320: Conferences, Culture, and Campus Challenges | The AV Life Podcast
Recorded on January 29, 2026:
In this episode of The AV Life Podcast, hosts Tim Van Woeart, Nancy Blanchard, and Renee Benson kick off February with a wide-ranging discussion focused on the current and future state of higher education AV. The conversation covers ISE travel and expectations, the need for truly innovative new AV products, and how professional conferences continue to shape the industry.
The hosts highlight upcoming HETMA initiatives, including the free HETMA Virtual Conference and the Higher Ed AV Awards, emphasizing community-driven education and recognition. They also explore leadership lessons, professional development, and the importance of stepping away to recharge.
A significant portion of the discussion addresses declining enrollment, institutional mergers, budget pressures, and how these challenges directly impact AV teams. The episode balances realism with optimism, reinforcing the value of connection, learning, and supporting one another within the higher ed AV community.
Topics Discussed:
- ISE travel and industry expectations
- Demand for meaningful AV product innovation
- HETMA Virtual Conference overview
- Higher Ed AV Awards and Education Summit
- Leadership styles and organizational culture
- Professional development and graduate education
- Enrollment decline and demographic trends
- Financial pressures and institutional mergers
- International student enrollment impact
- Immersive experiences and The Sphere
- Conference season planning (InfoComm, E4, CDW)
- Wellness, burnout, and self-care in AV
The AV Life is a Higher Ed AV Media production. More at higheredav.com.
