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InfoComm Live Events Update


May 15, 2013


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Salute an AV Hero; InfoComm Today Podcast; Realcomm and IBcon; When Noise Ruins Dinner; InfoComm 2013 Sessions Selling Out; CTS Exam Guide, 2nd Edition, on Sale Soon; CTS Practice Exams; Join the Standards Team; InfoComm Rocks; Special Show Events; Members-Only Tour

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Featured Events

 

Why More Live Events Pros Embrace AV Training

 


To many, live events and installed AV systems are like apple and oranges. So why would anyone who specializes in the former need to learn anything about the latter? Why would a rigger, for example, want to acquire the skills necessary to become a Certified Technology Specialist™? It turns out there are many reasons, and today many more live events professionals are taking the time to broaden their knowledge base. Read why.

 

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The Case for Managed AV Services

 


Rule #1: As much as you think your AV firm can make more money and improve its margins by offering managed services, no one will take you up on your offer if they don't have a need. So what is the push for managed AV services really all about? And what should companies think about as they embark down this potentially lucrative path? We asked around for advice.

 

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The Changing World of Unified Communications

 


"Unified communications is the only technology that has been 'launching' for 16 years." So say the authors of this special report on UC and the "consumerization" of video collaboration technology. If you've never heard the term "contextual connectivity," you should at least know that it may impact your next VTC design. Here's why.

 

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Business Chops for Pro AV

 


Fresh off a three-part InfoComm International® webinar series on mergers and acquisitions in the AV industry (topics include strategies, planning and selling your company), industry consultant John Stiernberg joins the All Voices Blog to share his years of experience helping firms maximize their potential. Bookmark the blog and check back often for John's "Business Chops." Here's tip #1.

 

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More News from InfoComm


 Salute an AV Hero

L. Jerome Tabron

When L. Jerome Tabron was interviewing for his job as an AV technician at CEAVCO in Denver, his interviewer wanted to make sure he understood the position may require keeping crazy hours and working long days. That didn't faze Jerome one bit.

"Our operations manager was describing to him how sometimes he'd have to work really long days, or work when nobody else wanted to," explains Matt Emerson, CTS®, Executive Vice President of CEAVCO and a member of the InfoComm Board. "Sometimes we're going to call him up to return a show late at night or do something early in the morning. Jerome said, 'I was on a 36-hour convoy in Iraq. I can handle it.'"

After serving in the U.S. Army, rotating among Fort Drum, Fort Benning and Iraq, both in infantry and logistics, Jerome learned about the AV Heroes program, a partnership between InfoComm and the United Veterans Learning Centers focused on training veterans for jobs in the AV industry. Having run the sound board at his church and moonlighted as a DJ, he already had a good understanding of AV. "But the InfoComm training explained the science behind it," he says. "I learned about what I was doing at a more professional level."

Upon graduating from the six-week program, Jerome was referred to CEAVCO by AV Heroes instructor Andre LeJeune, CTS. "And the rest is history," he says.

Next in his development may be a CTS credential. "We encourage all of our employees to get their CTS, including those people who work in our warehouse," says Emerson. "We have this hybrid position of warehouse pros who are also AV techs. They'll pull and prep for shows, deliver gear for integrated rentals, and they'll operate smaller gigs. We've been pushing all those guys to get their CTS because we think understanding the principles of the technology is really important."

Having relocated from his native Washington, D.C., to Denver, Jerome is excited about his position in the industry. And yes, he has left a site at 1 a.m. only to circle back to a different site a few hours later. "I'm used to it," he says.

 Now Hear This: Managed Services

Dwindling margins got you down? It's time for the pro-AV industry to take its cue from IT and explore offering high-margin, managed AV services. Whether it's on-site support or remote monitoring, there are ways to grow your business beyond AV system sales. Tune in to the latest InfoComm Today Podcast as Whitlock Vice President Julian Phillips, Crestron Vice President of Marketing Sean Goldstein, and InfoComm International® Senior Writer and Editor Brad Grimes discuss managed services and why AV companies should offer them — but not just for the sake of offering them.

 When Noise Ruins Dinner

Listen Technologies' Cory Schaeffer says what we've all been thinking lately: Restaurants are way too noisy. And when you consider the millions of Americans who suffer from hearing loss, this noise can really affect people's ability to make good connections. Here's what to do.

 Sessions Selling Out

Hurry, you're on the verge of losing your seat at some of the hottest training sessions InfoComm 2013 has to offer. Whether you're interested in learning more about audio or networked AV, you need to claim a spot in your favorite classes before someone else does. Call +1.703.273.7200 for one-on-one guidance in crafting a personalized training program that meets your unique needs.

 CTS Exam Guide, 2nd Edition, Available at InfoComm 2013

You've heard that the CTS exams are changing in July. Whether you're taking the exams after July or just looking for a handy resource, you'll want a copy of the most up-to-date, complete study tool. Preorder your copy of the latest CTS Exam Guide today, or pick one up at InfoComm 2013.

 Where Did the CTS Practice Exams Go?

The free CTS, CTS-D and CTS-I practice exams have moved to the new InfoComm University™. The PDFs have been upgraded to be interactive practice exams that automatically score your results. Simply add each of the free practice exams to your cart, then you'll receive an email on how to access them in the new system.

 How You Can Make a Difference for the Industry

InfoComm standards are created through the hard work of experts like you. If you're passionate about ensuring exceptional experiences, we want you. Learn more about how you can volunteer to be part of the growing Standards and Industry Innovations team.

 InfoComm Rocks!

Rock out with InfoComm International at booth #2559 in Orlando, June 12-14. The rock 'n' roll themed booth will feature a guitar-shaped bar where you can stop for a cup of coffee and learn more about the association. Don't miss the chance to win an autographed Rolling Stones poster when you embark on a tech tour of the show floor, which begins and ends at the InfoComm booth. Learn more.

 Don't Miss These Special Events at InfoComm 2013

Future Members Reception
Thursday, June 13, 3 p.m.-5 p.m.
Booth #2559
If you go to the InfoComm show but still have not joined the association, this is the event for you. Join us in the InfoComm International booth #2559 for light appetizers, and learn why you should be taking advantage of the year-round benefits of InfoComm membership.

First Timers' Orientation
Tuesday, June 11, 2 p.m.
Orange County Convention Center, W304G
New to the InfoComm show? Learn the ropes from some old pros. InfoComm staff and experienced volunteers will show you how to navigate the show floor, uncover the hottest technology and make the most of your visit. Sponsored by Christie, MediaSite by Sonic Foundry, Stampede and Williams Sound.

Rental & Staging Forum
Wednesday, June 12, 3:00 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
Orange County Convention Center, Valencia Ballroom
David Labuskes, CTS, Executive Director and CEO of InfoComm, will discuss the important live events segment of the AV industry. Join in the conversation with panelists from the Professional Audio Manufacturers Alliance, including Shure, Sennheiser, Meyer Sound, Bosch and others, as they discuss the future of audio in live events, the impact of wireless spectrum plans, interoperability, and much more. Bring your questions to the PAMA panel. Following the event, enjoy a reception with your peers and plenty of time for networking.

Getting the Most From AV-iQ
Tuesday, June 11, 9:30 a.m-3:30 p.m.
Orange County Convention Center, W221D
Learn how AV-iQ will transform the way you research AV products with advanced search filters developed by industry experts. Find out how to use AV-iQ to improve your company's efficiency and reduce costs. Seminars will be tailored to your industry role, so find the right session for you.

 Benefits of Belonging: Members-Only Tour of InfoComm 2013

InfoComm members, join us in Orlando on Wed., June 12, 7:30 a.m.-9:00 a.m., for an exclusive tour of the InfoComm 2013 show floor before it opens. Meet us at the Show Store. The tour is sponsored by Williams Sound.

 Upcoming Webinars

  • Managing Audiovisual Equipment on an Enterprise Network
    May 16, 2013, 1 p.m. (New York)
    Register

  • The New, Super AV-iQ!
    May 22, 2013, 1 p.m. (New York)
    Register

  • Managing Digital Signage Series: Management Best Practices
    May 29, 2013, 1 p.m. (New York)
    Register

  • Manufacturers' Training from Cisco Systems
    May 30, 2013, 1 p.m. (New York)
    Register


 


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