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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April 29, 2026

My Take: Visiting Cisco’s Atlanta Collaboration Center

A visit to Cisco’s Atlanta Collaboration Center offered more than a technology showcase. From AV over IP and future‑ready workplaces to zero trust security and Wi‑Fi 7 readiness, this trip surfaced practical lessons for higher ed AV and IT teams navigating hybrid spaces, sustainability goals, and growing operational complexity. Read More

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April 22, 2026

Access, Power, and the Work of Showing Up | Empowered by Design

Chris Kelly reflects on why showing up matters for people who already hold power in the room, particularly white men in IT and AV. Drawing on lived experience, he examines responsibility, allyship, and what it looks like to listen and act without centering yourself. The work of equity does not happen by accident. It requires presence, humility, and intention. Read More

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April 3, 2026

My Take: Extron Spring Education Summit 2026 Part 2

In Part Two of this two‑part series, Chris reflects on the second day of this spring’s Extron Education Summit. Sessions focused on testing, sustainability, security, and real‑world campus case studies, with an emphasis on long‑term reliability and support. Read More

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April 2, 2026

My Take: Extron Spring Education Summit 2026 Part 1

In Part One of this two‑part series, Chris reflects on his experience at this spring’s Extron Education Summit. With sessions ranging from networking to speaker design, Day 1 offered a lot of practical, actionable information. Read More

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