Talking Recruiting, Retention and Everything in Between for the AV Industry

The demand for AV services accelerates, and the industry is facing a growing labor crisis. According to Field Nation, 72% of AV integrators say talent shortages are their most pressing challenge, driven by a wave of retirements, increased project complexity, and rising demand across sectors like education, healthcare, and retail. AV Integrators risk project delays and margin erosion without a new generation of skilled professionals. This puts everything from timelines to long-term growth at stake.So, how can the AV industry tap into untapped talent pools and raise awareness among future professionals?On Pro AV Today, host Ben Thomas and Kim Lonas, the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Program Lead & Talent Acquisition Lead at DCC Technology, discuss how the industry can evolve its recruitment strategies. Together, they explore the urgency behind workforce development and how inclusivity, education, and mentorship impact everything from awareness to long-term retention.Key Takeaways from the Episode:Rethinking recruitment pipelines: Organizations must look beyond traditional AV circles, reaching into adjacent industries, educational institutions, and nontraditional talent pools to find the next wave of professionals.IT convergence as a gateway: As AV solutions rely more on networking and data, individuals with IT skills—especially in analytics and platforms like Power BI—are increasingly essential to integrator success.Mentorship as a growth tool: Programs like those from AVIXA and WAVE are helping to mentor, educate, and retain new talent, making the industry more accessible to those unfamiliar with its career opportunities.Kimberly Lonas is a seasoned leader in equity, inclusion, and talent acquisition with over 20 years of experience in executive search, HR strategy, and workforce development across North America and global markets. She currently serves as Director of Equity, Inclusion & Talent Acquisition at DCC Technology North America, where she drives inclusive hiring and leadership development initiatives. An active voice in the AV industry, Lonas sits on AVIXA’s Diversity Council, serves on the board of Wevise, and has been recognized with multiple DEI honors, including the 2023 Dealerscope DEI Award.