FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
FAIRFAX, Va., January 6, 2026 – David Labuskes, CEO of AVIXA, announced today his plans to retire at the end of 2026, after leading a transformative era for the association that began in 2012.
During his time with AVIXA, Labuskes recognized and encouraged the evolution of the audiovisual industry from one that offers products and systems toward an industry and profession that delivers integrated experiences that connect people to people and in so doing, transforms the world.
During his tenure, the industry expanded to include experiential designers, content creators, IT companies, and users of AV solutions across a growing cross section of markets. This led to the rebrand of InfoComm International to AVIXA (the Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association) in 2017.
“I would have never predicted the level of personal growth and fulfillment that accompanied these many years at the helm of AVIXA,” said Labuskes. “The audiovisual industry has been a part of human evolution since the use of signal fires in early civilization. The association now known as AVIXA was established in 1939, well before most of us were born. The responsibility and privilege inherent within the role I played for a tiny part of that timeline was one that could not have been fulfilled without the brilliance of the team of executives, industry volunteers, and dedicated AVIXA employees giving everything they have to deliver on our mission every day. I look forward to being in the stands watching the future successes of AVIXA and our industry around the world.”
Ensuring AVIXA represented the industry globally is key to Labuskes. Today over 50% of AVIXA’s revenue – from training, trade shows, certifications, and additional offerings – is generated outside of North America. The highest and most impactful rate of audience growth for the association is taking place outside of North America and reflects the transformation of AVIXA into a truly global community.
AVIXA certifications continue to be highly respected credentials that demonstrate valued skillsets. In 2025, the number of CTS (Certified Technology Specialist) holders reached 15,000 worldwide. In addition, in 2024, AVIXA launched the Audiovisual Network Professional (ANP) certification, a credential that provides pro AV and IT professionals with the ability to demonstrate their experience of integrating AV into a network. Today, 30% of certification holders are outside of North America.
Labuskes championed diversity throughout the association’s many platforms to ensure an array of voices were represented. During his tenure, AVIXA’s Women’s Council and Diversity Council were established. The Women’s Council is the largest AVIXA Council with more than 1,100 members and draws hundreds of attendees year after year to its annual breakfast at InfoComm in North America.
In addition, Labuskes led AVIXA through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. This included navigating the cancellation of live events globally, supporting a critical part of the AVIXA community through a monumental disruption to their business models, as well as supporting the wider AV industry through the transformation demanded by remote and hybrid workplaces. During this time, AVIXA introduced and grew new digital engagement platforms for the AVIXA community as well as reimagined event experiences with the association’s trade shows and conferences around the world.
“On behalf of the AVIXA Board of Directors, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to David for everything he has done for AVIXA over the past 13 years,” said Tobias Lang, Chair of the AVIXA Board of Directors and CEO of LANG AG. “His vision and leadership have been instrumental in establishing the audiovisual industry as a globally relevant profession with a strong and positive outlook for the future. David not only helped redefine what our industry stands for, he also built an exceptional leadership team and a culture that is both value-driven and uniquely collaborative.
“The AVIXA Board has already begun the search for his successor, and we are confident that this exciting, attractive, and demanding role will be filled in a way that reflects the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing world. I would also like to encourage all members of our global community to use the upcoming Integrated Systems Europe show and all international AVIXA events as opportunities to personally thank David Labuskes for his remarkable contributions to the association and to our industry.”
Before joining AVIXA in 2012, Labuskes spent nearly 14 years with RTKL Associates (now Arcadis), where he established the firm’s Technology Design practice and worked with a growing team of experts to build one of the largest and most-respected technology design practices in the world. During his time there he was elevated to serve on the Board of Directors that reviewed and authorized their merger with Arcadis in 2011, enabling further investment in the growth and diversification of the entire firm.
