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	Trade Shows in Decline? No Way The Navy Does It — So Can You Economic Outlook: Slow and Steady Are You a Mentor, Mentee, or Both? LED Turns a Corner for Live Events		More News Councils Show Meetings; Energy Management Standard; AV Business; 2012 Global Market Definition and Strategy Study; Is Your Compensation Package Competitive?; Money for College; Guerrilla Video Production; Pioneers of AV award Entries; CTS Exam at InfoComm 2012; 2012 PRO AV Spotlight Awards Featured Events

Trade Shows in Decline? No Way

Exhibitors come and go, but the value of the AV industry trade show has never been greater. Witness last week’s InfoComm China 2012, where attendance was up significantly and organizers were compelled to add more space for next year’s show. Not to mention that InfoComm China 2012 education sessions attracted more than double the number of students this year. It’s not too early to plan for 2013.

The Navy Does It — So Can You

By Bradley A. Malone, PMP

The project management practice of developing what’s called a “work breakdown structure” got its start in the U.S. Department of Defense. Today, companies of all stripes consider it an important method for separating a project into deliverables and getting a handle on the overall scope of work. Here’s how to use a work breakdown structure for your next AV project.

Economic Outlook: Slow and Steady

The professional AV industry continues to feel better about its future business prospects, but there could be a fly in the ointment if companies don’t adjust their sales pitches to the needs of prospective clients. Get a preview of this month’s InfoComm International® Economic Snapshot Survey, then sound off on how your company is faring in this turbulent economy. It’s at the All Voices Blog, along with other industry insight

Are You a Mentor, Mentee, or Both?

The very foundation of the professional AV industry is one of lessons learned and passed down from veterans to rookies. As much as any other craft, AV benefits from healthy mentoring. InfoComm International®’s Duffy Wilbert joins the All Voices Blog and discusses ways you can get involved, including a new interest group aimed at young AV professionals.

LED Turns a Corner for Live Events

By Dan Daley

Every lighting professional has a tale of his own epiphany about LED lighting. The concert touring business seems on-board with LED, for instance, but theatrical and corporate events appear to be lagging in their adoption. Still, the transition to LED for live events is accelerating.

Here’s why.

More News

Councils Set Their Show Meetings
Eight councils meet in Las Vegas during InfoComm 2012. Save the date for your meeting and plan to attend. The Rental & Staging Council meets Thursday, June 14, 7 a.m.- 9 a.m. in the Las Vegas Convention Center. The Independent Consultants in Technology Council, Independent Technical Service Providers Council, Manufacturers Council and Technology Managers Council meet separately Friday, June 15, 8 a.m.-10 a.m. at the Las Vegas Hotel (formerly the Las Vegas Hilton). The Independent Reps Council, Programmers Council and Systems Integration Leadership Council meet separately Friday, June 15, 12 p.m.–2 p.m. at the Las Vegas Hotel. For more information, visit infocomm.org/councils.

Energy Management Standard Ready for its Close-Up
The newest ANSI/INFOCOMM draft standard, Audiovisual Systems Energy Management, will soon be open for public review. At this important stage of the process, the industry gets to weigh in on the proposed standard’s merits. Don’t miss out on your chance to have your opinions heard. You’ll have 45 days to weigh in.

AV Business as Unpredictable as the Weather?
Read about the InfoComm Performance and Demand Indices, along with current business strategies from AV peers regionally and around the world, in the April 2012 edition of the InfoComm International Economic Snapshot Survey. The Executive Summary is available in Spanish. Download the report at infocomm.org/marketresearch.

Pre-Order the 2012 Global Market Definition and Strategy Study
InfoComm is taking advance orders for its 2012 Global Market Definition and Strategy Study. In this biannual report, you’ll learn how big the market is, in terms of AV products and services. Find out what’s driving future market segments and see all the data broken down into global and regional results. The report will be available by June 2012. Order now.

Express Your Passion for the AV Industry
If you love AV, we would love to hear your opinions. Participate in the Standards and Industry Innovation Plenary Session at InfoComm 2012 on Saturday, June 16. Earn RUs and take part in panel discussions about upcoming standards at this free event.

Is Your Company’s Compensation Package Competitive?
Be the first to read the InfoComm International 2012 Compensation and Benefits Survey report. Pre-order by May 15 and receive the report for the low price of $50 for members and $150 for non-members. Inside, you’ll be able to examine median salaries for 27 positions in the AV industry, staffing levels and patterns, projected revenues, employee benefits and more. The report will be available by June 2012, but order today. After May 15, prices increase.

Money for College
The application deadline is April 27 for the Michael Vergauwen and ICIF Scholarships. These scholarships are awarded to third- and fourth-year college students and graduate students. Download applications at infocomm.org/scholarships.

Guerrilla Video Production
What is “guerrilla video production?” It’s about sneaking in, doing a job, then getting out. Intrigued? Check out this two-part education series at InfoComm 2012: Video Production for Technology Managers, Parts 1 and 2, on June 13 and 14. Live events legend André LeJeune, CTS®, will guide you through video production and answer common questions, such as:

What if the audio feed is supplied from a house sound system or external mixer?
Do you know how to isolate your systems from possible interference?
How can you gain confidence that the audio will be recorded properly?

Last Call for Pioneers of AV Award Entries
Now’s your chance to call attention to individuals who’ve made exceptional contributions to the AV industry and InfoComm. Submit your nominations by April 20, 2012, for the Adele De Berri Pioneers of AV Award and the Distinguished Achievement Award. Visit infocomm.org/awards.

Take Your CTS Exam Steps From the Show Floor
At InfoComm 2012, you can earn your CTS, CTS-D or CTS-I just steps away from the show floor. There will never be a more convenient time and place to take your exam, so don’t miss this opportunity. Reserve your spot now because they are expected to sell out fast. Or call your regional representative at +1.703.273.7200 to save a seat.

Sold Out!
Exam. The word alone can make your hands sweat and your heart beat faster. Test anxiety is normal. Three days of CTS Prep at InfoComm 2012 will ease your nerves and boost your confidence through instructor-led guidance, collaborative group works and self-assessment. But act fast: One of the three prep sessions has already sold out. Sign up now.

Win a $50 Gift Card
Congratulations to George Ilyadis, CTS, of Audio-Video Corp. who won the first $50 gift card when he registered for courses using the code in the InfoComm International Education Catalog. Browse your options, then call your regional representative at +1.703.273.7200 to customize your training plan. Don’t forget to mention the code on the back of the catalog to be entered in the next drawing.

Enter the 2012 PRO AV Spotlight Awards
Have an installation worthy of praise and admiration? The PRO AV Spotlight Awards are your chance to gain recognition for your company and get noticed for outstanding design and installation in commercial, corporate, education and other non-residential applications. Winning projects will be recognized during InfoComm 2012 in Las Vegas and featured in the July 2012 issue of Sound & Video Contractor, as well as at svconline.com. The deadline is fast approaching. Enter the 2012 PRO AV Spotlight Awards today.