Joe Way kicks off the pre-ISE preview series (and debuts a new AI-made bumper) with Byron Tarry, Chief Transformation Officer of NEXXT, the industry initiative focused on AI-era transformation in pro-AV. Together they unpack why AI isn’t “a tool” so much as a toolbox and why the real opportunity isn’t slapping “AI” on products, but transforming how we run organizations, measure outcomes, and evolve the AV industry from “hanging stuff on walls” to delivering accountable, data-driven collaborative experiences.
They also preview NEXXT eXplore ISE ’26, a free, two-day leadership + innovation + hands-on program happening Sunday–Monday, February 1-2, 2026, before the ISE show floor opens, built to serve everyone from executives to frontline technicians.
Why “NEXXT” exists:
- AI went from abstract to tangible (hello, ChatGPT), but many people felt overwhelmed by the “you should be doing something” pressure.
- The AV industry lacked a trusted, industry-native voice to help people translate AI hype into real strategy and action.
- Byron’s core belief: AV is the collaboration industry, so we should be leading the AI collaboration moment, not waiting on others.
Where AI fits in AV (beyond buzzwords):
- Byron challenges “AI = product feature” thinking. Cameras tracking aren’t new; stickers don’t equal strategy.
- The bigger play is business model transformation, especially around:
- Analytics (measuring outcomes, not just uptime)
- Automation (workflow redesign, not just faster ticket queues)
- Agents (proactive digital collaborators inside meetings and learning spaces)
Culture, leadership, and the “reinvested hour”:
- If AI saves two hours, don’t just fill it with more work—reinvest time into experimentation to build an innovation culture.
- This isn’t just for executives—Byron emphasizes that technicians and digital natives can lead in this moment, too.
Featured Event: NEXXY eXplore ISE ’26 (For Free!):
Registration & schedule: https://ise.nexxtnow.com
Cost: $0 (free to attend)
Format: Three blocks across Sunday–Monday, designed for different personas (exec → practitioner → builder)
Sunday (Feb 1): Leadership & Culture
- Executive-focused session on leading through rapid change, empowering teams, and breaking legacy norms.
- Featured speaker: Richard Mulholland (irreverent, disruptive, “inside outsider” perspective—rock roadie turned events leader, now AI consultancy)
- Additional leadership challenge content including competitive intelligence and new entrants reshaping the space.
- Ends with informal networking + a reception (“a libation or two” for creativity).
Monday (Feb 2) Morning: Innovation Methodology
- Innovation isn’t magic, it’s a method.
- Tools and frameworks for building experimentation inside organizations that still need “five nines” reliability.
- Includes case studies, including a higher ed story featuring audio capture feeding AI to reshape pedagogy (University of the Arts London).
Monday (Feb 2) Afternoon: Hands-On Sprint / Hack Session
- Small groups tackle lightweight problems and build:
- Some may prototype apps
- Others may create business cases or productized services
- Focus is on learning through the messy middle—sharing failures as much as wins.
- Group share-outs + possible fun judging/prizes.
Pro Tip: You don’t have to attend every block:
- Come for the session(s) that match your role and schedule.
- Byron’s challenge to leaders: bring a “buddy” and invest in a frontline teammate attending the Monday sessions to help drive culture back home.
Connect with Byron Tarry and NEXXT:
- NEXXT: https://www.nexxtnow.com
- NEXXT Community: https://connect.nexxtnow.com
- eXplore ISE ’26 registration/schedule: https://ise.nexxtnow.com
- Email: byronterry@nexxtnow.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/byron-tarry-global/
- Podcast: The Nexxt Question
Also at ISE: Visit HETMA Booth 2W400
Also at EdTech Congress: Visit HETMA Booth T204
Quotes to Remember:
- “AI isn’t the answer—it’s not even a tool. It’s a toolbox.”
- “The opportunity isn’t AI in the product… it’s transformation in the business model.”
- “If AI saves you two hours, reinvest an hour into experimentation.”
- “There are no experts in this moment—we’re all traveling the journey.”
Standard Disclaimer:
As always: opinions shared are those of the speakers, not their institutions, partners, sponsors, or anyone who might consider suing. (And if you didn’t like these opinions… there may be better ones next time.)
