including smart city and urban development, education, live events and entertainment, and healthcare. Through a specially curated Guided Show Floor Tour and pre-show business matching exercise with the exhibitors, the show gave the buyers a comprehensive look at the latest and innovative pro AV offerings relevant to their specific project needs. Hosted guests included National Informatics Centre, India; Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation; National Institute for Smart Government; Honeywell; Agra Smart City; Ramoji Film City; and more.

“InfoComm India allowed me to discover more companies, new technologies, and the attributes that can help me refine and improve our future procurement process,” remarked Invited Guest Anand Menon, Project Planning and Management Specialist from AGRA Smart City, at the end of his visit. “The guided tour was particularly helpful, offering a focused overview of the booths and technologies most relevant to my project needs.”

The success of InfoComm India 2024 reflects the robust growth of the pro AV market in India. According to the 2024 Industry Outlook and Trends Analysis (IOTA) by AVIXA, India is the fastest-growing pro AV market globally, with annual revenue projected to reach $11.8 billion in 2029.

PLASA Show 2024: “the best show for many years”?

Celebrating its “best show for many years”, the PLASA Show once again took residence in the Grand Hall of Olympia London from 1-3 September, demonstrating continuous growth - with 10% more floor space and a steady 5% increase in visitors. Miles Hillyard, Business Development Manager at PRG, says, “We are thrilled to announce the resounding success of this year’s event, where we were delighted by the incredible turnout and the palpable excitement in the room. The overwhelming response from attendees truly highlighted the strength and vibrancy of our community.”

Reaching a pre-pandemic atmosphere, the show floor vibe was electric. Despite the unexpected heatwave, Sunday’s attendee numbers saw a +9.5% increase compared to 2023, and day two’s footfall exceeded 2019 figures. The show floor hosted a healthy cross-section of industry visitors, from entry-level to C-Suite, welcoming 15% more students compared to 2023, while 79% of attendees declared having influential purchasing power. Key job roles included directors, CEOs, technicians and programmers, followed closely by engineers, lighting designers, technical directors and project managers. Over a third of attendees work across concert touring, theatre, and live events, with sectors like corporate AV and events, broadcast and film also being generously represented.

To navigate the larger show floor, visitors were invited to download the new PLASA Show app, which standout feature was an interactive map, directing visitors to exhibitors and sessions with ease. Stephen Button, UK and Nordic Trade Marketing Manager for Pro Audio at Sennheiser Professional and Neumann, says, “PLASA Show continues to be a critical event in our calendar, offering invaluable exposure and the chance to demon-

AVPros.io has announced the appointment of Mark Del-

strate our commitment to pushing the boundaries of sound.”

Visitors got first glimpse of new products, soon to be rolled out across the industry. PLASA Show’s headline sponsor, Robe, wowed visitors with live demonstrations, complete with acrobatic performers and utilised the show’s powerful platform to launch four products: the iForte Fresnel, the Painte Fresnel, the SVOPATT and the SVB1 – with recent release - iBolt scooping a PLASA Award for Innovation.

Elsewhere from the lighting department, show sponsor, beamZ introduced its new linkable Neutron-Dot, Avolites debuted the Diamond 7 console, Claypaky unveiled Tambora Rays, Tambora Stormy and Mini-B Sparky Aqua, FBFX introduced the DMXPro lighting controller and Vari-Lite released the VL3600 LT. New to the UK market, Ayrton exhibited the Veloce Profile and Rivale Wash, ChamSys showcased its latest GeNetix GD4IP DMX Splitter, and Chauvet Professional displayed both the new Maverick Silens 1X and 2X Profiles.

AV professionals saw the international debut of the Theatrixx xVision Nomad TPEP LED, while audio enthusiasts saw the launch of the DiGiCo Quantum326 and Quantum326T, EM Acoustics’ R6 loudspeaker, L-Acoustics’ X8i system, and Glensound’s GTM Mobile – which won a PLASA Award for Innovation.

This year’s show welcomed 31 new exhibitors, who anticipate big business rewards. Morten Bakke, International Sales for Pro Tour Systems, adds, “The response from the UK market was overwhelming, and in hindsight, we realize that we should have had a larger stand and more representatives to handle the high level of interest!” Ben McCarthy, Managing Director at Premier Events, says, “We have had a great 3 days at PLASA Show, it was our first time exhibiting and we were blown away with how many people came to our stand… We will be back in 2025!”

IBC 2024 sets new records for attendance

IBC’s organisers said the Amsterdam show enjoyed 45,085 attendees from 170 countries. There was also an increase in the number of exhibitors, which grew by 100 to over 1,350. Themes that emerged over the four days (13-16 September) included AI, 5G, cloud and adtech, which were covered both in the conference and on the show floor.

“IBC continued on an upward trajectory in 2024, with tremendous turnout across the entire IBC community as people gathered in Amsterdam to explore the technological advances and market dynamics redefining our industry,” said Michael Crimp, IBC’s Chief Executive Officer. “In a year marked by major events such as the Olympics and national elections, there was an extremely positive buzz at IBC2024. This year’s show addressed soaring interest in trends such as AI’s leap from theory to real-world applications, how the industry is fighting disinformation in news, and the need to foster talent and diversity across media, entertainment and technology.”

The new AI Tech Zone was packed with visitors engaging with leading innovators on practical applications ranging from automated video editing and music-audio separation to content provenance tracking and fast and secure cloud storage. The Zone stage featured AI pioneers sharing insights into how the technology will impact the future and how it is already transforming media

in areas such as discoverability, news verification, and creating immersive experiences.

The inaugural, free-to-attend IBC Talent Programme featured lively and engaged discussions on mentoring the industry’s next generation, recruitment challenges, and the importance of diverse perspectives for driving innovation.

AV News Awards 2025 – an industry highlight in the world’s biggest AV event!

The AV News Awards programme began as a recognition of excellence acknowledging achievements within the AV industry. What started as a simple certificate, distributed from the offices of AV News, soon evolved into a live event at ISE 2013. As the AV News Awards out-grew its allocated space in the Rai Amsterdam, Increasing demand resulted in further expansion with ISE’s move to Barcelona. The event continues to on grow, with record numbers of nominations year-on-year and hundreds of industry experts attending the Award Winners Presentation on the first day of ISE- the first event in the trade show itinerary even before the doors open.

Sponsoring the AV News Awards

The AV News Awards are hosted as a key element of ISE, the world’s largest AV technology event. The exclusive Award Presentation serves as a network-

ing opportunity and can enhance your business’s industry presence. Participating in the AV News Awards provides excellent exposure and offers a strong Return On Investment (ROI). It enables connections with non-cowmpeting businesses, fostering potential collaborations in the future. Event sponsorship boosts brand recognition before, during, and after the event, exposing your company to new audiences.

Why enter the AV News Awards?

Where innovation is the driving force, recognition and validation play a pivotal role. Impartially Judged Awards stand as a recognition of excellence, celebrating the groundbreaking contributions of individuals, organisations, projects and products that push the industry forward. Here we highlight the top 10 significant benefits that technology Awards bring:

1. Celebrate innovation and excellence in solutions and services

2. Boost industry recognition

3. Amplify visibility

4. Create networking opportunities

5. Build customer trust and confidence

6. Highlight benchmarking and improvement

7. Enhance end consumer confidence

8. Support sustainability

9. Underline community engagement

10. Inspire succeeding generations

Entering the AV News Awards is a strategic step that carries a multitude of benefits, both to individuals and organisations. These Awards not only validate your hard work and expertise but also differentiate you in a competitive landscape, enhancing your reputation, trustworthiness and visibility. Moreover, they motivate innovation, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the ever-evolving world of technology. Whether you’re an innovator, a tech company, or an aspiring professional, entering the Awards can be a game-changing move in your journey to success and recognition.

How to win an AV News Award?

As the AV News Awards programme has evolved so has the Award trophy - from a simple certificate to a custom glass trophy. Today the Award is showcased in many trophy cabinets across the world. To win one of these coveted trophies, the process is simple: First – Submit a nomination for each product, person, project or organisation in the appropriate Award categories by the deadline of the 1st December 2024. Second – Add supplementary information, images, videos or testimonials if you think it will help the judges reach a favourable decision.

AV News Awards categories include:

Technology, Project and Organisation Awards

AV Project of the Year (Education)

AV Project of the Year (Commercial)

AV Project of the Year (Live Events)

AV Project of the Year (Audio)

AI Innovation of the Year

Collaboration Innovation of the Year

Digital Signage Innovation of the Year

AV Sustainability Initiative of the Year

AV Organisation Awards

AV Reseller/Integrator of the Year

AV Manufacturer/Developer of the Year

AV Distributor of the Year

Personal Awards

AV Sales Professional of the Year

AV Support Professional of the Year

AV Marketing Professional of the Year

Submit your AV News Awards Nominations here! Submitting a nomination couldn’t be easier!

- The process is fully digital.

- Complete a separate nomination for each entry, in each category.

- Entries in the Personal Award categories are free of charge. Entries in every other category cost £140 (plus VAT where applicable) per entry. Entry fees will be invoiced on receipt of the nomination.

- The deadline for nominations is the 1st of December 2024. Judging will take place in December 2024 and the identity of the finalists published in the January 2025 issue of AV News magazine and posted on the avnewsonline.com website. Winners of the Awards will be announced at the presentation ceremony held at ISE 2025 Barcelona.