HETMA Launches “#RoadTo10K” Initiative, Outlines Vision for Strategic Growth and Industry Impact
Higher Education Technology Managers Alliance unveils ambitious year-long plan centered on organizational expansion, member development, and sector-wide advocacy.
Join the HETMA online community: https://community.hetma.org
July 1, 2025 — The Higher Education Technology Managers Alliance (HETMA) today announced the launch of its landmark “#RoadTo10K” initiative, a comprehensive campaign designed to expand its global community of higher education AV professionals, deepen industry partnerships, and empower member growth through structured, sustainable programming.
Unveiled during a live-streamed press conference, the Road to 10K framework outlines six core pillars that will guide HETMA’s strategic priorities over the next twelve months. Three of the pillars focus on organizational development, while the remaining three are designed to foster personal and professional advancement for members.
“This is a pivotal moment for our organization,” said Erin Maher-Moran, Chair of HETMA. “Road to 10K represents not only our commitment to scale with purpose, but also our promise to invest deeply in the people who power our community. It’s about building infrastructure and opportunity at the same time.
Organizational Pillars of Road to 10K
- Grow Membership to 10,000 Globally
HETMA aims to increase its membership base from 3,000 to 10,000, with a focus on expanding representation across institutions, regions, and professional roles. This growth is intended to amplify the voice of higher education within the audiovisual industry and foster richer cross-sector collaboration.
- Establish Self-Sustaining Events
The organization will implement a scalable event model designed to operate sustainably through reinvestment. Flagship events—including the HETMA Virtual Conference, InfoComm Education Summit, and regional roadshows—will be supported by strategic partnerships, intentional budgeting, and value-driven programming.
- Formalize Initiative Operations
All HETMA initiatives will adopt standardized structures for leadership, documentation, reporting, and accountability. This includes the Prism Scholarship, Approved Program, and the forthcoming HEx Credential. Formalization will ensure continuity, transparency, and long-term viability.
Member-Centered Pillars of Road to 10K
- Encourage Daily Member Engagement
To strengthen community ties and encourage knowledge exchange, HETMA will introduce monthly themes and daily content prompts—such as “Mentor Mondays” and “Wellness Wednesdays”—across its digital platforms. A newly redesigned online community and mobile app will support this engagement.
- Support Career Advancement
Members will gain access to curated educational content, mentorship opportunities, speaker engagements, and leadership pathways. The HEx Credential, developed specifically for higher education AV professionals, will serve as a personalized roadmap for professional development.
- Invest in Member Well-Being
Recognizing the pressures faced by AV professionals in higher education, HETMA is committing to integrating wellness programming into its events and community infrastructure. Mental health resources, peer support spaces, and intentional conversations around work-life balance will be prioritized.
“Our vertical isn’t just growing—it’s evolving,” said Joe Way, HETMA Co-Founder. “This initiative is about making sure that evolution is intentional, inclusive, and built to last.”
Key Deliverables and Immediate Rollouts
- Launch of the HETMA App, pending final approvals from major app stores, designed to connect members with community content, resources, and events from anywhere.
- Redesigned Online Community, set to go live this week, featuring improved navigation, topic-specific channels, and integrations with platforms such as FLEXspace V3.
- New Welcome Checklist, guiding new and existing members through the platform, annual plan, and engagement opportunities—complete with incentive swag.
- Roadshows and Global Alliances, with additional stops and partnerships scheduled across North America and internationally, including the next roadshow on July 11 at Northwestern University.
- HEx Credential Program, launching later this year as a structured, experience-based recognition pathway designed to complement AVIXA and manufacturer trainings.
Maher-Moran emphasized the organization’s continuing commitment to remain accessible: “Membership in HETMA will remain completely free, and always will be. This growth is about inclusion, not barriers.”
For corporate partners and sponsors, HETMA confirmed that existing sponsorship levels will remain unchanged. The organization is transitioning to an event-based model to create more flexible, value-aligned opportunities for industry participation both at the national and regional levels.
“This is just the beginning,” added BC Hatchett, HETMA Co-Founder. “Road to 10K is more than a campaign—it’s a movement. And we’re building it together.”
To learn more, join the HETMA community, or explore partnership opportunities, join and visit at community.hetma.org.
