In this field report edition of HETMA Presents…, Ryan Gray walks the table expo at NWMET 2026 for a series of quick conversations with higher ed AV partners. What starts as a conference floor check-in quickly becomes a preview of the road to InfoComm, with exhibitors sharing what they are showing, what they are launching, and what higher ed technology managers should be watching for next.
The episode includes stops with Panasonic, Computer Comforts, Logitech, Ergotron, Audio-Technica, Newline, Extron, Catchbox, Atlona, Shure, Jabra, CDW, VizRT, Zoom, and AVI-SPL. From portable AV carts, lecterns, flexible furniture, wireless audio, display systems, AV over IP, UC bars, campus reservation tools, immersive Zoom workflows, procurement support, and managed services, the throughline is clear: higher ed AV teams are looking for practical, supportable solutions that make rooms easier to deploy, easier to manage, and better for the people using them.
Topics Discussed
NWMET 2026 as a gathering point for the higher ed AV community
How the table expo served as a preview for InfoComm
Panasonic’s AV cart, projector lineup, DirectView LED, and display updates
Computer Comforts lecterns, AV Hub, and collaborative furniture
Logitech classroom, conferencing, esports, headset, and presentation tools
Ergotron’s LX Pro arm and LearnFit mobile teaching desk
Audio-Technica’s commercial audio solutions for classrooms and meeting spaces
Newline’s display ecosystem, digital signage, DirectView LED, support, and warranty approach
Extron’s esports, control, audio, USB-C, and Las Vegas Experience Center plans
Catchbox’s Cube, presenter microphones, hub connectivity, and InfoComm booth experience
Atlona’s new AV over IP direction with the LumaStream platform
Shure’s UC room kits, Zoom-certified systems, and upcoming bar solution
Jabra’s Panacast U30, Panacast 55, and Evolve 3 lineup
CDW’s role in streamlining procurement and cooperative purchasing
VizRT’s Zoom integration, teleportation, augmented reality graphics, and virtual sets
Zoom Rooms as a pro AV platform with Dante, NDI, SDI, and classroom flexibility
AVI-SPL’s higher ed focus, managed services, Symphony, and experiential technology
Connect with Ryan
editor@higheredav.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanagray/
www.HigherEdAV.com
Join the HETMA Community
community.hetma.org
This show is a production of Higher Ed AV Media.
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