139: The Igloo Takeover with Laura Mills and Rebecca Wade

In this one off InfoComm 2026 episode, the tables turn as Laura and Rebecca from Igloo Vision take over the microphones and interview Ryan Gray for a change. What starts as a lighthearted booth conversation quickly turns into a surprisingly honest discussion about recognition, community leadership, HETMA’s future, the pressure of being seen by others, and why the best technology is often the kind instructors never have to think about.Ryan talks about winning AV Professional of the Year, the importance of working yourself out of a job, and why HETMA’s future depends on shared ownership beyond its original leaders. The conversation also dives into student centered classroom technology, including beamforming microphones, automated camera systems, capture workflows, and the role of AI in helping students translate class experiences into learning that fits their lives. Also, somehow, HETMA becomes cucumber lime electrolyte water and Ryan becomes “Persistence Man.”Topics DiscussedRyan being interviewed instead of hostingThe HETMA podcast takeover from InfoComm 2026Laura and Rebecca from Igloo Vision turning the tablesRyan’s role at Yavapai CollegeRyan’s role with Higher Ed AV MediaReceiving the AV Professional of the Year awardThe challenge of accepting recognitionWorking yourself out of a jobBuilding teams that create opportunities for othersHelping work outlive the person who started itHETMA as a volunteer driven organizationThe early growth of HETMA during the COVID eraShared ownership as the future of HETMABringing new leaders into the communityHETMA’s presence at ISE and international growthThe importance of education led community buildingHow higher education AV may translate differently outside the United StatesBalancing structure and substance in a growing organizationTechnology that supports teaching without getting in the wayDesigning AV systems around the student experienceBeamforming microphones in learning spacesShure ceiling microphone systemsAutomated camera systems and Huddly CrewLecture capture and recorded classroom experiencesAI searchable class contentSupporting working adults, parents, and students with complicated livesMatching teaching styles to student learning needsThe value of technology that feels automatic to instructorsConnect with Laura Millshttps://uk.linkedin.com/in/laurakellymillshttps://www.igloovision.comConnect with Rebecca Wadehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-wade-979094154https://www.igloovision.comConnect with Ryanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanagray/[email protected] by Chris DechterHave feedback or guest ideas? Let us know!This show is a production of Higher Ed AV Media. Visit www.HigherEdAV.com for fresh content every day!