Summer Projects and Other Terrible Vacation Ideas | Troy Story

Summer projects have a way of exposing every weakness in a process. They also reveal the strength of a team. Troy Powers examines the tension between looming deadlines and the need to step away, sharing lessons on planning, delegation, coordination, and trust. The result is a reminder that leadership is not about being involved in everything. It is about building an environment where the work continues even when you are gone. Read More

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August 4, 2026

Managing AV Lifecycle Planning | Troy Story

Managing aging AV technology is a constant challenge in higher education. In this edition of Troy Story, Troy Powers explores the realities of AV lifecycle management, from balancing limited budgets and competing priorities to making the case for critical upgrades. Learn how strategic planning, data-driven advocacy, and even the occasional system failure can help secure funding and keep campus technology running smoothly. Read More

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June 23, 2026

Homecoming | Troy Story

In this piece, Troy Powers reflects on HETMA’s 2026 theme, Homecoming, and what it really means for the community. As the organization grows past 10,000 members, the focus shifts back to connection, participation, and the technical conversations that brought people together in the first place. More than a look back, it is an invitation to step in and be part of what comes next. Read More

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June 12, 2026

My Take : Zoom EDU Summit at Notre Dame

Troy Powers takes a step back to reflect on the Zoom EDU Summit at Notre Dame, looking at more than just the sessions. From the structure of the event to the sense of place on campus, he highlights the conversations, connections, and small moments that often matter most in higher ed AV. Read More

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June 2, 2026

My Take : HETMA’s First European Roadshow

What started as a regional experiment in the U.S. has now crossed an ocean. In this reflection on HETMA’s first European Roadshow in Mechelen, Belgium, Troy Powers explores what happens when a familiar format meets a new audience. Despite differences in geography and context, the same themes emerged: shared challenges, a passion for learning environments, and the power of community. From campus tours to conversations that carried well beyond the sessions, this event served as both a milestone and a beginning, reinforcing that meaningful connections, not just technology, are what continue to move the industry forward. Read More

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May 25, 2026

Fuel the Fire : The Path Forward | Troy Story

At the end of every academic cycle, there is a push to reset. But progress in higher ed AV is not built on clean slates. It is built on momentum. In Fuel the Fire: The Path Forward, Troy Powers focuses on taking inventory of what actually moved the needle. The systems improved, the problems solved at the root, and the relationships that made the work sustainable. This piece is about using what you already learned and carrying it forward with intention. Not more work. Better direction. Read More

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May 19, 2026

My Take: SAVe Certification at Shure’s HQ

HETMA members and partners recently gathered at Shure headquarters for a SAVe Certification workshop that brought sustainability into sharp focus. The day combined thoughtful discussion, practical insight, and leadership perspectives that reinforced both the scale of the challenge and the opportunity for higher education AV professionals to lead meaningful change. With a strong showing from participants and continued momentum behind the certification program, the experience served as a reminder that progress in sustainability comes through informed decisions, collaboration, and consistent action across our industry. Read More

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April 23, 2026

Need for Speed: Self-Advocacy | Troy Story

Troy Powers writes about why self-advocacy matters, especially in higher ed AV and IT roles where responsibilities grow faster than titles do. He walks through what it really takes to make your work visible, ask for advancement clearly, and keep those conversations moving forward. If you are doing more than your job description reflects, this is a reminder that waiting rarely works. Read More

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March 25, 2026

Audit Your Impact | Troy Story

HETMA hitting 10,000 members is a milestone worth noting, but not the real story. In this Troy Story, the focus shifts from the number to the individual contributions that made it possible, and the responsibility that comes with continued growth. It is a reminder to pause, take stock, and audit the impact you are actually making. Read More

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Troy Story: A man saying he wants 500 projectors.

March 18, 2026

Stop Replacing the Whole Room | Troy Story

In this article, Troy Powers reflects on how small, intentional upgrades applied consistently across campus can create real momentum. Rather than waiting for full room refreshes, the focus is on scale, equity, and disciplined consistency. Read More

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January 27, 2026

Start Your Engines: New Year, Same Goal | Troy Story

New year, same goal. Troy used to think leading meant holding on tighter—but growth sometimes means letting go. The HETMA Virtual Conference is coming up, and his role has changed, but the mission hasn’t: serve the community, build access, create connection. Read More

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November 26, 2025

Grounded Gratitude | Troy Story

Traditions don’t just survive—they evolve. This Thanksgiving, Troy is reflecting on what ‘grounded gratitude’ really means: honoring the people and moments that shaped us while building something that lasts. How do you keep gratitude alive in your own traditions? Read More

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