My Take : EDUCAUSE 2026, Now With a Dash of HETMA

Chris Kelly reflects on EDUCAUSE 2026, where HETMA brought its usual mix of community, podcasting, tours, and a little chaos to the Partner Pavilion. From the differences between EDUCAUSE and more AV-focused trade shows to after-hours events and general sessions, Chris shares his experiences and what higher education AV professionals can gain from engaging with the broader campus technology community. Read More

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October 7, 2026

My Take : The 3rd Annual HETMA Golf Classic

The third annual HETMA Golf Classic brought higher ed AV professionals and industry partners together in Colorado for a day of golf, relationship-building, and plenty of fun, all in support of the Prism Scholarship. Chris Kelly shares his experience attending for the first time, from questionable golf shots and Colorado weather to the people and conversations that make the event about much more than what happens on the scorecard. Read More

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August 25, 2026

Looking Beyond IT | Empowered by Design

Higher ed AV teams often think about accessibility in terms of equipment, but some of the most impactful work happens through relationships. In this article, Chris Kelly explores how partnering with accessibility services, faculty support teams, and other campus stakeholders helped create better outcomes for students than technology alone could provide. Through real-world examples, he argues that understanding the accessibility challenges already occurring on campus can help institutions move beyond reactive accommodations and toward learning environments that are more equitable, accessible, and supportive for everyone. Read More

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August 10, 2026

My Take : The HETMA Roadshow at SUNY Buffalo

The Buffalo HETMA Roadshow delivered impressive classrooms, insightful presentations, and plenty of opportunities to connect with colleagues from across higher education. From Buffalo's approach to learning space documentation and classroom standardization to its work around space utilization and planning, the event provided a closer look at how intentional processes can create long-term success. More importantly, it reinforced that the strongest technology environments are built on a foundation of people, relationships, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Read More

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July 20, 2026

The Productivity Trap | Empowered by Design

We celebrate being busy. We praise productivity. We admire people who always seem to be working toward the next goal. But what happens when accomplishment becomes part of your identity? In the latest Empowered by Design, Chris Kelly reflects on the always-on mindset, the opportunities it has created, and the cost he is only beginning to understand. Read More

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#InfoComm26

July 16, 2026

My Take : The First HETMA Roadshow in Omaha

Omaha's first HETMA Roadshow brought together attendees from around a dozen institutions, many experiencing their first Roadshow. More than a technology showcase, the event highlighted the value of community, honest conversations about higher education technology, and the impact of bringing opportunities like this to regions that don't always have easy access to national events. Read More

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July 6, 2026

My Take : Hosting a HETMA Roadshow

Thinking about hosting a HETMA Roadshow? Chris Kelly shares what he learned from bringing a Roadshow to Creighton University, including planning challenges, campus tours, sponsor coordination, and the impact these events can have on regional higher education technology communities. Read More

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June 29, 2026

My Take : The Process of InfoComm 2026

Chris Kelly walks through InfoComm 2026 from the inside, from early planning and booth build to the Education Summit, show floor, and after-hours events. Along the way, he shares what worked, what didn’t, and what it actually takes to pull off HETMA’s presence, powered by volunteers, sponsors, and a lot of real-time problem solving. Read More

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#InfoComm26

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June 26, 2026

Accessibility Showed Up at InfoComm 2026 | Empowered by Design

Accessibility was a clear focus at InfoComm 2026, with sessions spanning nearly two full days of programming. In this piece, Chris Kelly reflects on the shift from accommodation to universal access, highlights key moments from the HETMA Higher Ed Summit and beyond, and shares both the progress made and the gaps that still exist on the show floor. Read More

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June 15, 2026

My Take : Higher Education Summit Day 2 Part 1

Written by Chris Kelly, this summary of the Higher Ed Education Summit at InfoComm 2026 looks at how campus AV teams can build standards that scale. From keynote themes to lightning talks, breakouts, and ScreenBeam’s sponsor perspective, the day focused on making good learning experiences repeatable through practical standards, stronger documentation, remote support, and refresh planning. Read More

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May 21, 2026

My Take : A Few Takeaways from the Marshall Roadshow

The HETMA Roadshow at Marshall University delivered exactly what this format does best: real conversations, hands-on demos, and meaningful connections between higher ed AV professionals and the people building the tools we use every day. From sponsor engagement to practical takeaways and time for deeper discussion, this was a reminder that smaller, focused events can often offer more value than the biggest shows. Read More

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May 20, 2026

Discussing Accessibility with Staff from Gallaudet | Empowered by Design

At Gallaudet University, communication is built around sight, not sound. That shift challenges many of the assumptions we carry into classroom design and AV work. Chris Kelly reflects on what happens when technology built for spoken communication meets a visual-first environment, and what it reveals about accessibility across higher education. The lesson is not about having the perfect system. It is about recognizing where our defaults fall short and taking steps, however small, to design spaces that better align with how people actually communicate. Read More

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