355: AVIXA CEO, David Labuskes, Kicks Off the Road to #InfoComm26

OverviewIn this annual InfoComm preview episode, Joe Way welcomes back David Labuskes, CEO of AVIXA, for what may be Dave’s final Higher Ed AV Podcast appearance before his retirement at the end of the year. Together, they discuss why InfoComm is more than a trade show, how end users and higher education continue to shape the future of AV, and why community-centered organizations like HETMA have become essential to the industry’s growth. The conversation also reflects on Dave’s leadership, the importance of intentional networking, and the legacy of leaving the industry better than he found it.Show NotesInfoComm season is here, and that means it is time for one of the Higher Ed AV Podcast’s favorite annual traditions: a conversation with Dave Labuskes, CEO of AVIXA. As the countdown begins to the industry’s biggest event, Joe and Dave preview what attendees can expect in Las Vegas, from new show floor activations to keynotes, education, networking, and the growing presence of the higher ed AV community.Dave shares how the role of the end user has evolved from attendee to central community member, noting that end users now represent one of the fastest-growing segments of the InfoComm audience. For higher education, that shift has created new opportunities for connection, advocacy, professional growth, and industry influence, especially through the continued growth of HETMA.The conversation also explores why InfoComm works because it is owned and produced by AVIXA, an association whose mission is rooted in advancing the AV profession rather than simply producing a profitable event. Dave explains that when the show’s purpose is tied to the health of the industry, it becomes a platform for standards, education, community, and the future direction of AV itself.Joe and Dave also talk through practical advice for first-time and returning attendees. Dave encourages listeners to be intentional, define what success looks like before arriving, schedule key meetings, attend community events, and leave room for serendipity. Whether someone is looking for peers, mentors, manufacturer training, education sessions, or new technology discoveries, the key is having a plan while staying open to the unexpected.The episode closes with a heartfelt reflection on Dave’s career, his favorite memories from leading AVIXA, the emotional significance of InfoComm after the pandemic, and what he hopes his legacy will be. His answer is simple and powerful: leave it better than you found it.Key TakeawaysInfoComm is not just a trade show. It is an industry event where community, education, commerce, and leadership come together to shape the future of AV.End users, including those in higher education, are no longer just attendees. They are a vital part of the AV community and one of the most important voices in the direction of the industry.HETMA’s growth represents the power of building a “community within the community,” giving higher ed AV professionals a place to connect, grow, advocate, and lead.Attendees should make a plan before arriving at InfoComm. Define your goals, schedule key conversations, identify sessions and exhibitors, and know what success looks like before the week begins.At the same time, leave room for discovery. Some of the most valuable moments happen in unscheduled conversations, smaller booths, community gatherings, and unexpected encounters.Dave’s leadership philosophy centers on mission, community, courage, trust, heart, and leaving the organization better than he found it.Mentioned in This EpisodeAVIXAInfoCommHETMAHigher Ed AV AwardsEducation SummitAVIXA Women’s BreakfastThe PitchAI-powered collaborationModern workplace technologyHETMA booth and community programmingPrism ScholarshipSCN Hall of FameGuestDave LabuskesCEO, [email protected]://www.infocommshow.orghttps://www.avixa.orgHostJoe WayHigher Ed AV [email protected] to ActionRegister for InfoComm and use code HETMA for a free show pass.Use code HETMA for member pricing on the Education Summit.Attend the Higher Ed AV Awards at higheredavawards.com.Learn more about AVIXA at avixa.org.