290: Live from Infocomm 25

Recorded June 11-13, 2025, live at the HETMA Booth (4887), InfoComm Orlando.The AV Life crew returns with a three-part episode recorded live from the show floor at InfoComm 2025. Across Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, host Tim Van Woeart is joined by Nancy Blanchard and Renee Benson to reflect on the energy of the show, highlight key moments at the HETMA booth, and share their own experiences navigating a packed InfoComm schedule. With surprise guests—including a championship belt–wearing Ryan Gray—this live series captures the spirit of community, exhaustion, and excitement that only InfoComm can deliver.Over the course of these daily recordings, the crew discusses traffic patterns, social events, standout technology, and the evolving presence of HETMA on the show floor. From chaotic booth setups to an Amazing Race–style showdown and the emotional highs of the Higher Ed AV Awards, this episode is an authentic snapshot of the higher ed AV community’s biggest week of the year. Whether you were there in person or watching from afar, this one brings the floor to you.Daily booth traffic, attendance trends, and scheduling surprisesReflections on the Higher Ed AV Awards and Renee’s back-to-back winsSwag strategies and the art of last-day scavengingHETMA’s Camp-themed engagement, including the sash-and-pin challengeReactions to major manufacturers pulling out vs. creative partner activationsHighlights from vendor meetings and product discoveries (Sony, Absen, Newline, Q-SYS, etc.)Social events and after-hours meetups including CTI, Midwich, and Universal StudiosThe “Tech Tangle” and “Amazing Race” contests featuring higher ed leadersCommentary on tariffs, budget cuts, and their impact on InfoComm attendanceBehind-the-scenes moments with the AV Life crew reconnecting in personHost: Tim Van WoeartCo-hosts: Nancy Blanchard, Renee BensonSpecial Guest: Ryan Gray (HETMA, Higher Ed AV Media)The AV Life is a Higher Ed AV Media production. More at higheredav.com.Connect with Tim:LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-van-woeart-45416826/Twitter (X) – https://twitter.com/TVanWoeartConnect with The AV Life:Twitter (X) – https://twitter.com/TheAVLifePodYouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@theavlife3337