341: ISE 2026 Preview Episode with the HETMA and Higher Ed AV Crew

Higher Ed AV PodcastEpisode 341Joe Way welcomes a packed house of HETMA leaders and volunteers to keep the pre-ISE 2026 hype rolling—this time with a full crew heading to Barcelona and a bigger presence than ever: two booths, expanded media coverage, and a brand-new stop on the itinerary, the EdTech Congress.Together, the group breaks down what attendees (and the folks following from home) can expect from ISE’s massive show floor, how HETMA is curating a higher-ed experience overseas the same way it does at InfoComm, and why this year is a pivotal “bridge” year as ISE and EdTech Congress move toward deeper integration in 2027. Along the way: practical survival tips (shoes, strategy, and navigation), sponsor/content plans, community events, and—because it’s HETMA—plenty of laughs.Guests FeaturedBC Hatchett — Director of Classroom Technology, Vanderbilt University; HETMA Co-FounderErin Maher-Moran — IT Manager for Classroom Technology, Johns Hopkins University; HETMA ChairTroy Powers — Support Team Lead, Northwestern University; HETMA Vice ChairDustin Myers — Manager of Technology Support, John A. Logan College; HETMA Two-Year At-Large Board MemberTeddy Murphy — AV Systems Engineer / AV Team Lead, University of Pikeville; HETMA One-Year At-LargeAtkins Fleming — Assistant Director for Learning Spaces, Texas State University; HETMA TreasurerChris Kelly — Senior IT Support Specialist, Creighton University; HETMA Advisory Board ChairRyan Gray — Joins late; shares excitement for EdTech Congress + real-time coverageWhat You’ll Learn / Key Topics1) The Big Picture: Why HETMA is “Going Bigger Than Ever” at ISEFrom “backpack + lockers” guerrilla mode to a full booth presenceWhy HETMA’s mission overseas is the same as at InfoComm: community, connection, and curationHow HETMA serves both audiences:the people at the showand the higher-ed community back home who can’t travel2) ISE for First-Timers: What to Expect + How to NavigateISE is massive (and feels like it) — plan intentionallyPractical navigation “aha’s”:the second floor as the fast routejumping outside between halls to move quickerTactical show-floor advice:Start away from the main entrance mob (Hall 8 / work backwards)Dedicate time blocks per hall (don’t rely on “wandering” like smaller shows)3) EdTech Congress: Why It MattersHETMA expands beyond “just AV” to broader EdTech and learning spacesEdTech Congress is described as a “European EDUCAUSE-style” experience (in spirit)This year is a transition year: separate events/locations, but building toward a combined futureHETMA’s role: bridge the gap, meet new communities, and amplify what higher ed needs4) The Next AI Event: A Bigger Conversation Than “AI Cameras”Discussion on AI thought leadership and why nobody has the whole answer yetWhy the event structure matters: leadership/ethics + technical/workshop pathsThe goal: spark real conversations and help the industry shape what comes next5) Higher Ed AV Media On-Site: How the Coverage WorksSponsor prep: collecting focus points before the show (what to look for, what’s new, how to stand out)On-site interviews and content: booth sit-downs, tours, sponsor spotlightsExploring ways to expand reach (including possible multi-language coverage)The promise: if you follow the coverage all week, you’ll feel like you “were there”6) Booth Experience: What to Expect When You Visit HETMATwo HETMA booths: one at EdTech Congress, one on the ISE show floorISE booth number called out in the episode: Booth 2W400What happens at the booths:meet the crew, ask questions, get pointed to the right halls/boothslive content + quick interviews + “what are you seeing?” momentsswag (and the idea of “special swag” if you visit both booths)7) Community: Why the Week Starts Before the Show StartsPre-show social time matters: it sets the tone and makes sure nobody feels aloneSaturday community kickoff options mentioned: golf + spa day vibeEnd-of-week tradition: a higher-ed-only Friday dinner to close it all out8) Barcelona: The City is Part of the ExperienceBC shares why Barcelona is a favorite: the blend of old + modern, the pace, the food, and the vibeLighthearted travel talk: language expectations, friendliness, and yes… chicken nugget debatesPractical Takeaways (ISE Survival Checklist)Bring truly comfortable shoes (and maybe backups)Don’t try to “see everything” — you can’t; plan your hallsUse the second floor for fast movementConsider hitting less-crowded halls first and working backwardIf you can stay later in the week, Friday is calmer for “walk the booths” timeStart your day with your people: find HETMA early (Booth 2W400 on the show floor)Notable Moments / Fun BitsTroy reveals custom HETMA sneakers for the show (loud by design)The crew jokes about HETMA “micro-planning” (aka: making Joe be organized)Swag culture: ISE has less booth swag than InfoComm… so HETMA fills the gapThe “packed house” energy: seven guests + a late cameo = classic controlled chaosCalls to Action MentionedWatch/listen and follow coverage all week—HETMA is bringing ISE to the people in real timeIf you’re in town early, connect for community eventsVisit both HETMA booths (EdTech Congress + ISE show floor) for the full experienceLinks Mentioned (as spoken in the episode)HETMA & HEAV Coverage: https://HigherEdAV.com/ISE2026NEXXT: https://ise.nexxtnow.comEdTech Congress Barcelona: https://EdTechCongressBCN.comISE Booth: 2W400EdTech Congress Booth: T204Connect with Joe Way:Web: https://www.josiahway.comLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/josiahwayX (Formerly Twitter): https://www.x.com/josiahwayInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/josiahway