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July 14, 2010

Math for Design Online Course Debuts
Register for AV Math for Design Online, the latest addition to InfoComm's respected family of online courses. It is a great resource to prepare for the CTS-D exam, and worth 15 RUs for those who need to renew.

DES314 CTS-D Prep Virtual Classroom Starts Sept. 2
This session is perfect for someone who has already prepared for the CTS-D exam but wants an intensive review. Space is limited and it is likely to sell out, so please register today for this important step in your career.

InfoComm Academy@Denver
When InfoComm had a Regional Roundtable in Denver in 2009, attendees requested a training event in Denver. We are pleased to announce that this program is ready and includes one of the top-rated seminars at InfoComm 2010 in Las Vegas. Attend to earn six renewal units (RUs) or just learn about something new, for only $25. Register today by calling 1.800.659.7469 or email Amanda Eberle .

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InfoComm, CEA and CEDIA Collaborate on Joint Standard for Drawing Symbols
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) has entered into a formal contract with CEDIA and InfoComm to participate in the joint development of an ANSI standard, as part of their R10WG7 Residential Systems Documentation Working Group. This standard will unify the symbols used to represent audiovisual equipment on plan drawings in both residential and commercial markets. The working group is harmonizing these symbols with existing ones from physical security, IT, entertainment, CATV systems standards and the National CAD Standard. This initiative is particularly important in an era of growth in low voltage systems within buildings, and as the building design and construction industry migrates to the Building Information Modeling (BIM) platforms. The InfoComm member volunteers are moderated by Peter Swanson and include Walter Black, Lee Haffely, Darrin Yoxtheimer, John Campanella, Dave McNell and Bud Moseley.

Thank You, Standards Planning Committee Volunteers
Two Standards Planning Committee volunteers, Brian Huff, CTS-D, and Gary Hall, CTS-D, CTS-I, have stepped down after contributing many hours of their time to the Standards Planning Committee. Huff was also the moderator of the task group that developed ANSI/InfoComm 2M:2010 Standard Guide for Audiovisual Systems Design and Coordination Processes . Both will continue their work as volunteers on the STEPSM rating system, a new initiative within InfoComm's best practices program.

InfoComm welcomes two new planning committee members, Don Guzauckas, Jr., CTS, and Matthew Silverman, CTS, who bring years of AV experience to the planning team. Guzauckas is the first live events and staging professional to join the planning committee, and Silverman represents end users as a technology management professional. Having Guzauckas and Silverman on the planning committee continues to provide the balance InfoComm seeks, not only as required by ANSI but also to represent the interests of InfoComm's diverse membership.

For more information about InfoComm's standards program, please visit www.infocomm.org/standards. Purchases of the complete standards and accompanying documents can be made through the ANSI e-standards store. Members can receive a discount by entering the code "infocomm" when prompted at checkout.

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BICSI and InfoComm Sign Friendship Agreement
BICSI, the association supporting the information technology systems (ITS) industry with information, education and knowledge assessment, recently signed a friendship agreement with InfoComm. To accomplish their shared mission, and for the benefit of the associations' members who work side-by-side on projects, InfoComm and BICSI have agreed to establish reciprocal BICSI continuing education credits (CECs) and InfoComm renewal units (RUs), continue current cooperative government relations activities and more. Also included in this friendship agreement is a resolution to update the AV Design Reference Manual (AVDRM).

"InfoComm is pleased to formalize our partnership with BICSI through this friendship agreement," said Tom Stimson, CTS, President, InfoComm International. "We have created many valuable programs together and look forward to working collectively for the betterment of our industries."

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Nearly 1,000 Ways to Earn CTS RUs
There are 988 ways to earn CTS renewal units! This is the number of courses and programs that now have been approved -- including InfoComm Academy® courses, webinars, Show courses, ISE courses, private use, manufacturers' training and non-manufacturers' courses. For the complete list, go to www.infocomm.org/renewal. Many of these are free and can be taken at your desk.

CTS Newsletter Important Information Source
Did you know that 68 percent of CTS holders plan to pursue a specialized certification? You did if you read the print CTS newsletter that was sent last week. In case you missed it, you can find it here.

Missing the newsletters? Take the time to subscribe at http://subscribe.infocomm.org/.

InfoComm 2010 Las Vegas Program RUs on Transcript
Any courses with renewal units and registered by InfoComm are now appearing on the transcript of CTS holders. Review this important information at www.infocomm.org/transcript and see if it's time for you to renew.

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Dawn E.B. Meade, CTS, of Advanced Video Systems Awarded Inaugural Michael Vergauwen Education Fund Scholarship
ICIF, the foundation of InfoComm International®, has awarded the inaugural Michael Vergauwen Education Fund Scholarship to Dawn E.B. Meade, CTS, of Advanced Video Systems, Inc. Meade is the Director of Marketing and A/V Sales and Owner at Advanced Video Systems, Inc., in Owings Mills, MD. Fusing her marketing and creative backgrounds, Meade began her AV career designing fliers and basic websites at Advanced Video Systems, Inc. After attending her first InfoComm Show, Meade pursued industry education courses and certifications. She writes about AV both online and for print publications. Meade is a strong supporter of AV Week and is a member of the InfoComm PETC Outreach Committee and FAVE. She is pursuing a Master of Science degree in technology management and an MBA from the University of Maryland.

"ICIF congratulates Dawn Meade on her many accomplishments and is pleased to offer her the first Michael Vergauwen Education Fund Scholarship," said Duffy Wilbert, CTS, CAE, Senior Vice President, Membership, InfoComm International. "InfoComm also thanks Da-Lite for its continued financial support of the Michael Vergauwen Education Fund." At InfoComm 2010, Da-Lite presented a check for $10,000 to further the development of this beneficial program.

Companies and individuals wishing to contribute to this fund should send donations to: Michael Vergauwen Education Fund, ICIF, 11242 Waples Mill Road, Suite 200, Fairfax, VA 22030. Checks should be made payable to the International Communications Industries Foundation. Donations will be tax deductible as provided by Section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code.

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Get Organized for AV Week
Now is the time to start planning for AV Week! Brainstormways you can celebrate AV Week, October 17-23, 2010. Stumped? Visit the AV Week website for a look back at the 2009 events, download the AV Week Planning Guide or email your request for an AV Week Toolkit!

For more information, contact the Membership Department at membership@infocomm.org or +1.703.273.7200.

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Upcoming Regional Roundtables
Join us for an upcoming Regional Roundtable in your area. This is your chance to discuss hot topics within the AV industry and network with others from the local area.

Summer Roundtable Schedule

  • Minneapolis — July 15  |   Register
  • Boston — August 5  |  Register
  • New York — September 16  |  Register

Get a complete listing of upcoming roundtables.

JobSite Summer Special!
From now through Aug. 31, 2010, get 25 percent off any of the JobSite Posting Packages. Sign up and enter the promo code 25OFFIC10. Visit http://jobsite.infocomm.org to post a job today!

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Last Call for ISE 2011 Presenters
InfoComm offers industry-recognized conference programs around the world at its tradeshows. Presenters who are interested in being considered for ISE 2011 should submit their proposals using the Call for Presenters form. Proposals are due July 31 — don't miss out on this important opportunity.

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