330: Trade Shows, Travel Hacks, and Changes at Apple

In this episode of The AV Life, host Tim Van Woeart is joined by Brandy Johnson, Nancy Blanchard, virtual Murphy Daley, and special guest Chris Kelly, Managing Editor for Higher Ed AV Media. The crew reflects on a successful NAB Show, noting a pivot toward "quality over quantity" in leads. Excitement builds for InfoComm 2026, with plans forming for a multi-state "HETMA mobile" road trip involving a minivan and several industry veterans.The conversation shifts to casinos as conference venues before pivoting to major tech news regarding Tim Cook’s transition out of his role at Apple and what a hardware-focused successor means for the company's AI strategy. As AV professionals in academia, the group discusses AI becoming a "Gen Ed" requirement for students and the necessity of daily AI engagement for staff.The episode concludes with a review of the AI-centric film Mercy and a breakdown of upcoming HETMA roadshows spanning from Omaha to Belgium.Topics Discussed:NAB 2026 Recap: Analyzing the shift toward high-quality leads and booth experiencesInfoComm Travel Logistics: Navigating airline discounts and Southwest/Delta promo codesThe HETMA Road Trip: Planning a "minivan" journey from Jersey to Vegas for InfoCommCasino-Based Conferences: Discussing the atmosphere and logistical challenges of events at casino resortsLas Vegas Experiences: Personal anecdotes regarding gambling, dining at Capo’s, and wedding chapelsApple Leadership Transition: Implications of Tim Cook stepping down as President of AppleHardware vs. Software Focus: Predicting Apple’s future trajectory under new hardware-centric leadershipAI in Higher Education: The rise of AI as a core general education requirementWorkplace AI Training: The importance of using AI tools for at least one hour daily to stay relevantAI Ethics and Cinema: A review of Chris Pratt’s Mercy and AI’s role in the legal system2026 HETMA Roadshows: Upcoming events at Marshall, Creighton, Buffalo, and BelgiumPodcast Recruitment: Opening the floor for listeners to join The AV Life as future guests