340: Live from InfoComm 26 - Day 3

Missing Tim Van Woeart for the final live report from InfoComm, our hosts fight through the noise of the HETMA happening happy hour below to wrap-up InfoComm 2026. The group debated whether traditional booth tours still provide value for experienced AV professionals, with manufacturers emphasizing the importance of demonstrating new technology, gathering customer feedback, and showcasing concepts that can’t be replicated over a video call.The conversation shifted to how end-user feedback directly influences product development, the increasing focus on cybersecurity in AV, and the overall health of the industry. The panel also reflected on memorable networking experiences, the standout Peerless-AV party, and the importance of reconnecting with colleagues across higher education and commercial AV.Although attendance felt lighter than previous years, everyone agreed the conversations were higher quality, making InfoComm 2026 a successful and encouraging event.Topics Discussed:Value (or lack thereof) of booth tours for experienced AV professionalsDemonstrating products that can’t be appreciated remotelyManufacturers using InfoComm to gather customer feedbackHow customer suggestions shape future AV product developmentTailoring booth experiences for technical end usersBuilding stronger relationships between manufacturers and higher educationGrowth of cybersecurity awareness within the AV industryOverall impressions of InfoComm 2026 attendance and qualityNetworking and reconnecting with industry peersHighlights from the Peerless-AV party and networking eventsCanadian attendance and international travel observationsFinal reflections and biggest takeaways from the weekThe AV Life is a Higher Ed AV Media production. More at higheredav.com.Connect with Tim Van Woeart:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-van-woeart-cts-45416826/X (Formerly Twitter): https://www.x.com/TVanWoeartConnect with The AV Life:X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheAVLifePodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theavlife3337