Recorded on October 13, 2026
Jenn Steinhardt of AVI-SPL and AVIXA’s Diversity Council joins our hosts this week on The AV Life Podcast. Jenn shares the story behind moderating AVIXA’s webinar with Dr. Temple Grandin, discussing neurodiversity, visual thinking, STEM, and why many people in AV feel they have found where they belong.
The group also reflects on recent HETMA, EDUCAUSE, and sustainability events, the value of industry connection, and the pressures of constant travel. They discuss a shared sense that the AV industry is busy and growing but also navigating an uncertain, “weird” period shaped by supply-chain concerns, changing conditions, and lingering post-pandemic effects. James underscores the importance of engaging qualified experts and maintaining safety standards in AV installations.
Topics Discussed:
- Jenn Steinhardt’s role with AVI-SPL and AVIXA’s Diversity Council
- AVIXA’s webinar featuring Dr. Temple Grandin
- Neurodiversity, visual thinking, and careers in AV
- Temple Grandin’s influence and connection to technology professionals
- The value of accessible webinar programming
- HETMA golf tournament and Prism Scholarship support
- EDUCAUSE and future Orlando events
- AV sustainability conference updates from UCLA
- Professional travel, burnout, and work-life balance
- Current AV market activity and industry uncertainty
- Supply-chain, tariff, and economic concerns
- Safety, qualified expertise, and responsible AV installation practices
The AV Life is a Higher Ed AV Media production. More at higheredav.com.
